The London Science Media Centre, which helps to popularize scientific information, accused of being influenced by its industrial funders

A recent British study reveals that the Science Media Centre (SMC) in London, which aims to enhance scientific media coverage, receives significant funding from various industries, including tobacco, alcohol, and agrochemical companies. This financial support influences the SMC's assistance to journalists, often promoting narratives favorable to its sponsors. Established in 2002, the SMC organizes events to connect journalists with selected scientists and provides rapid responses from chosen experts to recent studies, allowing journalists to incorporate these insights without traditional interviews. The study highlights the potential conflict of interest in the SMC's operations due to its funding sources.