ABSTRACT
We begin this chapter by providing a brief overview of, first, social science research on stem cell science, and second, on social studies of translational research (the shift from ‘bench to bedside’). Drawing upon recent sociological research in the three domains of ethics, expectations and boundaries we illustrate some of the interconnections between human embryonic stem cells and the lab-clinic interface. We conclude with a discussion that examines the potential of a Bourdieusian framework for research on ‘stem cell translation’ in particular and for science studies more broadly.
