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, statistical analyses of scientific studies and Factsheets, in addition to running regular press briefings on the latest hot topic. Find our most recent Roundups and Rapid Reactions, briefings, Factsheets 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 ‘Briefing Notes’ on controversial topics, and guidelines on science and health reporting, and by working with the National Coordinator for Science Training for Journalists.
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 UK Foreign Office has advised against ‘all but essential travel’ to China. Prof Ben Neuman, Chair of Biological … read more
A study, published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, reports on the use of genetically engineered moths for crop protection. … read more
A correspondence piece, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), reports on a possible case of coronavirus human-to-human transmission … read more
There have been initial reports of cases of transmission of coronavirus in Germany and Japan. Dr Nathalie MacDermott, NIHR … read more
Official advice for UK travellers who have returned from Wuhan in the last 14 days is to ‘self-isolate’. Prof … read more
NICE have issued their draft guidance on Esketamine nasal spray for treatment resistant depression. Dr Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist, … read more
The Government has announced a new fast-track UK visa for scientists, mathematicians and researchers, to be launched next month. … read more
There have been reports that the Wuhan coronavirus may be transmittable whilst asymptomatic. Monday 27th January Professor Mark Woolhouse, … read more
A team at Imperial College London have revised their estimate of the infection rate of the Wuhan coronavirus. Dr … read more
A 6.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Eastern Turkey. Prof David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University, said: “This … read more
Studies, published in The Lancet, report on the initial cases of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in china. Prof William Keevil, … read more
Should we be reaching net zero by 2025, 2030 or 2050? Are these targets a useful driver to deliver the … read more
Last night the World Health Organisation (WHO) emergency committee re convened and decided not to declare the China coronavirus outbreak … read more
A study of Pakistani women, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reports that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with … read more
Two studies, published in JAMA Network Open, report on the impact of antibiotics on the relationship between antibiotic exposure in … read more
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have run a Q&A via their website on electronic cigarettes. Dr Nick Hopkinson, Reader … read more
With increasing numbers of confirmed cases of this new coronavirus virus both in China as well as other nearby countries, … read more
Research, published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, reports that the HPV vaccine has reduced the cancer … read more
Research, published in Nature Communications, reports that lead from some solar cells is more likely to be absorbed by plants … read more
A study, published in JAMA, reports on the absorption of chemicals found in sunscreen into the users blood. Dr Jérôme … read more