When science hits the news agenda, it’s our job to pass on to journalists as much accurate information as we can, as quickly as possible. In order to do this we send out quotes from experts, statistical analyses of scientific studies and Factsheets, in addition to running regular press briefings on the latest hot topic. Find our most recent Roundups and Rapid Reactions, briefings, Factsheets and ‘Before the Headlines’ analyses below, or use the icons on the right.
As well as working with experienced specialist reporters, we also provide support to new reporters, editors and generalists through a series of publications, including ‘Briefing Notes’ on controversial topics, and guidelines on science and health reporting, and by working with the National Coordinator for Science Training for Journalists.
see publications for journalists
Need an expert to interview? The SMC’s database is not quite like any other. Those on it are selected not just for their proven expertise, but also for their willingness and ability to engage with the media when their area of work hits the headlines. The quality of our experts is important to us. The SMC recruits scientists, engineers and others who work for respected institutions, publish in peer-reviewed journals and have a track record of quality research in their specialist field.
The SMC was established to provide assistance to the national news media when covering controversial science stories or breaking news. As such the SMC’s priority remains to support new reporters at UK national news media outlets. We prioritise working with science, health and environment specialists on controversial news pieces, but also provide support for journalists pursuing original and long-form pieces by advising on the best experts to approach and helping to set up visits to institutions.
You can get in touch with using the details below. Please be aware though, if your enquiry does not fit our remit we may not be able to help or may refer you on to external scientific institutions.
t: +44 (0)20 7611 8300
A new study, published in PLOS Biology, investigates the association between caffeine and protection of cardiovascular cells.
A new study, published in Nanoscale, examines metals in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists publishing in Neuron examine the relationship between human herpesviruses and Alzheimer’s. read more
A new study, published in Scientific Reports, presents findings that state regularly bathing in hot water reduces atherosclerosis and cardiac loading. read more
Although they’re an intrinsic part of modern life, a lot of concerns have been raised about the widespread use of screens, particularly among children and teenagers, with claims about their impact on mental health, behaviour, and neurodevelopment being made. read more
A new study, published in the Journal of Virology, demonstrates how scientists genome edited pigs so that they became resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. read more
A new study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, reports positive outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s who consumed a combination of nutritional compounds, but highlight that further study is required. read more
A new cohort study, published in PLOS Medicine, examines the association of lifetime alcohol use with mortality and cancer risk in older adults. read more
The government has agreed to review the status of medical cannabis. Prof Celia Morgan, Professor of Psychopharmacology, University of … read more
A new systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Heart, examines the association between marital status and risk of cardiovascular disease.
read more
The comments below follow on from the rapid reaction we sent out yesterday. read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) represents a fascinating new frontier in medicine, promising faster and more accurate diagnoses, an increased ability to identify and treat vulnerable patients, and a more efficient and streamlined service that can free up the time of health care professionals. read more
Lifespan is increasing but healthspan is not. Diet-related illness is a cause of 350 million deaths each year globally, and is now the number one cause of death and ill health in the UK. read more
This roundup was sent out on Saturday 16th June 2018 and was in response to the Home Office over its refusal to release medicinal cannabis oil that it had confiscated from the family of a severely epileptic boy. Several hours later, the government reversed this decision and issued the boy in question a licence to be treated with the oil. read more
DeepMind Health set up an Independent Review Panel in 2016 to provide an oversight of the company’s work with the … read more
The article “primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a mediterranean diet” has been retracted from the NEJM. read more
The Antarctic Ice Sheet is an important indicator of climate change and driver of sea-level rise. read more
A new climate assessment to be published in Nature combines multiple satellite surveys of Antarctica to create the most complete picture of ice loss to date.
The first comprehensive review of British mammal populations for more than 20 years will be launched by The Mammal Society … read more
The first comprehensive review of British mammal populations for more than 20 years has been launched by The Mammal Society and Natural England. read more