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Food Science and Nutrition (Poster Session)

(P09-028-24) Safeguarding the Integrity and Credibility of Food Science Research: Navigating Challenges as Professionals

Sunday, June 30, 2024
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM CT
Location: Poster Board 306
Disclosure(s):
Mary Ann A. Lila, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.


Objectives: Professionals and practitioners in food science & technology navigate a minefield of challenges stemming from the convergence of scientific inquiry and research, and mass and social media. Escalating skepticism and erosion of trust in science is exacerbated by poorly conducted science, plagiarism, inadequate peer review, predatory publishing, misrepresentation of science in the media, and public perceptions of science that are shaped by politicization and mis- and disinformation.

Methods: Key search terms (science, food science & technology, nutrition) were crosslinked with search terms that describe challenges undermining trust in science (media, mis/disinformation, skepticism, hype, generative AI, credibility, politicization, etc.). Over 200 articles covering social media impacts on scientific credibility, the evolution of science & peer review, the rapidly changing rules governing scientific output in academia and industry and codes of ethics meant to govern how professionals work, particularly in the context of food science, food technology, and nutritional science.

Results: Contradictory 'facts' presented in mass and social media generate distrust in scientific discoveries. Leveraging the comprehensive literature review, a strategic framework was defined  that 1) identifies and manages factors that challenge integrity and credibility of food research, and 2) prescribes strategies that allow professionals to mitigate and manage challenges in this complex space in order to provide credible research results in food & nutritional science and food technologies.  Evidence supports a compelling need for strict adherence to common codes of ethics when conducting, reporting and communicating  research results in academia and public forums.

Conclusions: Tools and a framework for professionals identifies the intersection of factors that contribute to erosion of trust and highlights challenges as they relate to perceived loss of integrity or credibility in food science and technology.

Funding Sources: N/A