2015 TROTTIER SYMPOSIUM. A Question of Evidence: Vaccines, GMOs, and Cell Phones

In the Information Age, how can you discern legitimate science from cherry-picked data, opinion posing as fact, association confused with cause and effect, bogus advice from self-appointed experts, misused statistics, and even fraud? That is a huge challenge even for experts. Arriving at a reasonable conclusion about controversial matters therefore comes down to "A Question of Evidence," which is the theme for the 2015 Lorne Trottier Public Science Symposium.

This year’s speakers are:

•     Brian Ward MD, Professor, Medicine & Microbiology, McGill University - "Anti-vaccine Sentiment in Canada...Who are these people?"
•     Paul Offit MD, Professor, Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) - "The Philadelphia Measles Epidemic of 1991: Lessons from the Past or Prologue to the Future"
•     Kevin Folta PhD, Professor and Chairman, Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida - "Marketing a Mistrust of the Safest Food Supply in History"
•     Geoffrey Kabat PhD, Senior Epidemiologist, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University - "Cell Phones and Brain Cancer: A Tale of Two Science"

In addition to the symposium on the Monday and Tuesday evenings, there are some additional events - free of charge, no reservation required - that you are invited to attend throughout the two days:

Monday, September 28th

Roundtable discussion: 1:30pm – 3:30pm, McGill Faculty Club, 3450 McTavish Street
Academics, members of the media, and other "experts in the field" will discuss imparting evidence-based science, specifically with respect to vaccines, GMOs, and wifi/radiation, to the public. Conversation will be moderated by Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of the Office for Science and Society.

Tuesday, September 29th

Live recording of the podcast, The Body of Evidence: 12pm, Centre Mont-Royal
A podcast dedicated to tackling pseudoscience and exploring the evidence on medical topics, The Body of Evidence, uses humour and sound science to get the audience thinking and chuckling. In a late-night talk show format ­ house band and all ­ you won't want to miss this live recording of The Body of Evidence, hosted by Dr. Christopher Labos and Jonathan Jarry.
 

Free admission, no reservations required

For more information: please visit the Trottier Symposium webpage.

McGill University is proud to host the eleventh annual Lorne Trottier public science symposium, made possible through the generous support of Dr. Lorne Trottier and honouring his wish “to hold a public forum to inform, inspire debate and raise public awareness on contemporary issues confronting society today”.