The Transcultural Lab: Articulating Cultural Difference in/although Scientific Work

Abstract

Scientific worlds in semiperipheral countries like Portugal are privileged settings for the' study of transcultural processes, due to the relative weakness and fluidity of disciplinary and social world boundaries, the high visibility of boundary work and boundary transgression, the dependence on transnational links and experiences for the Viability and legitimation of scientific careers and the importance of "travelling cultures" associated with scientific activity as a resource for the local and national professional cultures of scientists. Both human actors - scientists, technicians, graduate students - and nonhuman actors - research materials, techniques and "inscriptions" - are involved in articulating cultural difference across social worlds, work settings and national societies. Drawing on approaches and concepts developed by cultural studies, instances of transcultural articulation as accomplished either in and through lab work or in and through its topicalization in actors' talk and accounts are examined in the context of a cancer resarch laboratory.