We are delighted to announce that Measurement Lab researcher Dr Rebecca Jackson was recently recognised as runner-up for the Joint Commission of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IUHPST) Essay Prize in History and Philosophy of Science 2025. The paper – co-written with Dr Michele Luchetti (Bielefeld University) – explores the history and philosophy of measurement, considering challenges faced by the sub-field and strategies for its future.
Commenting on the essay, the IUHPST said:
“Jackson and Luchetti’s essay provides a masterful and original overview of integrated history and philosophy of measurement (HPM) and discusses the challenges faced by this sub-field of HPS. It outlines several strategies for using history in the service of philosophical projects and vice versa that have been deployed in the HPM literature. For instance, in addition to using history as evidence for philosophy, philosophy can be used to clarify history or critique historiography. Jackson and Luchetti also highlight challenges to HPM. For instance, institutional barriers can hinder interdisciplinary collaboration. Further, we should expand HPM beyond the physical sciences to biomedical, psychological, and social sciences, where ethical and epistemic concerns are particularly pressing. We should also adopt a more global perspective and engage with science and technology studies. Doing so promises a refined and perhaps expansive notion of what constitutes “measurement,” one that is sensitive to multiple practices and disciplinary perspectives.”
In recognition of this achievement, Rebecca and Michele have been invited to present their paper in a special session at the 27th International Congress of History of Science and Technology (ICHST) in Dunedin, New Zealand (29 June–5 July 2025).
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Want to find out more about Rebecca’s work? Why not considering joining our next Measurement Heretics Reading Group on 21 May.
