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The proactive historian: Methodological opportunities presented by the new archives documenting genomics
1Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Summary
Historians can navigate genomics archives by actively improving sources, not just relying on time. This approach addresses big data challenges and integrates humanities into global scientific discussions.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and the History of Science
- Scientific Archival Studies
- Big Data Methodologies
Background:
- The study of late-twentieth century genomics faces challenges with newly available archives.
- The 'explosion of data' in genomics is not a novel issue for historical analysis.
- Past historians managed information overload using the 'perspective of time,' a natural filtering process.
Observation:
- Reliance on the 'perspective of time' leads to inheriting pre-curated archives.
- This passive approach risks perpetuating ahistorical scientific narratives.
- Early human genome mapping and sequencing archives exemplify these archival challenges.
Findings:
- Propose a proactive strategy for historians to problematize and enhance archival sources.
- This method empowers historians in managing scientific heritage and advances oral history techniques.
- Suggests focusing on second-order administrators to understand big science initiatives.
Implications:
- Encourages historians to actively engage with 'big data' debates.
- Positions the humanities to contribute to pressing global scientific problems.
- Offers a new framework for analyzing large-scale scientific projects and their socio-political contexts.
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