Performativity of Data – Darren Reed

“Innovative health technologies: health systems in transition Workshop”

Supported by: Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3)

Organized by: Francisco Lupiáñez-Villanueva (Internet Interdisciplinary Institute –UOC) and Michael Hardey (Hull/York Medical School – Science and Technology Studies Unit, Department of Sociology, University of York)

Data: 27th November

Place: UOC IN3 building. Av. Canal Olímpic, s/n. Edifici B3, 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona)

Darren Reed – Performativity of (Bio)Data

In this talk I will introduce the Public Life of Data project application and outline some early thoughts on the SATSU contribution. The application is concerned with the public and ‘lived’ nature of new forms of data in various realms. The SATSU thread is concerned with the biomedical field and specifically the nature of data in areas such as assistive technology and public biomedical information. By drawing on an earlier case study of the installation of domestic assistive technology, I will start to sketch out notions of the “performativity” and “bio-graphy” of data in this environment with reference to an analytic schema built around the three elements of ‘public’/’life’/’data’

Darren Reed

Sociologist who has worked within Human Computer Interaction and Science and Technology Studies for nine years. He looks to combine sociological theory and methods to practical ends, and is currently developing the conceptual area of a ‘performativity of age and technology’ to provide a major underpinning for continued work on the meaning and practices surrounding older peoples use, or non-use of technology, so as to better understand the barriers to the application of technology to care and support situations. These endeavours also incorporate stakeholder relationships, social structures and the ‘social construction’ of technology.