About
Professor Norman Fenton is Emeritus of Risk at Queen Mary University of London, having retired as Full Professor in December 2022, and serves as Director of Agena, a firm specialising in artificial intelligence and Bayesian probabilistic reasoning.
With a PhD in mathematics from 1981, he has authored seven books and more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, establishing himself as a global authority in quantifying risk and uncertainty. His interdisciplinary work spans law, forensics – where he has testified as an expert in major cases – and health, often applying Bayesian methods to improve decision-making in chronic conditions.
Since 2020, Fenton’s rigorous analysis of COVID-19 data has thrust him into controversy, earning labels like ‘conspiracy theorist’ and ‘right-wing extremist’ for presenting evidence that challenges official narratives on pandemics and climate change. Yet, his journey reflects a commitment to empirical truth over conformity, highlighting how questioning entrenched views can lead to professional isolation but also empower others to seek clarity.
In a landscape where data drives policy, Fenton’s story inspires those disillusioned with surface-level explanations, reminding us that true progress demands courage to interrogate the facts. By bridging academia and public discourse, he equips everyday people with tools to discern reality, fostering a collective push for transparency and accountability in institutions that shape our lives.
Questions
Why did a distinguished academic become an ‘academic pariah’ for scrutinising COVID-19 data?
What prompted you to leave your university role in 2022 amid growing censorship?
How has DEI infiltrated research funding, and why does it threaten meritocracy?
What does the MHRA’s reluctance to release vaccine safety data reveal about regulatory conflicts?
How did presenting a BBC climate documentary shift your views on net zero and media bias?
Is covert psychology in public policy a lingering threat to free choice?
If you could take one step against globalist agendas, what would it be?
Discussion Log
00:00 - 05:00
From Esteem to Exile: Norman’s COVID Data Journey
Norman recounts his shift from a celebrated risk expert to a polarising voice, driven by discrepancies in early COVID modelling and the UK’s declassification of the virus as non-high-consequence just before lockdown. He exposes how official definitions inflated case numbers, lacking evidence for restrictions that eroded freedoms. This segment underscores the cost of data-driven dissent in a narrative-driven world, urging us to value empirical scrutiny over unquestioned authority.
What surprises you most about the early COVID decisions? Share your thoughts below, and let’s build understanding together.
05:00 - 10:00
Backlash and Labels: The Price of Speaking Out
Facing accusations of being a COVID denier and anti-vaxxer, Norman details professional repercussions like social media smears and calls for his dismissal, amplified by entities like the 77th Brigade. He reflects on how his GB News appearance against mandates intensified attacks, revealing a broader suppression of debate. This highlights how challenging consensus can isolate but also validate those seeking unfiltered truths.
How has questioning official stories affected you or someone you know? Join the conversation to connect our experiences.
10:00 - 15:00
Ethics Under Pressure: Vaccine Mandates Explored
The dialogue delves into the moral dilemmas of enforcing vaccines, invoking bioethics declarations and codes that prioritise consent and rights. Norman argues mandates violate fundamental principles, even if efficacy claims held, emphasising civil liberties over coercion. It invites reflection on balancing public health with personal autonomy in policy-making.
What ethical line should never be crossed in health policies? Let’s discuss and strengthen our shared values.
15:00 - 20:00
Personal Awakening: When Silence No Longer Fits
Norman shares the moment he realised academic freedom was curtailed, tracing his political evolution from left-leaning roots to critiquing institutional biases. He notes how far-left dominance stifles open discourse, making authenticity a risk. This segment empowers listeners to recognise when conformity hinders truth-seeking.
When did you first feel restricted in expressing your views? Share to inspire collective courage.
20:00 - 25:00
Institutions in Question: Censorship’s Grip on Academia
Exploring how universities prioritise agendas over inquiry, Norman critiques the suppression of controversial research and the role of politics in silencing dissent. He highlights broader implications for knowledge integrity, calling for environments that foster diverse thought. It grounds us in the need for reform to reclaim intellectual independence.
How can we restore open debate in education? Add your ideas below, and let’s unite for change.
25:00 - 30:00
DEI Decoded: Beyond Surface Equality
Norman posits DEI as a tool for elite control, masking class divides under race and gender guises, eroding meritocracy in academia. He warns of its pervasive demands, like mandatory reports, that divert from genuine excellence. This challenges us to prioritise talent over ideology for fairer systems.
What does true meritocracy mean to you in today’s Britain? Let’s exchange perspectives and build momentum.
30:00 - 35:00
Critiquing DEI: Freedom and Fairness at Stake
The critique extends to DEI’s impact on academic liberty, with examples of discriminatory practices and counterproductive training. Norman links it to cultural shifts undermining cohesion, advocating for evidence-based approaches. It sparks action toward reclaiming merit-driven opportunities.
How has DEI affected your workplace or studies? Share stories to foster empathy and solutions.
35:00 - 40:00
Vaccine Risks: Pregnancy and Beyond
Discussing dangers for pregnant women receiving COVID vaccines, Norman cites alarming signals and ongoing NHS recommendations despite evidence. He questions regulatory funding ties, revealing conflicts that prioritise industry over safety. This empowers informed choices amid institutional opacity.
What concerns you about vaccine policies for vulnerable groups? Join in to amplify our voices.
40:00 - 45:00
Quangos Exposed: Funding Flaws and Skepticism
Norman highlights MHRA’s pharma funding dominance and similar issues with bodies like Ofcom, alongside his climate skepticism’s career toll. He critiques systemic biases enabling narrative control, urging scrutiny of unelected powers. It unites us in demanding transparency for public trust.
How can we hold quangos accountable? Let’s brainstorm together for real reform.
45:00 - 50:00
BBC Insights: Climate Documentary Revelations
Recalling his 2015 BBC role, Norman exposes scripted biases and ‘greater good’ lies in climate reporting, fueling doubts on net zero. He notes suppressed skepticism, illustrating media’s role in shaping perceptions. This encourages critical media literacy for empowered decisions.
What media experience opened your eyes to bias? Share to connect and question more deeply.
50:00 - 55:00
AI’s Shadow: Censorship in the Digital Age
Examining AI’s potential for narrative enforcement and free speech erosion, Norman warns of algorithms prioritising official views. He ties it to academic trends, foreseeing deeper control without intervention. It calls us to safeguard open dialogue in evolving tech landscapes.
How might AI impact your access to diverse information? Let’s discuss and advocate collectively.
55:00 - 60:00
Narratives’ Toll: Paths to Academic Reform
The conversation addresses controlled stories’ societal harm and the urgency of preserving freedom through reforms like banning DEI. Norman envisions freeing institutions from ideological traps, inspiring a merit-based future. It motivates unified action against overreach.
What one change would you make to academia? Add your voice below, and let’s grow the movement.
Notes and References
BBC (2021) Climate Change by Numbers. Available at: Link (Accessed: 29 September 2025).
Doshi, T.K. (n.d.) The Cancellation of Professor Norman Fenton: Climate and Covid Dissident. Climateskeptic.org. Available at: Link (Accessed: 29 September 2025).
UK Government (2025) High consequence infectious diseases (HCID). Available at: Link (Accessed: 29 September 2025).
UNESCO (n.d.) Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. Available at: Link (Accessed: 29 September 2025).
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (n.d.) The Nuremberg Code. Holocaust Encyclopedia. Available at: Link (Accessed: 29 September 2025).
Where you can find Norman
YouTube: youtube.com/@NormanFenton81
Substack: wherearethenumbers.substack.com/
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