Misinformation in Science
Misinformation is everywhere, proliferating ignorance, misconception and confusion among laymen and scientists alike. Topics such as evolutionary theory, climate change and genetic modification have become part of our everyday lexicon, yet few people truly understand the fundamental principles and mechanisms behind them. Obfuscation, inaccessibility and even the very semantics of our language often inhibit effective communication. What we take to mean by the words ‘theory’, ‘hypothesis’ or ‘uncertainty’, or by confused concepts such as weather and climate remain ambiguous in spite of their scientific definitions. Join us and our guest speakers for the concluding seminar of the series, as we attempt to remedy the problem by addressing questions in contemporary science and the implementation of public policy.
Date: 12 March 2015, 17:00 (Thursday, 8th week, Hilary 2015)
Venue: Merton College, Merton Street OX1 4JD
Venue Details: T.S.Eliot Theatre
Speaker: Andrew Cohen (BBC)
Part of: Grand Challenges in Environmental Research
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only