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 react to the latest heatwave in the UK. On adaptation: Dr Tim Fox, Fellow of the Institution of … read more
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Dr Susannah Murphy, Associate Professor, Department … read more
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at antibiotic use for UTIs during pregnancy (first trimester) and the risk of … read more
There has been long-standing public and clinical debate over the frequency and severity of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. Some reviews have … read more
Scientists comment on a heat-related death attribution study released by the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London. Dr Akshay … read more
A study published in the NIHR’s Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation journal looks at the mechanisms of a known rare side … read more
Scientists comment on the flooding in Texas. Dr Leslie Mabon, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Systems, The Open University, said: … read more
Scientists comment on the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan. Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI, said: “Parts of … read more
Robots and Autonomous Systems are increasingly being integrated into modern healthcare. Will we one day also have Socially Assistive Robots … read more
Scientists comment on wildfires in Scotland. Dr Catherine Smith, research associate in the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and … read more
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health looks at an ‘inflammatory’ diet during pregnancy and type 1 diabetes … read more
An unpublished conference abstract presented at the ESHRE 41st Annual Meeting in Paris looks at microplastics in human reproductive fluids. … read more
A report from the RCPCH (Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) looks at barriers for parents in getting their … read more
Scientists comment on the UK heatwave. Dr Shona Koren Paterson, Director of Global Lives Research Centre, Brunel, University of … read more
Experts comment on a new press release sent out by the government entitled ‘Healthy food revolution to tackle obesity epidemic’. … read more
Experts comment on a new research project that aims to synthesise human genomes announced by Wellcome. Prof Robin Lovell-Badge … read more
A observational study published in PLOS Water looks at the link between nitrate in drinking water and premature births. Prof … read more
A study published in NPJ Vaccines looks at adjuvants in vaccines and their association with a lower risk of dementia. Dr … read more
A study published in the Lancet looks at global trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage. Prof Beate Kampmann, Professor of Paediatric … read more
The first published research findings from Our Future Health data looks at whether people living with chronic inflammatory conditions, such … read more