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. You can also find our previous ‘Before the Headlines’ analyses on the right, though we no longer provide the service.
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.
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.
Scientists comment on high numbers of hospitalisations from flu, as reported by NHS England. Dr Leon Peto, Consultant in … read more
A study published in Wiley Cancer looks at the link between drinking coffee or tea and risk of head and neck … read more
Experts commented on the Government’s plans to completely ban neonicotinoids. Dr Philip Donkersley, Senior Researcher in Ecology and Evolution … read more
A study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia looks at the link between gut infection and risk of Alzheimer’s disease. … read more
A study in JAMA Network Open looks at self-reported physical function in long Covid patients after participating in an outpatient rehabilitation … read more
Scientists comment on the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment. Dr Lisa Norton, Agro-ecologist, senior scientist, UK Centre for Ecology & … read more
The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has published two important new reports. The ‘Nexus Assessment’ is the … read more
A study published in the European Heart Journal looks at wine consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Rachel Richardson, … read more
A network meta-analysis published in the Lancet looks at pharmacological, psychological, and neurostimulatory interventions for ADHD in adults. Prof Philip Shaw, … read more
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was once thought to be a childhood disorder only. However, it is now well-known that … read more
Scientists comment on the IPBES Nexus Report on Biodiversity. Prof John Spicer, Professor of Marine Zoology, University of Plymouth, … read more
A study published in The BMJ looks at Alzheimer’s disease mortality among taxi and ambulance drivers. Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director … read more
A study published in PNAS looks at human health impacts of plastic chemical exposure. Dr Stephen Burgess, Group Leader at the … read more
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open looks at daily step counts and depression symptoms in adults. … read more
A study published in the Lancet looks at the heath impact of new drugs recommended by the National Institute for Health and … read more
Scientists comment on new legislation on regulatory frameworks for clinical trials, as laid out by UK Parliament. Dr Catriona … read more
In its annual Review of Energy Policy, the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) identifies necessary steps that must be taken … read more
A study published in The Lancet Oncology looks at colorectal cancer incidence in young and older adults. Dr Sarah Bailey, NIHR … read more
Scientists comment on an unknown illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, … read more
A study published in Science looks at a mutation in bovine influenza (H5N1) hemagglutinin (HA) which could switch binding specificity to human … read more