expert reaction to Listeriosis-caused death in Ireland
Scientists comment on a death caused by Listeriosis in Ireland. Dr Ricardo Calderón González, Research Fellow, School of Medicine, … read more
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, Rapid Reactions and briefings 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.
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 and engineering institutions.
Scientists comment on a death caused by Listeriosis in Ireland. Dr Ricardo Calderón González, Research Fellow, School of Medicine, … read more
A systematic review and meta analysis published in The Lancet Public Health looks at daily steps and health outcomes in adults. … read more
Scientists from the University of Birmingham have reviewed a number of direct-to-consumer health tests that are available for members of … read more
A study published in The BMJ assesses direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK. Prof Amitava Banerjee, Professor of Clinical Data Science … read more
An observational study published in PLOS Mental Health looks at mental health outcomes in teens who smoke or use e-cigarettes. Prof … read more
An observational study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care looks at GLP-1 drugs vs metformin and the risk of … read more
A study published in Nature Communications looks at brain ageing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Eugene Duff, Advanced Research Fellow in … read more
A study published in Journal of Human Development and Capabilities looks at the age of smartphone ownership and mental health outcomes. … read more
A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging looks at cardiac scarring and arrhythmia in veteran males. Prof Steffen Petersen, Professor … read more
A Perspective article published in Nature Reviews Diversity looks at genome engineering for biodiversity conservation and restoration. Dr Alena Pance, … read more
Much has been made of the potential of genome engineering to bring back extinct species. But what about its potential … read more
Two papers published in NEJM look at the use of mitochondrial donation an preimplantation genetic testing for mitochondrial disease. Dr David … read more
The first published research findings from the Newcastle team on the children born following pioneering licensed IVF technique to reduce … read more
Scientists comment on the Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan. Prof Mark Stevens FRSB, Chair of Microbial Pathogenesis & Deputy … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between people with obesity and diabetes taking weight loss drugs, … read more
A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology looks at over-the-counter herbal products and dietary supplements used for depression. Prof Stella Chan, … read more
UK Biobank has reached its target of scanning 100,000 volunteers as part of a landmark project to provide for scientific … read more
Scientists comment on NICE final draft guidance and the NHS rollout of Alyftrek for Cystic Fibrosis. Prof David Sheppard, … read more
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine looks at vapes for smoking cessation in disadvantaged groups. Prof Leonie Brose, Professor … read more
The State of the UK Climate 2024 report provides the latest comprehensive review of the UK’s changing climate. It examines … read more