Working with the Science Media Centre to make evidence-based voices count
| Dates: | 4 February 2026 |
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| Times: | 12:00 - 13:00 |
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| What is it: | Lecture |
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| Organiser: | Dalton Nuclear Institute |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, Current University students |
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| Speaker: | Tom Sheldon |
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How scientists and engineers can shape the news, tackle misinformation and make evidence-based voices count in major public debates.
A hybrid event hosted by the Dalton Nuclear Institute with the UoM Research Communications Network.
We're pleased to welcome Tom Sheldon, Senior Press Manager at the Science Media Centre, who will share a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists and engineers can shape media coverage, counter misinformation, and ensure evidence-based voices lead the narrative during high-stakes public controversies.
Join in person or online.
About the Science Media Centre
Science Media Centre (SMC) is an independent charity that exists to prevent misinformation about science in the media. The SMC tries to ensure that science in the news is reported accurately and responsibly, particularly when a story has the potential for controversy. They provide journalists with quotes from genuine experts to inform their stories every day, and actively encourage scientists to speak out when stories break. They also run regular press briefings, which allow scientists and engineers to set the news agenda on important subjects of public interest.
Although independent, the SMC is unashamedly pro-science and has no public ‘brand’ to promote. This gives them the freedom to concentrate on what is important: keeping sound, evidence-based science at the top of the news agenda.
Tom’s talk will focus on some key stories from the last few years where scientists have been essential to accurate, evidence-based reporting. He will use examples to illustrate the work of the Science Media Centre and explain how scientists and engineers can make a vital difference when they engage with journalists – and what happens when they don't.
Speaker
Tom Sheldon
Role: Senior Press Manager
Organisation: Science Media Centre
Biography: Tom Sheldon has degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics and he joined the Science Media Centre in 2008. Fukushima, 'climategate', GM crops, electronic cigarettes, COVID-19 and the health effects of mobile phones are just a few of the high profile media stories we've worked on over the years; in every case it was vitally important that the voices of scientists and engineers were heard among the uproar. When these stories break, the SMC provides a direct route between journalists and scientists, to their mutual benefit: ensuring that reporters have constant and immediate access to the best quality, up-to-date evidence, and that scientists have help communicating complex, nuanced research to a mass audience.
Travel and Contact Information
