Perspectives on Science

About Perspectives on Science

A new public events series from the Consortium for History of Science, Technology and Medicine brings historical perspective to contemporary issues and concerns. In the public forums, historians and other specialists speak about culturally relevant topics in front of a live audience at Consortium member institutions. Forum subjects range from medical consumerism to public trust in science and technology. Videos of these events are also available at chstm.org. In podcast episodes, authors of new books in the history of science, technology, and medicine respond to questions from readers with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise. These conversations illuminate the utility and relevance of the past in light of current events.

Publisher

Consortium for History of Science, Technology and Medicine

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2019

Latest episode

12 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

135 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Do Less Harm: Ethical Questions for Health Historians

   In Do Less Harm, editors Courtney E. Thompson and Kylie M. Smith bring together a group of leading historians and scholars to confront one of the most pressing questions in health history: How can we ethically approach stories of medicine and health without perpetuating harm? This thought-provoking collection invites readers into a crucial conversation about the responsibilities of historians when documenting the past. Through carefully curated essays, the contributors explore the ethical dilemmas that arise in researching, teaching, and writing about the history of health care. From patient privacy to the politics of archives, the essays cover how health histories have often overlooked, misunderstood, or misrepresented the people and communities most affected by medical practices. The contributors challenge the assumptions of the field, offering a more thoughtful approach to historical research—one that emphasizes empathy, accountability, and inclusivity. The book raises provocative questions and proposes practical strategies for historians and scholars to do less harm in their work and is organized around key themes such as research, teaching, writing, and public engagement, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in the history of health care, ethics, or the health humanities. With its engaging style and accessible insights, Do Less Harm offers a fresh and timely perspective for academics, students, and readers interested in the ethical challenges of representing the past. Featuring Courtney E. Thompson, Mississippi State University Kylie M. Smith, Emory University Recorded on February 3, 2026 For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/do-less-harm-ethical-questions-health-historians#80906

2. 

   11 Nov 2025

   Trans and Intersex Health from Past to Future

   "Trans and Intersex Health from Past to Future" will bring together academics and activists to explore the history of trans and intersex people’s experiences of health and medicine in a global perspective. The discussion will examine histories of clinical practices, state policy, individual identity, and community making in the United States, and beyond. The panelists will reflect on how these histories can help us think about the present, and future, of trans and intersex health. Featuring Howard Chiang, Professor of East Asian Languages & Cultural Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara Dallas Denny, Activist and co-editor of “A History of Transgender Medicine in the United States” Zavier Nunn, Northwestern University Moderator Carlo Sariego, PhD Candidate in Sociology & Gender Studies, Yale University Rovel Sequeira, Assistant Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and English, University of Michigan Recorded on October 9, 2025 For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/2025-history-medicine-week#79804

3. 

   29 Oct 2025

   Medicine Crossing Borders: Immigration and Health

   "Medicine Crossing Borders" explores how issues of immigration, medicine, and health have intersected in the past and present. The panelists will discuss policy, public opinion, and medical practices that have shaped immigrant experiences as both patients and as practitioners. They will discuss race, citizenship, and access to care across time and place, and think through how these histories can help us understand the crises of immigration and health today. Featuring Eram Alam, Associate Professor, History of Science, Harvard University William Lopez, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity, University of Michigan School of Public Health Rachel Louise Moran, Professor, Texas A&M Joel Daniel Olea-Calixto, PhD Candidate, Department of History, University of California, Davis Andre Rosario, Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Nursing, Rutgers University Recorded on October 9, 2025 For more information visit: https://www.chstm.org/perspectives/2025-history-medicine-week#79798

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

27,865

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

51

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

81

Contact Perspectives on Science

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.