Why do we need a Science Media Centre?

An important element of good news reporting is to write in simple, plain language. 

Writing that is clear helps improve understanding of the readers especially for technical and scientific-based news articles.

With the advancement in science, technology and innovation (STI), there is a need for the scientific community to work together with the media to disseminate information for the benefit of the public and policy-makers.

Why do we need a Science Media Centre?

* To reduce misinformation of science facts

* To  ensure STI information to be translated and disseminated correctly to the public

* Bridging scientists and journalists

* Point of reference -- through shared database of experts and facts

* Training scientists and journalists in science communication

Some of the scientific discoveries conducted in local universities are said to be good but many unfortunately being "left in the lab" because they are not highlighted by the media.

Journalists might find it difficult to report about a scientific breakthrough because of the many scientific jargon used while a scientist could feel disappointed that the story was inaccurate.  

The Science Media Centre (SMC) in Britain is the best example of an effective workable platform between the scientific community and the media.

Established in 2002, it was originally based in the Royal Institution of Great Britain, until becoming a separate charity in its own right in April 2011. 

The Centre believes that scientists can have a huge impact on the way the media cover scientific issues, by engaging more quickly and more effectively with the stories that are influencing public debate and attitudes to science.

The SMC’s philosophy is: “The media will DO science better when scientists DO the media better.”

Its mission is to provide, for the benefit of the public and policymakers, accurate and evidence-based information about science and engineering through the media, particularly on controversial and headline news stories when most confusion and misinformation occurs.

The centre's priorities are:

- Working with journalists and providing them with information about science and its related disciplines; making it easier for them to get access to the best science and scientists when science stories are making the headlines.

– Working with scientists, engineers and other experts, and supporting them to engage with the media; creating more opportunities for them to get their voices heard on the big science, health and environment stories of the day.

– Supporting press officers when they are working on complex science, health and environment stories.

– In addition, the SMC provides expert advice and evidence on issues relating to science in the media.