Roberta Pala

Dr Roberta Pala is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, University of Sydney. Her research focuses on Science and Technology Studies (STS), Feminist STS, and biopolitics. She holds a PhD in Social Policy from the University of New South Wales (2017-2021), supported by the Scientia PhD Scholarship.

Her work examines intersections between biological interventions, technological artefacts, and social-political dynamics. Current research investigates human-microbial relations in maternal bodies and microbiome-based family care practices. She is affiliated with the Australasian Science and Technology Studies Network (AusSTS), the Australian Sociological Society (TASA), and the AAHPSSS.

Publications highlight themes like vaccine politics, repair rights, and interdisciplinary research practices. Her media engagement includes a 2021 The Conversation piece critiquing Australia's right-to-repair proposals.

• Key Research Themes: Biopolitical analysis, feminist materialism, technoscience, maternal health
• Awards: Scientia PhD Scholarship (UNSW, 2017-2021)
• Professional Affiliations: AusSTS, TASA, AAHPSSS