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 the extreme amber and red heat warnings issued by the Met Office for the week beginning 22nd … read more
A study published in Nature looks at base editing and the role of a key gene in embryo development. Dr Helen … read more
A genome editing technique called CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct genes in children and adults with conditions like Sickle … read more
Scientists comment on a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Venezuela. Dr Raffaele De Risi, Associate Professor in Civil Engineering, University … read more
A study published in the BMJ assesses the early effects of Australia’s social media ban on adolescents’ social media use. Prof … read more
Scientists comment on France confirming an Ebola case. Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, UEA, said: “In any Ebola … read more
Against the backdrop of the London Climate Action Week 2026, the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), … read more
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) add-on therapies are optional, additional extras offered to patients undergoing IVF which are intended to improve success … read more
We assembled a panel of scientists and engineers to try to cover everything journalists wanted to know about this week’s … read more
A study published in Nature Medicine looks at biological ageing and early-onset cancer risk. Dr John Riches, Clinical Reader in Cancer … read more
Scientists comment on the recent train crash that occurred between Bedford and London. Blane Judd CEng FIET HonFIRSE, Chief … read more
Scientists comment on an update from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the PATHWAYS trial of puberty … read more
A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine looks at bending over during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Prof Asma … read more
Scientists comment on two medical AI models, published in Nature, for patient management. Comments from our friends at SMC Spain: … read more
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at gestational exposure to environmental chemicals and birth outcomes. Prof Oliver Jones, … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at use of the combined oral contraceptive pill and binge eating. Rachel Richardson, … read more
On Monday 15th June, the UK Government announced that a social media ban for under 16’s would come into play … read more
An observational study published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe looks at prevalence and diagnosis trends of ADHD. Dr Rachel Moseley, … read more
Medicines data, patient characteristics, and medical outcomes aren’t routinely linked, so healthcare professionals and policymakers can’t fully track how medicines … read more
Scientists comment on the UK Government announcing a social media ban for under-16s. Dr Madeline G. Reinecke, Postdoctoral Researcher … read more