Geoff Cooper graduated from Goldsmiths College in sociology. After obtaining a post-graduate qualification in computing, and designing computer based training packages for a software house, he did a Ph.D. analysing the discourse of human-computer interaction. Before joining the department, he worked as a researcher at Brunel University, investigating changes in research culture. He has been at Surrey since 1994, and served as Head of Department from 2002 to 2006.

Teaching

Teaches courses on sociological theory at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and supervises a number of PhD students.

Research

Intellectual interests fall into two broad areas, the sociology of scientific knowledge and technology, and theoretical and methodological issues in social science.   More specific research topics include: deconstruction and sociology; the formation, organisation and significance of intellectual and disciplinary boundaries; the social shaping of technology, particularly mobile telecommunications; sociological dimensions of energy use; changing research culture and forms of accountability; the mediation of scientific knowledge and its effects.

He is currently: completing work on an ESRC project on the mediation of financial understandings of nanotechnology; co-editing a forthcoming collection 'Sociological Objects: the reconfiguration of sociological theory'; and a co-investigator on the ESRC funded inter-disciplinary research group on Research on Lifestyles, Values and Environment (RESOLVE).

Professional Activities

Member of the British Sociological Association, the Society for the Social Study of Science, and the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST). Formerly a member of ESRC's Sociology, History, Anthropology and Resources (SHAR) research college, examiner for the ESRC's open competition for PhD studentship awards, and treasurer of EASST. Regular reviewer for a number of journals including: Sociology; Theory, Culture and Society; British Journal of Sociology; Social Studies of Science; Science, Technology and Human Values; and Information, Communication and Society.

Geoff Cooper graduated from Goldsmiths College in sociology. After obtaining a post-graduate qualification in computing, and designing computer based training packages for a software house, he did a Ph.D. analysing the discourse of human-computer interaction. Before joining the department, he worked as a researcher at Brunel University, investigating changes in research culture. He has been at Surrey since 1994, and served as Head of Department from 2002 to 2006.