The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) has the backing of most of the major media organisations in the country as well as a number of leading science and industry groups. The Centre will provide journalists with access to the most-up-to-date scientific information and Australia’s foremost experts. It is based on a similar venture in the UK initiated by Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield, Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. The AusSMC is an independent body led by an eminent board of media, science and industry executives. Chairman of the Shell Companies in Australia, Mr Tim Warren has been appointed to the Board. “We are delighted to be involved with the Centre and believe it will play an important role in the medical and science community. It is hoped that the Centre will raise the profile of science issues and how these issues are presented to the Australian community through the media,” Mr Warren said. The AusSMC will provide: - Quick access to credible, media-friendly experts on a range of scientific topics;
- Advice for news reporters covering science;
- Quotes from scientists on the science news story of the day;
- Opportunities to bring scientists and journalists together to discuss issues that are likely to become of interest to the community in the near future.
The overall aim of the Centre is to inform public debate on scientific issues by providing better access to evidence-based science through the media. The Centre, based in Adelaide, opened for business on Monday 28 November 2005.
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