The importance of science communication in the post-truth world

Speaker: Giles Yeo, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, WT-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, UK

In person only - Room 11.09, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, LS2 9LU

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Why is it important to communicate your research to the non-expert? I think that the last three pandemic years have demonstrated this clearly, during which we have seen wonderful science communication, and terrible examples of science communication. Put simply, bad science communication kills. So why do so many people believe what is to so many others, false? And how should we try to convince them otherwise? This is what I would like to reflect on.

Biography

Giles Yeo got his PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Cambridge in 1998, after which he joined the lab of Prof Sir Stephen O’Rahilly, working on the genetics of severe human obesity.  Giles Yeo is now a Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology and programme leader at the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit in Cambridge and his research currently focuses on the influence of genes on feeding behaviour & body-weight. In addition, he is a graduate tutor and fellow of Wolfson College, and Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association. Giles is also a broadcaster and author, presenting science documentaries for the BBC, and hosts a podcast called ‘Dr Giles Yeo Chews The Fat’. His first book ‘Gene Eating’ was published in December 2018, and his second book ‘Why Calories Don’t Count’ came out in June 2021. Giles was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s 2020 birthday honours for services to ‘Research, Communication and Engagement’. He won the Society for Endocrinology Medal in 2022.

You can contact Giles direct via email at gshy2@cam.ac.uk and @gilesyeo