Highlights the emergence of a "hybrid collective model" of collaboration between patients and experts through a systematic study in the field of rare diseases in France and Portugal, with attention to the reflexive work carried out by patients' organizations on the notion of rareness.

Examines how groups representing children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in France and Ireland engage within this contested medical domain, and challenges the frequently made association between the process of medicalisation and de-politicisation.

Presents a case study on public participation in controversies on nanotechnologies in France, and proposes an analytical typology.

Provides a case study on the use of the Internet as a deliberative and participatory tool in technical controversies.

Studies a number of aspects of the reform of public finance and public management in France (LOLF), with special attention to science and technology policy, using a pragmatist approach to the sociology of the state.

Shows that how knowledge-related activities are central to activism in childbirth organization, comparing the UK, Ireland, Portugal and France.

Describes two examples (in France and in the US) of replication of the Danish procedure of the consensus conference for public participation in nanotechnology, and argues that emphasis on the evaluation of the participatory procedure should not be made at the expense of richer analysis of the...