Expert Matching Service

When you need research-backed facts or scientific context for a story, SciLine can help connect you to a deeply knowledgeable expert-source. Our staff of former reporters and Ph.D. and master’s-level scientists responds quickly, then uses our hand-built database of more than 20,000 U.S. and Canadian experts to line up sources who have the right expertise and the communication skills to answer your questions about the science and its implications.

How Expert Matching Works

First – You tell us what your story is about, what type of scientific expertise you need, your media platform and interview format (e.g., audio only? video? live on air?), and your deadline.

Next – We get back to you quickly (within 15 minutes, on average, for requests between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET) to gather any other needed details.

Then – We search our database and contact the best-matching experts to confirm their interest and availability.

Finally – We get back to you with the names and contact information of available experts, so you can reach out directly – all before your deadline.


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How Expert Matching Works

Journalists regularly reach out to SciLine for help connecting to scientific experts who can provide context, background, and quotes for news stories.

We research each request and use our database to identify scientists with precisely matched expertise.

We reach out to each identified expert to confirm their interest in and availability for an interview with the reporter.

When you confirm interest and availability, we share your contact information with the journalist, who can then reach out directly.


"I don’t think I would have EVER found [this expert] if not for SciLine! I was asking for such a specific expert and I’m so shocked — and grateful — SciLine could help me out on such a tight deadline. Thank you!"

Reporter, Honolulu Civil Beat

“I thought that my comments were correctly included in the story and added perspective to it — a positive experience for me as well as the journalist (I assume).”

Bioengineer, after being quoted on WVUE Fox 8 New Orleans

"Thanks as always for all your help! As a local public health reporter I never expected to write about clinical research trials, so having SciLine as a resource to turn to continues to be such a relief throughout this pandemic."

Reporter, Victoria (Texas) Advocate

"My feedback is all positive. I strongly support this initiative … and think it is much-needed and has been for some time. … It's been fun, and I hope to continue to connect with more reporters."

Marine biologist, after being quoted in National Geographic