Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Science and technology impacts all aspects of society. That's where we come in...

Established in 1966 through the legacies of the Science Studies Unit and the Research Centre for Social Sciences, our department seeks to answer the big questions about how societies both influence and are influenced by science, medicine and technology.

The quality of our inclusive research environment is recognised as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021)

About

Since the founding of the department in 1966, we offer a unique interdisciplinary environment in which we address vital questions about the world we live in.

Programmes

We offer a diverse, innovative and exciting range of undergraduate courses and postgraduate taught and research opportunities.

Research

We produce innovative and interdisciplinary research and deliver public policy advice and consultancy on the socio-economic implications of technology and innovation.

People

Find out more about the whole team: the academic staff and their research interests, PhD students and their thesis subjects, and the professional services colleagues who keep it all in working order.

News

The latest news from Science, Technology and Innovation Studies.

Events

The latest events from Science, Technology and Innovation Studies.

Contact

We are based at High School Yards, a 5-10 minute walk from George Square: a lively and vibrant hub (especially in August during the Festival Fringe).

Controversies in the Data Society 2026

A cross-disciplinary series of public lectures and discussion on AI and the datafication of society. 30 Jan - 3 Apr 2026

31/07/2025

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Automating Universal Credit research cited in major reports criticising effect of welfare digitisation

Two major reports on the UK Department of Work and Pensions’ use of technology and automation in welfare have cited research led by Dr Morgan Currie.

09/06/2025

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

SPS academic leading project to develop governance framework for synthetic biology in plants

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Robert Smith will lead a new £1.8m project from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) as part of its Synthetic Plants Programme.

22/04/2025

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Network project set up by SPS academic receives public humanities award for work on decoloniality

A network project about decolonisation developed by a School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic has received an international award recognising it as an exceptional example of research and public engagement.

02/04/2025

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

SPS academic appointed to the Scottish Science Advisory Council 

School of Social and Political Science (SPS) academic Dr Kirsten Jenkins has been appointed as an associate member of the Scottish Science Advisory Council (SSAC) for 2025.  

24 February 2026

15:30 - 17:30

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Making a difference: Impact, relevance and value in the social sciences and humanities

Alan Irwin (Professor, Copenhagen Business School; former Dean of Research) invites participants to join him in reflecting on how research in the social sciences and humanities “makes a difference”, and how impact, relevance and value are defined, contested and assessed.

27 February 2026

15:10 - 17:30

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Prediction models for survival: critical infrastructure, credit and insurance

Predictably intensifying floods, fires and storms of recent years have focused attention of the vulnerability of our built environment and physical infrastructure to climate change impacts.

04 March 2026

15:30 - 17:00

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

The birth of scientific anti-racisms

In 1948, as the United Nations (UN) sought to build support for its Universal Declaration of Universal Human Rights, it asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) to disseminate “scientific facts” that countered racism. The resulting UNESCO Expert Statements on Race became paradigmatic reference points for the celebrated anti-racist claim that race has no basis in biology.

06 March 2026

15:10 - 17:30

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Scams, bubbles and the financial technologies of data societies

This session will include a presentation by Professor Liz McFall and a presentation by Dr Lana Swartz.

School of Social and Political Science