Making a difference: The construction of ethnicity in HIV and STI epidemiological research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

► The epidemiological work on HIV/STI in the Netherlands resulted in the materialization of a distinct ethnic construction, the high-risk sexual ethnic other. ► In co-evolution between scientific and professional HIV and STI practice and society socially constructed notions of ethnicity are enacted. ► These scientifically proven facts about ethnic minorities and HIV re-enter society where they further evolve and solidify.