The History of Science Society (HSS), which resides at the University of Notre Dame, has won a grant of over $200K from the National Science Foundation for a project titled “Eight Societies Travel Grants for Graduate Students, Independent Scholars, and Recent PhDs” (SES-1354351). The award, under the direction of HSS Executive Director Robert (Jay) Malone, will provide travel assistance to graduate students, independent scholars, and those who have recently received PhDs who wish to attend the professional meetings of the following eight societies:

  • the History of Science Society (HSS)
  • the Society for the History of Technology (SHOT)
  • the Philosophy of Science Association (PSA)
  • the International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science (HOPOS)
  • the American Society for Environmental History (ASEH)
  • the International Society for the Psychology of Science and Technology (ISPST)
  • the International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology (ISHPSSB)
  • and the Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts (SLSA).

These societies embrace scholarly approaches in the sciences, history, philosophy, sociology, literature, and more, and are united by a common focus on science, technology, and society.

From 2014 to 2016, the grant will fund travel to 19 conferences.

HSS has been an advocate for the participation of graduate students, independent scholars, and others in the past, offering assistance to attend meetings through a previous NSF grant. The grant proposal cited a new HSS caucus called HSS at Work as an example of the contributions independent scholars bring to conferences. This group supports those who have opted to work outside of academia during or after their graduate training. The HSS’s Graduate and Early Career Caucus (GECC) supports students and recent PhDs who want to attend meetings on a regular basis. GECC has organized mentorship programs, childcare, scholarly sessions and workshops, and has participated in the governance of the society.

The travel grants will encourage engagement as well as inter-society interchange that would not otherwise be possible because of financial barriers. It will also strengthen relationships across the eight societies, which represent divergent fields and encourage international interactions.

The History of Science Society is the world's largest society dedicated to understanding science, technology, medicine, and their interactions with society in historical context. Over 3,000 individual and institutional members across the world support the Society's mission to foster interest in the history of science and its social and cultural relations.

To learn more about the History of Science Society, see their website at hssonline.org.