Science for Public Health Policy: Understanding correlation and causation.

In this timely discussion, Dr. David Kriebel, Dr. Ann Bauer and Dr. Nicholas Chartres will explore how scientists move beyond observing correlations to making stronger inferences about causation, especially when decisions about public health and the environment are at stake. Participants will learn why correlation alone — such as the classic example linking ice cream sales and drowning incidents — can mislead, and how researchers use frameworks like the Bradford Hill considerations to weigh evidence and to judge when the evidence is sufficient to act. The speakers will also discuss the critical question: How much evidence is enough? Real-world examples, including microplastics and prenatal acetaminophen exposure, will illustrate how evidence evolves and how decisions to take action may often be made in the face of uncertainty.

Hosted by the Collaborative for Health & Environment. RSVP here.