Fighting Fake News: the Need for Scientists to Speak Up! Dr. Fiona McNeill

TEDxMcMasterUSalon Lunchtime Series
12 – 1 p.m., just outside the Thode Library Makerspace (Lower Level)

Recently, we have seen our world filled with stories of ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’ and this is extending into science. For example, the New York Times recently published a climate change denying op-ed, and news radio hosts have been calling hurricane forecasts ‘hoaxes’. More than ever, the world is going to need scientists who are prepared to enter the public eye, and talk about their work. Fiona McNeill is going to talk about her experiences with ‘fake news’ and engage in a discussion of the steps scientists can and must take and the consequences for our world if they don’t.

TEDx Salons are smaller gatherings that allow attendees to interact with the speakers and discuss with like-minded audience members. Drs. Gibala and McNeill will be sharing their journeys as science communicators, and encouraging the audience to think about how we can better communicate science to the public.

A Science Literacy Week Canada event.
Science Literacy Week Canada is an opportunity to celebrate the science that is happening all around us on campus and across Canada. Join McMaster University Library and our partners during the week of September 18-24, 2017 for a great lineup of events and activities.

Follow @ThodeLibrary on Twitter to participate our week-long trivia contest, and test your science knowledge on our arcade cabinet.