Organized in 1988, the Forum for History of Human Science was begun in order to develop closer links between mainstream historians of science, devoted mainly to the study of the natural sciences, and historians of the behavioral and social sciences. It draws its membership from a diverse array of disciplines, and includes professional historians as well as professional scientists.
The Forum for History of Human Science is governed according to a Charter adopted in 1989. The officers include seven elected members of a Steering Committee. In addition, there are the Editor of the FHHS Newsletter and the Editor for the Forum’s website. The FHHS Newsletter, normally published twice each year, is distributed free to the membership and to selected institutions and programs.
The primary activity of the Forum for History of Human Science thus far has been to cultivate the area within the History of Science Society by organizing paper sessions at the HSS annual meetings. Since 1989 the Forum has sponsored many sessions which have highlighted the richness and diversity of current scholarship. In addition to encouraging the contributions of younger scholars, these sessions demonstrate that the field can attract the attention of well-known scholars not usually associated with the history of human science. In 1998 the Forum affiliated with the Journal for the History of the Behavioral Sciences, and Forum members joined the editorial board of this journal, whose other affiliates include Cheiron and the European Society for the History of the Human Sciences.
The Forum for History of Human Science has other projects in the planning stages, including special conferences, a special issue of Osiris, and a special reader of Isis articles on the history of human science.
In sum, the aims and activities of the Forum for History of Human Science reinforce the work of the History of Science Society in important ways. It provides a distinct venue for the promotion of an important area of scholarship while at the same time encouraging cross-fertilization with other disciplines, and offers a means of communication among scholars and others interested in the field.
Current and past officers of FHHS
Chair (two-year term, elected in even-numbered years)
- Jamie Cohen-Cole 2022-2023
- Dana Simmons, co-chair 2016-2022
- Deborah Weinstein, co-chair 2016-2022
- Laura Stark 2016-2020
- Jill Morawski 2014-2016
- John Carson 2010-2014
- David Robinson 2006-2010
- Hamilton Cravens 2002-2006
- Paul Croce 2000-2002
- Deborah Coon 1997-2000
- Mitchell Ash 1993-1997
- Deborah Coon 1991-1993
- James Capshew 1989-1991
Vice-Chair (two-year term, elected in even-numbered years)
- Ayah Nuriddin 2022-2023
- Jamie Cohen-Cole 2021-2022
- Deborah Weinstein2016-2020
- Laura Stark2014-2016
- Jill Morawski 2009-2014
- John Carson 2005-2009
- Hans Pols 1999-2005
- Timothy Alborn 1996-1999
- David Valone 1994-1995
Recording Secretary (two-year term, elected in odd-numbered years)
- Jeremy Blatter 2021-
- Henry Cowles 2019-2021
- Ben Harris 2013-2019
- Laura Stark 2009-2013
- Ellen Herman 2005-2009
- Richard von Mayhauser 1999-2005
- Hans Pols 1993-1999
- Paul Croce 1992-1993
- John Brooks 1989-1991
Treasurer-Corresponding Secretary (two-year term, elected in odd-numbered years)
- Emily Merchant 2021-2023
- Jacy Young2015-2021
- Nadine Weidman 2000-2015
- David Valone 1996-2000
Previously the positions were separate
Treasurer
- David Valone 1992-1996
- Ben Harris 1989-1991
Corresponding Secretary
- Richard von Mayrhauser 1992-1996
- James Capshew 1991-1992
- Laurel Furomoto 1989-1990
Four Representatives (each with three-year terms)
Representative One
- Ayah Nuriddin 2021-2022
- Dana Simmons 2016-2020
- Deborah Weinstein 2014-2016
- Cecelia Watson 2011-2014
- Michael Pettit 2008-2011
- Theodore Porter 2005-2008
- Sarah Igo 2002-2005
- Jamie Cohen-Cole 1999-2002
- John Carson 1996-1999
- Ellen Herman 1993-1996
- Leila Zenderland 1990-1993
- Timothy Alborn 1989-1990
Representative Two
- 2018-2021Myrna Perez Sheldon
- Daniel Bouk 2012-2018
- Jamie Cohen-Cole 2009-2012
- Laura Stark 2006-2009
- Daniela Barberis 2003-2006
- Peder Anker 2000-2003
- Steve Cross 1997-2000
- Mary Mosher Flesher 1994-1997
- Paul Croce 1993-1994
- Mitchell Ash 1991-1993
- Margaret Schabas 1990-1991
- Elazar Barkan 1989-1990
Representative Three
- 2016-2021Jeremy Blatter
- Henry Cowles 2013-2016
- Susan Lanzoni 2009-2010, 2010-2013
- Jill Morawski 2005-2007, 2007-2009
- John Carson 2004-2005
- Juliet M. Burba 2001-2004
- John Jackson 1998-2001
- Ellen Herman 1995-1998
- Mark Solovey 1992-1995
- Sarah Tracy 1991-1992
- Jack Pressman 1989-1991
Graduate Student Representative
- Simon Torracinta 2021-2023
- Ayah Nuriddin2019-2021
International Representative
- Annette Mülberger 2017-
- Hans Pols2005-2017
Newsletter Editor (appointed to an indefinite term)
- Michael Pettit and Mark Solovey 2009-2020
- Michael Carhart 2004-2009
- David K. Robinson 2001-2004
- Kathleen W. Jones 1999-2001
- Richard von Mayrhauser 1996-1999
- John Brooks 1991-1996
- Timothy Alborn 1989-1991
Website Editor (appointed to an indefinite term)
- Ellen Herman 2006-
- David K. Robinson 2003-2006
- Hans Pols 2001-2003
- David K. Robinson 1998-2001