Scientific Events as Constitutive Characteristics of New Fields of Science and Research. The Example of the “Swiss NanoConvention”

Abstract

Scientific events are rarely discussed in the formation and development of new fields of science. Using the example of the Swiss NanoConvention, it will be shown to what extent a long series of events shapes the Swiss nanosciences and is shaped by them. The convention offers the opportunity to both, present and legitimize new forms of science and research to heterogeneous publics, and to consolidate internal structures of the field. The analysis thus provides insight into the contours of nanoscience.