Dr. Steven NovellaLOS ANGELES—The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) has appointed renowned science educator and skeptic Steven Novella, M.D. as the Foundation’s Senior Fellow and Director of the JREF’s new Science-Based Medicine project.

Dr. Novella is an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine. He is the president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society and the host and producer of the popular weekly science show, The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe. His work with the JREF will include developing and directing JREF’s Science-Based Medicine project, providing the media and the public with trustworthy information about unproven alternative medical practices. The Science-Based Medicine blog, a group blog of healthcare professionals dedicated to issues of science in medicine, will become a joint project with the JREF.

"Steve Novella is a leading voice for scientific skepticism," JREF President D. J. Grothe said. "Through his work with Skeptics’ Guide and local skeptics groups, and his public appearances around the world, he has helped hundreds of thousands of people separate the myths from the facts about alternative medicine. We’re happy to bring him on board."

JREF Founder James Randi added, "I'm confident that with Steven Novella aboard, our Foundation will be even more effective in advancing science and critical thinking in the public interest, especially when it comes to untested medical and quasi-medical claims that can endanger patients and their families. Dr. Novella is especially expert and productive in this important aspect of the JREF agenda."

Upon accepting the position of Senior Fellow, Dr. Novella said, "The JREF is an important skeptical organization and it is an honor to formally work with the Foundation in this capacity. Promoting high standards of science in medicine, especially with the rise of so-called alternative medicine, is one of the most important missions of the scientific skeptical movement. I am happy that it is a high priority for the JREF.”

Novella will begin his post on May 1, 2011.


About Steven Novella

Dr. Novella is an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine. He is the president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society. He is the host and producer of the popular weekly science podcast, The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe (SGU). He also authors the NeuroLogica Blog, which covers news and issues in neuroscience, as well as general science, scientific skepticism, philosophy of science, critical thinking, and the intersection of science with the media and society.

Dr. Novella is the founder and executive editor of Science-Based Medicine, a group blog of healthcare professionals dedicated to issues of science in medicine. He contributes to other skeptical blogs, including The Rogues Gallery (the official blog of the SGU).

Dr. Novella appears regularly on radio, television, podcasts and at public lectures and conventions promoting science and reason. His radio appearances include NPR: All Things Considered, Minnesota Public Radio, Jefferson Public Radio, Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour, The Skeptical Zone during Nat and Drew in the Morning on Virgin Radio 95.3 FM in Vancouver, and many others. His television appearances include Inside Edition, 20/20, The History Channel, Penn & Teller: Bullshit, The Unexplained on A&E, and others.

Dr. Novella has taught a 24-lecture online course, distributed by the Teaching Company, called Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us.


About the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF)

The James Randi Educational Foundation exposes charlatans and helps people defend themselves from paranormal and pseudoscientific claims.

The JREF’s annual critical thinking conference, The Amaz!ng Meeting, is the largest meeting of its kind in the world. Through scholarships, workshops, and innovative resources for educators, the JREF works to inspire this investigative spirit in a new generation of critical thinkers.

The Foundation was established in 1996 by famed skeptic and conjuror James Randi, who has an international reputation as a magician and escape artist, but today is best known as the world's most tireless investigator and demystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. The JREF offers a still-unclaimed One Million Dollar reward for anyone who can produce evidence of paranormal abilities under controlled conditions.

For more information about the JREF and its programs, please visit www.randi.org.

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