Elis Jones (former KLI Postdoc Fellow), along with Jose A. Cañada (University of Helsinki) and Sabina Leonelli (Technical University of Munich) have jointly contributed to editing a special issue for the journal History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, titled: ‘Values at Sea.’ This work was carried out during Elis’s fellowship at the KLI (2024-2025).

This special issue underscores the increasing attention on the sea across social science and humanities in recent years, bringing forth more panels, papers and projects working on understanding the challenges that marine sciences face in a time of ecological crisis. As discussions around the blue humanities, oceanic turns, blue economies, and the acceleration of ocean-related issues become increasingly prominent, Elis and colleagues contribute to reorienting attention toward the sea within the history, philosophy, and social studies of science—fields well-positioned to help contextualize and make sense of the transformations occurring in marine systems.

The topics of the six articles include: microbiome life-cycle and biogeochemical processes (Tamar Schneider); valuating marine knowledge with heterogeneous collaborations (Tanja Bogusz); artistic value as a new paradigm to promote ocean conservation (Juliette Bessette and Thierry Pérez); problematic narratives and the microbial worlds of the deep-sea (Teun Joshua Brandt); a reflection on the simulated seas as a conservation strategy (Damien Bright); and a case study of the establishment of an ‘underwater nature reserve”  (Alessandra Passariello).

Publication: Jones, E., Cañada, J.A. & Leonelli, S [Eds.]. 2025. Values at Sea [Special Issue]. History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences, Vol. 47.