As is traditional, our October speaker event will be on the eve of QED — that is, if you count Skepticamp as part of QED, and this time we're thrilled to welcome a rare international speaker: Jonathan Jarry.

Are we living in a post-truth world where facts no longer matter? Scientific research into “debunking” misinformation shows that there is still a place for facts. But when facts are not enough, what can we do? This talk will address fears of the backfire effect, as well as provide evidence-based recommendations on how best to push back against misinformation, using examples drawn from the ivermectin saga, Havana syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivity.

Jonathan Jarry is a Canadian science communicator with Montreal McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, dedicated to separating sense from nonsense on the scientific stage. He has a Master’s degree in molecular biology and he brings his experience in cancer research, human genetics, rehabilitation research, and forensic biology to the work he does for the public. With cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos, he co-hosts the award-winning medical podcast The Body of Evidence. He talks about science every Friday on CTV Montreal News and is regularly interviewed in both English- and French-language media.

His subversive video about a fake cancer cure went viral and reminded over 14 million people to be skeptical. He gives talks and participates in panels on science communication, on demystifying health claims, and on the harms of pseudoscience. He focused his recent activities on explaining the science behind COVID-19.

You can follow him on Twitter.