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.
A study published in Science Advances looks at deep brain simulation for the regulation of autism related self-injurious behaviour. Prof Geoff … read more
A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition looks at sweeteners in mice and measures of gut microbiome, glucose tolerance and gene expression. … read more
A cohort study published in PLOS Medicine looks at prenatal exposure to PFAS and the incidence of asthma and wheeze in children. … read more
Scientists comment on an analysis of UK pesticide usage data. Dr Wayne Carter, Associate Professor at the University of … read more
A study published in Nature looks at genetic predictors of GLP-1 medication weight loss and side effects. Dr Marie Spreckley, Research … read more
Scientists comment on Bipolar Disorder following news about Kanye West. Dr Tamara Russell, a chartered member of the British … read more
The government announced details of the UK-US pharmaceutical partnership. read more
Experts comment on an interim report commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting into the rise in ADHD and Autism, as … read more
A study published in Gut Microbes looks at dietary and gut-derived metabolites predicting early cognitive decline. Prof Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy … read more
Experts comment on draft NICE guidance that recommends semaglutide to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Prof … read more
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looks at the antidepressant fluvoxamine and metformin for fatigue in patients with Long … read more
A risk assessment published in Carcinogenesis looks at the carcinogenicity of e-cigarettes. Prof Peter Hajek, Professor of Clinical Psychology and … read more
Three studies published in Nature Genetics look at the identification of a common recessive neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). Cornelius Gross, Head of … read more
A study published in Cell Metabolism looks at a food additive (maltol) and bone fragility in mice. Prof Tom Sanders, Professor … read more
A systematic review published in Addiction looks at the use of electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. Prof Peter Shields, Emeritus Professor … read more
Scientists comment on Department for Education guidance on screentime for children under 5. Dr Kathryn Hesketh, Principal Research Fellow … read more
A study published in PLOS Biology looks at gestational exposure to microplastics in mice. Dr. Ovokeroye Abafe, Assistant Professor in Environmental … read more
Scientists comment on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announcing a new policy on the female category in Olympic sport. … read more
Scientists comment on Meta and Google being found liable in the social media addiction trial. Dr Thomas Lancaster from … read more
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at inhaled mebufotenin for the symptoms of treatment resistant depression. From our colleagues at … read more