When Uncertainty Becomes a Vacuum: Misinformation, Trust, and the Ethics of Communicating What We Don’t Know (Q&A Session wiht Professor Mike Steer)

Larelle Bossi (Griffith University)

What happens when communities need answers before institutions have them?

In this Q&A, Mike Steer reflects on communicating with South Australian communities during the unprecedented algal bloom, when rapidly evolving science could offer probabilities rather than definitive answers – while communities, media and political leaders demanded explanations.

• How does uncertainty create space for misinformation?
• What happens when institutional delays feed a “thirsty machine” for information?
• How can uncertainty be communicated without becoming a vacuum for competing narratives?
• Where is the line between legitimate scepticism and harmful misinformation?
• And what does it take for institutions to remain worthy of trust when they cannot yet provide the answers people need?

Rather than asking simply how we combat misinformation, this conversation asks a more difficult question: what are the ethical responsibilities of institutions when certainty is impossible?

(Note: This session will be held at Australian Eastern Dayligh Time, which is UTC +11)

Facilitated by: Dr Larelle Bossi

Larelle is CEO and Founder of Ethical Ocean, a Research Fellow at Griffith University’s Institute for Ethics, Governance and Law, and Vice President of the Australian Association for Professional and Applied Ethics. Her research and advisory work focuses on ocean ethics, biocultural ethics and transformative ocean governance, drawing on ecofeminist theory and First Nations kinship worldviews. She has developed ethical frameworks for aquaculture, offshore wind and wave energy, and works across ocean governance, place attachment, cultural licence and the decolonisation of marine spaces. Larelle is also an advisory member of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.

Prof Mike Steer

Professor Steer brings over two decades of expertise in marine science to his role at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). His expertise spans various fields including fish biology, fisheries science, cephalopod ecology, molecular science, fishery reform, gear selectivity, and fleet dynamics, providing direction for numerous applied research initiatives that have advanced Australia’s seafood industry.

Professor Steer's strategic leadership centres on forging genuine relationships to facilitate collaborations with stakeholders and industry partners, ensuring SARDI's work remains pertinent and impactful in fisheries management and sustainable livestock practices. He drives meaningful advancements, bridging the gap between academia and industry to address critical challenges in South Australia's aquatic ecosystems and livestock industries.