The Science Media Centre works to improve the quality, depth and breadth of coverage of science-related issues in the New Zealand media. Below is an overview of our work and opportunities for collaboration with media and communications advisors on science-related content.
Connecting media with experts
Through our Expert Reaction and Q&A alert emails, we provide journalists with timely quotes, commentary and insightful analysis from across the research sector. We encourage you to read our expert selection policy and get in touch with ideas and suggestions for researchers we can approach for comment on relevant topics for the media.
We also field queries on a daily basis from all types of New Zealand media on a broad range of topics. Contact us to suggest researchers for inclusion in our expert database.
Scimex
We operate Scimex — an online portal for embargoed science research news for registered journalists — in collaboration with the Australian Science Media Centre
The Scimex Newsfeed contains a range of materials to make reporting on upcoming stories easier, including multimedia, scientific papers, contact details for researchers and media releases from multiple institutions, all available in one central location.
We have agreements with major research journal publishers to upload materials under embargo; these are only visible to journalists registered and approved for a Scimex account.
You can register for Scimex as a media officer and upload your own research-related news at no charge, or we’re happy to assist by uploading materials you send us.
Science Media SAVVY
Know a researcher who could be great for media, but needs a bit more support? We run a range of Science Media SAVVY workshops to get researchers confident talking to the media. Find out more about our SAVVY courses here and feel free to get in touch to discuss any specific needs.
Deadline
Every Friday we send out SMC Deadline, a round-up of science-related news from the week; register here.
Need some ideas about which media to contact on a story or advice on an issue? Give us a call: we’re always happy to chat.
More information about what we do and how we work is available in this booklet.
