AuthentiSci - New bones

AuthentiSci originated at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings 2020 "Sciathon", devised by a collaboration between scientists. It is an online platform that promotes the accurate dissemination and interpretation of research findings by allowing scientists to provide feedback to the general public on the scientific validity of online media, with the aim of mitigating the effects of misconceptions on society and global health.

AuthentiSci was devised with the following objectives:

1. Provide a new method for scientists to give feedback on online media communicating their work and that of their peers.
2. Create a platform for non-scientists to view and request the opinion of scientists on the veracity of science promoted by online media.
3. Stimulate the interconnection of scientists and journalists to find an equilibrium in the dissemination of scientific news to society in this post-factual era of communication.

In 2022, we acquired funding through the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute). The funding was used to generate the software and webpages that you see today. It provided the resources required to set up AuthentiSci as a non-profit company and registered charity. The project continues to be supported by two directors and two volunteer executives.

Scientists and non-scientists now interact through a newly designed website and web browser extension tool. Users can request expert reviews of any online science-related content and view summaries of the guidance provided by global scientists. Each scientist has a personal AuthentiSci profile showing their contributions and upvotes. The service includes improved security features, content filtering and user content flagging system.

We are extremely grateful to all those who have contributed to making AuthentiSci into what it is today and look forward to making an even greater impact on scientific understanding and credibility.