Reading in the news - Wed 24 Feb

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic 

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) spoke to BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Berkshire about the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown; and (Nigeria) and on the Nigerian variant.
• Dr Al Edwards (Pharmacy) spoke to and (1 hr 5 mins 35 secs) about rapid testing for key workers.
• Professor Helen Dodd (Psychology) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about the importance of play for children’s mental wellbeing following lockdown.

Other coverage

• The reports on a study by Professor Ken Dark (Economics) of Dark Age stone monuments to saints.
• quotes Professor Martin Bell (Archaeology) on theories for when the Long Man of Wilmington chalk figure was created.
• reports that the University is in talks with Wokingham Borough Council over its new Local Plan. Read our news story.
• reports that University researchers will help install sensors to monitor air pollution in the Thames Valley Region.
• reports on a Reading architecture project that mapping the social value of a Reading neighbourhood winning a 2020 RIBA President’s Award for Research. Read our news story.
• Clips from Community Relations Manager Sarah Gardner’s interview on BBC Radio Berkshire were used in its news headlines. Read our news story.
• interviews Dr Samuele Lo Piano (Built Environment) on cheaper alternative materials to silver that could be used in solar panels.
• reports on Reading’s student applications rising in the latest UCAS figures. Read our news story.
• Print Week interviews three ‘next-gen print historians’, including Dr Vaibhav Singh (Typography) at the É«¹·µ¼º½.
• previews an online event discussing the impacts of a 1.5C vs 2C rise in global temperatures, which Visiting Professor Sir Ghillean Prance (Biological Sciences) will be speaking.