The founders of a newly established Science Media Centre (SMC) that operates across Ireland are seeking to tackle the issue of misinformation in the news media and facilitate a wider comprehension of scientific topics among the general public. This week marks the commencement of the SMC Ireland’s trial phase, which will span a year, with the intent to determine its potential as a core source of information for Irish journalists and the public, says Fiona Fox, chief executive of SMC UK.
The centre will actively furnish access to opinions from leading scientists, especially those within Northern and Republic of Ireland, as well as precise scientific data related to popular matters such as climate change, food production, and vaccines. According to Fox, the existence of such a centre in Ireland that provides independent reviews and analyses is vital; citing SMC UK and other global SMCs’ experiences reaffirm the significance of scientists getting involved in media to enhance the quality of scientific news.
Fox emphasised the urgency to endorse correct reporting and enable the public and decision-makers to identify dependable sources, particularly in an environment increasingly plagued by misinformation and pervaded with attention-grabbing headlines.
In agreement, Triona McCormack, the UCD director of research, asserts that it’s crucial for the contributions of scientists and researchers in the ongoing dialogue about societal futures. She suggested that mainstream media offer a suitable channel for presenting professional insights and knowledge for such discussions.
Professor Mark Lawler of Queen’s University Belfast also endorsed the inauguration of the All-Ireland SMC, attributing its timeliness to recent publicly financed initiatives like the Shared Island Unit, the North South Research Programme of the Higher Education Authority, and the All-Island Cancer Research Institute. He further posited that it would provide a space for discourse and deliberation on critical science and research spheres that bear societal consequences.
Claire Mac Evilly, CEO of SMC Ireland, declared their intent to make the organisation the primary hub for sustainable food in Dublin, with an emphasis on education. Being the host site for SMC Ireland is a valuable opportunity for Airfield Estate in Dundrum, Co Dublin, to educate the population via factual science and to be a shining example for others. They’re eager to spearhead this crucial initiative by assisting both journalists and policy makers.
The proposed services of the SMC include being a direct source to top-tier scientific experts throughout Ireland, facilitating a vibrant conversation of thoughts and perspectives. Key aims for SMC Ireland involve endorsing high quality in scientific journalism, enhancing scientific comprehension in the news medium and offering fact-checked data on hot topic debates to (a) a larger audience and (b) policy makers through the news medium.
This pilot centre is to be founded on the successful model of the non-profit SMC set up in London in 2002. Its operations will be independently maintained through financial assistance from various sectors like universities, science-oriented firms, science financiers and research organisations, such as the Science Foundation Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Airfield Estate is responsible for the administration of donations via a restricted fund. The task of managing the centre has been entrusted to a dedicated press officer, Adam Murphy. The foundation of the centre has been advised by over 90 people from a range of fields including the media, science and research agencies, universities, government departments, state agencies and policy makers.