The Role of Science in Public Policy

Prof. Graham Peaslee
Department of Physics
University of Notre Dame

Certain manufactured chemicals in the environment can be a critical concern for human health. However, unless scientists can effectively disseminate their research to the public and policy makers, many potential problems go unresolved. Over the past several years, Prof. Graham Peaslee and his colleagues have learned how to effectively communicate the problems with Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS), which pose significant risks to human health but are found in areas such as food packaging, textiles, and cosmetics. Only recently have they been highlighted in media coverage resulting in various strategies to steer the market away from PFAS, and regulations to restrict their use. Join us as Prof. Peaslee discusses his research, as well as the positive and negative outcomes of mixing science and policy.

Part of the Our Universe Revealed Lecture Series

Originally published at physics.nd.edu.