Journalists
Our mission is to make the best science available to the news media. We work with journalists around the world, providing them with information about science and its related disciplines, making it easier for them to access the best evidence and expertise when science is making headlines. We send out quotes from experts and analyses of scientific studies, in addition to running regular press briefings on the latest hot topics.
Each SMC has a database of researchers and other experts based in their country, selected not just for their proven expertise, but for their ability to engage with the media when their area of work hits the headlines. The quality of our experts is important to us. The SMCs recruit 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.
Need an expert to interview? Get in touch with the relevant SMC. Please be aware if your enquiry does not fit our remit we may be unable to help or may refer you to other organisations.
Scientists
Our goal is to make sure that the best experts are heard by the public when science is in the news. Each SMC team has a wealth of experience in science media relations and provides support for scientists to engage with the media when their area hits the headlines, particularly on controversial topics.
We work with scientists, engineers, and other experts in each of our countries, supporting them to engage with the media. We create more opportunities for them to get their voices heard on the big science, health and environment stories of the day.
We will only gather opinions and information from people who can demonstrate proven expertise in their specialist field, based on their track record within the international research environment. Our aim is to provide reliable voices that set out the accepted consensus across the scientific community.
If you are a scientist in a country with an SMC get in touch to find out more.
Press Officers & Research Institutions
When science hits the headlines, it’s not only journalists and scientists who find themselves in the eye of the storm, but also press and communications officers working to support their researchers while also giving journalists what they need. The SMCs collaborate with research institutions to help ensure the media cover science accurately, and we work together with press officers to help their researchers become more media savvy.
The SMCs are on hand to help particularly when researchers are dealing with controversial or complex stories with significant scientific, health, or environmental impacts. We can provide a neutral venue when your organisation wants to speak out alongside others, or act as a coordination point on key issues. As independent centres without an institutional agenda, we are genuine partners in the effort to help experts engage with the media when it matters most.
If you want to work with an SMC where you are get in touch to find out more.
Funders
SMCs have a unique funding model designed to reflect our position as independent, not-for-profit centres that are not linked to any institutional agenda.
Each SMC has a funding approach that best suits its own country and environment – from being hosted by relevant public organisations, to receiving donations from multiple funders – and all SMCs ensure their editorial independence through their governance and operational structures. This includes signing up to a Charter of Guiding Principles.
Interested in becoming an SMC supporter? Get in touch for more information.