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
Publishing in Nature Climate Change, scientists looked at the rate of global mean sea level rise from 1993 to 2004. read more
Publishing in JAMA Pediatrics scientists report results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies that assessed initial use of e-cigarettes and subsequent cigarette smoking. read more
Researchers publishing in The Lancet present their findings from a randomised controlled trial they conducted to test the efficacy and safety of graded exercise delivered as guided self-help, for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. read more
Publishing in Reproduction researchers examine mouse brain structure and behaviour following prenatal exposure to paracetamol. read more
Two new Cochrane Reviews summarise the results of 114 studies which involved over 13,000 children and young people. They argue that a combination of diet, physical activity and behavioural change interventions may reduced weight in children aged 6-11 and adolescents aged 12-17. read more
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics published a new report, ‘Cosmetic procedures: ethical issues’, on Thursday 22 June 2017. read more
Publishing in Science Advances researchers present a computer-designed ‘antibody scanning’ strategy which generates a panel of antibodies that work on blocking amyloid buildup in a worm model.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that judges are able to consider that vaccination may lead to the development of an illness, in the absence of scientific evidence. This ruling was made in relation to a case in France of a man claiming that a hepatitis B vaccination he received led to the development of multiple sclerosis. read more
Publishing in the European Heart Journal scientists report that the AT04A vaccine induces an effective immune response against the cholesterol-increasing protein PCSK9, in mice. read more
The Academy of Medical Sciences has published a new report entitled, ‘Enhancing the use of scientific evidence to judge the potential benefits and harms of medicines’.
Our ageing population has more complex health needs than ever before, and as we enter a personalised medicine era we … read more
Publishing in PLOS Pathogens scientists report that they have identified several genetic mutations that could allow the avian influenza strain H7N9 attach to human cells, although this is unlikely to happen in the wild.
read more
A fire has raged through a 24-storey west London residential building, several fatalities have been confirmed and more than 50 people have been taken to hospital.
read more
Publishing in The Lancet researchers report that long-term daily aspirin use is linked to a higher than expected risk of bleeding in adults aged 75 or over. The scientists claim that proton-pump inhibitors should be co-prescribed in this age group to reduce the risk of bleeds. read more
We already know aspirin and other blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin is often prescribed after a heart attack or stroke to reduce the risk of further heart attacks and strokes. read more
A new cohort study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, reports that long-term exposure to aircraft noise, particularly during the night, is associated with incident hypertension and potentially, also, cardiovascular events. read more
Publishing in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health scientists report that cannabis use in adolescence is associated with an increased risk of harmful substance use in early adulthood. read more
In a new study published in the BMJ researchers report brain changes associated with chronic alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels. Roundup comments accompanied this analysis.
In a new study published in the BMJ researchers report brain changes associated with chronic alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels. read more
Publishing in Cell Metabolism researchers report that there are no significant differences between two 1-week-long dietary interventions, one including consumption of white bread and the other wholewheat sourdough bread. However, upon further investigation, the results showed people responded to the bread differently.