Formation of the modern scientific field: the experience of synthetic biology in the context of the sociology of expectations

The article attempts to conceptualize the process of forming a modern research field, using the example of synthetic biology. The author focuses on the practices of contemporary scientists in shaping new research fields, aiming to identify patterns of their formation. The article demonstrates modern practices that contribute to the emergence of new research fields, which consist of constructing a desired vision of the future. The theoretical and methodological foundation of the article relies on the concepts of the "sociology of expectations" and "textuality" by German sociologist Clemens Blümel, as well as the concept of "performativity" by Danish sociologist Mads Borup. The author not only explicates the relevance of the "sociology of expectations" concept in the context of modern science but also identifies its epistemological boundaries using the example of synthetic biology.