SKEPP honours scientific rigor and condemns pseudoscience in annual awards

‘Zesde Vijs’ (Sixth Bolt) award for scientific rigour, ‘Skeptische Put’ (Skeptical Pit) award for pseudoscience: clinical dietitian Michaël Sels is honoured for evidence-based nutrition, while author Griet Op de Beeck is criticised for promoting unproven mental health theories.

‘Zesde Vijs’ is awarded annually by SKEPP (Study Group for Critical Evaluation of Pseudoscience and the Paranormal) to individuals who demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and commitment to scientific integrity, particularly in public discourse. In contrast, ‘Skeptische Put’ highlights those who have shown a significant lack of critical judgement or have promoted pseudoscientific ideas.

This year, SKEPP praised clinical dietitian Michaël Sels (UZA) for his consistent promotion of scientifically sound nutritional advice, particularly in a field often riddled with misinformation. The organisation commended his nuanced and respectful approach in the media, social networks, books, and television, noting that he avoids simplistic claims and remains guided by scientific principles.

In contrast, the dubious honour of the ‘Skeptische Put’ was awarded to author Griet Op de Beeck for her endorsement of unproven theories about mental health, which SKEPP described as misleading and potentially harmful. The organisation also criticised Op de Beeck for identifying herself as a therapist despite lacking formal qualifications, arguing that this creates a false impression of expertise.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © Dietitian Michaël Sels}