In the name of the lack of knowledge: Citizen mobilisations and paediatric Cancer Clusters

Department of Sociology and Anthropology Speaker Series
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For the past 15 years, France has experienced what some media have described as an epidemic of paediatric cancer clusters. Despite the growing number of reported cases, none of these clusters has led to the identification of environmental causes associated with these diseases. In this context, families have mobilised to address this lack of knowledge through a variety of initiatives: citizen investigations, collective mobilisations, and the establishment of an eco-citizen institute.

Drawing on this case study, this presentation examines how these mobilisations seek to address the lack of knowledge surrounding the environmental causes of cancer.

From a sociological perspective, this work invites us to consider the effects of lack on the social world as a particular form of non-existence. This approach builds on research that examines absence and its social dynamics, including undone science, ghost management, and maintenance work.

About the speaker

Sylvain Besle is a sociologist and research scientist at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), affiliated with the Centre for Research on Medicine, Sciences, Health, Mental Health, and Society (Cermes3). As a sociologist of science and medicine, his research focuses on transformations in biomedical research in the field of cancer, and their consequences for the healthcare system, medical organisations, and social inequalities in health. He studies the development of genomic medicine, the organisation of healthcare, and drug production in both adult and paediatric populations.