Abstract

Following the STS theoretical perspective, the paper focuses on how, in a research laboratory specialized in stem cell research, daily working practices are learnt through researchers' acquisition of corporeal knowledge. Through observation of the working practices, the paper examines how the body learns and is perceived and related by the participants. Using a narrative approach, we observe and describe how the body learns some crucial processes relative to laboratory practice. By adopting the corporeal graduality of learning as a reference framework, we closely followed some scientists in various moments of their learning practices. The practices outlined in the paper distill the pre-reflective and perceptive experience of the novice from that of the beginner, which is more tactile, physical, incorporated and aware, and that of the expert, which is assimilated, self-reflective and a posteriori.