The below workshop report was taken from the Fall 2012 ISHPSSB newsletter:
On August 16-17, an international group of scientists and historians and philosophers of science gathered at the Institute for Systems Biology, in Seattle, Washington, for the 2012 off-year workshop of the International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology, titled, “What’s New about Systems Biology?” The workshop, organized by a joint committee of graduate students and post-docs from Arizona State University’s Center for Biology and Society and the Institute for Systems Biology, addressed important but highly contested historical and philosophical issues surrounding the field of systems biology.
Over the course of the two-day workshop, four sessions covered issues ranging from the methodological foundations of systems biology to its historical roots and precursors. Presentations from both scientists and HPS scholars brought to light the diversity of opinions surrounding the origins of the field, and what it means to practice systems biology. For example, in the opening session, titled, “What’s New about Systems Biology?”, three presentations covered topics as diverse as the latest work on post-translational regulation, the differences between the systems and molecular approaches to cell division, and finally the anticipation of current systems thinking in the work of late-19th century biologist, Theodor Boveri. The compelling, yet diverse views of these participants generated spirited discussions among the audience about the nature of current systems biology and its “newness.” Everyone, however, agreed that investigating these themes through the alternative perspectives represented at the workshop was beneficial to all.
The first session set an exploratory tone that was maintained throughout the workshop. As participants got to know each other in discussion sections, coffee breaks, lunches, and a tour of the Institute for Systems Biology in which some witnessed for the first time the machinery driving the science of systems biology, disciplinary boundaries quickly faded into a general excitement about the possibilities that approaching science from so many different perspectives could generate. As one participant noted, “It was great to be in a room with people that thought critically about the science they are doing and how it is changing (or the same) and how we can apply technology, tools, etc. in a more informative way. It was nice to think about science differently instead of having to just meet deadlines or get a result.”
With a participant list numbering over 60, including a substantial number from Seattle-area systems biology and biomedical research groups, this ISHPSSB Off-Year Workshop was a great reminder that when scientists, philosophers, historians, and social studies scholars of science get together, everyone benefits. Or, as one participant reflected, “One conversation I remember distinctly, reminded me that even in my own area of expertise there is still much I do not know. Sometimes it is good to be reminded of this.”
Kate MacCord and Lijing Jiang