Brett Sutton’s New Battle: Rebuilding Trust in Science in the Age of Misinformation
Let’s talk about Brett Sutton. You probably remember him as the face of public health in Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic—the calm, composed Chief Health Officer who weathered a brutal storm of public scrutiny, confusion, and, at times, outright hostility. But even after surviving a global health crisis and all the vitriol that came with it, Professor Sutton hasn’t stepped away from the frontlines. In fact, he’s taking on a new war—one arguably more complex and insidious: the fight against misinformation and the restoration of trust in science.
After enduring death threats, hate mail, and intense public pressure, Sutton now serves as the director of the CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity division. But more than holding a title, he’s working behind the scenes on something with potentially far-reaching impact—a Coalition for Trust in Science. And let’s be honest, we desperately need it. Today’s information ecosystem is fragmented. It’s easier than ever to live inside your own digital bubble, hearing only the version of truth you already agree with. That’s not just a social concern—it’s a scientific crisis.
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Sutton’s vision isn’t just a PR campaign for science. He wants something robust—what he calls a “paddock to plate” approach. That means ensuring the science being done is rock solid, promoting it accurately, and then equipping scientists to defend it in the digital battleground of social media. And this isn’t just a one-man crusade—he’s already won support in principle from top scientific institutions like the Australian Academy of Science and the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Why now? Because the stakes are getting higher. We’ve already seen how misinformation during the pandemic led to deadly consequences—from methanol poisonings in Iran to people ingesting bleach and horse dewormers. And now, there’s a new, rising threat: AI-powered bots that mimic human behavior, spreading falsehoods on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. According to Melbourne researchers, a shocking 25% of online chatter around the RSV vaccine was generated by these bots, much of it sowing fear and distrust.
But it’s not just about bots. It’s about a broader collapse of trust. A growing number of Australians—35%—believe they can be as informed as a doctor if they’ve “done their research.” Trust in government and media is steadily declining, and science is caught in the crossfire. As Associate Professor Will Grant puts it, society’s three pillars for discerning truth—science, journalism, and the courts—are all under attack.
Of course, building a coalition isn’t without its risks. Some experts warn that a centralized science campaign could come off as paternalistic or even alienating. If it feels like scientists are simply pushing back instead of listening, the public may tune out even further. That’s why Sutton is being deliberate, even cautious, about how this coalition takes shape. One thing he’s firm on—it must be independent of government to maintain public trust.
In the end, Sutton’s efforts reflect a deeper understanding: trust isn’t just about facts—it’s about relationships. And restoring it is going to take more than just data. It’s going to take courage, communication, and a willingness to step back into the fight. For Brett Sutton, the pandemic may be over, but the battle for truth has only just begun.
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