Webinar by the 2022 Dr. Carl R. Fellers Award Honoree, Dr. Purnendu Vasavada

Webinar title: Myths, Misinformation, and Conspiracy Theories: Role of Science Communication in Stopping the Spread of False Information

When: Wednesday, October, 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM EST (live or on demand after that)

Abstract: Credible, scientific information about various food safety, food science and technology and nutrition topics is essential in developing sound policies and consumers choices. While such information is available through scientific publications, subject matter experts, public health officials and consumer advocates, we are faced with spread of an “infodemic” of myths, misinformation and conspiracies dealing with science in general and food safety, and food and nutrition, in particular.  Myths misinformation and conspiracies can spread quickly online leading to confusion, damage to public health and distrust in science, regulatory agencies and industry.

Responding to food safety crisis involves understanding and effectively assessing and managing hazards and risks. Risk communication is another important and crucial aspect of risk management. Food scientists and food safety professionals can play an important role in communicating science-based information and help stop the spread of myths and misinformation. Pseudo scientists, opinion leaders and others spreading highly contagious, destructive misinformation and conspiracies are the leading cause of confusion, and distrust in science as evidenced recently by the worldwide “Infodemic“ regarding SARS CoV-2 and Covid-19 and food.

Science communication and scientists, particularly food scientists can and must play a significant role in combatting the infodemic and in Stopping the Spread of False Information. But communicating science is more about communication than science. While all researchers and students are taught skills of scientific communication for writing research publication and reporting research to technical audiences, many do not know how to interact and communicate science to non-technical audiences and general public. We will examine the Role of Science Communication in Stopping the Spread of False Information and suggest what Phi Tau Sigma, IFT and other professional organizations can do to develop science communication as an important skill for food scientists.

2022-2023 Phi Tau Sigma Annual Business Update

2023 Phi Tau Sigma Awards Ceremony

When: 1:00 PM CST on Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Where:  https://youtu.be/uKqHhHRwq08 (Watch live with other members. You will have an opportunity to interact with the members through live chatting on YouTube)

The mission of Phi Tau Sigma

The mission of Phi Tau Sigma is to raise the stature and recognize scholarly achievements of the Food Science and Technology profession. This mission is achieved by encouraging outstanding achievement by Food Science students and professionals, and by enhancing professionals among Food Science professionals through the Phi Tau Sigma member network.

Purposes of Phi Tau Sigma

  • To recognize and honor professional achievements of Food Scientists and Technologists,
  • To encourage the application of fundamental scientific principles to Food Science and Technology in each of its branches,
  • To stimulate the exchange of scientific knowledge through meetings, lectures, and publications,
  • To establish and maintain a network of like-minded professionals, and
  • To promote exclusively charitable, scientific, literary and educational programs.