The McGill Office for Science and Society (OSS) is a unique venture dedicated to the promotion of critical thinking, science communication, and the presentation of scientific information to the public, educators, and students in an accurate and responsible fashion. The OSS answers queries from the public and the media on scientific matters with a view towards separating fact from fiction. OSS staffers can often be found in the media commenting on a variety of science-related issues. Public lectures and outreach are a large and important part of the OSS, with a variety of lectures on topics relating to health, science, pseudoscience, and science communication, presented locally, nationally, and internationally.
The OSS also oversees a number of courses designed to provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of controversial issues, as well as undertake the investigation of potentially fraudulent products and therapies, as well as modern day “snake-oil salesmen”. The OSS hosts the Trottier Public Science Symposium, one of McGill's largest annual public events, that focuses on science-related topics of current public interest, featuring presentations by renowned experts.
The OSS is responsible for its public affairs and communications and also has a number of interns to assist with the writing and dissemination of material.
The OSS does not accept funding from any vested interest. We are funded by McGill University and the Trottier Family Foundation.
