The AusSMC collaborates with research organisations to help the media cover science. We work together with media teams to help researchers become more media savvy.
Got a media release on some hot new research? Do you want to make sure the media don't miss it? Upload your story to our online news portal Scimex. Scimex is a unique science news service used by more than 2,400 journalists across more than 40 countries. Over 200 leading research institutions and science journals use Scimex to get their research noticed. Register as a media officer to get started.
Does your institution have a big or controversial paper about to be published? It might be suitable for an online Media Briefing, allowing your researchers to present their work to journalists without leaving their desks. Contact us to chat about a briefing.
When a story breaks, our Expert Reaction service delivers experts' comments straight to journalists to inform stories as they are being written. These reactions are used in news stories across major news outlets in Australia and internationally. They are also shared through the global network of Science Media Centres.
Encourage your media-savvy researchers to create a profile on our Find an Expert module on Scimex. They can specify what types of media they're comfortable with and showcase their communication skills directly to journalists. Your contact details can be included there too.
If your scientists aren’t quite media ready or you yourself want some professional development, we can provide a number of training activities and workshops for researchers and media teams looking to improve their communication skills. Media training workshops include:
- Science in the mainstream media
- Video for scientists
- Interview Bootcamp
- Self-defence against trolling and abuse
- Communicating contentious science
- Social media for scientists
If your research organisation is a supporter of the AusSMC, you may be eligible for one of our free media training sessions. Contact us for more information.
- Register as a media officer on Scimex
- Encourage your experts to register on our 'Find an Expert' database
- Subscribe to Scimex or become an AusSMC supporter to get access to additional benefits such as media training, alerts to upcoming papers, Media Briefings, and Expert Reaction callouts.
- Sign up to Science Deadline, our weekly newsletter.
Does your institution have any indigenous researchers? The AusSMC has developed a program to train and mentor Indigenous researchers, with the aim of increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in media coverage of science. Contact us for more information.
The AusSMC's Collaborative Journalism Program, funded by a META Public Interest Journalism grant from the Walkley Foundation, matches newsrooms with a range of experts from around the country who have deep expertise in the topic being explored. The program was awarded the Australian Science Communicators Inspiring Project in Science Communication Award in 2024. Contact us for more information.
Thanks to support from the International Science Council’s Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, The AusSMC has been able to continue expanding our work into the Pacific. We now have a continuing stream of science stories relevant to the Pacific on Scimex as well as Pacific experts and journalists registered with the platform. We are also working to develop and deliver a programme of workshops and resources specifically for Pacific Island scholars and journalists to increase science media capability in the region.
Women are under-represented in science and also in the media. The AusSMC delivers several programs to support women in STEM.
- We deliver the media training component of Science and Technology Australia's Superstars of STEM
- The AusSMC offers tailored media training programs for women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Contact us for more information about these programs.
“Working with the team at AusSMC has been such a rewarding experience since I started in research communications - not only are they utter specialists at what they do for science media coverage, they are an incredibly warm, passionate and dedicated group of professionals who are always on hand to support the wonderful work of our researchers. Thanks to Lyndal and the team, Griffith University's research coverage has soared to heights we didn't know existed. We are thrilled to continue our journey alongside AusSMC to boost the potential of science that inspires awareness, change and impact.”
“Working with AusSMC on our media briefing was a pleasure and a huge success. Their professional approach and easy collaboration made the entire experience seamless. We were impressed by their expertise and efficiency throughout the process, and the results exceeded our expectations. Our project reached a massive audience, significantly enhancing its visibility. Their contribution was invaluable. We highly recommend AusSMC as a trusted partner.”
“AusSMC have supercharged our media efforts – a vital tool in connecting our scientists with Australian media. Their training and distribution help us lead the nation’s biggest science stories. Collaborating with AusSMC has been essential in showcasing The University of Queensland’s best science, aiding us in the battle against disinformation.”
