Dr Sophie Stone
Job Title
Research Fellow
City (Address)
EdinburghCountry (Address)
UKResearch interests
Research interests
I work on the social and political dimensions of health-related life sciences and technologies. In my current role, I focus on responsible research and innovation (RRI) in the context of health-related engineering biology. This includes unpacking how advanced therapeutics are made, manufactured, distributed, governed and understood. In particular, I have a keen interest in the norms / conventions of the places and spaces where science and technology gets made, embracing the intersection between STS and human geography that theorises place and place-making. This interest in the affordances of place has also led to prioritising and developing research methods that are site-responsive, apposite, and often experimental in nature. Other interests include innovating places of scientific practice (e.g. conferences), exploring interdisciplinary collaborative practice, complicating the politics of 'scaling' technology, and engaging with the increasing use of AI, ML and LLMs in engineering biology and the life sciences. Previous work includes exploring the efficacy of ethical codes of conduct as a mode of governance.
Background
I have a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Edinburgh, a Masters by Research in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc in Science, Culture and Communication from the University of Bath and a BSc(Hons) in Biology from the University of York.
Before arriving at Edinburgh, I also had a successful professional career in online publishing and information services. I have extensive experience in specifying and managing the build and in-life use of a wide range of technologies and have worked across the public, private and third sectors. Prior to making the switch back to academia, I worked as a Director of Business Analysis and Head of Product Development for the FTSE 100 RELX Group.
Qualifications
2017 - 2023: PhD in Science and Technology Studies, University of Edinburgh. Title: Placing the human in mammalian synthetic biology.
2016 - 2017: MSc(R) (with Distinction) in Science and Technology Studies, University of Edinburgh
2001 - 2002: MSc in Science, Culture and Communication, University of Bath
1998 - 2001: BSc (Hons) (2:1) in Biology, University of York
Professional Experience
Academic Positions
2023 - present: Research Fellow (Responsible Research and Innovation). Funded by UKRI Engineered Genetic Control Systems for Advanced Therapeutics Hub (and before that, the BBSRC Engineering Biology Transition Award Flexible Funding and ESRC Future Organisms Project).
2022 - 2023: Contract Researcher (Ethical standards and efficacy of technological codes of conduct)
2021 - 2022: Research Fellow (Responsible Research & Innovation in the UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology)
Teaching Experience
2023 - present: Consulting lecturer on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) for Imperial College London's REACT CDT, Chemical Biology CDT, and CRUK Convergence programmes.
2019 - present: Guest lecturer on Edinburgh PG courses at the University of Edinburgh, including: 'Social Dimensions of Systems and Synthetic Biology' postgraduate course and 'Research Design for STIS' postgraduate course.
2019 - 2021: Instructor, 'Social Dimensions of Systems and Synthetic Biology' postgraduate course, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.
2019 - 2020: Tutor, 'Science, Nature and Environment' undergraduate course, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.
Previous Corporate Experience
2013 - 2016: Director of Business Analysis and Head of Product Development, Reed Business Information (part of the RELX group)
2013 - 2013: Senior Technical Product Manager, Reed Business Information (part of the RELX group)
2011 - 2012: Technical Product Manager, Reed Business Information (part of the RELX group)
2007 - 2011: 2 x Product Development roles, NHS Choices
2005 - 2007: 2 x Management roles, Asbestos Watchdog
2003 - 2005: Commissioning Editor for F1000 Medicine, Current Science Group