Experts Share Strategies to Combat Scientific Misinformation

The digital age has made knowledge more accessible than ever, but the risk of encountering false information has grown in tandem. As scientific misinformation continues to spread, experts are increasingly concerned about its far-reaching consequences on public health and safety.

Scientific misinformation—defined as content that contradicts the best available scientific evidence—represents a significant threat to informed decision-making. The distinction between misinformation and disinformation is crucial: the former involves unintentional sharing of false or misleading content without harmful intent, while the latter refers to deliberate deception, including fabricated news stories or altered media content.

The implications of scientific misinformation can be severe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation had deadly consequences. A 2023 study estimated that at least 232,000 deaths among unvaccinated adults in the United States could have been prevented through vaccination. This stark example highlights the critical importance of ensuring public access to reliable, credible scientific information.

In response to these challenges, Technology Networks consulted several experts across academia and industry about strategies to combat scientific misinformation and rebuild public trust.

Dr. Yee Lian Chew, a senior lecturer at Flinders University, emphasized the importance of direct communication with the public. “Making the effort to speak directly to the public about research—not just the findings, but the entire ‘journey’—is important to build trust,” Chew stated. She noted that while communicating science to non-scientists requires practice, it remains a fundamental responsibility for researchers.

Transparency emerged as a common theme among respondents. Faraz A. Choudhury, CEO and co-founder of Immuto Scientific, advocated for “consistent, transparent communication and proactive engagement with evidence-based responses to misinformation.” He recommended providing concise explanations in plain language and making underlying data and protocols accessible whenever possible.

Dr. Jo Varshney, CEO of VeriSIM Life, stressed that scientists should maintain scientific integrity while making research accessible to non-experts. “Scientists should engage across multiple platforms, from social media and public forums to partnerships with journalists and educators, to ensure accurate information reaches diverse audiences,” Varshney said. She also emphasized the importance of responsiveness—addressing public concerns and correcting misconceptions promptly demonstrates that the scientific community is both rigorous and approachable.

Evidence-based communication is fundamental to rebuilding trust, according to Professor Sarah Walmsley from the University of Edinburgh. “Scientists have a duty to present the facts that they obtain from their research in an open and transparent way,” she stated, highlighting the importance of information sharing to facilitate informed public choices.

The politicization of science, particularly in the United States, was identified as a significant challenge by Adrien Rennesson, co-founder and CEO of Syntopia. Despite this, Rennesson sees reasons for optimism, noting that scientific institutions continue to deliver major breakthroughs and there’s growing awareness about the importance of scientific education and transparency. He views the current climate of distrust as “a wake-up call, pushing scientists to rethink how they communicate and engage with the public.”

Lindsey Stigers, Senior Director of Design Operations at CRB, emphasized community engagement and intellectual honesty. “We need to normalize science professionals reserving the rights to learn more as time progresses, as other information is available, and as methods improve,” Stigers noted, suggesting that acknowledging uncertainty and knowledge gaps can actually strengthen credibility.

Sunitha Venkat, Vice-president of Data Services and Insights at Conexus Solutions, advocated for multi-channel engagement strategies. She recommended that scientists utilize various platforms to counter misinformation and highlight the real-world impact of their research, while collaborating with communicators and journalists to ensure scientific messages remain accurate yet understandable.

As misinformation continues to challenge public understanding of science, these strategies offer a roadmap for rebuilding trust through transparency, accessibility, and engagement—essential steps toward a more scientifically informed society.