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On April 29, 2021, the Government of Canada announced (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/04/government-of-canada-funds-two-new-projects-to-encourage-vaccine-uptake-in-canada.html) that it was investing $2.25 million of public funding into two new projects to encourage vaccine uptake in Canada.
One of these projects is 'Science Up First', a public-facing science communication group with a presence primarily on its website and through social media, created by the Canadian Association of Science Centres in partnership with COVID-19 Resources Canada, a volunteer-run group and the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta.
What is Science Up First?
The government website describes it as follows: “Science Up First is a project to address misinformation in Canada by giving Canadians the tools to spread science-based information about COVID-19 and vaccines. Drawing on a network of scientists, healthcare providers, and science communicators, this national initiative aims to debunk misinformation with credible COVID-19 facts, as well as reach vulnerable populations with culturally relevant and scientifically accurate COVID-19 information.”
How does it achieve its mandate?
Science Up First claims to provide carefully-vetted information drawn from the best available evidence to help Canadians stay informed about COVID.
It does this as highlighted on its website, through “science.” How does Science up First define science? According to Science up First, science is a body of knowledge, and a process. To the public, it outlines what this means:
- To use the knowledge, the public is expected to 'Listen to experts. Reference reliable sources. Stay up to date. - In order to respect the process, the public is asked to 'understand how science works. Give weight to well- controlled, peer-reviewed studies.
Ultimately, it notes that “Following the best available science helps us make decisions that keep us safe.
Be a champion for good science in your network.”