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The Science Media Center Germany (SMC) is an independent, non-profit and editorially working institution based in Cologne, which since 2015 has been supporting journalists in providing scientifically sound and reliable information on socially relevant topics in a timely manner. As an independent mediator between science and the media, the SMC offers freely available expert statements, background information and assessments by researchers on current scientific developments in areas such as medicine, climate, environment, energy, mobility as well as digital and technology. It promotes direct dialogue between scientists and media professionals, for example through Press Briefings and other formats, in order to communicate complex issues in an understandable and fact-based manner[1][3][7].
The mission of the SMC is to bring truth and knowledge to society and thus strengthen science journalism. The mission statement underscores the commitment to education, unrestricted free expression, and the dissemination of truthful information. The SMC sees its role as placing opinion-forming in a democratic society on a solid scientific basis and thus counteracting misinformation and one-sided reporting. Editorial independence is ensured by a articles of association and the monitoring of a supervisory board as well as the advice of an interdisciplinary advisory board[4][7].
The SMC Lab, an innovative unit within the Center, develops data-based tools and investigative research to shed light on politically relevant scientific topics in a well-founded manner and to further develop digital science journalism. In this way, the SMC contributes to the sustainable strengthening and modernization of science communication[1][3][4].
As a non-profit GmbH, the Science Media Center is supported by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung and the Wissenschaftspressekonferenz (WPK). It is part of an international network of six Science Media Centers worldwide, but maintains independent and autonomous structures, but cooperates across national borders when it makes thematic sense[3][4].
Sustainability at the SMC is reflected in particular in the promotion of a sustainable, fair and inclusive society. The Center is committed to equality and participation regardless of appearance, language or physical limitations. In addition, the company supports sustainable mobility for employees through offers such as Jobrad, Bahnvorteilskarten and Jobtickets as well as secure bicycle parking spaces[2].
By bundling and disseminating scientific expertise, the Science Media Center Germany plays a central role in science communication and makes an important contribution to serious public debate in Germany by providing journalistic professionals with reliable, scientific guidance[5][7].
Core competencies and offers:
These comprehensive services make the Science Media Center Germany an indispensable partner for high-quality, fact-based science reporting in Germany.
Note: The description is based on the current publicly available information of the company as well as supplementary sources from the web, as of November 2025.
