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Toxicology as a nanoscience?--disciplinary identities reconsidered
1Science Studies, University of Basel & Collegium Helveticum, ETH and University of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 25, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland. kurath@collegium.ethz.ch
Particle and Fibre Toxicology
|May 2, 2006
Summary
Toxicology is navigating a transitional phase as it enters nanoscience. Researchers are exploring new disciplinary identities, with some advocating for nanotoxicology and others for clearer separations between traditional and new research areas.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology and Nanosciences
- Interdisciplinary studies
Background:
- Toxicology is emerging as a key discipline for assessing nanoscale material health effects.
- The integration of toxicology into nanosciences influences academic identity formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze how entering the nanosciences field impacts the formation of disciplinary identities in toxicology.
- To understand the transitional phase toxicology is experiencing.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with particle toxicologists.
- Study conducted in Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and the USA.
Main Results:
- Toxicology is in a transitional phase with an unclear disciplinary identity.
- Interviewees suggested diverse approaches for repositioning toxicology, including establishing 'nanotoxicology' or separating research areas.
- Toxicology is expanding boundaries and exploring new fields while maintaining its core identity.
Conclusions:
- The toxicological research community is actively discussing its future disciplinary identity.
- Toxicology has the potential to evolve from an auxiliary role to a foundational one in framing nanosciences.
