Harvard Expert Chairs National Report on Combating Science Misinformation

In a significant initiative to address the growing public health concern of science misinformation, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has released a comprehensive report detailing the nature, scope, and impact of misinformation in the United States. Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath, Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication and Director of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, served as Chair of the Consensus Study Committee for this critical report.

The report, titled “Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science,” published in December 2024, provides extensive guidance on interventions, policies, and future research directions to combat the spread of false scientific information.

Science misinformation is defined in the report as “information that asserts or implies claims that are inconsistent with the weight of accepted scientific evidence at the time.” The consequences of this misinformation extend beyond individual misconceptions, affecting community decision-making and exacerbating social inequities.

The COVID-19 pandemic starkly illustrated these dangers. A 2023 study estimated that between May 2021 and September 2022, at least 232,000 deaths among unvaccinated adults could have been prevented, highlighting the deadly potential of science misinformation.

While misinformation isn’t new—the FDA was established in 1906 partly to combat widespread misinformation about drugs and food safety—today’s digital information ecosystem has dramatically amplified the problem. Social media platforms, search engines, and various websites have fundamentally altered how information flows, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish between credible sources and unreliable content.

This challenge is particularly acute during crises when public uncertainty peaks, creating fertile ground for misinformation to flourish. The situation worsens when barriers to accessing reliable scientific information exist, whether due to paywalls, language limitations, or cultural irrelevance.

The report outlines several strategic approaches to address these challenges. First, it emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of the information ecosystem to track the origins, spread, and impact of misinformation across platforms. This surveillance can help inform effective counter-strategies.

Second, the committee recommends establishing an independent, non-partisan consortium to identify and curate high-quality scientific information, ensuring broad public access to reliable content. This approach would help fill “information voids” that often occur around scientific topics of public interest.

Third, while social media platforms contribute to misinformation spread, the report suggests they can also be leveraged to enhance the dissemination of accurate scientific content. By increasing the visibility of credible information, these platforms could help counteract the negative effects of misinformation.

Fourth, strengthening journalism capacity, particularly science journalism during crises, is identified as critical to ensuring the public receives accurate information when it matters most.

Finally, the report highlights the importance of community-based efforts in combating misinformation. Local organizations, including businesses, non-profits, and faith groups, play vital roles in improving access to credible scientific information. The committee recommends supporting these initiatives to maximize their impact.

At the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Dr. Viswanath and his team are actively implementing many of these strategies. The Center focuses on translating science into practice and policy, providing evidence-informed information on physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Their multifaceted approach includes hosting seminars and symposia with experts on critical topics; partnering with community-based organizations to build capacity; working with Harvard Chan School students to offer science-informed well-being workshops; and utilizing social media and podcasts to disseminate scientific findings.

“Under Dr. Viswanath’s leadership, both in this report and through his role at the Center, we aim to empower individuals and communities with the scientific knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and foster a more knowledgeable and resilient society,” a spokesperson for the Center noted.

As misinformation continues to challenge public health efforts, this report provides a roadmap for evidence-based strategies to ensure accurate scientific information reaches those who need it most.