Australian Science Media Centre

The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is an independent, not-for-profit service for the news media, giving journalists direct access to evidence-based science and expertise.

The Centre's aim is to better inform public debate on the major issues of the day by improving links between local and international media and the Australian scientific community. The Centre operates a database of scientists who are willing to engage with the media. It is located at The Science Exchange in Adelaide, which it shares with the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus).^[1] The AusSMC collects rapid round-ups of expert opinion and comments from scientists in reaction to breaking news and also runs national media briefings for journalists in cities around Australia. Media briefings are also streamed live over the internet to journalists. Journalists are able to register with the AusSMC to receive media alerts and rapid roundups by email. The Centre also collaborates with media officers and scientists.

The AusSMC operates with five full-time and three part-time staff and is headed by CEO Dr Susannah Eliott. Peter Yates AM is its inaugural Chairman.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann established the centre following a recommendation from Adelaide Thinker in Residence, Baroness Susan Greenfield. Rann later reflected on the importance of establishing the centre during his Investigator Lecture at Flinders University in October 2011. At the time, the centre was approaching six full years of operation.^[2]

Funding

The AusSMC receives funding from more than 20 sponsors in media, academic institutions, government and industry groups. Sponsorship is capped at 10% of total funding.

Foundation sponsors

Media

• ABC
• Fairfax Media
• Flinders University
• News Corporation

Universities

• University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales
• University of Queensland

Corporate

• AIA
• Australia Pacific LNG
• CSL
• Orica
• Squiz

Science

• CSIRO
• RiAus

Government

• Government of South Australia
• New South Wales Government
• State Government of Victoria
• Inspiring Australia

Other SMCs

Science Media Centres exist in other countries; Canada, UK, New Zealand, and Japan. These centres are independent of each other, but cooperate regularly.

External links

• The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC)
• Science Media Centre (UK)
• Science Media Centre (New Zealand)
• Science Media Centre of Canada
• Science Media Centre of Japan

References

1. ↑ "Contact Us". Australian Science Media Centre. Retrieved 2015-03-26. 
2. ↑ Rann, Mike (2011-10-09). "2011 Investigator Lecture - Charting a course for change". Mike Rann. Government of South Australia. Retrieved 2015-03-26.