Chancellor Kent Syverud | Syracuse University
Chancellor Kent Syverud | Syracuse University
The Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, in collaboration with the Blackstone LaunchPad, has announced the first Combatting Public Health Misinformation Social Impact Pitch Competition. This event aims to engage undergraduate students from various disciplines in addressing the issue of misinformation in public health.
Scheduled for April 3, 2025, the competition provides a platform for students and teams to propose solutions to counteract inaccurate or misleading health information among college students. Participants will present their strategies to a panel of judges that includes experts from public health, media, and business innovation sectors.
“We are living in an era where misinformation can have serious, even life-threatening consequences,” stated Alexandra Punch, director of the Lerner Center. “This competition is not just about raising awareness but driving real, actionable ideas and solutions that can be implemented on a community or even national scale.”
Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity, feasibility, impact potential, and scalability. The winning team will receive cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources for further development of their project. Finalists will also have the chance to connect with key stakeholders in public health and entrepreneurship fields.
Information sessions are being organized by the Lerner Center and Blackstone LaunchPad for interested participants. The next session is virtual on December 5 at 3 p.m., offering guidance on crafting pitches and detailing the submission process.
The focus of this year's Social Impact Pitch Competition is combating misinformation—a significant issue highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic as misleading narratives spread across social media platforms. The event seeks innovative approaches to this growing public health challenge.
For more details or updates about participation, individuals are encouraged to visit the Lerner Center’s website or attend upcoming information sessions.
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