Work

Two Tales of Long-term Collaboration: Social Scientific Involvement in Artificial Intelligence in Japan and Synthetic Biology in the UK

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Researchers in science and technology studies (STS) are increasingly being called upon to contribute to research programs in the natural sciences and engineering, often under the heading of ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI), or more recently, responsible research and innovation (RRI). There has been little work to date that compares these experiences across countries and contexts. In this paper, we present two accounts of STS involvement—in artificial intelligence in Japan and synthetic biology in the UK. Although we work in two different technoscientific fields in two different countries, similarities emerge. Our accounts both show the importance of long-term, low-stakes collaborations, built up organically over time—collaborations that trouble the distinction between being either an “insider” or an “outsider” to a technoscientific field. We argue that RRI is more likely to be expansive and imaginative if it is done in the context of such collaborations, and that it is important for research funders to cultivate the conditions that make them possible. We end by calling for more tales from STS researchers of their experiences of RRI and ELSI across countries and contexts, to provide tools and resources for future collaborative work.

Source: East Asian Science Technology and Society An International Journal

DOI: 10.1080/18752160.2026.2625589

Authors: Arisa Ema, Jane Calvert

Institutions: The University of Tokyo, University of Edinburgh

Language: English

Topic: Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: hybrid