Independent SAGE as an example of effective public dialogue on scientific research - Nature Protocols The members of Independent SAGE reflect on their experience in setting up, developing and running a science communication platform and service to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, I joined what I believe to have been the most important and impactful science communication project I’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved with.
We called it Independent Sage, and we’ve written about it here.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Our director @susanmichie.bsky.social co-authored an article just published in @natureportfolio.bsky.social about the experiences of @independentsage.bsky.social communicating scientific research, with important learnings for future crisis situations.
🔗 Read the article: rdcu.be/d3n6s

"Scientists need to recognize that bold presentation, dissemination, and support of scientific knowledge has become both a basic commitment and a political act." 👏👏👏

Independent SAGE list thanks to @chrischirp.bsky.social
bsky.app/profile/did:...

Ted Honderich obituary Colourful philosopher whose readiness to examine current controversies sometimes brought him notoriety

Refreshing to read a warts and all obit…
Ted Honderich obituary www.theguardian.com/books/2024/n...

The Lab-Leak Hypothesis Made It Harder for Scientists to Seek the Truth Virus origin stories have always been prone to conspiracy theories. COVID disinformation has threatened research—and lives

I'm very proud to have written this 2022 @sciam.bsky.social piece with @tetherin.bsky.social and @lewan.bsky.social. Although the cases for a) Lab Leakerdom as conspiracism & b) the pandemic as zoonotic have only grown stronger, it still holds up well! www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...

Probably not, Chris

What is it with these tech billionaires???

Five GP contracts terminated after company ‘breaches trust’ with ICB An integrated care board has decided to terminate and retender five GP contracts after the firm which holds them was sold to private equity without the commissioners' permission.

Operose/ contene/ virgin not getting all their own way, thankfully

www.hsj.co.uk/north-centra...

Great to advertise Barbara and break down the stigma. We are the hearing enhanced, not the hearing impaired!

Covid inquiry: the flaws that led to system failure Without radical reform we are vulnerable to the next pandemic The first report from the UK’s covid-19 inquiry, chaired by Heather Hallett, delivered a scathing critique of the country’s system of pla...

Excellent article by @GabrielScally in @bmj_latest examining the failures in Public Health in the run up to and during the pandemic, in light of the Inquiry Module 1 report.

www.bmj.com/content/386/...