Reading in the news - Fri 1 May

Haiti violence: Professor Rosa Freedman (Law, pictured) spoke to  (republished by ) about the gang violence crisis in Haiti. 

 Health and wellbeing:

• Comments from Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) on rumours about viruses and cell signal transmissions were featured by . 

Food and farming:

•  reported on a study by Dr Katie Barfoot (Psychology) into the benefits of flavanol-rich foods.

• Dr Laurence Smith (Agri-food Economics) was quoted by  about the role of livestock systems in society.

• Researcher Isaac Sarfo Afram (Geography and Environmental Science) was quoted by (republished by ) on the use of fertiliser in Africa.

•  mentioned research into the risks of cooking with highly processed vegetable fats. 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Research from Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) into heatwaves and India’s monsoon activity was featured by .

• Southern Gazette highlighted the upcoming  festival, which will feature University researchers.

• Professor Ted Shepherd (Meteorology) will be leading a talk at the upcoming Climate and Society Centre Day, reports . 

• Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) was quoted by (republished by and) on 2025 being the third warmest year on record.

•  and  featured a study by Dr Thomas Clements (Biological Sciences) into a fossil mistaken as the world’s oldest octopus. From our story: ‘Oldest octopus’ fossil is no octopus at all, scans reveal. republished an article written by Dr Clements in  about a giant octopus fossil.

Business and society:

•  reported on a study by Dr Gennaro Rossi (Economics) into the impact of school closures on pupils.
• and highlighted comments from Research Fellow Dr Tahir Mahmood Azad (Politics and International Relations) about the US-Israel war with Iran.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

•  highlighted the University’s centenary community festival, an upcoming group bike ride, and the RAG parade. 

Other coverage:

•  mentioned research into improving students’ mathematical skills.

Alumni:

•  reported on a talk from Jo De Baerdemaeker, Reading graduate and Typeface Designer. 
• Marc Simon, Henley Business School graduate, has been appointed COO of Blue Labe Connect, reports .