Joana Formosinho

joana.formosinho@sund.ku.dk |

Does the primacy of hero narratives in western cultures influence knowledge-building in biology? How have metaphors like ‘natural selection’ and ‘the selfish gene’ shaped the way we understand processes of evolution—and our own history?

When human health is found to be a multispecies phenomenon, does the term ecology acquire medical significance? How does the idea of environment as something ‘out there’ travel into healthcare practices?

These are some of the questions I ask in my research. Working at the intersection of science and technology studies (STS) and history and philosophy of science (HPS), I investigate the role of narrative, language and worldview in the production of knowledge within biology. My PhD thesis examines the impact of gut microbiota research on biological conceptualisations of the human body; with an orientation to healthcare intervention.

Metabolism of biological knowledge across spheres is at the core of my work. I combine historically situated conceptual analysis with on-the-ground interviews to address questions such as: how can a holobiont body be articulated within public health?

BACKGROUND
I have a BSc in Zoology (University of London) and an MSc in Holistic Science (University of Plymouth). Before moving to Copenhagen in 2019, I taught at Schumacher College in the UK. Outside academia, I’ve worked as a consultant researcher and science writer for NGOs and business. I’m a member of the student advisory committee for the International Society for the History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology (ISHPSSB). Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Telephone: +45 50153190