Prof. Timothy Caulfield named to international group of scholarly questioners

University of Alberta Faculty of Law Professor Timothy Caulfied is joining an august body of trans-national scientists, academics and science writers who share his dedication to evidence-based science.

Caulfield, already internationally renowned for debunking unproven health claims and for helping to combat the infodemic of junk science surrounding COVID-19, has been invited to become a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

The entity is a program within the Centre for Inquiry, an American educational non-profit organization. Its mission is “to promote scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims.”

"This is a wonderful community,” said Caulfield. “They have a rich history and have done so much to champion science and critical thinking. I'm truly honoured."

A letter to Caulfield inviting him to accept the lifetime appointment said, “Members of the Committee have long been impressed with your commitment to science, rational inquiry, and public education. We applaud and congratulate you for all that you have accomplished.”

The committee was founded in 1976 as the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. It changed its name in 2006 to better reflect the scope of its focus on critical thinking, science and rationality.

Founding members of the committee included Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Philip Klass and Paul Kurtz. Current members include Stuart Vyse, an American psychologist and author who specializes in the belief of superstitions, and John Cook, an Australian researcher focused on countering misinformation about climate change.

Fellows of the committee are often consulted by the media on issues related to their area of expertise. They may also contribute to commentary and articles in outlets created by the committee, which include Skeptical Inquirer magazine.