Working with the Science Media Centre - University of Portsmouth

Richmond Building, Lecture Theatre 3 (LT3)

Join us for an exciting in-person event at the University of Portsmouth! Discover how to collaborate effectively with the (SMC) and get tips on making your research shine in the media from Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager at the SMC.

About the Science Media Centre

The SMC is an independent charity that exists to prevent misinformation about science in the media, particularly in controversial stories. The centre tries to ensure that science in the news is reported accurately and responsibly, particularly when a story has the potential for controversy. They provide journalists with quotes from genuine experts to inform their stories every day, and actively encourage scientists to speak out when stories break. They also run regular press briefings, which allow scientists and engineers to set the news agenda on important subjects of public interest. Although independent, the SMC is unashamedly pro-science and has no public ‘brand’ to promote. This gives them the freedom to concentrate on what is important: keeping sound, evidence-based science at the top of the news agenda.

About Tom Sheldon

Tom Sheldon has degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics and he joined the Science Media Centre in 2008. Fukushima, 'climategate', GM crops, electronic cigarettes, COVID-19 and the health effects of mobile phones are just a few of the high profile media stories he’s worked on over the years; in every case it was vitally important that the voices of scientists and engineers were heard among the uproar. When these stories break, the SMC provides a direct route between journalists and scientists, to their mutual benefit: ensuring that reporters have constant and immediate access to the best quality, up-to-date evidence, and that scientists have helped communicate complex, nuanced research to a mass audience.

Tom’s talk will focus on some controversial stories from the last few years where scientists and engineers have been essential to accurate, evidence-based reporting. He will use examples to illustrate the work of the Science Media Centre and explain how scientists and engineers can make a vital difference when they engage with journalists – and what happens when they don't.

This session is available to active researchers at the University. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to connect and learn!

Please note: Lunch will be provided at the start.

If you are unable to attend in-person, please contact the University's Press Office on [email protected].

Info: Lunch will be provided.

Info: Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager at the Science Media Centre, will deliver a presentation on how to work with the SMC. Tom’s talk will focus on some controversial stories from the last few years where scientists and engineers have been essential to accurate, evidence-based reporting. He will use examples to illustrate the work of the Science Media Centre and explain how scientists and engineers can make a vital difference when they engage with journalists – and what happens when they don't.

Info: An opportunity to ask Tom any questions about the Science Media Centre, and effective media engagement.

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