SMC Spain

Thousands of scientists around the world have spent decades studying the Earth's climate and how its evolution is affecting life on the planet, including human life. Their work is channelled through the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), whose regular reports are an unprecedented effort to reach consensus on what has been learned and communicate it in a way that is useful for decision-making. We offer a quick update on the climate crisis.

"At present, it is not possible to know exactly when and how a volcano may erupt," explains the National Geological Institute (IGN). In other words: it pays to be prepared. Even if you are a journalist. These resources make it easier.

The monographs of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) cause controversy in the public debate when they analyze topics such as meat and cell phone radiation. Interpreting their work rigorously is not easy: in this guide we try to help contextualize their studies.

Journalists are not the only generators of information content, but they certainly are the ones who are trained to select, channel, and amplify truthful information and combat misinformation. In crisis situations, where scientific evidence guides decision-making, science communication to society takes on an almost strategic role. Here are some key points for scientists talking to journalists at such times.

Every day, all over the world, hundreds of press releases about scientific studies travel from the communication offices of research centres to the computers of journalists. Their mission is to attract the attention of their recipients and eventually get their stories published by the media. Here are some tips on this process.

Arriving at an interview without nerves helps to convey messages clearly and, if the topic calls for it, with some emotion. Communication is human: the warmer it is, the more powerful. It is worth taking a moment to prepare. 

More and more scientists are becoming aware of the need to improve the relationship between the public and science, and of the fact that contributing to improving the scientific culture of society is for the good of all of us. The popularisation of science is experiencing a magnificent golden age. It is, however, a different activity from science journalism. Here we explain why.