Research Seminar November 20th: Maria Rentetzi (University of Athens) - A Diplomatic Turn in History of Science: Radiation, Science Diplomacy and International Organizations

How did the International Atomic Energy Agency, a diplomatic and political international organization, succeed in dominating scientific institutions with a long tradition in radiation protection? This paper tackles the question and argues that our knowledge about radiation protection has been shaped not only by social, economic, and political concerns but, primarily, by diplomatic ones. My approach casts new light on important aspects of postwar history of science, combining attention to state actors, science diplomacy, and the roles played by international organizations. While the concept of diplomacy becomes central in analyzing postwar science this approach advocates a diplomatic turn in history of science and informs diplomatic and international history about trends in the field.