Live Science Bar “Could science also have fake news?”

Online on the UM YouTube channel

Fake news is false, misleading, or deceptive information; and in the scientific field, as in many other areas, fake news circulates and wreaks havoc.

According to IFOP, "Fake news is false information deliberately fabricated and disseminated on the internet with the aim of misleading people." The French word "Infox" is derived from "information" and "intox." It refers to information that is fabricated, disseminated, and propagated intentionally for various purposes.  As our way of observing the world evolves with the development of knowledge and the acceleration of its dissemination, the internet has been accompanied by a proliferation of fake news.

There are many topics where unproven hypotheses, opinions, and established scientific facts are mixed together and presented as equally valid. It has also been shown that the internet and social media reinforce conspiracy theorists' beliefs. In this context, combating misinformation and rumors, deciphering fake news, and thwarting conspiracies has become a priority.

This special edition of the Science Bar brings together three international multidisciplinary experts, hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies: Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions (MAK'IT) at Montpellier University of Excellence (MUSE):

• Christophe Béné, PhD in Environmental and Life Sciences, Senior Policy Analyst at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research – CGIAR) – Cali, Colombia.
• Thaura Ghneim Herrera, PhD in plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and molecular biology, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Icesi University – Cali, Colombia.
• Mahama Tawat, PhD in Political Science, Associate Researcher at the Malmö Institute for Migration, Diversity, and Wellbeing (MIM) – Sweden.

• This Science Bar can be watched live and replayed by clicking here.

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