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We need to help citizens grasp the difference between authority-based and science-based validation” argues António Gomes da Costa in Spokes #27. It seems like a straightforward task, but what challenges are we up against? Are we really living in a “post-truth” world, and what should science centres and museums do about it? How are science and politics intertwined at a time when facts and rationality are being challenged by emotion, belief, and “alternative facts”?

Some post-truths are relatively innocuous, while others have catastrophic results. From anti-vaccination movements to climate change deniers, there is a popular international surge against truths that science centres and museums hold to be self-evident. Why is this happening, what should be done, and how will we do something about it?

Join experts who will examine the challenges of the ‘post-truth’ phenomenon, populism, and the changing relationship between politics and science.

Please note, to encourage openness and expression, this session will operate under Chatham House Rule, providing anonymity to speakers (participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed).