Simon Schaffer

Simon Schaffer is a Professor of History of Science at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. He holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and Harvard University, and has taught at Imperial College London, UCLA, and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris. His research focuses on the practices, materials, and organizational frameworks of scientific inquiry between the 17th and 19th centuries, with specialties in astronomy, natural philosophy, technology, and physical sciences. He collaborates extensively with museums and is a co-investigator on the Leverhulme-funded project 'Making Climate History.'

Key awards include Fellowship of the British Academy and the Sarton Medal from the History of Science Society. His interdisciplinary work spans museum projects, global science history, and the intersections of science with politics and culture. Recent research includes studies on survey sciences, Enlightenment material culture, and the aesthetics of universal knowledge.

• Education:
• BA/PhD in Natural Sciences and HPS, University of Cambridge
• Further studies at Harvard University
• Awards:
• Fellow of the British Academy
• Sarton Medallist, History of Science Society
• Current Projects:
• Leverhulme Project 'Making Climate History'