SCS to Evaluate Good and Bad Cosmetic Science

This May 30-31, at Trinity College in Dublin, the 2012 "European city of science," the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS) will join world-renowned experts to discuss the latest good and bad science shaping the future of cosmetics.

Ben Goldacre, PhD, best-selling author, broadcaster, medical doctor and academic who according to the SCS specializes in "unpicking dodgy scientific claims from drug companies, newspapers, government reports, PR people and quacks," joins this year’s symposium. Goldacre has helped expose some of the worst science currently in the public domain and believes that unpicking bad science is the best way to explain good science. Cosmetic products have always been an easy target for skeptics, and the industry has experienced how bad science or the bad reporting of science can have massive consequences for our industry.

In addition, Francis Quinn, PhD, of L'Oréal will give a keynote lecture. Quinn received his doctoral degree in physics from Trinity College Dublin and joined L'Oréal in 1996 where his main areas of research are biomimetic materials and composite polymers. Quinn has contributed to four books in his specialty topics, published more 20 scientific articles, and has filed more than 30 patents. After having worked on the integration of The Body Shop into L'Oréal, and on risk management on environmental questions, in 2009 he was nominated director of sustainable development for the group.

Finally, Paul Roche, PhD, director of the Faulkes Telescopes Project, also joins the symposium as a keynote presenter. He serves as the European Space Agency’s Space Ambassador for Wales, and the UK National Schools’ Astronomer. He has spent more than 20 years researching massive stars, neutron stars and black holes, and was the first Head of Education at the National Space Centre, Leicester. Roche has spent more than 20 years using astronomy and space science to inspire children and adults to enjoy science.

Registration for the event will be closing soon. Delegates from companies who have registered to attend include L'Oreal, Marks and Spencer, Oriflame, Estée Lauder, PZ Cussons and Croda, to name a few. For more information and to register, visit the SCS website.

More in Event Coverage