Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Science and technology - part of everyday life with an impact on all aspects of society. That's where we come in...

We seek to answer the big questions about how societies both influence and are influenced by science, medicine and technology.

Our department has an international reputation as a leading centre of excellence in science and technology studies, established through the legacies of the Science Studies Unit and the Research Centre for Social Sciences.

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

See the latest news updates 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).

Ben Collier and James Stewart co-author report on 'influence policing'

SPS researchers release new report on the rise of ‘influence policing’

A new report says the use by police of targeted digital communications for crime prevention can have benefits but has risk of ‘serious harm and ethical breaches’.

22/08/2023

UK Government is making inadequate progress on digitising the NHS, according to new report using evidence from SPS expert

The UK Government is making inadequate progress on vital commitments to digitise the NHS, an independent panel of experts – using evidence from an academic at the School of Social and Political Science - has found.

21/02/2023

Publishing for Academics - Event Series

Come and meet an exciting range of external speakers involved in writing and publishing academic material incuding books, journal articles and monographs.

25/01/2023

Young Academy of Scotland appoints SPS’ Dr Michael Barany as new member

Dr Michael Barany, whose research and teaching focuses on the history and culture of modern science and mathematics, has been appointed to the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Young Academy of Scotland.

24/08/2022

04 December 2023

15:30 - 17:00

Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

The Lives and Afterlives of Labels: Reconstructing Historical Labelling Practices at the National Museum of Scotland

05 December 2023

13:00 - 14:30

Centre of African Studies

RTC Talking Methods - Mixed Methods & Policy Analysis in Education Research

Reflecting on inclusion and belonging among migrant pupils in Sweden, Finland and Scotland, by Dr Nataša Pantić and Dr Cecilia Gialdini.

05 December 2023

13:00 - 14:00

Centre of African Studies

Consultancy and Beyond: Working with Private and Third Sectors

Edinburgh Innovations is dedicated to "making ideas work for a better world". Whether you're interested in undertaking research work on a consultancy basis...

06 December 2023

15:00 - 16:30

Centre of African Studies

How is digital transformation changing the future of work and skills?

In this public discussion event, leading experts in their field offer insights about current and potential future transformations of employment and education.

School of Social and Political Science