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 meningitis cases confirmed in Reading. Dr Eliza Gil, Clinical Lecturer at the London School of … read more
Scientists comment on an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dr Anne Cori (and team*), Associate … read more
Scientists comment on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report on nicotine pouches. Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Assistant Professor of Health … read more
Early detection of prostate cancer through screening has long been debated. Multiple trials have investigated prostate cancer screening over the … read more
An updated review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at prostate cancer screening and mortality. Dr Adam Brentnall, … read more
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet looks at antidepressant use in pregnancy and the risk of autism and … read more
An unpublished conference abstract presented at the European Congress on Obesity 2026 looked at rapid versus gradual weight loss and … read more
Scientists comment on the latest hantavirus update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on individuals returning home to complete … read more
Scientists comment on the King’s speech for the opening of parliament. Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the … read more
A study in Nature looks at global obesity trends in developed and developing nations. Dr Marie Spreckley, Research Programme Manager, University … read more
There’s a current perception that we’re facing a ‘global obesity epidemic’ of rising rates of obesity in young people and … read more
An observational study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine looks at associations between maternal occupation and autism diagnoses in children. … read more
A randomised controlled trial published in Nature Medicine looks at pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT for weight loss maintenance in people with overweight … read more
A randomised controlled trial published in Nature Medicine looks at the use of Orforflipron for maintenance of body weight reduction. … read more
A study published in Environmental Sciences: Advances looks at the occurrence of PFAS in London drinking water. Prof Oliver Jones, Professor … read more
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large class of chemicals, sometimes dubbed ‘forever chemicals’. They are used widely in … read more
An unpublished conference abstract presented at the European Congress on Obesity looks at an association between polyphenol intake and a … read more
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at an association between GLP-1 use and breast cancer survival and recurrence. Dr Mangesh … read more
Scientists comment on reports that a French and American passenger have developed symptoms and tested positive for Hantavirus. Dr … read more
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal looks at an association between endometriosis in mothers and children born with congenital … read more