ScienceUpFirst is a Canadian initiative launched to counter misinformation online, especially about COVID-19. Launched January 25, 2021,[1] it brings together independent scientists, health care providers and science communicators.[2]
Goals and history
The initiative is the result of conversations between Senator Stan Kutcher and Timothy Caulfield, who were discussing ways to counter misinformation about COVID-19. In April 2021, the Government of Canada announced $2.25 million in funding for two new projects to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, one of which was ScienceUpFirst.[3] The initiative received $2,590,682 in new funding through the Canadian Association of Science Centres from the Public Health Agency of Canada's Immunization Partnership Fund.[4]
The groups aims at disseminating information created by its members or selected from credible sources. Starting in March 2021, it also plans to track misinformation online and post science-based content to oppose it.[5][6] In addition to recruiting athletes and celebrities, it's building a network of volunteers to increase the distribution of the selected information.[7][8]
The initiative will be especially active against misinformation about COVID-19 vaccination, which threatens to have an impact on vaccination rates.[7][9] Caulfield commented that the amount of disinformation circulating in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything experienced in decades. He hopes the campaign can get information to people looking online for reliable information.[6]
The campaign is active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.[6] It tries to apply best practices in fighting misinformation that were identified by various studies on science communication and public opinion.[6]
