In July 2008, a small team with a big mission launched from a back room in the Royal Society’s heritage premises.
We were tasked with improving the depth, breadth and quality of science coverage in the New Zealand media. We wanted to go further and set the agenda, offering news leads across the full spectrum of science-related issues: environment, technology, agriculture, innovation, health, social policy. We needed to be useful as a first port-of-call for busy journalists with no special attachment to science.
We were nimble. We were driven. We learned from our mistakes.
Over the years, we carved out a reputation based on responsiveness to the media’s changing needs, a solid understanding of complex issues and scientists’ perspectives, and effectiveness at bridging this divide.
We are deeply humbled by the enthusiastic expressions of support we’ve received on marking this important milestone. As the voices in the video below demonstrate, the Science Media Centre has established itself as an independent, trusted and essential resource for media and research organisations alike. Our thanks go out to the thousands of individuals whose contributions of time, goodwill and energy have made this possible.
This decade has been a time of enormous change for the media, for researchers and for society. Against this backdrop, the Science Media Centre has a more essential role to play than ever, championing public discussion that is grounded in evidence and fostering respectful, informed engagement from scientists on issues that matter.
We look forward to confronting new challenges in the decade ahead.
Ten years of science in the media
Reaching this milestone allowed us the luxury to look back at some of the major stories we’ve played a role in covering. To share this with you, we’ve created a timeline for you to explore covering the most significant science issues of the last decade.