Maxwell Smith, PhD
@maxwellsmith.bsky.social
Bioethicist, Associate Professor, and CIHR Applied Public Health Chair in Ethics & Health Emergencies at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Also Associate Director of Western's Rotman Institute of Philosophy. Views are my own.
maxwellsmith.ca
maxwellsmith.ca
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
🚨We're hiring! A tenure track position at McGill University in the area of #bioethics and / or philosophy of science, with a special focus on the ethics of medical technologies. Please share widely. #philsky #ethics #philsci philjobs.org/job/show/30402
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track), Department of Equity, Ethics, and Policy and Department of Philosophy, McGill University
- PhilJobs:JFP
Assistant Professor (Tenure Track), Department of Equity...
An international database of jobs for philosophers
philjobs.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:02 AM
🚨We're hiring! A tenure track position at McGill University in the area of #bioethics and / or philosophy of science, with a special focus on the ethics of medical technologies. Please share widely. #philsky #ethics #philsci philjobs.org/job/show/30402
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
Must read from @sarahkarlin-smith.bsky.social.
Prasad will pause+review all basic science research happening at CBER initiated before he came, insinuating its researchers haven't been doing "honest work." How much more abuse can FDA staff be expected to take?
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
Prasad will pause+review all basic science research happening at CBER initiated before he came, insinuating its researchers haven't been doing "honest work." How much more abuse can FDA staff be expected to take?
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
CBER Poised for Research Shakeup As Prasad Makes Unproven Claims About ‘Polluted Science’
In an email to staff filled with unsupported accusations about the quality of the center’s research, CBER Director Vinay Prasad said no resources or time should be spent on ongoing projects started be...
insights.citeline.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Must read from @sarahkarlin-smith.bsky.social.
Prasad will pause+review all basic science research happening at CBER initiated before he came, insinuating its researchers haven't been doing "honest work." How much more abuse can FDA staff be expected to take?
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
Prasad will pause+review all basic science research happening at CBER initiated before he came, insinuating its researchers haven't been doing "honest work." How much more abuse can FDA staff be expected to take?
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
Lots of other ostriches to save. No interest?
Perhaps they're not pro-ostrich, but rather anti-public health...
Perhaps they're not pro-ostrich, but rather anti-public health...
In case you’re wondering:
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
Leaders of Canada’s Newest Convoy Worry Police Are Trying to Sabotage a Nationwide Protest Avenging a Flock of Dead Ostriches
Convoy organizers say they are at ‘war’ with the federal government, but insist they will remain ‘peaceful’
pressprogress.ca
November 22, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Lots of other ostriches to save. No interest?
Perhaps they're not pro-ostrich, but rather anti-public health...
Perhaps they're not pro-ostrich, but rather anti-public health...
Sensible move, especially when the health system is under so much strain.
Exceptional to see that the #Manitoba government will be eliminating sick notes for any absences of 7 consecutive days or less. This is a massive step forward in minimizing administrative burden for physicians, so they can spend quality time with patients.
Manitoba looks to end sick notes unless employee absent for 1 week | CBC News
Doctors are sick of filing sick notes for minor illnesses — and the Manitoba government is heeding their advice.
www.cbc.ca
November 21, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Sensible move, especially when the health system is under so much strain.
Lockdowns in 2020/2021 ‘undoubtedly saved lives’ but ‘only became inevitable because of the acts and omissions of the four governments’ - UK COVID Inquiry 2025
Key lesson: if you oppose lockdowns, support proactive interventions that could obviate their use.
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Key lesson: if you oppose lockdowns, support proactive interventions that could obviate their use.
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Government response to COVID-19 was ‘too little too late’, inquiry concludes
Report says 23,000 deaths could have been avoided with earlier lockdown
thedoctor.bma.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Lockdowns in 2020/2021 ‘undoubtedly saved lives’ but ‘only became inevitable because of the acts and omissions of the four governments’ - UK COVID Inquiry 2025
Key lesson: if you oppose lockdowns, support proactive interventions that could obviate their use.
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Key lesson: if you oppose lockdowns, support proactive interventions that could obviate their use.
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
23,000 deaths in England could have been prevented in the first wave of Covid if lockdown had started a week earlier, a new report by the Covid Inquiry has found.
Read more in The Doctor Magazine👇
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Read more in The Doctor Magazine👇
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Government response to Covid was ‘too little too late’, inquiry finds
Report says 23,000 deaths could have been avoided with earlier lockdown
thedoctor.bma.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
23,000 deaths in England could have been prevented in the first wave of Covid if lockdown had started a week earlier, a new report by the Covid Inquiry has found.
Read more in The Doctor Magazine👇
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Read more in The Doctor Magazine👇
thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/hea...
Many on the right claim they have been "othered", that no room is made for their "different opinions" regarding vaccines and public health.
And yet their voices have been so loud, so mainstreamed, that room is no longer made for the evidence-based claim that "vaccines do not cause autism".
And yet their voices have been so loud, so mainstreamed, that room is no longer made for the evidence-based claim that "vaccines do not cause autism".
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
November 20, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Many on the right claim they have been "othered", that no room is made for their "different opinions" regarding vaccines and public health.
And yet their voices have been so loud, so mainstreamed, that room is no longer made for the evidence-based claim that "vaccines do not cause autism".
And yet their voices have been so loud, so mainstreamed, that room is no longer made for the evidence-based claim that "vaccines do not cause autism".
When it comes to spending on R&D relative to GDP, Canada doesn't rank in the top 20 among OECD countries.
But this is not because we under-perform in our higher education sector, but rather in our government agencies and especially in our business sector.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/scien...
But this is not because we under-perform in our higher education sector, but rather in our government agencies and especially in our business sector.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/scien...
Canada’s research and scientific spending is declining relative to other nations, report says
Low rate of R&D investment plays key role in productivity crisis, according to Council of Canadian Academies
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:58 PM
When it comes to spending on R&D relative to GDP, Canada doesn't rank in the top 20 among OECD countries.
But this is not because we under-perform in our higher education sector, but rather in our government agencies and especially in our business sector.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/scien...
But this is not because we under-perform in our higher education sector, but rather in our government agencies and especially in our business sector.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/scien...
Big Tobacco spends billions to 'hook' the next generation on tobacco, including by influencing public health policies. An estimated 37 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco.
And yet, it is those who attempt to intervene who are accused of infringing on 'freedom'. This is backwards.
And yet, it is those who attempt to intervene who are accused of infringing on 'freedom'. This is backwards.
This is how Big Tobacco uses its billions to influence public health policies:
🕴️ Worldwide army of lobbyists and allies
💸 Making political donations
🤝 Recruiting ex-government officials
Learn more 🔗bit.ly/48l9AqB #TobaccoExposed
🕴️ Worldwide army of lobbyists and allies
💸 Making political donations
🤝 Recruiting ex-government officials
Learn more 🔗bit.ly/48l9AqB #TobaccoExposed
November 20, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Big Tobacco spends billions to 'hook' the next generation on tobacco, including by influencing public health policies. An estimated 37 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco.
And yet, it is those who attempt to intervene who are accused of infringing on 'freedom'. This is backwards.
And yet, it is those who attempt to intervene who are accused of infringing on 'freedom'. This is backwards.
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
New report from @policyalternatives.ca and @iris-recherche.bsky.social shows a clear link between greater privatization in health care services and higher mortality rates—just as multiple Canadian provinces work actively to privatize those services www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Mortality and health care privatization: A comparison between countries - CCPA
Privatization is deadly. Canada needs to learn from other countries and focus on public health care instead.
www.policyalternatives.ca
November 20, 2025 at 1:12 PM
New report from @policyalternatives.ca and @iris-recherche.bsky.social shows a clear link between greater privatization in health care services and higher mortality rates—just as multiple Canadian provinces work actively to privatize those services www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
Number of sick days used by the core public service in the Canadian federal government:
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Sick days increased almost 14 per cent when public servants returned to office three days a week
Public servants have taken more sick days as remote work rules have changed.
ottawacitizen.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Number of sick days used by the core public service in the Canadian federal government:
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
Crimes against humanity
CDC has overhauled its website to assert that “the claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim”
November 20, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Crimes against humanity
Number of sick days used by the core public service in the Canadian federal government:
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Sick days increased almost 14 per cent when public servants returned to office three days a week
Public servants have taken more sick days as remote work rules have changed.
ottawacitizen.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Number of sick days used by the core public service in the Canadian federal government:
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Sept. 2020: 129,570
Sept. 2021: 157,657
Sept. 2022: 168,245
Sept. 2023: 209,395
Sept. 2024: 238,668
Sick days increase in tandem with return-to-office mandates.
ottawacitizen.com/public-servi...
Where miasma theory is making a comeback, so too will historically controlled communicable diseases.
“Miasma theory” stages a comeback in the United States
Deep sigh 😮💨
www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/...
Deep sigh 😮💨
www.theatlantic.com/health/2025/...
RFK Jr.’s Miasma Theory of Health Is Spreading
The NIH is picking up Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s argument that a healthy immune system can keep even pandemic germs at bay.
www.theatlantic.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Where miasma theory is making a comeback, so too will historically controlled communicable diseases.
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
A new study found the Trump administration’s cuts to NIH grants disrupted more than 380 clinical trials, affecting over 74,000 participants.
The cuts disproportionately impacted trials on infectious diseases and minority communities.
The cuts disproportionately impacted trials on infectious diseases and minority communities.
Federal cuts upended clinical trials. A new study reveals the toll.
Grants for 383 clinical trials were terminated and the funding disruptions affected more than 74,000 trial participants, according to new research.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
A new study found the Trump administration’s cuts to NIH grants disrupted more than 380 clinical trials, affecting over 74,000 participants.
The cuts disproportionately impacted trials on infectious diseases and minority communities.
The cuts disproportionately impacted trials on infectious diseases and minority communities.
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
Join us for the launch of the Western University Centre for Bioethics, featuring a lecture by Prof Francoise Baylis, Distinguished Research Professor Emerita at Dalhousie University @dalhousieu.bsky.social and President, The Royal Society of Canada @src-rsc.bsky.social
@francoisebaylis.bsky.social
@francoisebaylis.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Join us for the launch of the Western University Centre for Bioethics, featuring a lecture by Prof Francoise Baylis, Distinguished Research Professor Emerita at Dalhousie University @dalhousieu.bsky.social and President, The Royal Society of Canada @src-rsc.bsky.social
@francoisebaylis.bsky.social
@francoisebaylis.bsky.social
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
I'm excited to announce the establishment of the Western University Centre for Bioethics (@westernbioethics.bsky.social), a research centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences @westernu.ca. I'm honoured to serve as the Centre's inaugural Director. #bioethics
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
November 12, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I'm excited to announce the establishment of the Western University Centre for Bioethics (@westernbioethics.bsky.social), a research centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences @westernu.ca. I'm honoured to serve as the Centre's inaugural Director. #bioethics
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
I'm excited to announce the establishment of the Western University Centre for Bioethics (@westernbioethics.bsky.social), a research centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences @westernu.ca. I'm honoured to serve as the Centre's inaugural Director. #bioethics
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
November 12, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I'm excited to announce the establishment of the Western University Centre for Bioethics (@westernbioethics.bsky.social), a research centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences @westernu.ca. I'm honoured to serve as the Centre's inaugural Director. #bioethics
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
Join us for a launch event (cont 👇)
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
If this is what they are doing with the AI, what do you think they are doing with the much simpler and easier to control algorithm that chooses which posts you see and which of your posts are seen by others?
November 12, 2025 at 4:56 AM
If this is what they are doing with the AI, what do you think they are doing with the much simpler and easier to control algorithm that chooses which posts you see and which of your posts are seen by others?
Given the sheer size of this past year's outbreak, I suspect Canada will be able to regain its measles elimination status sooner rather than later. But this must serve as a reminder of how important it is to remain proactive and vigilant against communicable diseases.
It's official: Canada has lost its measles elimination status because of an outbreak that has persisted for more than 12 months. Country can regain status only if on-going spread is of measles interrupted for more than a year. www.cbc.ca/news/health/... via @cbcnews.ca
November 10, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Given the sheer size of this past year's outbreak, I suspect Canada will be able to regain its measles elimination status sooner rather than later. But this must serve as a reminder of how important it is to remain proactive and vigilant against communicable diseases.
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
A new @ca.theconversation.com article, co-authored by @juliamwright.bsky.social (FRSC), explores how updated CSA standards for respirator use can better protect health-care workers and patients — and why adopting evidence-based safety measures is vital for all Canadians. #RSCVoices
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
The CSA Group — a not-for-profit standards organization — released for review a new draft standard on the “Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators” (CSA Z94.4:25) for workplaces, specifically includin...
rsc-src.ca
November 10, 2025 at 5:13 PM
A new @ca.theconversation.com article, co-authored by @juliamwright.bsky.social (FRSC), explores how updated CSA standards for respirator use can better protect health-care workers and patients — and why adopting evidence-based safety measures is vital for all Canadians. #RSCVoices
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
BREAKING: "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has notified the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that Canada no longer holds measles elimination status."
Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada on Canada’s Measles Elimination Status
Following over 12 months of transmission across the country, PAHO confirms Canada's loss of measles elimination status. We are coordinating efforts with provinces and territories to restore the status...
www.canada.ca
November 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
BREAKING: "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has notified the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that Canada no longer holds measles elimination status."
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
I am so very excited about this new chapter of my life. Looking forward to working alongside talented colleagues to find creatives ways to leverage knowledge for the benefit of Canadians www.dal.ca/news/2025/11...
Dalhousie’s Dr. Françoise Baylis begins new chapter as president of the Royal Society of Canada
Global bioethics leader steps into a pivotal national role, aiming to deepen public trust in research, amplify Canadian voices on the world stage, and champion science for societal good.
www.dal.ca
November 6, 2025 at 9:17 PM
I am so very excited about this new chapter of my life. Looking forward to working alongside talented colleagues to find creatives ways to leverage knowledge for the benefit of Canadians www.dal.ca/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
An update on my column: Parliamentary committee drops most contentious parts of its demand for data on research funding. It now wants aggregated, not disaggregated data. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
November 6, 2025 at 2:29 AM
An update on my column: Parliamentary committee drops most contentious parts of its demand for data on research funding. It now wants aggregated, not disaggregated data. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Maxwell Smith, PhD
If you are a Canadian scientist 🧪 alarmed by the unfair targeting of academics working on research related to EDI in the US ➡️
Turn your attention to our own House of Commons' Standing Committee on Science and Research and consider signing this open letter:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Turn your attention to our own House of Commons' Standing Committee on Science and Research and consider signing this open letter:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Open Letter to Protect Tri-Council EDI Data
Why do we need urgent action to protect our data?
The mandate of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research is to review and report on topics relating to science and research in ...
docs.google.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:41 PM
If you are a Canadian scientist 🧪 alarmed by the unfair targeting of academics working on research related to EDI in the US ➡️
Turn your attention to our own House of Commons' Standing Committee on Science and Research and consider signing this open letter:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Turn your attention to our own House of Commons' Standing Committee on Science and Research and consider signing this open letter:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...