Human-Non-Human Animal Relations in Science and Medicine
Our work considers relations between human and non-human animals in the context of science, health, the environment and beyond.
From industrial farming to rewilding, and from laboratory animal science to kidney transplants for pets, nonhuman animals play a complex, critical yet sometimes invisible role in our engagements with and our critiques of science technology and innovation.
We explore how, where and why notions of human exceptionalism and naturalness are being challenged and/or reinforced through relationships with nonhuman animals in contemporary society. We are interested in both theoretical and empirical work which illuminates, questions and challenges our relationships with nonhuman animals. We ask:
- How, where and why are binary notions of the human and nonhuman animal being challenged or reinforced?
- What do contemporary posthuman approaches mean for our understanding of nonhuman animals as societal actors?
- In what ways do scientific and technological agendas shape our relationships with nonhuman animals and vice versa?
- What roles do and should human and nonhuman animals play in the establishment of equitable futures?
Our researchers
Selected key publications
- Hamilton, L., Carrigan, M. and Bellet, C., (2021) (Re)connecting the food chain: entangling cattle, farmers and consumers in the sale of raw milk. The Sociological Review (online first)
- Latimer J. (2013) Being alongside: Rethinking relations amongst different kinds. Theory, Culture and Society, 30: 77-104
Rees, Amanda (2017) Animal Agents? Historiography, theory and the history of science in the Anthropocene. BJHS: THEMES. pp. 1-10. ISSN 2056-354X - Ashall V (2022) A Feminist Ethic of Care for the Veterinary Profession. Front. Vet. Sci. 9:795628. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.795628