SFU Cafe Scientifique

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Event is over.

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Free admission

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Forums & Talks

SciComm vs. Fake News
We’ve entered an era where “Fake News” sites can steer the course of elections, politicians proclaim that climate science is a hoax, and celebrities argue that vaccines cause autism. Within the sphere of public discourse, facts have been devalued and the word “expert” is hurled as an epithet. In this context, how can scientists and science communicators best contribute to the public understanding of issues related to health, technology and the environment? The challenges posed by a post-factual society require new strategies and a fundamental shift in the mindset of science communicators. In this Café Scientifique, we will address the deficiencies in common approaches to scientific communication and discuss new ways forward.

Dr. Vance Williams joined the Department of Chemistry at Simon Fraser University in 2000. He received his Ph.D. at Queen’s University in 1997, and then went on to do a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT. He is an active science advocate, who has worked extensively to increase the public understanding of chemistry and science, especially as they relate to environmental issues.

Reserve your free seat via email: cafe_scientifique@sfu.ca