This September, the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program, in collaboration with Aspen Institute Kyiv, hosted a groundbreaking webinar featuring five Ukrainian experts who discussed efforts to combat science denial, propaganda, and disinformation in their country in the current “Post-Truth” era. The event coincided with the release of a Ukrainian-language version of INFODEMIC: Global Conversations on Science and Disinformation, a short-form documentary series produced by the Science & Society Program in 2021.
This event is the first of several forthcoming country-specific panels, with additional discussions slated over the coming months as the Science & Society Program translates the documentary subtitles into other languages. As I will share below, several lessons can be gleaned from the challenges and opportunities facing Ukraine.
The Role of Science in Combating Misinformation
In their opening remarks, Science & Society Program Executive Director Aaron Mertz and Aspen Institute Kyiv Executive Director Yuliya Tychkivska emphasized the importance of public dialogue—a core tenet of the Aspen Institute’s tradition—about the role of science, scientific methodology, and fact-based communication in resisting misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. Moderator and Science & Society Senior Manager of Global Science Nataliya Shulga highlighted the dual battle Ukraine faces: 1) on the physical front against Russian aggression and 2) in the information space against a flood of disinformation. She stressed that Ukraine needs to find the place for science in the battle against mis- and disinformation, to build ecosystems of trust in science for the sake of survival. The webinar aimed to shed light on these issues and demonstrate Ukraine’s efforts to counter widespread falsehoods.
Correcting False Information
Dr. Yevhen Fedchenko, co-founder of the StopFake initiative, recounted the organization’s pioneering efforts in debunking disinformation, which began in 2014 amidst Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Originally focused on countering Russian propaganda, StopFake expanded its scope during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide fact-based information in partnership with global biomedical experts. Dr. Fedchenko emphasized that defeating misinformation requires around-the-clock efforts by scholars, journalists, and citizens alike. He advocated for the education and training of science journalists in Ukraine to strengthen the country’s resilience against misinformation and suggested that every citizen, if equipped with the right tools, can become a fact-checker.
Building Public Trust in Science
Olesia Pavlyshyn, a journalist and Chief Editor of the Ukrainian popular science magazine Kunsht, discussed fluctuations in public trust in science during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing from U.S. survey data. Pavlyshyn noted that Ukraine has not independently conducted studies on public trust in science. Decades of neglect of science and education have led to a general distrust of state institutions. She argued that popularizing science and communicating scientific achievements are key to restoring trust in science within Ukrainian society. Kunsht aims to bridge this gap by introducing readers to Ukrainian scientists and their global contributions. Pavlyshyn also stressed the importance of media literacy and the need for platforms to promote fact-checking, especially among youth.
Challenging Global Narratives on Russia and Ukraine
Ilona Solohub, Science Editor of VoxUkraine, presented findings from a 2023 report titled “Why Russian Studies in the West Failed to Provide a Clue about Russia and Ukraine.” The research revealed deep-seated biases in Western academic institutions, where “Slavic Studies” programs often favored Russian narratives, using overly positive language to describe Russian history and culture. Solohub argued that decades of money, inertia, and ideology have shaped these narratives, and that much work remains to correct these misconceptions and elevate Ukrainian studies in international academia.
Fostering Science Literacy for All Ages
Anna Orekhova from the NGO INSCIENCE described the organization’s work in promoting science communication and evidence-based medicine. From storytelling about women in science to the “Science Kids” program, which introduces children to scientific role models, INSCIENCE engages various social groups in scientific thinking. They also run programs in Warsaw and Prague for Ukrainian refugees, providing resources such as “Take Care of Yourself,” which offers advice from over 50 evidence-based medical professionals. Orekhova underscored the importance of critical thinking and the development of scientific methodology in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Addressing the Psychological Impact of Misinformation
Philosopher Dr. Roman Kobets reflected on the paradox of modern science in the digital age. While science has grown more complex, scientists now face the challenge of competing with the simplicity of social media platforms like TikTok. Kobets advocated for the development of new communication strategies that make science accessible to the general public, suggesting that Ukraine establish “science speakers” within government institutions to communicate scientific discoveries. He also emphasized the need to integrate debate culture into Ukraine’s education system and to promote the visibility and respect of scientists in society.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
During the panel discussion, participants came together around several core points:
- Interdisciplinary cooperation has proven highly effective in Ukraine’s fight against misinformation, helping to prevent duplication of efforts and ensuring different sectors focus on specific areas of need.
- The role of the state is critical in leveraging science for policymaking, and trust among all stakeholders is essential.
- The rise of unmoderated and minimally moderated social platforms like TikTok and Telegram poses a significant threat, especially to younger generations, by serving as breeding grounds for misinformation.
- Science and technology should play a central role in exposing falsehoods in public discourse.
- Leadership in both science and society is vital to building a more resilient, informed public.
This discussion demonstrated Ukraine’s robust efforts in combating misinformation and underscored the need for continued interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and public engagement in science. The fight against misinformation is far from over, but Ukraine is driving forward change through innovative strategies and a commitment to truth.
NATALIYA SHULGA, Ph.D. is Senior Manager for Global Science at the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program. Dr. Shulga is a molecular biologist by training with extensive experience as a scientist, educator, policymaker, and non-profit leader in Ukraine.
