expert reaction to new NHS Digital / UKHSA childhood vaccination coverage statistics for England
New childhood vaccination coverage statistics have been published by UKHSA. Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Child Public Health, Great … read more
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
New childhood vaccination coverage statistics have been published by UKHSA. Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Child Public Health, Great … read more
Vaccination coverage statistics for children in the UK have been published by the UKHSA. Prof Jonathan Ball, Professor of … read more
A study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry looks at the use of stem cells to treat MS. … read more
A study published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine looks at the analysis of long COVID research and its potential flaws. Dr … read more
A study published in Nature looks at molnupiravir-associated SARS-CoV-2 mutational signatures. Dr Chris Illingworth, Senior Lecturer (Virology), University of Glasgow, … read more
A study published in Public Health Research looks at the effect of e-cigarettes on cigarette sales and smoking prevalence. Dr Jamie … read more
A study published in Science Advances looks at suppressing negative thoughts and mental health. Luis Valero Aguayo, Professor of Psychology at … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at ultra processed food and the risk of depression. Priya Tew, Registered dietitian … read more
There have been news reports that PM Rishi Sunak will announce changes to climate policy. Prof Sir Jim McDonald … read more
A study published in PLOS Biology looks at mouse gut immune cells and dietary emulsifiers. Prof Nathalie Juge, Group Leader and … read more
The Online Safety Bill passed through the House of Lords on Tuesday 19th September read more
A review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open looks at rehabilitation interventions for Long COVID in adults. Prof … read more
A report issued by World Weather Attribution has looked at climate change attribution of the flooding disasters in Libya and … read more
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics looks at screen time and developmental performance among children aged 1-3 in Japan. … read more
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced urgent work to define and ban the American bully XL dog breed. … read more
Results of a phase 3 trial looking at MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD have been published in Nature … read more
It has been reported that France has ordered a halt to sales of the iPhone 12 due to breaches of … read more
Scientists respond to news that Eastern Libya has been hit by severe flooding following Storm Daniel. Prof Hannah Cloke, … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at blood levels of organochlorine contaminants mixtures and cardiovascular disease. Prof … read more
A review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looks at pharmacological and electronic cigarette interventions for smoking cessation in adults. … read more