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#ScienceUpFirst: TOGETHER AGAINST MISINFORMATION

#ScienceUpFirst is a new nation-wide initiative in partnership with the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC), COVID-19 Resources Canada, and the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta. Learn more about the movement at www.scienceupfirst.com.

NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY!


**The new deadline for applications is Friday, November 11th, 2022!**

The ScienceUpFirst Community Engagement Grant program aims to fund CASC member organizations to deliver facilitated activity(ies) in consultation with equity-deserving communities across Canada (such as Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, LGBTQ2+ individuals, Newcomers and persons with disabilities).

We are offering microgrants of up to $15,000 to not-for-profit and for-profit CASC member organizations for public engagement activities addressing misinformation about COVID-19, vaccines, boosters, and other relevant topics to the community.

The application deadline is November 4th, 2022 and activities must be completed by March 31st, 2023. See the Program Guide for details.







Let’s make following science-informed facts a trend!

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a marked rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 vaccines, virus transmission, health information and governments’ response. The WHO has called this a global infodemic. Nationally, almost half of Canadians may believe one or more COVID-19 related conspiracy theories.

Conspiracy theories and misinformation are rapidly spread on social media and represent a threat to health and safety. This results in poor public health response, destruction of property and threats to life. They create a chaotic information environment, making it difficult to tease out sense from nonsense. These false messages require immediate and effective evidence based responses.



#ScienceUpFirst addresses the urgent need for national cooperation.

A team of independent scientists, researchers, information experts, health care providers and science communicators are working collaboratively, to create and disseminate best in class health-related information for the general public.




HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Absolutely everyone is welcome. All you need to participate is a social media account and an email address if you would like to be more involved.

Through #ScienceUpFirst we are inviting everyone to consider the available science first before sharing content online. We also hope to inspire people to amplify the distribution of science-informed content. #ScienceUpFirst is both good practice and a call to action!

1. Join the movement: Follow on social media!

2. Go to ScienceUpFirst.com/share/ for downloadable versions of all the recent posts.

3. Use the Hashtag #ScienceUpFirst when you are:

    • Posting expert-vetted content.
    • Sharing expert-vetted content.
    • Pointing out misinformation online.

#ScienceUpFirst FAQ

What is #ScienceUpFirst?

#ScienceUpFirst is a national awareness and engagement initiative that creates, distributes and amplifies best-in-class, science-informed content surrounding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Who is #ScienceUpFirst?

We are a national coalition of independent scientists, researchers, healthcare providers and science communicators. Click here for lead organizations, steering committee, and coalition members.

Why Now?

There is a marked rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 vaccines, virus transmission, and government response. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this rise in misinformation as a global infodemic, and it represents a threat to the Health and Safety of Canadians. Effectively responding to this infodemic is necessary to improve health outcomes for all Canadians.

Where are we located?

The #ScienceUpFirst steering committee and coalition members are located across Canada. Click here for lead organizations, steering committee, and coalition members.




Canadian Association of Science Centres

100 Ramsey Lake Road 

Sudbury, ON. P3E 5S9

info@casc-accs.com

The CASC office is situated in Robinson Huron Treaty territory and the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. We pay respect to their traditions, ways of knowing and acknowledge their many contributions to the innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Clearly and overtly this gratitude must be demonstrated in our collective commitment to truth and reconciliation, by working to transform existing relationships, with open dialogue, mutual understanding and respectful collaborations

©2022 Canadian Association of Science Centres