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
Mark Zuckerberg (the founder of Facebook) and his wife Priscilla Chan have pledged $3bn over the next decade to fund medical research with the ultimate goal to “cure, prevent or manage all diseases by the end of the century”. read more
Publishing in JAMA a group of scientists have reviewed the evidence around food allergies and report that early introduction of egg or peanut to the diet of infants was associated with lower risk of developing allergies to those foods. read more
It has been announced that the new CEO of GlaxoSmithKline will be Emma Walmsley. read more
Work presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) conference has reported that men who suffer from anxiety are twice as likely to die from cancer as men who do not. read more
Unpublished work presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress (ECNP) has investigated possible associations between internet use and mental health issues in college students. read more
The US-based National Snow and Ice Data Center has reported that Arctic sea ice appears to have reached its minimum extent for this year which would mean a tie for second lowest in the satellite record. read more
Following a delay it has been announced that the UK government has approved plans for a new nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset which will have financial input from France and China. read more
A poster presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting has reported that taking naps of an hour or longer is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. read more
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has reported that surgery or radiotherapy treatment of prostate cancer is associated with lower disease progression risk than active monitoring of the cancer, while a second study in the same journal which reports differences between three different treatment choices on patient-reported outcomes such as bowel or urinary function. read more
A study published in the BMJ and a review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews have reported that e-cig use was associated with successful attempts at quitting smoking. read more
A poster presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference has reported an association between consumption of a particular fatty acid and risk for type 2 diabetes in women. read more
A presentation given at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference has examined genetic and environmental impacts on obesity. read more
In a discovery that challenges two centuries of received biological wisdom, scientists at the University of Bath have for the first time used sperm to fertilise non-egg cells – resulting in live mammalian births. Eggs can be tricked into developing into an embryo without fertilisation, but the embryos, called parthenogenotes, die after a few days. Scientists at Bath have developed a method of injecting mouse parthenogenotes with sperm so that they can go on in many cases to become healthy pups. read more
In a discovery that challenges two centuries of received biological wisdom, scientists at the University of Bath have for the first time used sperm to fertilise non-egg cells – resulting in live mammalian births. Eggs can be tricked into developing into an embryo without fertilisation, but the embryos, called parthenogenotes, die after a few days. Scientists at Bath have developed a method of injecting mouse parthenogenotes with sperm so that they can go on in many cases to become healthy pups. read more
The US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has reportedly been diagnosed with pneumonia, a condition which affects the lungs. read more
A parliamentary advisory group has released a report advising on the importance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. read more
Public Health England and the Food Standards Agency have published the results of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey for 2012 to 2013 and 2013 to 2014. read more
A paper published in the journal Psychological Medicine has reported an increase in antidepressant prescriptions in children and young people alongside a decrease in recorded depression diagnoses. read more
A report from the parliamentary Energy and Climate Change Committee has warned the government that, based on current trends, the UK will miss its target to provide 15% of energy from renewable sources. read more
The public row about statins has had an impact on patient attitudes and the take up of the drugs, but patients, doctors and the wider public are still left confused about the absolute harms and benefits of statins. A major review, published in The Lancet, brings together all evidence to date on statins to clarify what the risks and benefits are in order to help doctors, patients and the wider public make informed decisions about their use. read more