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Short abstract:

A true transnationalization of STS should go beyond increasing the visibility of research from the Global South in dominant academic spheres but also incorporate theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and research agendas originating from the South to critically analyze contexts in the North.

Long abstract:

Scholars from peripheral countries working in Europe or North America frequently find themselves compelled to investigate topics related to their countries or regions of origin. As a Brazilian enrolled in a U.S. STS graduate program, I have sensed, in many occasions, the expectation that I focus my research on Latin America. This trend arises from a paucity of knowledge or awareness within central academic circles about these non-Western contexts but also because of an implicit professional incentive to explore subjects perceived as "novel" or "exotic" by mainstream academia. Consequently, this dynamic not only reinforces certain geographical and cultural biases in research topics but also potentially pigeonholes scholars into specific areas of study based on their nationality rather than their broader academic interests or expertise.

In this presentation, I engage with Invernizzi et al., (2022), Kreimer (2019), and others to explore the feasibility of developing STS scholarship that examines contexts in the “center” from the perspective of (semi)peripheral communities and scholars. I argue that a true transnationalization of STS should go beyond increasing the visibility of research from the Global South in dominant academic spheres. It should also actively incorporate and leverage theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and research agendas originating from the South to critically analyze contexts in the North. Acknowledging the difficulties of this approach, this presentation examines the various challenges involved and explores potential strategies for a true transnational STS.