2026 Trottier Public Science Symposium

Ultra-processed foods are hot! Scarcely does a day go by without the emergence of some report that labels these foods as dietary villains that undermine our health. While some allegations amount to overzealous fearmongering, the legitimate scientific literature presents a number of concerning studies that link ultra-processed foods to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even raise the possibility of an association with depression and certain cancers. There is also the contention that these foods are formulated with a variety of additives and use texturizing technologies to make them so palatable that they become “addictive.” But what exactly are ultra-processed foods? Do they all have the same effect on our biology? How do they differ from “junk food?” Is the processing itself the problem, or are the detrimental effects due to these foods having a high calorie, sugar, and salt content? Is it true that ultra-processed foods induce such intense and uncontrollable cravings that they can be said to be addictive? Clearly, an evidence-based discussion is needed to help us navigate through this nutritional quagmire.

TIME: 7 PM ET

LOCATION: McGill University, Leacock Building - Room 132 (attached to the McGill Arts Building) - 855 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T7

Public lecture by Dr Ashley Gearhardt and Dr. Kevin Hall

TIME: 1:30 PM ET

LOCATION: McGill Faculty Club (3450 Rue McTavish), Ballroom

Moderator: Joe Schwarcz Ph.D. CM, Director at the McGill Office for Science and Society

Participants:

• Laurette Dubé Ph.D, Emerita Professor and Distinguished James McGill Chair of Consumer and Lifestyle Psychology and Marketing at the Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University
• Yoni Freedhoff, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa
• Ashley Gearhardt Ph.D, Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Clinical Science area at the University of Michigan
• Kevin Hall Ph.D, internationally renowned expert in human nutrition, metabolism, obesity, and neuroscience
• Daiva Nielsen Ph.D, Canada Research Chair in Ingestive Behaviour and Associate Professor, School of Human Nutrition at McGill University
• The Right Honourable Julie Payette C.C., C.M.M., C.D., former Governor General of Canada, former astronaut

Registration is mandatory.

Upon entering, you will be asked to show confirmation of your registration with the QR code.

Should you not have access to a mobile device, please print out the confirmation in advance.

Email [email protected] for any questions