The Trottier Public Science Symposium is one of McGill University’s major annual public events. The Symposium features talks by renowned experts on topics of current public interest and attracts a large audience as well as extensive media attention. Past symposia have focused on topics such as alternative medicine, pseudoscience, food and nutrition, genetic modification and vaccines.
The Trottier Foundation is a proud supporter of the McGill Office for Science and Society’s Public Science Symposium and believes it is a vital vehicle to promoting scientific communication and presenting scientific information to a broader audience. Established in 2000 by Lorne Trottier and Louise Rousselle Trottier, The Trottier Family Foundation is a Montreal-based private Canadian charitable foundation whose mission is to provide support to organizations that work towards the advancement of scientific inquiry, the promotion of education, fostering better health, protecting the environment and mitigating climate change. The Foundation believes that science, the environment, health, and education are crucial pillars in building a better world.
For symposium photos, please visit the Trottier Symposium albums on our FB page.

2022
STRESS! & what science says about destressing
Since March 2020, we have been dealing with the stress of COVID-19. But stress doesn’t necessarily have to provoke negative effects on the body, the key may lie in how an adverse situation is handled.

2023
Ready, Set, Go! Use and Abuse of Science in the World of Sport
Forget doping, what are some legitimate ways to enhance athletic performance?

2021
The Science of Life and Death
What happens to our bodies when we die? How do we live with COVID-19? What goes on in a living brain? Do the dead communicate with the living?

2020
In Whom Do We Trust?
In today's world, there is one question we keep asking ourselves. Who are we to trust?

2019
Longing for Longevity
What does science have to say when it comes to living longer and healthier?

2018
Minding The Future
How will technology change how we live in the world? What role will technology play in our lives from now on?

2017
The Body-Mind Connection
When it comes to health, there is more to consider than just the body. The mind, too, plays a significant role.

2016
Science and the Media
The challenge of reporting responsibly in this “Age of Anxiety”.

2015
A Question of Evidence
In the Information Age, how do we arrive at a reasonable conclusion?

2013
Is That A Fact?
Presenters explore diverse areas of science to answer the question, “Is that a fact?”

2012
A Serving of Science
Our four speakers will present their views on food and the science behind it.

2011:
Alternative Medicine
If sufficient proof is mustered, “alternative” transforms into “conventional.”

2010
Pseudoscience: A Call to Action
Four world-famous science communicators discuss various aspects of pseudoscience.