News release

From: Australian Science Media Centre

AusSMC launches Friends of Evidence to tackle science misinformation

As science misinformation reaches unprecedented levels in Australia and globally, the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) has launched Friends of Evidence (FoE), a non-partisan initiative that brings together individuals and organisations committed to strengthening the visibility and reach of trustworthy science.

To sustain this mission, we are seeking donations from those who value evidence-based information in the public sphere.

From unproven medicines and vaccine disinformation to false claims about climate change and energy, the consequences are tangible - eroding public confidence, influencing personal health decisions and undermining evidence-based policy. Financial contributions will allow us to monitor these emerging threats, develop new collaborative projects to combat them and provide the public with the factual clarity they need.

Friends of Evidence will provide strategic support for initiatives that amplify evidence and respond to misinformation, including a Science Misinformation Symposium planned for June 2026, bringing together researchers, government, media and the tech sector. A companion social media pilot will extend credible science beyond mainstream media audiences, working in collaboration with content creators.

Donations to Friends of Evidence are tax deductible in Australia, with three tiers of support - Champions, Advocates and Friends.

For more information about Friends of Evidence, go to smc.org.au/foe

Quotes attributable below:

Dr Susannah Eliott, CEO, Australian Science Media Centre

"Combating science misinformation is not something we can leave to governments or any one sector. It’s going to require sustained effort, trusted intermediaries and genuine collaboration across sectors. Friends of Evidence exists to meet that challenge - and to help ensure evidence reaches the public when it matters most.”

Peter Yates AM, Chairman, Australian Science Media Centre

“With over 20 years of experience connecting journalists and the public with science, the AusSMC is uniquely placed to lead this work. Its independence, established relationships with thousands of scientists, research institutions and journalists, and proven platforms such as Scimex.org make it a trusted bridge between evidence and national conversations."