Ongoing Projects
Project: Understanding mis and disinformation and emergency health information networks
This project examines how misinformation is shaping measles outbreak preparedness and response across Canada, at a time when declining vaccine coverage, cross-border misinformation spillover, and growing public distrust are increasing outbreak risks. Focusing on frontline healthcare and public health providers, the study investigates how misinformation circulates across social and traditional media, how it affects clinical and public health practice, and which response strategies are most effective in different jurisdictions. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines policy mapping, media analysis, national surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the project aims to strengthen outbreak preparedness, support frontline providers, and generate practical tools for public health systems. By advancing evidence on misinformation dynamics and response capacity, the work contributes to more resilient, equitable, and effective immunization and outbreak response systems in Canada.
Led by Dr. Prativa Baral.
Project: Networks of Misinformation in Latin America
This project explores the contested health information environment in Latin America. Across three public health issues that are politically disputed (climate and health, pandemic preparedness, and sexual and reproductive health and rights), the study maps the regional networks that produce and amplify contested health information, traces how they are funded and coordinated, and analyses the consequences for health policy and for communities most affected by misleading information. Through a multi-methods approach, the team will produce the first systematic application of the commercial determinants of health framework to health information networks in the region.
Led by Dr. Miranda Bain.