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Wenzel Geissler

My focus is on ethnographic and historical-anthropological research on medical science in Africa in past and present.
This includes social and historical dimensions of contemporary clinical trials, institutional scientific collaboration, political economy of global health science, health systems and bioethics. Prior to and alongside this work I have conducted research of a more classical medical anthropology type, about perceptions of disease and treatment, traditional etiologies and medical pluralism in different African field sites.
(Before becoming social anthropologist, I took a doctorate in zoology, working in tropical medical parasitology.)

Publications from Elements

Journal articles

2017

  • Ghyselen, A., Geissler, PW., Lagae, J. and Mangesho, PE., 2017. Scenes of Amani, Tanzania: Biography of a postcolonial landscape Journal of Landscape Architecture, v. 12
    Doi: 10.1080/18626033.2017.1301285
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    2016

  • Geissler, PW. and Tousignant, N., 2016. Capacity as history and horizon: infrastructure, autonomy and future in African health science and care Canadian Journal of African Studies / Revue canadienne des études africaines, v. 50
    Doi: 10.1080/00083968.2016.1267653
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  • Aellah, G. and Geissler, PW., 2016. Seeking exposure: conversions of scientific knowledge in an African city. J Mod Afr Stud, v. 54
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1017/S0022278X16000240
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  • Geissler, PW. and Kelly, AH., 2016. Field station as stage: Re-enacting scientific work and life in Amani, Tanzania. Soc Stud Sci, v. 46
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1177/0306312716650045
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  • Geissler, PW. and Kelly, AH., 2016. A home for science: The life and times of Tropical and Polar field stations. Soc Stud Sci, v. 46
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1177/0306312716680767
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  • 2016. Science, ethnography, art. Soc Stud Sci, v. 46
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1177/0306312716678490
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    2015

  • Moyi Okwaro, F. and Geissler, PW., 2015. In/dependent Collaborations: Perceptions and Experiences of African Scientists in Transnational HIV Research. Med Anthropol Q, v. 29
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/maq.12206
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  • Kamuya, DM., Theobald, SJ., Marsh, V., Parker, M., Geissler, WP. and Molyneux, SC., 2015. "The one who chases you away does not tell you go": silent refusals and complex power relations in research consent processes in Coastal Kenya. PLoS One, v. 10
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126671
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    2014

  • Geissler, PW. and Okwaro, F., 2014. Developing world: Discuss inequality. Nature, v. 513
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1038/513303a
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  • Geissler, PW. and Okwaro, F., 2014. Discuss inequality NATURE, v. 513
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1038/513303a
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  • Geissler, PW. and Okwaro, F., 2014. Developing world: Discuss inequality Nature, v. 513
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1038/513303a
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    2013

  • Geissler, PW., Kelly, AH., Manton, J., Prince, RJ. and Tousignant, N., 2013. INTRODUCTION: SUSTAINING THE LIFE OF THE POLIS. Africa (Lond), v. 83
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1017/S0001972013000430
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  • Geissler, PW., 2013. Public secrets in public health: Knowing not to know while making scientific knowledge AMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST, v. 40
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/amet.12002
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  • Geissler, PW., 2013. Stuck in ruins, or up and coming? The shifting geography of urban health work in Kisumu, Kenya Africa,
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  • Madiega, PA., Jones, G., Prince, RJ. and Geissler, PW., 2013. 'She's My Sister-In-Law, My Visitor, My Friend' - Challenges of Staff Identity in Home Follow-Up in an HIV Trial in Western Kenya Developing World Bioethics, v. 13
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/dewb.12019
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  • Chantler, T., Otewa, F., Onyango, P., Okoth, B., Odhiambo, F., Parker, M. and Geissler, PW., 2013. Ethical Challenges that Arise at the Community Interface of Health Research: Village Reporters' Experiences in Western Kenya Developing World Bioethics, v. 13
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/dewb.12023
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  • Kamuya, DM., Marsh, V., Kombe, FK., Geissler, PW. and Molyneux, SC., 2013. Engaging Communities to Strengthen Research Ethics in Low-Income Settings: Selection and Perceptions of Members of a Network of Representatives in Coastal Kenya Developing World Bioethics, v. 13
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/dewb.12014
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  • Kamuya, DM., Theobald, SJ., Munywoki, PK., Koech, D., Geissler, WP. and Molyneux, SC., 2013. Evolving Friendships and Shifting Ethical Dilemmas: Fieldworkers' Experiences in a Short Term Community Based Study in Kenya Developing World Bioethics, v. 13
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/dewb.12009
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    2012

  • Nnko, SE., Whyte, SR., Geissler, WP. and Aagaard-Hansen, J., 2012. Scepticism towards insecticide treated mosquito nets for malaria control in rural community in north-western Tanzania Tanzania Journal of Health Research, v. 14
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.4314/thrb.v14i2.2
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    2011

  • Geissler, PW., 2011. 'Transport to where?': Reflections on the problem of value and time à propos an awkward practice in medical research Journal of Cultural Economy, v. 4
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1080/17530350.2011.535335
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    2010

  • Raabe, VN., Mutyaba, I., Roddy, P., Lutwama, JJ., Geissler, W. and Borchert, M., 2010. Infection control during filoviral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks: preferences of community members and health workers in Masindi, Uganda. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, v. 104
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2009.07.011
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  • Yeap, AD., Hamilton, R., Charalambous, S., Dwadwa, T., Churchyard, GJ., Geissler, PW. and Grant, AD., 2010. Factors influencing uptake of HIV care and treatment among children in South Africa - a qualitative study of caregivers and clinic staff. AIDS Care, v. 22
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1080/09540121003602218
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    2009

  • Roberts, B., Odong, VN., Browne, J., Ocaka, KF., Geissler, W. and Sondorp, E., 2009. An exploration of social determinants of health amongst internally displaced persons in northern Uganda. Confl Health, v. 3
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1505-3-10
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  • Nam, SL., Fielding, K., Avalos, A., Gaolathe, T., Dickinson, D. and Geissler, PW., 2009. Discussing matters of sexual health with children: what issues relating to disclosure of parental HIV status reveal. AIDS Care, v. 21
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1080/09540120802270276
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  • Newton, S., Doku, V., Geissler, W., Asante, KP. and Cousens, S., 2009. Drawing blood from young children: lessons learned from a trial in Ghana Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 103
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.11.030
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  • Nchito, M., Geissler, PW., Mubila, L., Friis, H. and Olsen, A., 2009. The effect of iron and multi-micronutrient supplementation on Ascaris lumbricoides reinfection among Zambian schoolchildren Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 103
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2008.08.005
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  • Geissler, PW. and Prince, RJ., 2009. Active Compounds and Atoms of Society: Plants, Bodies, Minds and Cultures in the Work of Kenyan Ethnobotanical Knowledge SOC STUD SCI, v. 39
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1177/0306312709104075
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    2008

  • Hakamies, N., Geissler, PW. and Borchert, M., 2008. Providing reproductive health care to internally displaced persons: barriers experienced by humanitarian agencies. Reprod Health Matters, v. 16
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080(08)31349-4
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  • Geissler, PW., Kelly, A., Imoukhuede, B. and Pool, R., 2008. 'He is now like a brother, I can even give him some blood'--relational ethics and material exchanges in a malaria vaccine 'trial community' in The Gambia. Soc Sci Med, v. 67
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.02.004
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  • Nam, SL., Fielding, K., Avalos, A., Dickinson, D., Gaolathe, T. and Geissler, PW., 2008. The relationship of acceptance or denial of HIV-status to antiretroviral adherence among adult HIV patients in urban Botswana. Soc Sci Med, v. 67
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.03.042
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  • Nama, SL., Fielding, K., Avalos, A., Dickinson, D., Gaolathe, T. and Geissler, PW., 2008. The relationship of acceptance or denial of HIV-status to antiretroviral adherence among adult HIV patients in urban Botswana (vol 67, pg 301, 2008) SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE, v. 67
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.09.023
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  • Nam, SL., Fielding, K., Avalos, A., Dickinson, D., Gaolathe, T. and Wenzel Geissler, P., 2008. Corrigendum to: "The relationship of acceptance or denial of HIV-status to antiretroviral adherence among adult HIV patients in urban Botswana" [Soc. Sci. Med. 67 (2008) 301-310] (DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.03.042) Social Science and Medicine, v. 67
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.09.023
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  • Molyneux, S. and Geissler, PW., 2008. Ethics and the ethnography of medical research in Africa Social Science and Medicine, v. 67
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.02.023
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  • Molyneux, S. and Geissler, PW., 2008. Ethics and the ethnography of medical research in Africa Social Science and Medicine,
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    2007

  • Geissler, PW. and Prince, RJ., 2007. Life seen: Touch and vision in the making of sex in western Kenya JOURNAL OF EASTERN AFRICAN STUDIES, v. 1
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1080/17531050701218924
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  • Becker, F. and Geissler, PW., 2007. Searching for pathways in a landscape of death: Religion and AIDS in East Africa Journal of Religion in Africa, v. 37
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1163/157006607X166564
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    2006

  • Geissler, PW. and Pool, R., 2006. Editorial: Popular concerns about medical research projects in sub-Saharan Africa - A critical voice in debates about medical research ethics Tropical Medicine and International Health, v. 11
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01682.x
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    2005

  • Luoba, AI., Geissler, PW., Estambale, B., Ouma, JH., Alusala, D., Ayah, R., Mwaniki, D., Magnussen, P. and Friis, H., 2005. Earth-eating and reinfection with intestinal helminths among pregnant and lactating women in western Kenya Tropical Medicine and International Health, v. 10
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01380.x
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    2004

  • Luoba, AI., Geissler, PW., Estambale, B., Ouma, JH., Magnussen, P., Alusala, D., Ayah, R., Mwaniki, D. and Friis, H., 2004. Geophagy among pregnant and lactating women in Bondo District, western Kenya Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 98
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2004.01.009
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  • Nchito, M., Wenzel Geissler, P., Mubila, L., Friis, H. and Olsen, A., 2004. Effects of iron and multimicronutrient supplementation on geophagy: A two-by-two factorial study among Zambian schoolchildren in Lusaka Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 98
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/S0035-9203(03)00045-2
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  • Geissler, PW. and Prince, RJ., 2004. Shared lives: Exploring practices of amity between grandmothers and grandchildren in western Kenya AFRICA, v. 74
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    2001

  • Grigorenko, EL., Geissler, PW., Prince, R., Okatcha, F., Nokes, C., Kenny, DA., Bundy, DA. and Sternberg, RJ., 2001. The organisation of Luo conceptions of intelligence: A study of implicit theories in a Kenyan village International Journal of Behavioral Development, v. 25
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1080/01650250042000348
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  • Sternberg, RJ., Nokes, C., Geissler, PW., Prince, R., Okatcha, F., Bundy, DA. and Grigorenkoa, EL., 2001. The relationship between academic and practical intelligence: a case study in Kenya INTELLIGENCE, v. 29
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-2896(01)00065-4
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    2000

  • Geissler, PW., Nokes, K., Prince, RJ., Odhiambo, RA., Aagaard-Hansen, J. and Ouma, JH., 2000. Children and medicines: self-treatment of common illnesses among Luo schoolchildren in western Kenya SOC SCI MED, v. 50
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  • Geissler, PW., 2000. The significance of earth-eating: Social and cultural aspects of geophagy among Luo children AFRICA, v. 70
    Doi: 10.2307/1161476
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    1999

  • Geissler, PW., Prince, RJ., Levene, M., Poda, C., Beckerleg, SE., Mutemi, W. and Shulman, CE., 1999. Perceptions of soil-eating and anaemia among pregnant women on the Kenyan coast Social Science and Medicine, v. 48
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-9536(98)00409-2
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    1998

  • Geissler, PW., Shulman, CE., Prince, RJ., Mutemi, W., Mnazi, C., Friis, H. and Lowe, B., 1998. Geophagy, iron status and anaemia among pregnant women on the coast of Kenya Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 92
    Doi: http://doi.org/10.1016/S0035-9203(98)90910-5
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    Books

    2017

  • Geissler, PW., Lachenal, G., Tousignant, N. and Manton, J., 2017. Traces of the Future An Archaeology of Medical Science in Twenty-First Century Africa

    • 2015

  • Geissler, PW., 2015. Para-States and Medical Science Making African Global Health

    • 2014

  • Geissler, PW., Rottenburg, R. and Zenker, J., 2014. Rethinking Biomedicine and Governance in Africa Contributions from Anthropology

    • 2013

  • Kelly, AH. and Geissler, PW., 2013. The Value of Transnational Medical Research Labour, Participation and Care

    • 2011

  • Geissler, PW. and Molyneux, C., 2011. Evidence, Ethos and Experiment
    • Book chapters

    2017

  • Geissler, PW., 2017. Introduction: Brief instructions for archaeologists of African futures

    • 2015

  • Geissler, PW., 2015. Science in the African Para-State
  • Geissler, PW., 2015. What future remains: remembering a place of science in Africa

    • 2013

  • Geissler, PW., 2013. The Archipelago of Public Health : Comments on the Landscape of Medical Research in Twenty-First-Century Africa

    • 2012

  • Geissler, PW., Kelly, A., Imoukhuede, B. and Pool, R., 2012. Substantial transactions and an ethics of kinship in recent collaborative malaria vaccine trials in the Gambia

    • 2011

  • Geissler, PW., 2011. Parasite lost: Remembering modern times with Kenyan government medical scientists
    • Conference proceedings

    2008

  • Chantler, T., Thomas, T., Chege, W., Nyikuri, M., Laserson, K., Chen, R., Kretsinger, K., Gust, D. and Geissler, PW., 2008. Community Engagement at a Critical Juncture in Preparations for an HIV Vaccine Trial AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES, v. 24
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    2005

  • Geissler, PW., 2005. Blood-stealing rumours in Western Kenya: A local critique of medical research in its global context Managing Uncerttainty: Ethnographic Studies of Illness, Risk and the Struggle for Control, v. 2
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