The tobacco industry's influence on science and healthcare professionals

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Published: 29 Jan 2026
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Dr Sophie Braznell - University of Bath, Bath, UK

Dr Sophie Braznell discusses the influence of the tobacco industry on science and healthcare professionals.

She outlines how the industry has historically manipulated research to create doubt about the harms of its products, influence policymaking, and manufacture trust in its products.

Dr Braznell highlights various tactics used to target healthcare professionals, such as sponsoring events, advertising in medical spaces, and using healthcare providers as a shield to present industry messages as independent.

She also points out the harmful effects of this influence on public health, including weakened policies, increased product consumption, and hindered litigation.

Dr Braznell explains that while initiatives like banning tobacco industry participation in certain research spaces and public awareness campaigns have been put in place, the tobacco industry's efforts to subvert transparency and influence continue to undermine public health.

She calls for further action to protect science and safeguard public health.