Discussion with Kelly Bronson Follow-up discussion after Dr. Bronson's Colloquium on 9/25. Kelly Bronson will be leading a discussion of Phil Mirowski’s recent article, “The future(s) of open science” (2018). This paper will provide a…

10/2 Speaker: Christopher Cummings | Abstract: "Vaccines are among the most effective disease prevention tools. Vaccines provide first-line disease prevention and are one of the most cost-effective initiatives to improve public health. While virtually all medical practitioners agree that vaccines are greatly beneficial, there are widespread reports of uncertainty and skepticism regarding vaccine efficacy, side effects, and information needs across traditional and new media. This reflects the obfuscated perspective held by many members of the public who note considerable concern when it comes to making immunization decisions. Additionally, immunization rates remain substandard for many diseases around the world and the literature investigating vaccine reluctance signals a pressing need to improve health literacies and health communication in order to dispel vaccine myths and promote immunization uptake around the world."

10/9 Colloquium: Shi Chen | Abstract: Social media have become an integral part of public health communication. More and more individuals first resort to social media for information during health crisis and disease outbreaks. While the low cost and easy access of social media make it more convenient for health communicators to disseminate useful information to the general public, they also have the side effect of enabling wide and fast spread of fake health news.