Australian Science Media Centre

The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is an independent, not-for-profit service for the news media based in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 2005, the centre gives journalists direct access to evidence-based science and expertise.

History
South Australian Premier Mike Rann established the centre in 2005 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.

Function and description
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 city centre, which it shares with the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus).

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.

Governance and staffing
The AusSMC is governed by a board of management. Peter Yates AM is its inaugural chairman.

The centre's "Statement of Independence" includes the following passage:"'All board members acknowledge that Centre staff are free to disseminate the best available scientific information, regardless of any commercial, political or personal interests, including those of any sponsors or board members. Full editorial control of all material disseminated by the SMC rests with the staff of the SMC, with guidance sought from the Centre's Science Advisory Panel (SAP) when required.'"

AusSMC operates with five full-time and three part-time staff and is headed by CEO Susannah Eliott.

Sponsors
The AusSMC receives funding from sponsors. Each sponsor's contribution is capped at 10% of the centre's operating costs. Foundation partners are: ABC, Australia-Pacific LNG, CSIRO, Fairfax Media, Government of South Australia, isentia, News Corp Australia, NSW Government, RiAus, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, Government of Victoria, Flinders University, Inspiring Australia, CSL, AIA, Orica, Squiz, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, and Curtin University.

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