Discussion: Simulations and Computational Nanotechnology

Ann Johnson’s article Institutions for Simulations: The Case of Computational Nanotechnology discusses computational nanotechnology as simulation science. Johnson challenges two assumptions or ‘myths’ related to simulations. First, that simulations are a cheap alternative to experiments and second, that simulations have a close connection to theory. She shows through empirical analysis of US based computational nanotechnology sites how human, financial and computational resources are needed for performing the technology. She argues that “science makes itself” in the intertwined process of constructing simulations and manufacturing empirical data. Hence, her study offers us an interesting perspective on the relationship between technological opportunities and scientific practice.

Article was published in a special issue on Models and Simulations in Scientific Practice, Science Studies 1/2006, eds. by T. Knuuttila, M. Merz and E. Mattila. http://www.sciencestudies.fi/v19n1