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.
A study published in Science looks at doubling of Siberian methane emissions. Prof Neil Ross, Professor of Polar Science and Environmental Geophysics … read more
A study published in Science looks at generative design of bacteriophages using genome language models. Dr Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in … read more
Scientists comment on a report in the times on the number of deaths associated with obesity drugs. Prof Barbara … read more
A study published in Frontiers in Plant Science looks at growing myoglobin protein fibres in plant chloroplasts. Prof Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, … read more
A review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at preparation techniques prior to embryo transfer in IVF. Prof … read more
Scientists are publishing phase 1 results from a trial of the world’s first fridge-free vaccine – a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine, developed … read more
Results of a phase 1 trial published in eClinicalMedicine looks at the safety and tolerability of a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine. Prof Linda … read more
Scientists comment on a House of Lords environment and climate change committee report on pet parasite medications. Prof Oliver … read more
A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine looks at occupational exposure to pesticides and Motor Neurone Disease (MND) risk. Martin … read more
Scientists comment on a Cyclospora outbreak in the US and Mexico. Dr Brian Rice, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and Senior … read more
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer compares the NICE criteria with the BOADICEA risk model for breast cancer risk … read more
A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at screen use and emotional, behavioural and social development in children. Prof … read more
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour looks at early social media use and standardised test scores in schoolchildren. Dr Simon … read more
Experts comment on news that the High Court have rejected a challenge to the PATHWAYS clinical trial for puberty suppressing … read more
A review paper published in Cell Press Blue looks at protein intake, ageing and longevity in humans, rodents and insects. Prof … read more
Scientists comment on a Word Weather Attribution (WWA) analysis on human-induced climate change, extreme weather and wildfires in Spain and … read more
An analysis published in Scientific Reports looks at recent changes in fire risk across Europe. COMMENTS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT … read more
Scientists comment on wildfires close to a nuclear power plant in Suffolk. Dr Imma Oliveras Menor, Research Director at … read more
Scientists comment on the Environment Agency declaring droughts in parts of England. Dr Pauline Scheelbeek, Associate Professor in Planetary … read more
A study published in Royal Society Open Science looks at the environmental impact of welfare-driven changes in UK egg production. On … read more