A subject matter expert (SME) is a person who is an authority in a particular area or topic. The term is used in a variety of different fields, and can refer to individuals in both the private and public sectors.
In the business world, a SME is often an employee of a company who has a deep knowledge of a particular product, service, or market. When a company is looking to expand into a new market or develop a new product, they will often rely on the expertise of a SME to provide guidance and advice.
In the educational field, a SME is typically a teacher or professor who is considered an expert in their field of study. When students are looking for information on a particular topic, they will often turn to a SME for guidance.
In the scientific community, a SME is often a researcher who has a deep understanding of a particular topic. When other scientists are looking for information on a particular subject, they will often consult with a SME to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.