Social aspects of biotechnology

The course aims to provide the foundational elements from the main disciplines engaged in the societal appraisal of biotechnology and the bioeconomy (Science and Technology Studies (STS), Bioethics, Biolaw, Biopolitics). It is geared to endow students with key insights and methodological resources to develop their critical inquiry of current intertwined developments in biotechnological and societal innovation.

Students will develop broad awareness of salient issues at the intersection between biotechnological and societal innovation, and the bioeconomy. They will also gain knowledge of, and hands-on experience with, the relevant methodological toolkit to analytically dissect these science-society intersections. The course is intended to meet the rising demand of new professionals at the interface between biotechnology and society, including within industry, bioethics committees, regulatory authorities, public engagement NGOs, etc.