Uncertainty in epidemiology with Dr. Matthew A. Fox

Complicating The Narrative

What is epidemiology and how do we ensure that research is done right in this field? Dr. Matthew A. Fox, Professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health at Boston University School of Public Health, has dedicated his career to ensuring that epidemiologists get it right.

In this episode, Salma and Matt explore what epidemiology actually is, and is not, and discuss the importance of formulating research questions and hypotheses. They dive into how flaws in methods selection, researchers’ incentives, and funding pressures can skew study results. Matt reflects on the pivotal role of the pandemic in challenging scientific status quo and highlights the importance of research transparency and good communication of research—even questioning the relevance of scientific journals as they exist today.

Tune in to learn more about the world of epidemiology and the importance of rigor, diligence and transparency in research.

Useful resources

• SERious Epi podcast: https://seriousepi.blubrry.net/
• Free Associations podcast: https://populationhealthexchange.org/feature/free-associations-podcast/
• Fox MP, MacLehose RF, Lash TL. Applying Quantitative Bias Analysis to Epidemiologic Data. Springer International Publishing; 2021. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-82673-4
• Lesko CR, Fox MP. An evolved interpretation of Austin Bradford Hill’s causal viewpoints and their influence on epidemiologic methods. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2025;194(6):1476-1481. doi:10.1093/aje/kwae367
• Gelman A. What if I were to stop publishing in journals? Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science. March 11, 2014. https://statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2014/03/11/stop-publishing-journals/
• Mastroianni A. The rise and fall of peer review. Experimental History. December 13, 2022. https://www.experimental-history.com/p/the-rise-and-fall-of-peer-review

Host: Dr. Salma Abdalla
Editors: Catalina Melendez Contreras and Zachary Linhares
Marketing: Kinkini Bhaduri
Music: Eden Avery / Melting Glass from Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/2fqOXWpHab/