The Science Media Centre is not restricted to reacting to the headlines, and has helped scientists to more proactively set the agenda by bringing new science or evidence to journalists. This comes from our regular briefings, which take a variety of forms and cover a wide range of topics. Many are background briefings introducing journalists to the best experts and science on controversial issues like nuclear waste, nanotechnology, emerging diseases, or animal research, for example. They may also be news briefings where the SMC works with scientists to give the national media a new story on developments within science, whether it’s a report on climate change, a paper on stem cells being published in a leading journal, or science funding cuts in the latest budget. In addition, the SMC encourages leading experts to ‘speak out’ to the media about developments they believe may pose a threat to scientific research – not something science has been renowned for.
In June 2019, the UK Government issued a public consultation on the proposal to introduce mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour … read more
The NHS is facing extreme pressures this winter leading to delays to patient care and increasing burdens on staff. In … read more
In late September 2021, large numbers of dead crustaceans began to wash up on the North-East coast of England. The … read more
Scaling up Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is an urgent priority if we are to meet the temperature goal of the … read more
The latest evidence suggests that up to 40% of all cases of dementia are linked to factors we may be … read more
There is overwhelming evidence that climate change will cause significant harm if we don’t stop dumping carbon dioxide into the … read more
A new initiative to better understand respiratory viruses is being launched by the Wellcome Sanger Institute. It aims to develop … read more
Individual cases – such as the tragic death of Molly Russell – have formed part of the larger ongoing discussion … read more
After being authorised for use in the UK, the antiviral molnupiravir is being evaluated as part of the Platform Adaptive … read more
The Newborn Genomes Programme is the world’s first large-scale research programme to explore in detail the benefits, challenges, and practicalities … read more
Scientists treating patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have started a new clinical trial in which patients receive ‘ready-made’ universal … read more
Professor Chris Whitty’s third annual report will be published on Thursday 8th December. Outdoor air quality in this country has … read more
After several pushbacks, part 2 of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) will take place from 7 – 19 December … read more
The use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is an international public health and child protection challenge. Researchers at the … read more
Dementia research is at a tipping point. Earlier this year, an Alzheimer’s drug, Eisai’s lecanemab, demonstrated a small but clear … read more
Researchers believe we need a new approach to treating cancer and have identified that the complex ecosystem that supports tumours … read more
A new study assesses the dental health of two cohorts of young children over a six year period: in West … read more
As world leaders meet at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Global Carbon Project will reveal the latest trends in global … read more
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common seasonal virus that infects most babies in their first few years of life. … read more
Bipolar is a severe mental illness characterised by significant and sometimes extreme changes in mood and energy, which go far … read more
