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 and statistical analyses of scientific studies, in addition to running regular press briefings on the latest hot topics. Find our most recent Roundups and Rapid Reactions, briefings 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 guidelines on science and health reporting, and formerly by working with the National Coordinator for Science Training for Journalists (with resources now hosted by the Royal Statistical Society).
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
There have been reports that the avian influenza outbreak in the UK has spilled over into mammals. Prof Mark … read more
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at long-term exposure to multiple ambient air pollutants, and depression and anxiety. … read more
This Roundup accompanied an SMC Briefing, in which a panel of experts made the case for a higher level of … read more
In June 2019, the UK Government issued a public consultation on the proposal to introduce mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour … read more
A study published in The Lancet looks at cooling European cities through urban green infrastructure. Dr Radhika Khosla, Co-Director … read more
A study published in eClinicalMedicine looks at consumption of ultra-processed food, risk of cancer and cancer mortality. Prof Tom … read more
A study published PLOS Medicine suggests that Β-blocker use associated with lower rates of violence. The following comments were … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at children and young people in the US from 0 to 19 … read more
A study published in PLOS Medicine looks at trajectories of obesity prevalence in English primary school children and the UK … read more
A press release from NHS Blood and Transplant states that the number of children treated for Kawasaki disease has increased, … read more
A study published in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry looks at sleep during adolescence and risk of multiple sclerosis. … read more
A study published in PNAS suggests that antidepressants can induce mutation and enhance persistence towards multiple antibiotics. The following … read more
The NHS is facing extreme pressures this winter leading to delays to patient care and increasing burdens on staff. In … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released their monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales in December 2022. Prof Sir … read more
A report commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) investigates the unusual crustacean mortality in the … read more
In late September 2021, large numbers of dead crustaceans began to wash up on the North-East coast of England. The … read more
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular disease prevention and management, … read more
Scaling up Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is an urgent priority if we are to meet the temperature goal of the … read more
A report on the State of Carbon Dioxide removal has been published by the Oxford Smith School. This Roundup accompanied … read more
A study published in Nature suggests that the recent temperatures in central–north Greenland are the warmest in the past millennium. … read more