The legacy of the late Trevor Pinch, a pioneer who helped found three areas of study related to science, technology and sound, will be celebrated at a memorial symposium Sept. 21-23. “Trevor-Fest” will bring together his former students, colleagues and collaborators in a series of roundtables and other events that reflect the wide range of Pinch’s work and interests.
“The symposium will mingle scholars at every stage of their careers, with the panels reflecting both the breadth and depth of Trevor’s amazing scholarship,” said Suman Seth, the Marie Underhill Noll Professor of The History of Science and chair of the Department of Science & Technology Studies (STS) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Pinch was the Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences in Science and Technology Studies (A&S) when he passed away at the end of 2021. In addition to his research helping to found the fields of science and technology studies, the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) and sound studies, he also helped found the Department of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell, the first such department in the Ivy League.
Called a “superstar” and “one of the brightest lights in science and technology studies” by his colleagues, Pinch’s achievements were recognized in 2018 by the J.D. Bernal Prize for lifetime achievement.
Trevor-Fest begins Sept. 21, 5 p.m., at the A.D. White House, with opening remarks and a plenary, followed by a reception and dinner. On Sept. 22, sessions at Clark Hall include “Living in a Material World,” “Performance and the Arts,” and “Politics and Institutions.” The symposium concludes on Sept. 23 with sessions on “Technologies of Knowledge” and “Looking Forward.”
On Friday evening, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m., participants will gather to honor other elements of Trevor’s life and work, including his dedication to the performance of electronic music, at a music and art event at Argos Warehouse, 416 E. State St., Ithaca.
In addition to the academic and pedagogical legacy he left behind, Pinch also made provisions in his estate planning to establish a lecture series fund for the Department of Science & Technology Studies. Additional contributions to the fund are welcome.
