Science Responds – My Favourite Hoax

Slovakia has been facing a growing spread of disinformation, particularly in areas related to science, public health, climate, and social issues. Online platforms enable rapid dissemination of misleading or manipulative content, often presented in simplified and emotionally charged formats. Young people, who primarily consume information through digital channels, are especially exposed to this environment.

At the same time, there is a structural gap between the scientific community and the media sector. Journalists often lack direct access to reliable scientific expertise, while researchers frequently lack the skills or platforms to communicate their knowledge clearly to the public. This disconnect weakens evidence-based public debate and reduces trust in credible information sources.

A third contributing factor is the professionalisation of disinformation campaigns. Topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and migration are no longer the subject of spontaneous rumour but of coordinated activities exploiting algorithms and behavioural targeting, spreading faster than scientists and journalists can counter them.

The project responds to these challenges by strengthening cooperation between emerging media professionals and scientific experts, thereby contributing to higher-quality science communication and improved media literacy.

The project aims to create a structured collaboration model between journalism students, professional media mentors, and scientific experts. Over a 12-month period, a mentoring programme will support 10 journalism students in analysing current disinformation narratives in consultation with at least 10 scientific experts and 10 professional editors acting as mentors.

The main output will be a series of 10 professionally produced podcast episodes focused on debunking specific hoaxes and explaining complex scientific topics in an accessible way. The series will be distributed through partner media platforms and major digital streaming channels.

The project will culminate in a live public discussion format presented during European Researchers' Night in Slovakia in September 2026, combining expert debate with audience engagement and livestream broadcasting. In the final phase, an expert seminar and a publicly accessible database of at least 30 scientific experts willing to cooperate with media will be developed, alongside a methodological manual and policy recommendations for universities and media organisations.

The project will strengthen the professional capacities of 10 journalism students in evidence-based reporting and responsible science communication, providing them with a published portfolio and practical experience that significantly increases their employability in the media sector. Ten professional editors will deepen their competencies in science communication and gain access to a network of verified scientific experts for future use. Participating scientists — at least 10 — will gain practical experience in public engagement and improved media visibility, as well as a professionally produced communication output that strengthens their profile within the broader research community.

Young audiences and the broader public will benefit from accessible, scientifically grounded content addressing current misinformation. The project is expected to reach at least 2,000 participants through the live event and generate at least 60,000 online impressions through digital distribution and media cooperation, with a target of at least 10,000 podcast plays by the end of the project.

In the longer term, the project will contribute to improved cooperation between the scientific and media sectors, fostering a more informed public discourse and supporting democratic resilience through trustworthy information. A publicly accessible database of at least 30 scientific experts, a methodological manual, and policy recommendations for universities and media organisations will serve as lasting tools for the wider civil society sector in Slovakia and beyond.