Structure

The ESST association is a non-profit making association registered in Belgium. It consists of three core elements: the General Council, the Administrative Board and the Bureau. In addition is the Teaching committee. All the member universities are represented in the General Council and the Administrative Board, where long-term planning and general matters are discussed and decided upon. The Bureau is primarily concerned with short-term measures and actions. The Teaching Committee, where each university is represented by its Director of Study, decides on matters relating to the running of the Curriculum I masters course. ESST elects its own one President, two vice-President, one Secretary and one International Coordinator of Curriculum I.

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Principles of ESST
ESST is an association of European universities interested in the critical, inter-disciplinary study of the relationship between society, science and technology and in the development of science,technology and innovation policy and practice proposals which are conducive to sustainable development, the improvement of the quality of the life and work of human beings, the enhancement of skill, and the attainment of full levels of employment.

As an academic organisation, ESST is committed to the development of a common, high quality theoretical and policy-oriented European research and teaching network, which will draw on the best research traditions of its member universities in order to develop new perspectives in the context of an innovative European Laboratory without Walls.

ESST is committed to draw on the insights which discipline-based knowledge provides to develop an interdisciplinary theoretical understanding of the relationship between society, science and technology in which science and technology are critically and positively viewed as a product of social activity and change. Such understanding will inform the development of a scientific and technological policies and practice proposals which prioritise social over technical goals.

Whilst Europe provides its geographic vantage point, ESST will nevertheless seek to critically examine the position of Europe in an economically, scientifically and technologically divided world and to contribute to the reduction of such divisions through policy proposals which enhance international communication and the free exchange of knowledge and ideas whilst respecting the rights of other societies to seek alternative paths to sustainable development if they so wish.

ESST will contribute to the education of a new generation of technically literate European researchers who, informed by critical social science perspectives, will be able to transcend the communication barriers that currently exist between tbe world of science and technology, on the one hand, and the rest of society, on the other, and act as much needed “technological gatekeepers” able to help develop and direct technology to the achievement of desirable socio- economic goals.

ESST will also contribute to the training of private and public sector practioners in the management of human-centred production processes and services which seek a balance between technology, employment and economic growth.

Within the overall context of the broad aims and objectives set out above, ESST undertakes to respect the plurality of views and the academic freedom of participating individuals and institutions.