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 study in Nature Communications suggests that Arctic sea ice is an important temporal sink and means of transport for microplastic. read more
Alfie Evans has been in Alder Hey hospital, in Liverpool, since December 2016 with a rare undiagnosed degenerative neurological condition. His father has reported that Alfie’s life support has been turned off.
A new study, published in BMJ Open, researchers study the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregancy and the child’s weight gain and overweigh risk up to 8 years.
Researchers publishing in The Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in population-based case-control studies in three European countries using a validated and harmonised questionnaire read more
A systematic review and meta-analysis examines the role of alcohol in the occurrence of PMS, published in BMJ Open. read more
DEFRA has said that toxic nerve agent ‘hotspots’ could still be in the city of Salisbury following the novichok attack on an ex-Russian spy and his daughter.
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has published a new report: Genomics and Genome Editing in the NHS. read more
Researchers publishing in PLoS Genetics examine the potential and limits for rapid genetic adaptation to warming in a Great Barrier Reef coral. read more
A new study, published in PLOS Pathogens, investigates the genome editing of bone-morrow stem cells in pigtail macaques as a potential treatment for simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV).
A new study, published in Molecular Autism, explores whether Hans Asperger – the doctor whom the condition Asperger’s syndrome was named after – actively cooperated with the Nazi regime. read more
Rising numbers of people are living with two or more long-term health conditions – known as multimorbidity. Physical and mental … read more
Researchers use gene therapy – via a lentiviral vector – for patients with beta-thalassaemia, in a new study, published in the NEJM. read more
Researchers assessed 63,000 doctors’ patients, and found that measuring blood pressure using an ABPM device was 50% more accurate than the traditional way blood pressure is measured in the clinic, this study is published in the New England Journal Medicine. read more
Researchers publishing in PNAS have engineered an enzyme which can digest some of our most commonly polluting plastics. read more
A study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, investigates the side-effects of taking painkillers during pregnancy, specifically examining whether it affects the fertility of future generations. read more
A new analysis of data, published in The Lancet, reports that recommended alcohol limits in many countries should be lowered to around 100g/week for men and women.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has completed its independent analysis of the chemical substance used in the Salisbury attack and has confirmed it was from the novichok family of nerve agents. read more
Researchers, presenting at the European Geosciences Union conference, investigate whether glacial retreat-related landslides trigger volcanic eruptions. read more
A new study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, examines the association between sustaining a traumatic brain injury and increased risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A new study, published in Cell Reports, examines whether exercise, through epigentic effects, can have a cognitive benefit on the health of future offspring of adult male mice. read more