The Importance of Fact Checking Mainstream Science Publications

Explore 'Getting the Science Right' and its importance for improving public understanding of science through proactive roles by scientists.

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Last week I mentioned participating in a discussion at ScienceOnline ‘10 entitled “Online Civility and Its (Muppethugging) Discontents" featuring Janet and Isis. But there's another equally exciting panel I'm part of earlier in the day with Rebecca Skloot and David Dobbs. Here is the description:

Getting the Science Right: — an underappreciated and essential art — and the role scientists can and should (but often don’t) play in it.

Description: Much of the science that goes out to the general public through books, newspapers, blogs and many other sources is not professionally fact checked. As a result, much of the public’s understanding of science is based on factual errors. This discussion will focus on what scientists and journalists can do to fix that problem, and the importance of playing a pro-active role in the process. Discuss here.

After turning in my latest manuscript just one week ago, I have a lot to say on the topic. This should be a terrific session and I encourage readers attending the conference to join us next weekend! With that, I'm off to day one of Michael Webber’s energy technology and policy course at UTAustin.

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