The Rigorous Vetting Process of TED Speakers to Filter Out Untrustworthy Science

TED, known for its inspirational and thought-provoking talks, places a strong emphasis on scientific integrity. This ensures that each speaker's talk is not only compelling but also backed by credible and accurate information. Understanding the vetting process is crucial to maintaining TED's high standards and credibility.

Curatorial Team

TED is fortunate to have a dedicated curatorial team responsible for evaluating speaker nominations and proposals. This team ensures a diverse range of expertise and perspectives are represented in the talks. By seeking out a variety of fields, TED can offer a comprehensive and multifaceted view to its audience.

Expert Review

For talks with scientific or technical content, an additional layer of scrutiny is applied. TED often consults with experts in the relevant fields to ensure the accuracy and validity of the claims being made. This peer review process helps to filter out any misinformation or pseudoscience.

Content Guidelines

TED has strict content guidelines mandating that all talks be grounded in well-supported evidence. This standard ensures that speakers do not perpetuate pseudoscience or provide misinformation to their audience. Talks must adhere to the principles of the scientific method to maintain credibility.

Audience Feedback

Audience feedback plays a significant role in the selection and evaluation process. Feedback from attendees can influence future speaker selections and content adjustments. This helps ensure that the talk resonates with the audience and adds value to their experience.

Post-Talk Review

After a talk is given, TED closely monitors the response and reception. If a talk is found to contain misleading information, TED takes swift action. This may include removing the talk from the platform or placing an overlay on the YouTube video to alert viewers about the speaker's failure to meet TED's guidelines.

Ongoing Education

TED also promotes a culture of continuous learning and adherence to the scientific method. Encouraging speakers to stay informed about the latest research and developments in their fields ensures that they are up-to-date with the most accurate and reliable information.

Local TEDx Events

For local TEDx events, clear guidelines are in place to vet speakers who claim to have made science breakthroughs. We encourage university professors and scientists who work in renowned research labs and publish peer-reviewed papers to present. Additionally, we advise speakers to explicitly state whether a statement is supported by evidence or is a theory they are exploring.

Staying Vigilant

Despite these measures, occasional errors can occur. Our local TEDx event was unfortunately fooled by a crank scientist a few years ago. To prevent such instances, we place an overlay on the YouTube video of the offending talk, clearly stating that the speaker failed our guidelines. We actively encourage the TEDx community to share any recent talks or speakers that have raised alarm bells, so we can address them promptly.

In conclusion, TED and its local events have implemented a comprehensive vetting process to ensure that all talks adhere to high standards of scientific integrity. By maintaining these rigorous measures, TED continually delivers engaging and credible content to its global audience.