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 government have released the latest estimate s for the COVID-19 R value in the UK. Dr Yuliya Kyrychko, … read more
The Vivaldi study, from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), has looked at COVID-19 infections care homes and released the … read more
A study, published in Cell, looked at mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus with possible implications for infectiousness. Dr Erik … read more
Expert comments from statisticians about the COVID-19 death data released daily by the government on their website. Prof Carl … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released the latest data from their COVID-19 Infection Survey for England and Wales. … read more
The government have released the latest statistics for the NHS Test and Trace programme in England, covering the 18th – … read more
The government have released new guidance for schools reopening in September. Dr Sarah Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Genetic Epidemiology, … read more
There has been discussion around patterns of COVID transmission in the southern hemisphere and transmission in the winter. Prof … read more
Data modelling from Kings College London has used data from the COVID Symptom Study app and has been able to … read more
Public Health England (PHE) have released a report by a Rapid Investigation Team looking at the descriptive epidemiology of COVID-19 … read more
A review, published in the BMJ, at antibody tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Prof Sanjeev Krishna, Professor of Molecular Parasitology … read more
A study, published in JAMA Neurology, looked at the neurological effects of COVID-19 in children. Dr. Ross W. Paterson MRCP PhD, … read more
The MRC Biostatistics Unit, at the University of Cambridge, have released their latest nowcast and forecast and regional R value … read more
It has been reported that the US are buying up large stocks of the drug remdesivir, which has preliminarily shown … read more
The government have released details of their Research and Development Roadmap for the UK. Sir Paul Nurse FRS FMedSci, … read more
A preprint, an unpublished non peer-reviewed study posted on bioRxiv, looked at T cell response in people with mild or … read more
In a speech Boris Johnson laid out his plan for the UK’s economic recovery post COVID, including plans for infrastructure … read more
NHS England have announced that UK patients will be able to access a new treatment for Cystic Fibrosis, combing the … read more
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), have released the latest data for deaths int he UK including deaths from COVID-19 in all … read more
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) situation report, globally the milestone of 10 million COVID-19 cases and nearly half … read more