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 1,600 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 cover:
- Science in the mainstream media
- Video for scientists
- Social media for scientists
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
- 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 Scientist in Residence program organises tailored placements for experts in newsrooms at major media outlets. The program has already placed more than 25 scientists in newsrooms including The Age, Herald Sun, Australian Financial Review, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail, Mamamia, SBS, NITV, The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC, The Adelaide Advertiser and the West Australian. Contact us for more information.
Women are underrepresented in science and also in the media. The AusSMC is a partner on several programs to support women in STEM, providing mainstream media, social media and video training for program participants.
- Science and Technology Australia's Superstars of STEM
- The Australian Academy of Science's Women in STEM online
- UNSW's Women in Maths and Science Champions Program
The AusSMC is a strong supporter of specialist science journalism. The Science Journalism Fellowship is a pilot program seeding talented specialist science reporters into mainstream media outlets.
The program developed with The Australian National University, gives upcoming science journalists valuable experience and helps media outlets see the value of science to their audience. The first science journalism fellowship recipient was Elfy Scott at BuzzFeed - read her stories here.
“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.”
