Truth Unveiled: Navigating Science and Society in an Era of Doubt

Faculty, students, researchers, and clinicians are struggling how to deal with the post-truth world as the broader public lacks an understanding of the complexity of the scientific research process. This has resulted in the dissemination of mis- and disinformation that is increasingly used to shape public opinion in medical-related matters, for example, the rise of anti-vaxxers and resistance to COVID-19 pandemic social isolation protocols. In addition, physiologists and scientists play relatively limited role when engaging the broader public in this regard.

Truth Unveiled: Navigating Science and Society in an Era of Doubt provides valuable information to inform researchers and clinicians and better train students on the broader aspects of the scientific process and how to best counteract mis- and disinformation.

This book is published as part of the Fundamentals of Physiology series in association with the International Union of Physiological Sciences and should be a useful resource for lecturers when training physiologists, biomedical scientists, and medical and allied health students.

• Highlights challenges facing scientists in a post-truth world
• Provides strategies and educational approaches to counteract the rise of mis- and disinformation

Dr. Faadiel Essop is currently a professor in the Division of Medical Physiology at Stellenbosch University, as well as Director and Co-Founder of the Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research Centre. Dr. Essop is the current President of the African Association of Physiological Sciences, a board member of the General Assembly of the International Union of Physiological Sciences, and chairperson of the South African National Committee of the IUPS. He’s also served as a member of the International Committee of the American Physiological Society and is an elected Fellow of the American Physiological Society. During 2021 he was awarded the PSSA’s prestigious Lifetime Career Achievement Award. Dr. Essop is currently the recipient of a Teaching Advancement at University fellowship where the focus is to develop a philosophical framework for the introduction of broader humanities and arts concepts into the biomedical, science and engineering curricula in order to ensure more holistic graduates.