The clinician-scientist is often viewed as the crucial nexus in the translational processes that turn scientific research into medical technologies, including but not limited to pharmaceuticals. The prominence of this actress is abundantly clear in public discussions regarding the development of vaccines for Covid-19. To create a point of contrast, and to consider the theme of invisible labour, this paper builds upon an alternative actant who has also been deemed a vital nexus in translational medicine within Science and Technology Studies (STS): the animal model.
The invisibility of the laboratory animal in vaccine production has been stark in public discussions regarding vaccines for Covid-19. Based on observational research conducted in an animal facility that was caring for laboratory mice as well as an immunological laboratory that was conducting research regarding age and vaccine uptake using those mice, this paper explores how the biologies of mice, as well as technicians’ knowledge regarding those biologies, is rendered invisible through the flows of translation.
Venue: Department of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, Building 5, ground floor, room 22 (5.0.22) and zoom: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/s/68112231404
Time: September 9, 2021, 10.00-11.00 am.