Hello HPSters

It has been a little while between updates. But we have been busy and so it is great to be able to finally share some news around!

Season 2 of the podcast is well underway, and we are thrilled that the number of downloads we are receiving from all around the world continues to rise. According to the metrics provided by Buzzsprout (one of the largest podcast hosts in the world) our little Australian academic podcast is achieving download numbers that put us well into the top 25% of all podcasts hosted on the site!

For Season 2, The HPS Podcast started off with a wonderful episode on Research Repertoires with Professor Rachel Ankeny, in which she discusses the complex ecosystem of components we must consider when analysing scientific practice.

Diagram of selected factors associated with a repertoires framework.

Artwork credit: Michel Durinx. Image courtesy of Rachel Ankeny and Sabina Leonelli.

Next was historian of physics, Professor David Kaiser, talking about the importance of scientific training in shaping the direction of disciplines. As David says "Scientists are not born, they are made".

Our third episode of the season, featuring repeat guest Senior Lecturer Dr Kristian Camilleri, has received quite a lot of interest on social media. Scientists and philosophers alike have been debating the strengths and weaknesses of the 'turn to practice' in philosophy of science.

Next was Professor Duane Hamacher discussing the importance of considering Indigenous Science, for its own sake as well as for reconsidering many of the western assumptions that underpin our traditional understanding of science.

Last week our guest was the very entertaining philosopher of science, Dr Adrian Currie, talking about his research on the historical sciences - including palaeontology and archaeology - and how they often rely on what he terms 'opportunistic methods' to develop reliable knowledge from sometimes scarce evidence.

Finally, this week - our 6th episode for Season 2 - features a fabulous discussion with early career researcher, Dr Sarah Qidwai, on the topic of Science and Colonialism. Sarah provides wonderful insights into reasons why it so vital for history of science to continue to expand its geographic and cultural view, while at the same time remaining focussed on studying how science has developed through a wide range of socio and political contexts and connections.

We also have many more wonderful episodes to be released in the next few weeks, so we do hope you keep listening!

Thanks,

Samara and Indi.