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 motorway bridge in Genoa in Italy has collapsed, killing a number of people. read more
Two papers published in Nature Medicine looked at deep-learning analyses, one of CT scans and one of eye scans. read more
A paper published in Thorax looked at the effects of e-cigarette vapour on lung cells. read more
Monsanto was ordered to pay $289m damages to a man who claimed herbicides containing glyphosate, including Roundup, contributed to his cancer. read more
Scientists explore the link between adult attachment and problematic Facebook use in new research published in BMC Psychology.
Scientists publishing in The Lancet examine the association between salt consumption and health risks.
A new cross-sectional study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, investigates the association between physical exercise and mental health in 1.2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015.
A new study, published in Human Reproduction, examines the association between type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility centre.
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Nature has published two Brief Communications Arising (BCAs) by Dieter Egli and colleagues and by Paul Thomas and colleagues. These BCAs are published alongside a Reply from the original authors, Shoukhrat Mitalipov and colleagues. read more
The Office for National Statistics has just published new data on mortality trends. read more
The use of medication for ADHD, particularly in children, is very controversial with lots of public concern about over-prescribing and side-effects from the drugs. Added to that, previous well-publicised research has suggested some of these drugs may not be as good as we thought. read more
Scientists explore a “Hothouse Earth” scenario in a study published in PNAS. read more
Researchers, publishing in Human Reproduction, looked at preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) in women of advanced maternal age (36-40) and whether it’s use increased the likelihood of a live birth after a year. read more
Researchers examine the association between ambient air pollution and cardiac morpho-functional phenotypes in a new study in Circulation. read more
A new prospective cohort study, published in The BMJ, examines the association between alcohol consumption and risk of dementia. read more
A new study, published in Science Transnational Medicine, demonstrates the production and transplantation of a bioengineered lunch into a large-animal model. read more
Researchers evaluate the efficacy and safety of further lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patient populations presenting with very low levels of cholesterol, in a new study, in JAMA Cardiology. read more
A new report, published by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee, investigates the association between coffee, caffeine, mortality and life expectancy. read more
Scientists publishing in Oncogene examine – using mice – whether a substance in cannabis plants might boost treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer. read more
Researchers publishing in JAMA Pediatrics investigate the association between in utero polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure as measured in maternal hair and increased risk for hypospadias – a congenital condition in males in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. read more