About
Welcome! I am Samara Greenwood, an academic researcher, public humanities broadcaster and post-graduate scholar in History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) at the University of Melbourne. My research focuses on better understanding the role social contexts and values have historically played, and continue to play, in the development of more effective scientific theories and methodologies.
The major contextual cases I explore are, first, the ways in which the Women's Liberation Movement came to impact the theories and practices of Primatology in late 20th Century USA and, second, how interactions between innovative Craftspeople, Practical Mathematicians and Natural Philosophers contributed to the emergence of 'Galilean Science' in Early Modern Italy.​​​
I am also founding producer of the highly successful public humanities initiative, The HPS Podcast. I believe the field of Integrated History and Philosophy of Science provides an excellent basis for exploring complex questions about knowledge and knowledge making in the contemporary world. Through my contributions to public humanities, I hope to increase the visibility and understanding of this important research program.
News
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Peer-Reviewed Article in Studies in History and Philosophy of Science | 'The Problem of Context Revisited'
My research article 'The Problem of Context Revisited: Moving Beyond the Resources Model' appeared in Volume 5, June 2024 edition of Studies in History and Philosophy of Science. In this article I critique narrow views on context-science relations, advocating for a more conceptually robust and empirically grounded approach to understanding how societal contexts can influence science in positive, as well as neutral and negative, ways. You can access the full article at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shpsa.2024.05.012.
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The Philosopher's Zone Podcast Interview | 'How Feminism Changed Primatology'
In May 2025, I was interviewed by David Rutledge for ABC National's The Philosopher's Zone. I was delighted to receive some fantastic feedback on the interview, including one listener who enjoyed that my responses were "simultaneously authoritative and humble. A perfect, almost magical, balance. Even, or especially, as it strayed into controversial territory at the end. That was in fact my favourite part!" You can listen to the episode here.
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&HPS Conference 2025 Presentation | 'Natural Philosophy, Craftwork & Practical Mathematics in EM Italy'
In March 2025, I presented at the 10th Conference for Integrated History and Philosophy of Science, held at Caltech. It was another fantastic &HPS conference experience, and I look forward to sending out the research article for publication soon! You can view the website for the conference here. I also posted on my experience at the conference, which you can find on Bluesky here and here.
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Hansen Little Public Humanities Grants | Funding Success!
In January 2025, I was thrilled to receive news that I was successful in receiving a Hansen Little Public Humanities Grant, a scheme offered by the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative. The grant money will go towards the costs involved in producing the 2025 Season of The HPS Podcast. I am even planning on using some of the funds to develop podcast merch! What do we think of an HPS Podcast mug?
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The HPS Podcast | Retiring as Primary Host
With some sadness, at the end of 2024, I retired as primary host and producer of The HPS Podcast. However, my connection to the podcast will remain, as I continue to support the new host and co-editors, and pop in for the occasional interview. You can listen to my final episode as primary host here.
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Sagacity Public Philosophy Magazine Article | 'Public Engagement and The HPS Podcast'
Last year I was invited to write an article for the public philosophy magazine, Sagacity, on my work in public humanities and engagement. In the article, published online here, I talk about why we began The HPS Podcast, my experience in helping create it, and why I believe this kind of academic outreach is so important for humanities research.