Reading in the news - Thu 16 Dec

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) was quoted by  and the  (and in print) on the societal problems Omicron could cause; by the  on the contagiousness of Omicron; by , , BBC Radio Wales, and BBC Radio Berkshire on concern about the drop in Pfizer's efficacity; by  on the NHS's capacity to expand, BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester on rising case numbers; and he answered BBC 1 Oxford's Covid questions.
• Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) was quoted by the ,  and other news sites on speeding up the release of an at-home Covid pill that could ease pressure on hospitals, and by  (and in print) on the spike protein of Omicron contributing to its spread.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Ed Hawkins' (Meteorology) climate stripes were mentioned by  and reposted by , , and . The Herald (in print) reported on his climate stripes which were lit up on the remains of Scotland's largest coal-fired power station due to be demolished.
• Dr Ella Gilbert (Meteorology) was quoted by  on the need for lowering global emissions to avoid polar ice melt and sea-level rise. 
• The University was mentioned by British Farmer & Grower (in print) on research on the use of LED lights to promote year-round production of berries.

Other Coverage:

• Professor Alan Floyd (Institute of Education) was listed by  as a supporter of keeping universities open during Covid restrictions.
• Professor Roberta Gilchrist (Archaeology) was quoted by  on the University's investigation of Reading Abbey's medieval history. 
• Reading was listed by  as taking part in the EIT integrated master's program which aims to prepare students to work towards the future transformation of the food system.
• The University and Henley Business School were mentioned by  as providers of excellent education.
• Lost artefacts were donated to the University's Museum of English Rural Life, reports .
• A University graduate was mentioned by  for achieving a promotion.
•  feature a tribute to Professor Sarah Sayce (Henley Business School), who sadly passed away recently.