From the transmission debate, to the origins investigation, to changes in mask guidance, to vaccine safety concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a particularly precarious nexus of science, politics, journalism, social media, and policy. This panel discussion will reflect on this tenuous situation, potential areas of improvement in pandemic reporting, and lessons learned from recent experience.

Introduction: Chloe Reichel
Editor-in-Chief, Bill of Health and Communications Associate, Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School

Kai Kupferschmidt
Contributing correspondent, Science magazine

Apoorva Mandavilli
Health and science reporter, The New York Times

Amy Maxmen
Senior reporter, Nature

Emily Woodruff
Health reporter, The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate

Moderator: Alexandra L. Phelan
Assistant Professor, Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University