Careful sts interventions in transdisciplinary environmental research

Book chapter, 2024

For STS scholars working in projects together with scientists in other disciplines provides opportunity to study the production of scientific knowledge ethnographically. Participant observation is a well-established method generating rich materials for STS analysis. However, regarding the role of the STS researcher in collaborative projects a growing number of accounts bring to light negative experiences of being marginalised and getting one's expertise disregarded. Prompted in response to such accounts this chapter reflects on doing STS in transdisciplinary projects on water. Drawing on personal experiences I consider challenges arising when the STS researcher is regarded as an equal member of a research team that aims to change society. The challenges and responsibilities arising in such situations benefit from being considered through the lens of careful engagements and this reflexive discussion mobilises notions developed in relevant debates, primarily 'matters of concern', 'matters of care', 'situated interventions', 'artful contamination' and 'careful tinkering'. These concepts are used to probe, on the one hand, the relationship of the STS researcher and project collaborators. On the other hand, they support clarification of the role of STS research in transdisciplinary projects in society. The chapter is motivated by an ambition to understand the duty of care ensuing from doing STS that influences environmental research with societal impact.