About a research path and a few detours…

Abstract

This article traces the history of an interdisciplinary research between a nivologist and a sociologist. The researchers were concerned at the beginning, by the issue of relations between the experts and the political decision makers, in situation of crisis or natural risk. However, they were diverted by other issues linked to the relationship between exact sciences and social sciences, so called « soft ». Briefly, these issues aimed at explaining the nature of scientific and technical expertise in the field of the natural hazard prevention in alpine environment. Issues are also about the objects of researchers and experts, called « social constructs » by the more fashionable social sciences. Finally, the researchers dealt with the issue of language and relations between experts and public, the so called « non advised ».