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.
The MHRA-established National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare has published its recommendations for how the UK regulates, develops … read more
Scientists comment on an observational study in European Heart Journal on light exposure at night and changes to heart structure … read more
Scientists comment on study in JAMA Psychiatry on changes in characteristics associated with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses over … read more
Scientists comment on a study in Human Reproduction Open on paracetamol in pregnancy and ovarian development / uterine volume in … read more
Scientists comment on a prospective analysis of hot drinks and oesophageal cancer as published in International Journal of Cancer. … read more
Scientists react to study exploring potential relation between global and regional burden of colorectal cancer and Helicobacter pylori exposure, as … read more
Scientists comment on study in JAMA Neurology looking at carbon monoxide exhalations levels and risk of Parkinson’s disease Dr Michael … read more
Scientists comment on an unpublished study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress about semaglutide and asthma attacks in people … read more
Scientist comments on an unpublished study exploring microplastic burden in lungs found in lung cancer diagnosis, as presented at the … read more
Scientists comment on news from UKHSA that an invasive mosquito species (Aedes aegypti) has been detected in east London … read more
A study published in Journal of Translational Medicine looks at shared biological mechanisms between ME/CFS, Long COVID, PTSD, Rheumatoid Arthritis, … read more
Scientists comment on a paper published in Nature exploring the effect of GLP-1R activating drug treatment on ageing and lifespan. … read more
Scientist comments on study on perinatal depression and infant mortality, as published in JAMA Network Open. Prof Stella Chan, Charlie … read more
experts comment on a United Nations Environment Programme report on overshooting 1.5C Prof Richard Betts, Chair in Climate Impacts … read more
Scientists comment on flash floods in Nepal. On the barrier lake: Prof Maria Shahgedanova, Professor of Climate Science at the … read more
A study published in Cell Metabolism looks at the Keto diet and its associated health benefits compared to other weight-loss … read more
Scientists comment on an open letter to the DESNZ Secretary of State urging strict conditions if Rosebank and Jackdaw oil … read more
A final regulatory approval decision on the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oil field is expected in the coming weeks … read more
An RCT published in The Lancet Psychiatry looks at a trial of Open Dialogue vs standard NHS treatments for adults … read more
Scientists comment on a press release from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) about the use of … read more