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Professor Robert Evans is a leading academic in Science and Technology Studies (STS) at Cardiff University's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, specifically within the School of Social Sciences. His work centers on the nature and application of expertise, with significant contributions to the 'Studies of Expertise and Experience' framework, also known as the 'Third Wave of Science Studies.'
Evans' research critically examines how knowledge informs decision-making processes, emphasizing tacit knowledge and developing normative approaches for STS scholars to engage in public technological debates. His work spans citizen science initiatives, environmental controversies, science policy, and the relationship between populism and scientific expertise. Recent projects include the Barry Citizen Science Group air quality monitoring study and analyses of SAGE's pandemic advice.
His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on democratizing scientific knowledge production, with recent work exploring tensions between demographic and epistemic diversity in science, evolving definitions of citizen science, and the role of scientific expertise as a democratic safeguard against populism. Evans frequently collaborates with researchers like Jamie Lewis and Nick Hacking on community-based environmental monitoring projects.
As a principal investigator on ESRC-funded projects including 'Experts, expertise and citizen science: a case study of air quality monitoring,' Evans demonstrates strong grant acquisition capabilities. His research integrates community action with scientific inquiry, particularly in environmental planning disputes where technical regulations clash with local knowledge systems.
Evans actively contributes to public discourse through platforms like the WISERD Lunchtime Seminar series and the ESRC Festival of Social Science. His Barry Citizen Science Group work exemplifies his commitment to creating 'trading zones' where community knowledge and scientific expertise interact meaningfully, particularly in environmental justice contexts like biomass plant controversies.
