Interdisciplinary Nature of Nanoscience: Implications for Education

Kähkönen, Anna-Leena; Laherto, Antti; Lindell, Anssi; Tala, Suvi

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-31833-2_2

Cited by 10 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 99 publications

(141 reference statements)

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“…Both the cognitive-epistemic and socioinstitutional dimensions of interdisciplinarity (cf. Kähkönen et al, 2016) were used extensively in the researchers' descriptions. Closer analysis of the interviews revealed several factors that the professors saw underlying the interdisciplinary nature of their field.…”

Section: Researchers' Views On the Nature Of Nstmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many recent writings on modern scientific and technological literacy have emphasised such interdisciplinarity (see e.g. Kähkönen, Laherto, Lindell, & Tala, 2016;Roberts, 2007). Interdisciplinary research in NST, comprising both cognitive-epistemic and socio-institutional dimensions (Kähkönen et al, 2016), is based on two ideas that provide common ground for researchers from different fields: the shared size scale of objects and shared technological visions (Schummer, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Kähkönen, Laherto, Lindell, & Tala, 2016;Roberts, 2007). Interdisciplinary research in NST, comprising both cognitive-epistemic and socio-institutional dimensions (Kähkönen et al, 2016), is based on two ideas that provide common ground for researchers from different fields: the shared size scale of objects and shared technological visions (Schummer, 2004). Many expectations rest on this notion of interdisciplinarity, which has even been proposed as the deciding factor in the progress of NST (Brune et al, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The idea that forthcoming scientific and technological breakthroughs will most likely occur at the intersections of traditional scientific disciplines is generally accepted, and synergetic effects are believed to give rise to innovative research. While reports concerning nanoscale research frequently highlight the necessity of interdisciplinarity, doubts also remain about the true state of interdisciplinarity in NST, rather describing it as a multidisciplinary field, criss-crossing but not dispelling the disciplinary barriers (Kähkönen et al, 2016;Schummer, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This matter has been discussed using the concept of "technoscience" (Nordmann, 2004). This convergence of science and technology has been emphasised and accelerated in the case of NST (Kähkönen et al, 2016;Tala, 2009) and is, therefore, a noteworthy category of these fields.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Scientists’ Perceptions on the Nature of Nanoscience and Its Public Communication

Laherto

Tirre

Parchmann

et al. 2018

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Some level of understanding of and about nanoscience and nanotechnology (NST) has been suggested as being relevant in up-to-date scientific literacy for all. Research scientists working in these fields are central in current efforts to inform and engage the public in NST. Earlier research has shown that scientists can contribute to authentic science learning, but communication always entails roles that affect the choice of content. This study investigated NST researchers’ views on the nature of their research and their preferences in NST communication. Eight experienced professors working in various fields of NST were interviewed. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews focused on the scientists’ views on 1) the nature of their research, and 2) aspects of NST that should be communicated to the public. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews revealed that the themes the interviewees highlighted when describing their research (interdisciplinarity, size scale, methods, objects, nature of NST in general) were somewhat different from the ones they considered as important for communication to the public (applications and products, risks and benefits, visualizations). The results problematize the simplistic notion that exposure to real scientists would unquestionably enhance the authenticity of science learning. This study gives insight for research and development of science communication, especially scientists’ role and training in it. Keywords: authenticity, nanoscience, nature of science, science communication, scientist interviews.

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Section: Researchers' Views On the Nature Of Nstmentioning

confidence: 99%