Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science

Webinar

Advancing High-Quality Science Journalism: Challenges and Pathways Forward

November 13, 2025

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (ET)

Past

Discussion

This discussion information is being collected via Slido. Slido is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Slido website is subject to Slido’s privacy and terms of use.

Materials

About

Journalists play a critical role in providing accurate, timely, and trustworthy science information to the public. Yet, a number of factors within journalism—decreased funding, shrinking newsrooms, media deregulation, reduced access to high-quality science information and scientific sources—have hampered the quantity and quality of science news, creating fertile ground for science misinformation to more easily spread. At the same time, some journalistic norms and practices can make science reporting particularly prone to the unintentional spread of misinformation, and public trust and confidence in the press continues to wane. This webinar will discuss the challenges to reporting on science in today's landscape and surface the needs and opportunities for bolstering science, health, and medical journalism.

Moderator:

Lauren Feldman, Professor and Chair of Journalism & Media Studies, Rutgers University

Panelists:

Tracy Baim, Executive Director, Press Forward Chicago
Siri Carpenter, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief, The Open Notebook
Tim Franklin, Sr. Associate Dean, Director, Medill Local News Initiative, Northwestern University
Duy Linh Nguyen Tu, Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Professional Practice, Columbia Journalism School

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Not Closed

Contact

Contact us

sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Symposium

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science: A Symposium

September 25, 2025

9:15 AM - 3:30 PM (ET)

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

Materials

2 - Presenter Biographies

About

Join the Board on Science Education for a one-day hybrid event that will bring together leaders across domains to discuss the key insights and recommendations from the recently released consensus study report, Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, and identify opportunities for multi-sectoral action.

This report is a comprehensive assessment of the available evidence on the nature, scope, and impacts of misinformation about science and reflects a systems view of the phenomenon given the broader contexts and challenges that shape people’s lived experiences and their relationships to information. The report also provides guidance on interventions, policies, and future research toward mitigating potential harms from misinformation about science across a diversity of individuals, communities, and societies.

Additional Information

Contact

Contact us

sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Location

Keck Center

500 5th St NW

Washington DC 20001, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Webinar

Report Release Webinar: Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science

December 19, 2024

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)

Past

Discussion

This discussion information is being collected via Slido. Slido is not affiliated in any way with, or endorsed by, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and your submission via the Slido website is subject to Slido’s privacy and terms of use.

About

The Board on Science Education is pleased to announce the release of the report Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science. Please join members of the authoring committee for an overview of the report and a discussion of its conclusions and recommendations.

More information about this project, including the link to download the report, can be found here.

Additional Information

Contact

Contact us

sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science: A Public Workshop

April 19, 2023

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

Past

Materials

2 - Panelist and Committee Biographies

About

The workshop will feature a series of discussions on the nature, mechanisms, and differential impacts of misinformation about science as well as explore a range of current interventions to address misinformation and their intended outcomes. A short reception will follow the event.

Additional Information

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Location

National Academy of Sciences Building

2101 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20418, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Committee Meeting #2

February 22 - 27, 2023

Past

Materials

2 - Speaker Biographies

About

This will be the second meeting of the committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science. The committee will meet virtually over two days—on February 22 and February 27, 2023—in both open and closed sessions.

A public information gathering session will be held on February 22, 2023, from approximately 2:15 pm-3:45 pm ET as part of its second committee meeting. Please join us to discuss interventions against misinformation in online and offline environments, including an overview of different efforts employed and differential strategies for addressing misinformation versus disinformation. This discussion will include a time of Q&A with the committee and audience.

Panelists:
Sacha Altay, University of Oxford
Kelly Born, Packard Foundation

The committee has been asked to characterize the nature and scope of the problem of misinformation about science and its differential impacts; identify solutions to limit its spread; and provide guidance on interventions, policies, and research toward reducing harms caused from misinformation. The committee will hold additional information-gathering sessions in 2023 and anticipates releasing its report in 2024.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Partially Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed implications from open session presentations, possible commissioned paper topics, potential report audiences, different forms of evidence, ideas for upcoming public sessions, developed a preliminary report outline, and conducted an additional composition, bias, and conflict of interest discussion for new members.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

N/A

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

March 09, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science Committee Meeting #1

December 14 - 15, 2022

Past

Agenda

Download the Agenda

About

The Committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will host a virtual information gathering session on December 14, 2022 from approximately 1:00 pm-4:45 pm ET as part of its first committee meeting.

Please join us for discussions with the sponsor about the study and with experts about the science information environment and considerations for defining mis-and disinformation. Each discussion will include a time of Q&A with the committee and audience.

Panelists:

Cary Funk, Pew Research Center

Alice Marwick, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Robert O’Connor, National Science Foundation

Tina Purnat, World Health Organization

Dietram Scheufele, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Claire Wardle, Brown University

The committee has been asked to characterize the nature and scope of the problem of misinformation about science and its differential impacts; identify solutions to limit its spread; and provide guidance on interventions, policies, and research toward reducing harms caused from misinformation. The committee will hold additional information-gathering sessions in 2023 and anticipates releasing its report in 2024.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Partially Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

K. Vish Viswanath, Chair
Nick Allum
David Broniatowski
Afua Bruce
Lisa Fazio
Lauren Feldman
Deen Freelon
Asheley Landrum
David Lazer
Pamela Ronald
David Scales
Brian Southwell
Jevin West

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed the consensus study process, reviewed, analyzed, and discussed the statement of task, discussed various approaches for information gathering, conducted the composition, bias, and conflict of interest discussion, and discussed preliminary topic areas for the report.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

N/A

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

January 06, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Location

Keck Center

500 5th St NW

Washington DC 20001, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting Closed

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Meeting #8

January 31 - February 1, 2024

Past

About

The committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will meet over two days in closed session to discuss conclusions and recommendations from their report.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Institution Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions, excluding Afua Bruce.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed the full report draft, including report conclusions, recommendations, and future research areas. The committee also reviewed the project timeline and made final writing assignments to prepare the report for review.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee and staff generated draft report materials.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

February 07, 2024

Contact

Lauren Ryan

sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Location

Keck Center

500 5th St NW

Washington DC 20001, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting Closed

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Meeting #7

December 7, 2023

11:30 AM - 4:00 PM (ET)

Past

About

The committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will meet to discuss conclusions and recommendations from their report.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Institution Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussion.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed the current report draft and work assignments ahead of the final committee meeting in January, 2024.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee and staff generated draft report materials.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

December 13, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting Closed

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Meeting #6 (Day 2)

November 8, 2023

10:30 AM - 5:30 PM (ET)

Past

About

The committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will meet virtually over two days—on October 30 and November 8—in a closed session to discuss their report draft.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Institution Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed report writing to date, report conclusions, potential report recommendations, future research areas, and considerations for communications and engagement around the report once its developed.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee and staff generated draft report materials and final versions of commissioned papers.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

December 01, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting Closed

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Meeting #6 (Day 1)

October 30, 2023

10:30 AM - 6:00 PM (ET)

Past

About

The committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will meet virtually over two days—on October 30 and November 8—in a closed session to discuss their report draft.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Institution Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed report writing to date, report conclusions, potential report recommendations, future research areas, and considerations for communications and engagement around the report once its developed.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee and staff generated draft report materials and final versions of commissioned papers.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

December 01, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting Closed

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Committee Meeting #5

September 13 - 14, 2023

Past

About

The committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will meet over two days in a closed session to continue working on their report draft.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Institution Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions excluding Afua Bruce and Pamela Ronald.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed report writing to date, report organization and storyline, report conclusions, potential report recommendations and future research areas, and the National Academies report review process.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee and staff generated draft report materials.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

September 22, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Location

National Academy of Sciences Building

2101 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20418, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Meeting

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Committee Meeting #4

July 10 - 11, 2023

Past

Materials

2 - Presenter Biographies

About

This will be the fourth meeting of the committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science. The committee will meet virtually over two days in both open and closed sessions.

Please join us for discussions on understanding misinformation in the context of the history and nature of science and implications for addressing misinformation given advancements in information technology (e.g., artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc.). This session will include a time of Q&A with the committee and audience.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Partially Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed implications from the public session presentations, report writing to date, report organization, outlines for commissioned papers, and brainstormed potential conclusions.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee generated draft report materials and outlines for commissioned papers.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

July 19, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

Closed

Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science, Committee Meeting #3

April 19 - 20, 2023

Past

About

The committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science will meet in-person at the National Academy of Sciences to discuss takeaways from their public workshop and continue work on their report drafting.

Additional Information

Is it a Closed Session event?

Institution Closed

The following committee members were present at the closed sessions of the event

All committee members were present for the closed session discussions excluding David Lazer and Pamela Ronald.

The following topics were discussed in the closed sessions:

The committee discussed implications from the workshop presentations, report writing to date, ideas for additional information gathering needs, and revised the draft report outline.

The following materials (written documents) were made available to the committee in the closed sessions:

Committee and staff generated draft report materials.

Date of posting of Closed Session Summary:

May 02, 2023

Contact

Lauren Ryan

(202) 334-2065
sciencemisinformation@nas.edu

Location

National Academy of Sciences Building

2101 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20418, USA

Disclaimer

It is essential to the National Academies mission of providing evidence-based advice that participants in any of our meetings or events avoid political or partisan statements or commentary and maintain a culture of mutual respect. The statements and presentations during our meetings or events are solely those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent the views of other participants or the National Academy of Sciences, which is a non-partisan, tax exempt organization that includes under its Charter the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine, and that operates the National Research Council.

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Understanding and Addressing Misinformation about Science

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Advancing High-Quality Science Journalism: Challenges and Pathways Forward