The Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) has been awarded funding by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología - FECYT) to launch a new scientific culture project titled "Con Ciencia en Mente" (With Science in Mind).
Combating misinformation and mitigating its negative effects on society is one of today’s greatest challenges. A joint response from government organizations, educational institutions, scientific bodies and civil society organizations is essential to developing effective actions in this area. Within this framework, the "Con Ciencia en Mente" outreach project seeks to help counteract the effects of misinformation through the lens of psychology, neuroscience and related fields.
"Con Ciencia en Mente" aims to increase knowledge regarding the psychology of misinformation—specifically the cognitive processes that influence the acquisition, dissemination and long-term retention of beliefs based on false or misleading information—as well as the most effective strategies to combat it. Additionally, the interdisciplinary team will work to debunk common myths and hoaxes that lack scientific backing in psychology and neuroscience. To achieve this, the project will implement intervention activities with high school students, training for specific groups (such as NGOs, journalists and teachers) and digital outreach initiatives. The project will span one year and will be carried out in alignment with the CIMCYC’s research line on the psychology of misinformation.
The FECYT call for proposals, under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades), seeks to bring scientific topics of high social relevance and impact closer to society, to promote more inclusive social communication of science, and to increase citizen participation in scientific culture activities. This CIMCYC initiative joins five other University of Granada Scientific Culture projects that received funding in this call.