Science under threat: the politics of institutionalised disinformation
Join us for the Michael Faraday Prize Lecture given by 2024 winner Professor Salim Abdool Karim.
The role of science in its relentless search for the truth is a key pillar in society that protects and promotes democracy, transparency and rationality as the basis of actions of the state.
In his Michael Faraday Prize Lecture, Professor Abdool Karim will analyse the threats to science globally, with a focus on the USA, where he argues disinformation has become institutionalised in the corridors of power. As those in power use the levers of the state to accumulate wealth and yet more power, truth becomes a major obstacle and science, as the rational approach to seeking the truth, becomes the casualty and as custodians of science universities come under attack. In this situation, effective science communication is more important than ever.
About the Prize
The Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture 2024 is awarded to Professor Salim Safurdeen Abdool Karim FRS for his scientific leadership, policy advice, epidemiological analyses, and articulate public education, while actively countering disinformation in Africa, particularly South Africa, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salim S. Abdool Karim, a South African epidemiologist, has made seminal contributions to HIV prevention and treatment globally. His clinical research showed that antiretrovirals prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection and genital herpes in women. He is an inventor on patents used in HIV vaccine candidates and antibody-based passive immunisation strategies. His TB-HIV treatment studies have shaped international guidelines on the clinical management of co-infected patients.
The Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture is awarded annually to the scientist or engineer whose expertise in communicating scientific ideas in lay terms is exemplary. The award is named after Michael Faraday FRS, the influential inventor and electrical pioneer who was prominent in the public communication of science and founded the Christmas lectures at the Royal Institution. The medal is of silver gilt, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,500.
Attending the event
- The event is free to join and Eventbrite registration is required
- Live subtitles will be available in-person and virtually
Attending in person
- This lecture can be attended in person at the Royal Society
- Doors will open to the public at 6.10pm BST. Entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be guaranteed
- Travel and accessibility information
Attending live online
- The lecture will also be livestreamed here and on the Royal Society YouTube channel
- You can take part in the live Q&A (details to follow)
- This event will be recorded (including the live Q&A) and the recording will be available on YouTube soon after the event
For all enquiries, please contact public.engagement@royalsociety.org.