Is science just an opinion?

Scientists tend to be much more skeptical about ‘truths’, because in evidenced-based reasoning even undisputed facts are constantly put forwards for open debate. The free expression of opinion, a free and accessible press and the freedom of research, guarantees the debate needed to argue the evidence for scientific knowledge. Still, many people do not merely invent facts, but also feel the need to spread them. Deliberate disinformation has become a means of controlling politics and public opinion. As a result, scientific knowledge is often put aside by the public as ‘just an opinion’. Should scientist care and act now?

We have 2 pre-recorded lectures that are linked to this subject: free and accessible scientific knowledge (by Dr. Egon Willighagen) and the use and misuse of science in making health claims of food products (Dr. Alie de Boer). We will also have a live stream in which our new scientific director Prof. Daisy Jonkers will present her view on the future of NUTRIM and Prof. Annemie Schols will give her NUTRIM lecture. 

It is NUTRIM’s goal to train young scientists in the field of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism. The annual NUTRIM symposium is an important part of this training and we encourage all PhD-students to participate. As part of the NUTRIM symposium (18 November 2020), we would like to additionally offer you all abstracts that were submitted for the NUTRIM abstract prize. These abstracts summarize the work currently done at our School.  

We hope that you will enjoy our annual symposium and be inspired by our scientific work. 

Regards,