Dr Azita Chellappoo

I joined the Open University in October 2021. Prior to this I was a postdoctoral researcher at Ruhr Universität Bochum, and a Fellow at the London School of Economics. I received my PhD in 2020 in the History and Philosophy of Science Department at the University of Cambridge. My thesis explored conceptual challenges in cultural evolutionary theory, including questions of explanation and the role of non-epistemic values. My current work examines trends in 'postgenomic' science, including fields such as epigenetics and microbiome research. I am interested in how social categories, including race and fatness, are understood and deployed in these fields, and the implications for both scientific practice and health policy. I am also in the early stages of research into the processes of knowledge production in 'obesity science'.

I have also been involved in Minorities and Philosophy activities, and co-organised the ‘What is Epistemic Decolonisation?’ Online Seminar Series. I am currently co-chair of the Women's Caucus of the European Philosophy of Science Association.

​I would be very happy to hear from potential PhD applicants whose interests align with my own.