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 and Rapid Reactions, briefings and ‘Before the Headlines’ analyses 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, and formerly by working with the National Coordinator for Science Training for Journalists (with resources now hosted by the Royal Statistical Society).
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 institutions.
t: +44 (0)20 7611 8300
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data on deaths in private homes in England and Wales, … read more
The government have released the latest estimates for the COVID-19 growth rate and R value. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data on COVID-19 from their Infection Survey. Prof Kevin … read more
A preprint, an unpublished non peer-reviewed study, from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and reported by the FT, looked at … read more
A study, published in EClinicalMedicine, has looked at smoking and vaping in pregnancy and infant behaviour. Prof Jamie Brown, Professor … read more
The government have released the latest COVID-19 test and trace figures for England. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of … read more
The National Institute for Health Research has published its dynamic themed review on what is commonly called ‘long COVID’. Comprising … read more
A preprint, an unpublished non peer-reviewed report, has modelled the likely impact of precautionary breaks (planned, limited duration circuit breaks) … read more
Scientists from the University of Warwick and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine have done a study modelling … read more
A review, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020I, looked at the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. … read more
A study, published in Nature Medicine, looked at excess deaths during the COVID-19 first wave in 21 countries. This Roundup … read more
Throughout the pandemic we’ve heard some politicians and experts reject comparisons of the impact of COVID-19 on different countries based … read more
The Labour party leader Keir Starmer has called for a 2-3 week circuit break in England to help address the … read more
The government have released new advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Dr David Strain, Senior … read more
It has been reported that the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson have paused the trial of their COVID-19 vaccine due … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data for deaths in England and Wales, including deaths from … read more
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) have released the latest batch of minute sand documents. Prof Paul Hunter, … read more
A report, from the MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge, with the latest nowcasting and forecasting of COVID-19 in … read more
A study, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, looked at genomic evidence for a case of re-infection with COVID-19 in … read more
In a statement to the house of commons the Prime Minister outlined a proposed new three-tier system of COVID-19 alert … read more