The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is about to begin an upgrade of our news portal Scimex to ensure it keeps up with the changing media landscape thanks to a Digital Innovation Fund grant from the Walkley Foundation's Meta Australian News Fund.
Scimex was initially developed in 2015 to help journalists cover science and has become the first port of call for journalists looking for trusted, credible science story ideas or expert commentary on breaking news. The site features a Newsfeed of embargoed research stories, Expert Reactions to breaking news, and a Find an Expert database of media-savvy scientists.
"Our recent survey found that 99% of journalists said they would recommend Scimex, but it also showed that some journalists were unaware of some of the site's key features," said the AusSMC's Director of News and Partnerships, Lyndal Byford.
"Improving and upgrading Scimex will make it easier for journalists to navigate the site, access embargoed news content, and find the best science stories Australia and the region has to offer."
The upgrade could not come at a better time, with the recent ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry Report recently finding that science and health journalism was one of the key types of journalism identified as being at risk of under-provision.
Scimex also has a growing public audience and a role in combating misinformation and disinformation, as recently recognised by the AusSMC's successful application for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
The upgrade of Scimex will allow the AusSMC to create a more user-friendly site so that the public can more easily find the evidence and the science underpinning stories in the current news cycle.
Released 8 February 2024
Contact: Lyndal Byford
Phone: (08) 7120 8666
Email: info@smc.org.au