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
A study published in FASEB J looks at maternal antioxidant treatment during pregnancy and memory function in adult rat offspring. … read more
The government has announced the launch of a COVID-19 Antivirals Taskforce that will aim to identify treatments for patients who … read more
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a press release stating it finds a possible link between the Janssen COVID-19 … read more
An observational study published in Nature Communications looks at sleep duration in middle and old age and incidence of dementia. … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the … read more
An observational study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health looks at the effects of dietary supplements on the risk … read more
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its report on the State of the Global Climate 2020. Dr Samantha … read more
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics looks at paternal drinking before pregnancy and fetal birth defect risk. Prof Rod … read more
Several cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617 have now been detected in the UK. Prof Sharon Peacock, Director of … read more
Professor Lucy Chappell has been announced as the new Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) … read more
Researchers at the University of Oxford are launching a human challenge trial to look at what kind of immune response … read more
Researchers from the University of Oxford have launched a human challenge trial which aims to find out what kind of … read more
The science-led Events Research Programme (ERP) pilots will be run across a range of settings, venues and activities, starting with the World … read more
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that pregnant women should be offered the COVID-19 vaccine at … read more
The government have published the latest estimates for the COVID-19 R number and growth rates. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey. Prof James Naismith, Director … read more
The government have released the latest statistics from the COVID-19 Test and Trace system. Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor … read more
A study published in Cell looks at injecting human stem cells into primate embryos to grow human-monkey chimeric embryos. … read more
In an article by the BBC, it’s suggested that analysis of data from Public Health England (PHE) shows 82% of … read more
A preprint, an unpublished non-peer reviewed study, looks at incidence of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) after COVID-19, compared to incidence … read more