When science hits the news agenda, it’s our job to pass as much information to journalists 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.
Get in touch 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
e: smc@sciencemediacentre.org
A study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, based on responses to questionnaires by 1,264 women at low risk of birth complications, suggested alcohol consumption in the first 3 months of pregnancy may heighten the risk of having a premature or small baby. read more
Small amounts of four newly detected ozone-depleting substances started to emerge in the atmosphere in the 1960s, according to a study published Nature Geoscience. read more
Research in Nature Geoscience looked at seafloor sediments as a measure of how changes in the sun’s energy output may have contributed to natural climate change in Europe over the last 1000 years. read more
A report published by the Global Warming Policy Foundation argued that observational evidence indicates the climate is less sensitive to greenhouse gases than climate models estimate. read more
In an editorial for the journal Open Heart Dr James DiNicolantonio argued that diets low in saturated fat don’t curb heart disease risk or help you live longer. read more
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a public consultation on its draft guideline on sugars intake, which aims to reduce public health problems like obesity and dental caries. read more
The UN’s top climate official, Christiana Figueres, came to London to meet with business leaders about agreeing a new and universal climate agreement by COP-21 in Paris, December 2015. She came to the SMC to meet journalists in advance of the next part of IPCC AR5. read more
Chief medical officer for England Dame Sally Davies told a committee of MPs she believed research will find sugar is addictive. read more
Two groups of researchers publishing in Cell Metabolism each suggest that low protein intake may be a key factor in leading a long and healthy life; one found a correlation between consuming moderate to high levels of animal protein and an increase in cancer risk and mortality in adults, while the other found that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet led to a shorter lifespan in mice. read more
In response to public concerns about the care.data scheme health minister Jeremy Hunt announced legislative plans including providing a legal guarantee that confidential medical data will not be sold for commercial purposes and that patients’ rights to opt-out will be respected. read more
The BBC reported that an independent scientific assessment, commissioned by the government, of the previous year’s pilot badger culls concluded that they were not effective. read more
The Government has launched a consultation on draft regulations for the use of new techniques to prevent mothers passing on serious mitochondrial diseases to their children. read more
A study in JAMA found participants who handled till receipts printed on thermal paper continuously for 2 hours without gloves had increased levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine compared to participants who wore gloves. read more
A modelling study in Nature Communications suggested the implementation of climate engineering technologies as a last ditch effort to combat climate change had the potential to worsen the effects. read more
As the impact of winter flooding becomes clear, senior engineers and academics came to the SMC to talk about what engineering can (and can’t) do to prevent and reduce the impact of flooding in the UK. read more
A preliminary study in JAMA Pediatrics found children of women who used paracetamol during pregnancy appear to be at higher risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavioral problems. read more
Research in PNAS found a potential causal link between compounds present in the Western diet and the accumulation of amyloid, a component of the plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. The compounds – advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) -have been previously linked to diabetes and neurodegenerative disease. read more
Nature Geoscience published an article showing volcanic eruptions over the past decade or so have cooled global lower-atmosphere temperatures to a statistically significant degree, which can partly explain the slowdown in temperature rise since 1998. read more
Nature Climate Change published research showing socio-economic and health-care conditions factors in England and Wales may be a better explanation for the decreasing numbers of winter deaths than milder winters due to climate change. read more
Nature Climate Change published research showing socio-economic and health-care conditions factors in England and Wales may be a better explanation for the decreasing numbers of winter deaths than milder winters due to climate change. read more