The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is an independent, non-profit service for the news media, giving journalists direct access to evidence-based science and expertise.

We aim to better inform public debate on the major issues of the day by improving links between the media and the scientific community.

RAPID ROUNDUP: Choice’s Bisphenol A study – experts respond

Thu2Sep
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Choice has released a study into the presence of Bisphenol A in canned food products on Australian supermarket shelves. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is an industrial chemical often used in plastic and metal food packaging. It can pose health risks if the amounts consumed are large enough.

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RAPID ROUNDUP: Review recommends reform for UN climate panel – experts respond

Tue31Aug
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The InterAcademy Council (IAC), an organisation of the world’s science academies, has conducted an independent review of the procedures of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). read more

RAPID ROUNDUP: Prenatal exposure to pesticides linked to attention problems (Environmental Health Perspectives) – experts respond

Fri20Aug
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EMBARGO LIFTED AT 5AM AEST FRIDAY 20 AUGUST

US research suggests children who were exposed to organophosphate pesticides while still in their mother’s womb were more likely to develop attention disorders years later. read more

RAPID ROUNDUP: Coalition science policy – experts respond

Wed18Aug
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The Coalition has today announced its science policy titled The Coalition’s Plan for Real Action on Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The policy includes $16.7 million over three years towards science communication. Below Australian experts comment. read more

MEDIA BRIEFING and ROUNDUP: Academy of Science releases climate science statement

Mon16Aug
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ONLINE MEDIA BRIEFING - Monday 16 August at 3pm AEST onlinedocument-cover-pic

Embargo lifted 3pm AEST Mon 16 August

The highly respected Australian Academy of Science has released one of the clearest statements on climate science yet produced. Based on a series of key questions, the publication attempts to clear up recent confusion created by contradictory information in the public domain. It sets out to explain the current situation, where there is consensus in the scientific community and where uncertainties still exist. read more

SCIENCE BLOG: The pandemic that never was…..because it was dealt with

Mon16Aug
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Prof Robert Booy, a Paediatrician and infectious diseases expert at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, responds to reports that the swine flu pandemic is over and that the threat was overplayed. read more

RAPID ROUNDUP: Major party broadband policies – experts respond

Wed11Aug
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Now that the Coalition has announced its alternative to Labor’s National Broadband Network, we have asked experts in this field for their reactions to help you understand the key differences between the policies and the evidence behind them. read more

RAPID ROUNDUP: Labor’s science policy – experts respond

Tue10Aug
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The Labor party has announced its science policy entitled Science for Australia’s Future. The policy includes $21 million in funding for Inspiring Australia, the country’s first ever national strategy for science communication. read more