Experts discuss the role of science communication, public policy, and cognitive dynamics in addressing health misinformation.
The session “Research, Scientific Dissemination, and Combating Fake News”, held during the 10th International Symposium on Immunobiologicals (ISI), brought together experts to examine the challenges posed by health misinformation and the strategic role of science communication in building trust and strengthening public health responses.
Chaired by Margareth Dalcolmo (Fiocruz), the session featured Carolina Ofranti Sampaio (Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency of Brazil), Flavia Ferrari (Instituto Mário Schenberg & Todos pelas Vacinas), and Billy Nascimento (Forebrain).
Prior to the main session, Manoela Ribeiro Bastos presented the “MartinLab in Schools” project, which uses the educational board game CARTelas to promote science communication on advanced therapies among high school students, highlighting the potential of interactive approaches to bridge science and society.
Opening the discussion, Margareth Dalcolmo emphasized that misinformation is not a new phenomenon, but has gained scale and complexity with the rise of digital platforms. She shared experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the critical role of communication in mediating between science and society during times of crisis.
Carolina Ofranti Sampaio then addressed institutional strategies to tackle health misinformation. She noted that in a decentralized communication environment, digital platforms, algorithms, and filters play a central role in shaping how information circulates. Among the initiatives presented was the Saúde com Ciência program, aimed at promoting reliable information and strengthening public communication.
Flavia Ferrari brought the perspective of social mobilization, highlighting the importance of building trust and engaging with diverse audiences. According to her, initiatives such as Todos pelas Vacinas demonstrate that effective science communication must consider different contexts, languages, and realities.
Closing the session, Billy Nascimento explored how cognitive and emotional factors influence how people process and absorb information. Drawing on neuroscience and neuromarketing concepts, he emphasized that addressing misinformation requires not only data, but also strategies grounded in empathy, connection, and an understanding of human behavior.
Throughout the discussion, it became clear that combating health misinformation requires an integrated approach, combining science, communication, public policy, and insights into human behavior.
The session reinforced that strengthening trust in science depends not only on producing knowledge, but also on how it is communicated, shared, and understood by society.
Text: Marcela Dobarro
Image: Monara Barreto
