Media Request for Sources

Journalists seeking expert sources for their science- and technology-related stories can receive help at no charge by emailing us at mediaresource@sigmaxi.org

In order to find the best sources of information on science and technology for news or feature stories, we need to know as much as possible about the topic and context. Rest assured that the information you provide is confidential. The more we know about what you are working on, the better chance we have of making a good match with the appropriate expert.

Keep in mind that if you need comment on a study published in a journal, the expert is likely to ask that a copy of the article be emailed or faxed in advance of the interview.

Please use the word "Request" in the subject heading.

Please include the following information, where applicable, within the text of your email:

Your Name

Affiliation: What is the name of the media outlet for whom you are working? Or, if you're a freelancer, where will this particular story appear? If you are a freelancer and would rather not disclose this information, or if you have not found a place of publication for your story idea, that is fine.

Contact information: Please provide a phone number and email address. Also, a fax number if necessary.

Deadline: When do you need to hear back from us? Please give us the latest date so that we can find the expert that will be best able to inform your story. We are accustomed to assisting journalists working on very tight deadlines, some even less than an hour, so please do not hesitate to ask.

Query: Please state the nature of your request. Be as specific as possible and include anecdotal information that may be of relevance. Make sure to mention if the story is based on a published study, and whether or not you can provide a copy prior to the interview. If you are looking for background information as opposed to (or in addition to) sources, please let us know.

Previously Contacted Sources: So that we do not refer you to sources you already have contacted, or experts at institutions you are already working with, please list those sources you have contacted about this particular story.

Geographic Considerations: Is it important that the expert hail from a particular region or have a geographic area of research?

Special Considerations: If you would like for us to restrict our searches to a specific venue -- for example, researchers in academia instead of industry or vice versa -- or if you have been unable to find an expert on a particular side of an issue, here is the place to let us know. Although the service is dedicated to the representation of a cross section of views, please keep in mind that there may be no reputable dissent on a given issue, only varying degrees of consensus.