Despite the dreams of information technology enabling better health through new services and support for doctors and patients alike, health communication failures persist. This lecture explores the failings and the risks those failures pose for patients and healthcare professionals. Origins of these difficulties are traced to the nature of knowledge and the problem of linking it to ‘reality’, and some of the psychological processes that lead people to accept misinformation are considered. Focused attempts to address the problem – education, campaigns, programs – are presented, discussed, and concluded.

Bio

Peter J. Schulz is Director of the Institute of Communication and Health at the University of Lugano, Switzerland and Full Professor of Communication Theories and Health Communication. In his work he has sought to bring together thinking from the humanities, social sciences, and information technology to investigate important issues in health communications. His recent work in the field of health communication research focuses on the acceptance of Artificial Intelligence both among clinicians as well as among the public, on misinformation in the health domain, on health literacy and empowerment, and on doctor-patient communication. He has published more than 200 articles on these topics in a multitude of peer-reviewed publications.

Programme

14H00-14H15: Welcome and Introduction Greet T’Jonck, Secretary General of the Francqui Foundation

14H15-15H15: Lecture Prof. Dr. Peter Schulz

15H15-15H30: Q&A

15H30: Reception

Practical information

When? Tuesday 17 March 2026, 2 - 4 PM

Where? Stadscampus, Promotiezaal Klooster van de Grauwzusters (Lange St-Annastraat 7, 2000 Antwerp)

Participation is free, but online registration is mandatory. 

This lecture is the inaugural lecture of the International Francqui Professor Chair, awarded to Prof. Dr. Peter Schulz for the academic year 2025 - 2026.