By Mery Molenaar, S&TD Administrator
We’re thrilled to welcome Scott L. Montgomery, author, translator, and affiliate faculty member at the University of Washington, as this year’s Distinguished Speaker for the ATA Science & Technology Division.
Scott brings a unique perspective to the conference—one shaped by years of experience as both a translator of scientific texts and a scholar of the history of science. His deep curiosity and scholarly rigor have led to a career-long exploration of how translation drives scientific knowledge across cultures and time.
When asked what inspired him to accept the invitation to present at ATA66, Scott’s response was immediate and enthusiastic:
“ATA is the world’s largest organization for career interpreters and translators and is renowned for its support of teachers, students, and active professionals in these and related areas. It is an honor to be invited to give talks at an ATA annual meeting. No inspiration needed!”
Scott has been aware of ATA since the 1990s, when his research into the role of translation in science first began. That work culminated in his landmark book Science in Translation: Movements of Knowledge Through Cultures and Time (2000), which he still considers his most important.
He’ll be presenting two sessions at the conference:
- Friday, October 24, 2025 | 4:15–5:15 p.m. (EDT)
Translation and the Making of Modern Science: Thoughts on Newton and Darwin
This session explores how translation played a crucial role in shaping modern scientific thought. - Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. (EDT)
English and Translation in the Era of Globalized Science
This talk examines the evolving role of English and translation in today’s international scientific community.
While he’s keeping the exact content under wraps for now, Scott shared that both talks draw on his ongoing work on the central, yet often overlooked role of translation in the advancement of science—from ancient times to the present-day globalization of research. He’s currently writing two new books that continue this exploration, one of which includes a chapter on the many translations of Darwin’s Origin of Species.
Beyond his academic work, Scott also has hands-on experience in the field.
“I was a part-time translator of scientific material for about 10 years (Japanese to English) in the 1980s and early 90s,” he shared. “That work sparked my original interest in the topic.”
So what does he hope attendees will take away from his presentations?
“I would like very much for people to come away from my talks with a sense of how crucial translation has been to the history of knowledge in human society, how this is just as true today as in the past, and how it will be in the future. This may be a big ask, but I imagine I have a fairly receptive audience for such a message!”
Join us in October at ATA66 to hear from Scott Montgomery and take a fresh look at translation’s place in the evolution of science—and in the world we live in today.
Visit the ATA66 website for a speaker bio and detailed session descriptions.
