Liam Heaphy
Position: Research Assistant
BA (First Hons) in Spanish and Philosophy (National University of Ireland, Galway).
First two years (DEA) of a combined doctoral program in Social Studies of Science and Technology (Universidad de Salamanca, Spain).
Room Number: 1.71 [Humanities Bridgeford Street]
Tel: +44(0)161 306 6433
Fax: +44(0)161 275 6893
Email: liam.heaphy@manchester.ac.uk
Liam joined MARC in August 2008 from the Institute of Science and Technology Studies in the University of Salamanca, Spain, where he is pursuing a PhD in Social Studies of Science and Technology since 2006.
Liam has previously collaborated on a project concerning the public perception of the biotechnology sector in Spain together with other researchers from the University of Salamanca.
Specific research interests
Keywords: epistemology, science communication, climate science.
In my research, I have been exploring epistemological themes in philosophy and sociology of science, with a special interest in physics and climate science, as a means of evaluating the practical value of discourse in these areas for the communication of science.
With regard to climate science, I have been exploring the mediative and representative roles of climate models as a link between scientific research and public discourse, analysing the uncertainties inherent in representing a complex system with regard to decision-making for future scenarios.
At MARC, I hope to contribute to my thesis through the creation of a practical platform for public engagement with science and technology issues, drawing on contemporary research in philosophy of science and science studies and my professional experience in information technology.
I am currently working on the EU-funded project ‘Mapping Controversies on Science for Politics’ (MACOSPOL) with Dr. Albena Yaneva.
This project aims to create a platform for analysing controversy in science and technology issues in Europe, which it is hoped will contribute towards both the spatial analysis of controversy and the evaluation ability of the public.
Heaphy, L. (submitted) ‘Cultura, conocimiento y la dimensión social’. La Laguna. Revista de Filosofía.
Awards
2008, July: Award to attend Euroscience Open Forum Conference in Barcelona (July 2008) from the Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT)
2003, Nov: Philosophy Prize for Highest Grade, National University of Ireland, Galway.
Presentations
‘The communication of certainty concerning human-induced climate change’. 4S/EASST Meeting in Rotterdam, August 20-23, 2008.