معرفی
Harro van Lente is a Full Professor of Science and Technology Studies (STS) at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Head of the Department of Society Studies. His work focuses on the Sociology of Expectations, exploring how future-oriented representations shape socio-technical developments. He has authored over 140 publications, including the 2018 EASST Freeman Award-winning book *Emerging Technologies for Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease*.
Career Highlights:
- PhD in Physics and Philosophy of Science from the University of Twente
- Former Research Manager at Inspire Foundation (KPMG think tank)
- 15-year tenure at Utrecht University teaching Innovation Studies
- Program Director of Technology Assessment at NanoNextNL (Dutch nanotechnology consortium)
- Visiting Professor at University of California, Santa Barbara
Research Themes:
- Dynamics of Expectations: The performative role of promises in socio-technical change
- Emerging Technologies: Foresight, anticipation, and governance (e.g., smart industry, space tourism)
- Research Systems: Governance and intermediary organizations in innovation networks
- Sustainability Articulations: Defining and operationalizing sustainability in policy/research
Awards & Activities:
- Recipient of the 2018 EASST Freeman Award
- Editorial board member for *European Journal of Futures Research*, *International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy*, and *NanoEthics*
- Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at Diabetes Fonds
Key Contributions: Van Lente’s work bridges STS with innovation studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. His research on technological decline, unsustainability critiques (e.g., SUVs/space tourism), and governance frameworks has informed policy debates on sustainability transitions and responsible innovation.
