Authors: Mallick, Sambit; Ejnavarzala, Haribabu

Source: Asian Journal of Social Science, Volume 38, Number 1, 2010 , pp. 79-106(28)

Publisher: BRILL

Abstract:

The Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) regime has brought about a new set of interests, meanings, values, norms, etc. that have a potential to influence the practices of the scientific community in India. The research community in plant molecular biology, which is no exception to this, seems to be increasingly influenced by considerations of the potential of research for attaining patents. In the light of this, we attempt to capture the emerging institutional framework of scientific research that is contingent upon the protocols of the IPRs and changing scientific practices. Particular attention is paid to the views of scientists in India engaged in research in plant molecular biology on genetic engineering, agro-climatic specificities (as well as transgenics) and the changing relationship between scientists and boundary organisations. This new regime is marked by the advent of the customer-funder-policymaker nexus as a prominent element in science forcing the plant molecular biologists to (re-)negotiate scientific boundaries. The commodification of scientific research alters the idealised identities of science and scientific community. The disciplines that can contribute to map different dimensions of the problem should collaborate to identify a shared perspective and suggest workable or deliverable solutions.

Articles that cite this article?

Keywords: Intellectual Property Rights regime; scientific practices; plant molecular biology; genetic engineering; agro-climatic specificities and transgenics; science-policy boundaries; contract obligations; commodification of science

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156848410X12604385959524

Affiliations: 1: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati University of Hyderabad

Publication date: 2010-01-01

More about this publication?

• Formally published as: Southeast Asian Journal of Social Science.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Social Science (General)
• By this author: Mallick, Sambit ;  Ejnavarzala, Haribabu

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers