The 2020 Fleming Medal for outstanding communication of science goes to Professor Timothy Caulfield for his tireless work addressing questionable health advice spread through popular culture and for inspiring other Canadian scientists to do the same. This work is critical, especially at this time where following bad health information can mean the difference between life and death.
Professor Caulfield has spent many years on the front lines of the war on scientific misinformation and expertise, conducting countless radio and television interviews, writing popular books such as The Vaccination Picture and Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash, The Cure for Everything!: Untangling the Twisted Messages About Health and through his television series, A User’s Guide to Cheating Death.
Professor David R. Percy, former Dean of Law at the University of Alberta notes that, “Not enough scientists are willing to engage in this battle in the manner that Professor Caulfield does.” Professor Caulfield works hard to galvanize scientists in Canada and abroad to become active debunkers, making the argument that vocal supporters of misinformation movements are much smaller in number than those who can be reached through concerted myth-busting efforts.
Professor Joe Schwartz, Director of the Office for Science and Society at McGill University and past Fleming Medal recipient, describes Professor Caulfield’s ability to connect with audiences. “He does not browbeat. He seduces with charm and wit.” Professor Schwarz also notes that Caulfield’s work separating myth from fact is, “an endeavour that is sorely needed these days.” The fact that he often addresses seemingly harmless health tips makes his work very accessible to many. Further, Caulfield’s use of different media and his embrace of using art in connection with science helps spread his messages beyond a typical, science-aware audience.
In addition to this work on public perception of science, Professor Caulfield maintains a high academic profile in his position, cross-appointed to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law and School of Public Health. In addition to public mythbusting, Professor Caulfield has made many contributions to science policy and health law.
RCIScience strongly supports Professor Caulfield’s efforts in combating misinformation and strengthening the culture of science in Canada. We are very pleased to recognize him in 2020, a year in which the public understanding of science is perhaps more critical than it has been at any time since the Fleming Medal was created in 1982. The medal will be awarded to Professor Caulfield at an online presentation on November 24, 2020.
For 171 years, the RCIScience has been bringing scientists from their labs to engage with the public to further our vision of an informed public that embraces science to build a stronger Canada. Since 1982, RCIScience has awarded the Sandford Fleming Medal and Citation annually to a Canadian who has made outstanding contributions to the public understanding of science – to advance our vision. Previous recipients include David Suzuki, Ursula Franklin, Chris Hadfield, Molly Shoichet and Bob MacDonald.