Matthias Wienroth

Dr. Matthias Wienroth is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Northumbria University. His research focuses on understanding how science and technology shape societal norms and practices, particularly in security/justice (forensics, biometrics) and human health domains. He examines questions of what constitutes a 'good society' through critical analyses of technological impacts on human relationships, communities, and governance systems.

Previously, he held positions at Newcastle University (Senior Research Associate) and worked at the Universities of Durham, Edinburgh, and King's College London. He is a founding member of interdisciplinary initiatives such as WIE-DNA (Germany) and STS MIGTEC (global), exploring emerging forensic genetics and migration-technology intersections. Active in professional networks like 4S and EASST, he has contributed to EU-funded projects like the EUROFORGEN network of excellence.

His work bridges academic disciplines, emphasizing ethical, legal, and social implications of new technologies. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals (BioSocieties, New Genetics & Society) and edited books for Routledge/IOS Press. Current research includes governance frameworks for forensic genetics, biometric surveillance ethics, and anticipatory technology practices.

Dr. Wienroth collaborates internationally, building networks for social studies of forensic science since 2015. His research methodologies integrate art-science experiments (e.g., ATRIA sound installation) with traditional social science approaches to explore techno-cultural interfaces.