Fern Elizabeth Wickson

Fern Elizabeth Wickson is a Professor at the Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities, University of Bergen, Norway. She has held affiliations with GenØk – Centre for Biosafety and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, contributing to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of science, ethics, and society. Her work is deeply embedded in science and technology studies (STS), focusing on the ethical and societal dimensions of emerging technologies.

• University: University of Bergen
• Centre: Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities
• Email: fern.e.wickson@uib.no
• Address: Parkveien 9, 5007 Bergen, Norway

Her research interests span a broad range of topics including ethics in biotechnology and nanotechnology, public engagement in science, transdisciplinary research methodologies, risk and uncertainty assessment, biodiversity conservation, and sociotechnical governance. She integrates arts-based and participatory approaches, particularly in conservation contexts involving indigenous communities.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on environmental governance, ethical implications of GMOs and synthetic biology, epistemic justice, and the role of public participation in science policy. Her work combines empirical research with philosophical and ethical analysis, often addressing gaps in regulatory frameworks and advocating for inclusive, reflexive science practices.

• Award: None explicitly listed

Wickson has supervised and collaborated with researchers such as Flor Rivera López and has been involved in funded projects like biodiverSEEDy, supported by the Research Council of Norway. She has contributed to transdisciplinary frameworks like the TD Wheel and has led editorial and collaborative initiatives in nanotechnology and biosafety.

She is actively involved in creative and public-facing scholarship, including art exhibitions like Forgotten Stories of Frozen Seeds and participation in public debates on genetic engineering and gene editing. Her work bridges academic research with societal impact, emphasizing democratic engagement and ethical responsibility in science.