International Conference on Science, Technology and Society 2023 (iCON-STS 2023)
Theme: Rejuvenating STS for Sustainability Transitions

Date 15 - 16 August 2023
Mode Online
Organisers                

Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya
Centre for Civilisational Dialogue (UMCCD), Universiti Malaya

The International Conference of Science, Technology and Society 2023 (iCON-STS 2023) examines the crucial role that STS plays in resolving sustainability issues, which are becoming more urgent and complex. While pandemic, climate change, resource depletion and social inequality pose unprecedented threats to our planet, we believe that STS offers a crucial framework for comprehending the interactions between scientific and technological development, societal norms and values, and the environment and society. Such interactions are essential to achieving sustainable development objectives and fostering a more equitable and positive future for all.

The theme of this year's conference is "Rejuvenating STS for Sustainability Transitions." The main topic of discussion at this conference will be how STS can be revitalised to significantly promote sustainability transitions, including fostering social and environmental justice and promoting sustainable practises and innovations. It serves as a unique opportunity for scholars, researchers, practitioners and policymakers to share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on harnessing the power of STS  to foster sustainable transisitions.

The event will feature keynote speeches, parallel sessions and policy forum to encourage dialogue and debates on the ways in which STS can be used to address sustainability challenges. Given the current global issues and challenges, we believe that this conference is particularly timely and necessary. Our goal is to foster an open and collaborative dialogue that will help us develop new and innovative approaches to addressing the sustainability challenges that we face.

We are excited to welcome you to this event and look forward to a productive and enlightening exchange of ideas. By coming together, we can begin to chart a path towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Key topics
Main topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Science and Technology Policy
  • National, regional and sectoral policies for sustainability
  • Science and technology governance for sustainability
  • Science advice to governments
  • Responsible innovation and science policy
Dialogue and Science Diplomacy
  • Science diplomacy and climate change negotiations
  • Collaborative research networks for sustainability
  • Public-private partnerships in science collaborations
  • Science diplomacy and transnational issues
Science Communication
  • Effective science communication strategies for sustainability
  • Communicating science to diverse audiences and stakeholders
  • Social media and new technologies in science communication
  • Communicating science in times of crisis and uncertainty
Public Engagement in Science and Technology
  • Participatory approaches to science and technology development
  • Public engagement in policy-making on science and technology
  • Informal science education initiatives
  • Citizen science and community-based research for sustainability
Philosophy of Science and Technology
  • Philosophical foundations of sustainability science
  • Epistemological challenges of interdisciplinary research on sustainability
  • Values and norms in science and technology decision-making
  • Relationship between science, technology, and democracy
Ethics and Law in Science and Technology
  • Ethical issues in science and technology for sustainability
  • Law and regulation in science and technology decision-making
  • Intellectual property rights and access to knowledge
  • Social justice and equity in science and technology for sustainability