Reading in the news - Fri 31 Mar

Solar activity:

• Professor Mathew Owens (Meteorology) is quoted by the , , , , , , , , , , and others on the effect that plasma erosion on the sun's surface will have on Earth's weather including causing strong winds and storms today. This comes as a giant hole in the sun's surface is pictured by NASA.

Food and farming:

• , , , , , , , , and others report on a study conducted by Professor Claire Williams (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences) on the health benefits of wild blueberries for older adults. Read our news story.

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) is quoted by , , , , and others on the importance of stating research limitations as the credibility of a recent report which claimed Covid originated from raccoon dogs is questioned.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• PhD student, Isabel Smith is quoted by on how climate change is increasing global temperatures and flight turbulence. It is also mentioned that she is studying with Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology).
• Professor Joy Singarayer is quoted by on how global warming above 1.5C could result in sea level rise and extreme weather that would make life along some coasts and islands 'impossible'.
• reports that Reading FC has ranked ninth in the 2023 EFL Sustainability Rankings for action including wearing Professor Ed Hawkins' (Meteorology) climate stripes on their kits.
• Professor Chris Hilson (Law) is quoted by on how companies would take further climate action should the coming updated net-zero strategy demand stronger policies.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• reports that Professor David Brayshaw (Meteorology) is taking part in Cure Leukaemia's Tour 21 fundraiser, which will see amateur cyclists attempt the Tour De France route to raise money for the cause. Read our news story.
• Reading Today (in print) reports on the University's sanctuary scholarship scheme which offers funded places for sanctuary seekers wishing to continue their education in the UK. Read our news story.
• Reading Today (in print) reports on the University's plans to host a free family festival this May. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort and Molli Cleaver (Community Relations Officer) are quoted.

Ukraine:

• The University has secured funding as part of the UK-Ukraine R&I Twinning Grants Scheme to help support Ukrainian research and innovation in the fields of rural development, food and agriculture. Dr Sarah Cardey (Agriculture, Policy, and Development) was interviewed by Heart Radio Berkshire on how the money will support staff and students at a Ukrainian university we have partnered with. Read our news story.

Business and society:

• and report that current Henley Business School MBA student, Joelene Moodley, will be taking over as the Principle Officer at Sanlam Umbrella Fund.
• Dr Dorota Bourne (Henley Business School) is quoted by on the benefits of upskilling.

Other Coverage:

• Professor Jane Setter (Language & Linguistics) wrote an article for on why people keep or lose their accents and it is reposted by and .
• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) is quoted by on the health effects of household mould.
• Professor Glenn Gibson (Food and Nutritional Sciences) is quoted by The Irish News (in print) on new research that is exploring the use of probiotics to boost a person's chance of getting pregnant.
• Reading Today (in print) reports that the cosplay event, CosXPo will be returning to the University for the fourth time this April.
• Reading Today (in print) reports that comedian, Russell Brand performed at the University's Great Hall yesterday.

Alumni:

• reports on the appointment of Henley Business School alumna, Afolasade Olowe as the executive director at Unilever.
• reports on the appointment of Reading alumna, Sarah McCrory, as the Head of Project Management at Resolution Therapeutics Limited.
• publishes an obituary for Dr Vicky Langston and mentions she studied at the University in the 70s during her year abroad.
• reports that Reading Alumna, Dr Judy Hegarty-Lovett, is directing Rubicon Theatre Company's production of The Realistic Joneses.