Rationale for the SIP Network:

Contemporary science is a highly specialised endeavour that requires a significant degree of topic-specific knowledge and training; to stay at the forefront of their field researchers need to become experts in particular models, instruments and practices. This narrowness is often turned into a norm: to do good or “proper” science you need to be specialised. This has important practical implications. For instance, it implies that researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) should not engage with the broader epistemological, ontological or ethical questions that their research raises. These issues should be delegated to experts in philosophy and the humanities more generally. The disciplinary boundaries – or silos – must be respected.

A small but significant number of STEM researchers do not agree with this vision of science. They want to think and engage with issues that go beyond the confines of their experimental system or pet theory. Doing good research, to them, means to also deal with difficult epistemological, ontological, or ethical questions.

Doing research that crosses disciplinary boundaries faces various challenges. This is particularly the case for STEM researchers who want to engage with or work in philosophy. Differences in vocabulary, methodology, research questions, and publishing traditions represent only some of the obstacles they encounter. Without formal training in philosophy, without a track record of publishing in philosophical journals or presenting at philosophical conferences, and without a strong network within philosophy, it can be daunting for scientists to engage in, or even just engage with, philosophical work. 

There is no manual for how to move from work in STEM to work in philosophy and everybody’s journey will be different. But despite these differences there will be similarities between the challenges that researchers encounter. The problem is that, for now, every scientist goes on this journey on their own. Not being able to benefit from the previous experiences of other researchers means that they have to reinvent the wheel every time again.

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Purpose and structure

The SIP Network is set up to tackle this issue. The main purpose of the network is to provide a community that can support both established and early-career scientists on their journey into philosophy.  It will offer a space where like-minded researchers with a background in STEM can meet and exchange experiences, tips, or also frustrations. The goal is to build on and leverage the shared experiences of its members. The network will be open to anyone interested in building stronger ties between STEM researchers and philosophy, including researchers with formal training in philosophy.

The main hub for the SIP Network will be its website. This site will eventually contain a forum where members can post questions about publishing in philosophical journals; ask for input on drafts of papers or grant applications; or search for potential collaborators for a project. The site will contain a news feature where calls for conferences, special issues, and relevant funding opportunities will be published. The website will also include member profiles, which will contain key information such as previous experience in philosophy; research interests; and research background. These profiles will not only help other network members identify useful contacts but will also serve as a resource for philosophers who look for collaborators in STEM disciplines.

This humble starting point is only that: a beginning. Where the journey then takes us is up to the members of the network. As the community grows, we might aim to hold SIP in-person meetings at relevant conferences, such as the biennial meetings of the SPSP (Society for Philosophy of Science in Practice), PSA (Philosophy of Science Association), or ISHPSSB (International Society for the History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology). We might also aim to organise online or in-person workshops that cover specific topics, such as “Publishing in a philosophy journal” or “Science in Society”.

Who is behind the SIP Network?

The SIP Network is an independent community run by its members. It is a meeting place rather than a formal association. We don’t have any outside funding and there are no joining or membership fees.

The idea for this network was first developed by Stephan Guttinger in December 2024. He then talked to Jan Pieter Konsman, Mary Mirvis and Yida Zhang about the idea and they all provided further input and became the first members of the network. Stephan bought the domain name for the website and is covering the costs for hosting.