National Academies Releases Comprehensive Report on Science Misinformation

A new report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provides a thorough assessment of science misinformation, examining its sources, impact, and potential remedies. The study offers a detailed framework for understanding how false scientific information spreads and affects public discourse and decision-making.

The committee behind the report defined science misinformation as “information that asserts or implies claims that are inconsistent with the weight of accepted scientific evidence at the time.” This definition acknowledges that what constitutes misinformation may evolve as scientific knowledge advances. The report distinguishes disinformation as a subcategory involving the deliberate circulation of false information.

“The evidence is clear that exposure to misinformation about science may lead to misbeliefs which, in turn, have the potential for causing harm at the individual and collective levels,” explained committee chair K. “Vish” Viswanath, Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The report identifies numerous sources of science misinformation, including corporations, governments, politicians, alternative health industries, media outlets, and individual citizens. It notes that misinformation gains particular influence when it reaches large audiences through search engines and social media platforms.

These findings come at a critical time when concerns about science misinformation have grown substantially over the past decade. The committee found that false scientific information can lead to ill-informed personal choices, exacerbate harms in marginalized communities, distort public debate during emergencies, and erode institutional trust.

While digital platforms have democratized information sharing, they’ve also made it increasingly difficult for people to assess the credibility of content and expertise of sources. To address this challenge, the report calls for the establishment of an independent, nonpartisan consortium funded by scientific research organizations to curate high-quality science information and ensure equitable access to it.

The report emphasizes the crucial role scientists and medical professionals play as public communicators. Those who engage with the public should anticipate how their statements might be misinterpreted without proper context and should collaborate with communication professionals to present findings accurately.

News organizations remain vital information sources for many Americans, making quality science journalism increasingly important. Given the widespread cutbacks in newsrooms, the report recommends targeted investments to support science, health, and medical reporting, particularly in local and community news outlets.

The study identifies particular vulnerabilities in historically marginalized communities, which often have limited access to accurate, culturally relevant scientific information. This creates information gaps that can be filled by misinformation. Community-based organizations (CBOs), including businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based groups, are well-positioned to provide reliable information due to their local connections and community trust. However, these organizations frequently lack adequate resources.

“Misinformation about science is a multifaceted, complex phenomenon, and we all have a role in addressing it,” Viswanath noted. “We hope this report provides a road map for initial action and illuminates the areas where we need to learn more.”

The report points out limitations in current approaches to combating misinformation. Many strategies have shown effectiveness in controlled experiments but not consistently in real-world settings or over extended periods. Moreover, many interventions focus on individual responsibility rather than systemic solutions.

To strengthen the evidence base, the report recommends increased funding for research on the community and societal impacts of science misinformation and the development of system-level interventions. It also calls for reducing barriers to obtaining comprehensive data on misinformation circulating on social media platforms.

The study was sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences’ Fred Kavli Endowment Fund, reinforcing the commitment of these institutions to addressing one of the most pressing challenges to scientific communication in the digital age.