Rapid Reactions: responding to breaking news. The demands of the 24-hour media machine mean that news journalists often don’t have the luxury of time to track down the best scientists when a science story lands on their desks, so availability can sometimes win out over expertise. This is where the Science Media Centre steps in. When a story breaks – whether it’s the latest flu epidemic, health scare or a potential nuclear crisis – the SMC persuades leading experts to drop everything and engage with the story, then contacts journalists at all the major news outlets to offer those experts for interviews or immediate comment.
Roundups: putting new research into context. One of the other ways the SMC ensures that the media have easy access to scientists and their views is by offering journalists a variety of comments from scientists reacting to the latest research. This service differs from our ‘Rapid Reactions’ as scientists have time to react before new research is announced, rather than in response to breaking news.
With access to embargoed journals before publication, we can pick stories of most interest to journalists, asking third party experts to provide comments and information to put research into context before it appears in the media. The SMC’s unique Roundups help busy journalists critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of new research, and highlight when studies are very preliminary or display a correlation that should not be read as causation. Equally, when leading scientists are excited about a significant study this can reassure journalists that the study should feature strongly in their coverage.
Scientists comment on DSIT research and development (R&D) spending allocations for 2025/2026. Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal … read more
Scientists comment on wildfires in Scotland and Dorset. Dr Maria Barbosa, wildfire scientist at the UK Centre for Ecology … read more
An observational study published in PLOS Global Public Health looks at screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents. Prof Ben Carter, … read more
A study published in Nature looks at the effect of the shingles vaccine (Zostvax) on dementia risk. Comments provided by our … read more
Scientists comment on a SACN statement on the WHO’s guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS). Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of … read more
A report published by the British Ecological Society looks at regenerative agricultural practices in the UK. Prof Neil Ward, Professor … read more
An observational study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry looks at LDL cholesterol levels, statins, and dementia risk. … read more
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine looks at the effect of 4:3 intermittent fasting on weight loss. Dr … read more
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at postpartum hormonal contraceptive use and depression risk. Dr John Reynolds-Wright, NES/CSO Clinical … read more
An unpublished conference abstract presented at the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) conference 2025 looks at the association between antidepressant medication … read more
Scientists comment on a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has hit central Myanmar. Dr Christian Málaga-Chuquitaype, Senior Lecturer, Department of … read more
Scientists comment on wildfires in South Korea. Dr Douglas Kelley, Land surface modeller, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology … read more
Scientists comment on news that the Trump administration are intending to stop funding for Gavi (Global Alliance for Vaccines and … read more
A study published in Nature looks at a genetically modified pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation. Prof Peter Friend, Professor of Transplantation, University of … read more
Scientists comment on science related elements of the Spring Statement delivered by the Chancellor. Prof Sir Adrian Smith, President, … read more
A preprint published at the American Chemical Society Spring Meeting looks at microplastics in chewing gum. Professor Ted Henry, Heriot-Watt … read more
Scientists comment on the UK Health Security Agency’s new Priority Pathogens reference tool for R&D funders. Dr Catrin Moore, … read more
Scientists comment on the first case of Avian Flu (H5N1) confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire. Dr Colin Butter, … read more
Scientists comment on a power outage caused by an electrical substation fire that has caused Heathrow airport to close. … read more
Scientists comment on the WMO’s (World Meterological Organisation) announcement on World Day for Glaciers. Dr Bethan Davies, Chair in … read more
