"The purpose of EASST is to stimulate communication, exchange and collaboration in the field of studies of science and technology. Europe in a larger sense evinces a variety of scholarly, cultural, linguistic and political styles, which EASST aims to bridge by providing a forum for discussion, as well as cooperative efforts in research and teaching. EASST is an interdisciplinary scholarly society, which reflects the closeness of history, philosophy, psychology and sociology of science in recent years. It also welcomes a policy perspective on science and technology. Cross- disciplinary interaction and cross-fertilisation between humanistic and policy-oriented studies are important aims. These aims are furthered through the EASST general conference, held every other year, workshops and the EASST Review. EASST was founded in 1981 after an experimental period under the auspices of the Maison des Science de l’Homme in Paris. It now has several hundred members from all European countries plus some from other continents. The success of EASST, which is manifest in the steady growth of membership, should not be allowed to impair its informality and flexibility. Thus EASST continues to be a forum for groups and isolated researchers, as well as for junior scholars and graduate and post-graduate students."