Ecsite 2019 Pre-Conference Workshop: Beyond Fact Checking, Addressing Misinformation

“This two-day pre-conference workshop will bring together social science researchers and the science engagement community to explore the role of science communication professionals at a moment when many worry about the prevalence of misinformation. Recent emphasis on values to the exclusion of facts challenges democratic dialogue and can impact global science and technology progress. Public understanding of climate change, public health issues like vaccination, and technologies like GMOs is complicated by the spread of misinformation. Unquestionably, science communication practitioners have a role to play, but what is that role and how much can we expect to influence the system?

The workshop will provide a space for researchers with a deep understanding of misinformation, trust in science and scientists and other relevant research fields to work together with science engagement professionals and develop practical ways forward”