The second day of the Tobacco Industry Monitoring Research and Accountability (TIMRA) 2026 Workshop, hosted by the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath, focused on one central theme: strengthening the knowledge, skills, and systems needed to effectively monitor and respond to tobacco industry interference.
Building an Evidence Base That Stands Up to Scrutiny
The day began with an important discussion on the role of evidence in tobacco control. Participants reflected on what constitutes evidence and why evidence is indispensable in informing policy, strengthening advocacy, and responding to industry arguments.
A key lesson was that evidence must not only exist—it must also be robust. Reliable sources such as official documents, letters, emails, preserved web pages, press releases, and high-quality news reports provide a strong foundation for evidence-based advocacy.
The session served as a timely reminder that effective public health action depends on credible, verifiable, and well-documented evidence capable of withstanding public and legal scrutiny.
Understanding Defamation and Legal Risk
The second session examined the legal considerations involved in writing about the tobacco industry.
Participants explored the concept of defamation, the distinction between fact and opinion, methods for evaluating sources, and practical strategies for reducing legal risk while communicating evidence.
For advocates involved in monitoring tobacco industry interference, these lessons are invaluable. They reinforce the importance of presenting accurate, evidence-based information while ensuring that advocacy remains both impactful and legally sound.
Staying Safe While Monitoring the Tobacco Industry
Building on the legal discussion, the third session focused on personal and digital security.
Topics included digital safety, protecting confidential information, engaging with whistleblowers, and managing personal risks associated with investigating powerful commercial actors. These discussions highlighted that effective tobacco industry monitoring requires not only technical expertise but also strong security practices.
Developing a Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Response Plan
The afternoon session shifted from theory to practice through an interactive exercise on developing a Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Response Plan.
Participants explored the importance of political mapping and stakeholder analysis through a structured process that included:
- Mapping current and future tobacco control legislation.
- Identifying tobacco industry actors and supply chains.
- Mapping industry allies and supporters.
- Understanding political and judicial landscapes.
- Tracking legal threats against tobacco control.
- Monitoring efforts to influence public opinion.
- Identifying key policymakers.
- Analysing industry narratives aimed at undermining scientific evidence.
These practical tools provide a systematic approach to anticipating and responding to tobacco industry interference.
Sharing Lessons from Kenya
The day concluded with a networking session that provided participants with an opportunity to showcase initiatives from their respective countries.
During this session, I presented The Tobacco Industry Interference Digital Watch Initiative (TIIDWI), Stowelink Foundation’s flagship initiative for monitoring tobacco industry interference in Kenya. The discussion highlighted the project’s objectives, key activities, lessons learned, and implementation challenges while creating an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and identify approaches that could be adapted in their own contexts.
Looking Ahead
Day two reinforced an important lesson: effective tobacco control is built on strong evidence, responsible communication, strategic planning, and collaboration. As TIMRA 2026 continues, these lessons will continue to strengthen our collective ability to monitor, expose, and respond to tobacco industry interference in support of healthier public policies.
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ODUOR KEVIN 