Dear all, The Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur la science et la technologie (CIRST) is proud to organize an international conference on the role of forecasts, projections, and anticipation in scientific research and technological innovation. Here is the call for papers<https://www.cirst.uqam.ca/en/nouvelles/2019/appel-a-communications-les-economies-de-la-promesse-2020/>: Recent scientific developments in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in what is called "deep learning" has led to a renewed interest in the possibilities of applications of new algorithms to a wide range of fields (medicine, industry, automotive, etc.). This mirrors the fervor for technological progress already observed in the previous decade with nanotechnology and genomics. Discourses linked to these technological advances are typically framed in terms of an inevitable technological future that has, however, yet to unfold. Such discourses are even more prevalent when a given technology is viewed as a liberating force or a means to revolutionize human and social life. Forecasting, projection and anticipation are all part of scientific research and technological innovation. In their article on the sociology of expectations, Borup et al. (2006) acknowledge that "very little in innovation can work in isolation from a highly dynamic and variegated body of future-oriented understandings about the future." Research and innovation are framed by such understandings, that stimulate investment and organize scientific and technological fields. Presentations of 20 minutes in French or English will be accepted. We particularly welcome the following topics: § Economic predictions; § Announcements of a 4th industrial revolution; § Promises and research funding (promises formulated to receive a grant or the rhetoric of research grants); § Social dynamics of post-secondary education; § Sociology and anthropology of technological futures § Promises and climate change (forecasts to change policies, geoengineering, government promises-e.g. COPs-, expert committees, etc.); § Rhetoric of hope and fear in technological governance and regulation. Proposals for papers (between 200 and 300 words) must include a title and a short resume. The CIRST encourages student participation. A portion of the program will be reserved for graduate students presentations. Two travel grants will be offered to the most promising proposals from Canadian graduate students. It is also possible to propose a panel of up to 4 speakers. In addition to a summary of the panel's theme (between 200 and 300 words), the organizer must provide the names of the speakers, a summary of their presentation (200-300 words), and a short bio for each participant. All documents must be sent before January 10, 2020 to the following address: cirst@uqam.ca<mailto:cirst@uqam.ca>. Accommodation and travel expenses will not be covered, but daytime meals will be provided to the participants. The conference will take place during the week of August 24-29, 2020. The exact dates will be confirmed in the spring of 2020. Organizing committee: Daniel Letendre (CIRST), Guillaume Dandurand (University of Sherbrooke), Florence Lussier-Lejeune (UQAM) Scientific committee: François Claveau (University of Sherbrooke), Yves Gingras (UQAM), Vincent Larivière (University of Montreal), Mathieu Marion (UQAM), Florence Millerand (UQAM), Éric Montpetit (University of Montreal) Regards, [CIRST | Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur la science et la technologie]<http://www.cirst.uqam.ca/> Clarence Hatton-Proulx Responsable des communications et soutien à la coordination Centre interuniversitaire de recherche sur la science et la technologie UQAM, Pavillon Paul-Gérin-Lajoie (N) Bureau N-8475 Téléphone : 514-987-3000 # 3971 Courriel : hatton-proulx.clarence@uqam.ca<mailto:hatton-proulx.clarence@uqam.ca> Suivez le CIRST<https://www.cirst.uqam.ca/> sur Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/leCIRST/> et Twitter<https://twitter.com/leCIRST?lang=fr>
