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Knowledge in Translation: Studies in the Translational Medical Humanities (KNOWIT)

The Translational Medical Humanities field, which has gained significant prominence in recent years, marks a vibrant convergence of medical science and the humanities.

vision care, glasses, two persons talking

Photo: Åse R. Hillestad/UiO

About the group

The interdisciplinary area of translational medical humanities, sparked by an international conference in Oslo in 2018, is characterized by its emphasis on the complexities and controversies of human experience as the central focus of the translational process.

In line with this outlook, our group aims to bridge the gap between biological and biographical life, establishing “a cross‐disciplinary and cross‐cultural space for a bidirectional interrogation for both biomedicine and the humanities” (Kristeva, Moro, Ødemark and Engebretsen 2019). We promote a transition from a “follow the science” approach to one that engages more deeply with the political and ideological dynamics underpinning scientific principles, and views the development of scientific knowledge as a process deeply entwined with human/non-human interaction, political engagement, and intercultural mediation.

Thus, the field of Translational Medical Humanities aims to redefine the concept of translation as a crucial practice that enables the generation of knowledge, which is seen as the outcome of collective meaning-making among different constituencies, rather than as an immutable “source” to be transmitted to passive recipients (Engebretsen, Fraas, and Ødemark 2021). 

Our group further advances and elaborates this approach by pursuing multiple strands of scholarship:

•    We explore how concepts such as “narrative,” “literacy,” and “translation” adapt and interact across knowledge domains in the humanities, the social sciences, and the medical field. 
• We examine the dynamics of various translational processes to understand how medical knowledge is mobilized and applied in wider societal discussions, such as those around abortion, sustainability, and evidence-based practice.
•    We develop more scaled and community-oriented approaches for co-creation between medical experts and different grassroots constituencies.
•    We develop teaching approaches for sustainable development grounded in the principles of translational medical humanities.
 

Collaborations

Published June 15, 2015 8:57 AM - Last modified Feb. 2, 2024 3:39 PM

Contact

Co-leads: Eivind Engebretsen and Jan Buts

Participants

Detailed list of participants