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
Research published in PLOS Biology demonstrates that the offspring of nicotine-exposed male mice demonstrate behaviors associated with ADHD and autism in human. read more
Research published in PNAS shows that birth mode affected neurodevelopment in mice that may be linked to long term changes in the brain and behavior. read more
Reactions to reports that folic acid will be added to UK flour in an effort to reduce birth defects. read more
Reactions to the news that fracking will start in the UK following a failed legal challenge. read more
Abstracts published shortly before The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) conference discuss several areas including the relationship between sleep and testosterone levels, lifestyle and fecundability and yoga and sperm DNA damage. read more
Research published in Cell Stem Cell demonstrates genome editing has enabled mouse pups to be born from same-sex parents. read more
Energy used in our homes accounts for about 20% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, and most of that comes from heating and hot water. If we are to meet our climate goals we need to start decarbonising domestic energy. read more
Research published in PLOS Medicine demonstrates that higher circulating and tissue concentrations of fats commonly associated with dairy consumption are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. read more
Research published in Human Reproduction demonstrates that the likelihood of having multiple pregnancies after a single embryo transfer is smaller when compared with cases in which more than a single embryo is transferred. read more
A selection of authors were present at this briefing to discuss the conclusions of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. read more
Concerns about social media and internet use are igniting debate across society. It is never far from the news and there is growing interest in what we’re looking at. read more
Researchers working with the military have been monitoring the mental health of current and former personnel in a long-running cohort. read more
Draft guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) make several recommendations on the management and research of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women. read more
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) details the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C and the potential impacts if this isn’t achieved. read more
The abstract for the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting suggests that in non-diabetic subjects low calorie sweeteners increase the amount of gut pathogens which has been linked to a deterioration in glucose regulation. read more
Research published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent fractures or falls. read more
Research published in Joule shows that wind power reduces emissions while causing climatic impacts such as warmer temperatures. read more
Research published in JAMA Oncology appears to show a reduced risk of ovarian cancer among regular users of of low-dose aspirin. read more
Reactions to the news that the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to three scientists for ‘harnessing the power of evolution’, including Sir Gregory Winter from the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. read more
Research published in Cell Reports suggests that diet plays a role in determining microbiota populations in the mammary gland which may be linked to the likelihood of developing breast cancer. read more