Ursula Klein

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About

Ursula Klein is a distinguished historian of science whose work bridges the gap between the “useful” sciences of the past and today’s technoscientific landscape. Her key research areas include the history of chemistry, the emergence of modern scientific disciplines, and the evolution of technoscience—a term she critically examines in her most-cited work, *Technoscience in History* (2020, 15 citations). In this monograph, Klein traces the roots of contemporary technosciences—such as materials science, genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and robotics—back to the engineering and applied sciences of 19th-century Prussia, arguing that these fields are not radical departures but rather continuations of a long-standing interplay between science and technology. Her major contribution lies in reframing the narrative of technoscience as historically embedded, challenging the notion of a sudden rupture in the late 20th century. Klein’s impact extends beyond citation counts; she is widely recognized for her meticulous archival research and conceptual clarity, which have influenced scholars in history, philosophy, and sociology of science. Her work remains essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how the “useful” sciences of the past have shaped the cutting-edge disciplines of today.