Science Misinformation Symposium
Evidence to ideas to action - Sydney, 10-11 June 2026
Over two days, this symposium brought together key organisations from a range of sectors to work on practical solutions to the issue of science misinformation in Australia and to find new and novel ways of working together.
Dates
Wed 10 June, 9am to 5pm and Thu 11 June, 9am to 4pm AEST, 2026
Supporters
This Symposium is a project of the AusSMC's Friends of Evidence initiative and has been made possible with the generous support of the following organisations:
Event description
Hosted by the Australian Science Media Centre in collaboration with the UQ WhatIF Lab and held over two days, the event first focused on the evidence. What do we know about science misinformation in Australia, how big is the issue and what are the trends?
The second day focused on new ideas and practical solutions that will be condensed into concrete recommendations that can be used by policy makers and institutions. Each attendee was invited to join one of four "pods" to workshop ideas.
Topics covered included:
- Why is science misinformation an issue, and how does it compare to other forms of misinformation?
- How big is the issue in Australia, and what are the drivers?
- What is the role of artificial intelligence in adding to the problem, and how can AI and other technologies be used to help solve it?
- Who are the most vulnerable people to health, technology and environmental misinformation, and how can they be protected?
- What smart regulation and incentive structures can reshape the Infosphere in favour of responsible information?
- What tactics are being tried here and overseas to combat science misinformation, and are they working? What else can we do?
This was a closed Chatham House Rule event with attendees from government, research, education, media and tech sectors.
Location
UTS Sydney (Ultimo).
Condition of entry
This was a closed Chatham House Rule event, which means that general information can be shared but no names or affiliations can be used either during or after the symposium.