Science for Galápagos?: science and its publics in the Galápagos Archipelago

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Suzuki, Haruna
- Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geography

Abstract

In May 2011, UNC-CH and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador inaugurated the Galapagos Science Center in San Cristobal, Galapagos. The GSC signifies a new site for science in the archipelago, where the science-society relationship has been historically complex. Through examination of the GSC's outreach initiatives I ask, What is a science for Galapagos? Science for Galapagos, is a phrase from Santander et al. (2009) who argue that a science for the islands signifies a model of science in which research priorities are established by competent authorities according to real knowledge needs. (105) I revisit this definition, arguing that a science for Galapagos should incorporate Doreen Massey's (2005) theory of place as process. Science for Galapagos, then, is not a science that is tied to any singular understanding of--or vision for--the Galápagos but rather one that is open to engaging with the inherent multiplicity of place.

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