Reading in the news - Mon 25 Apr

Ukraine Scholarship Scheme: The University has launched an extension of the sanctuary scholarship scheme, offering funded places for Ukrainian students. Kathryn Whittington (Admissions) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about how the scholarships work, and ITV News London reported on the scheme. Read our news story.

Climate Ambassadors Scheme: The Department for Education published its climate change and sustainability strategy last week, one element of which is the Climate Ambassadors Scheme led by the 色狗导航 in collaboration with STEM Learning. Supporting universities and scheme creator Professor Andrew Charlton Perez (Meteorology) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about the scheme. Read our news story.

Ukraine:

• Dr Alexander Mihailov (Economics) was interviewed by  (at 1:15 and 6:55) on the threat that more Russian exports could be denominated in rubles.
  

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography / Meteorology) is quoted by on the UK's changing definition of heatwaves. Read our expert comments in full.
•  and report on the boosted funding of a collaborative University research project, Terrestrial Blue Economy, which aims to establish the UK as a world leader in sustainable shrimp farming using renewable energy technology.

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Al Edwards (Pharmacy) is quoted by , , and  on the development of a universal vaccine that boosts T-cell immunity.

Other Coverage:

• Professor Helen Parish (History) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire, BBC Radio London, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Three Counties, BBC Radio Somerset, BBC Radio Orkney, BBC Radio Surrey, BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Gloucester, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Scotland, and other regional outlets on why Easter is celebrated on different dates in the Eastern and Western churches. 
• Professor Ciara McCabe (Psychology) is quoted by The Telegraph (in print) on the differences between dopamine and serotonin, and her research on hobbies and their positive effect on mental health is mentioned by .
• Professor Matthew Owens (Meteorology) is quoted by  on the unexpected increase in solar activity and sunspots on the sun.
• British Farmer and Grower (in print) reports on the time that PhD student, Konstantinos Iliakis (Agricultural Economics) spent monitoring and researching the pollination of apple crops.  
• Professor Tom Oliver (Biological Sciences) is quoted by  on the unknown tipping point of insect ecosystems. 
• PhD researcher Taibat Ibitoye's article on  on avocados lowering the risk of heart disease is republished by . 
• Professor Nada Kakabadse (Henley Business School) is quoted by  on caution about the future of advanced microchip implants. 
• Dr Sarah Needs (Pharmacy) is quoted by  on leading new research on the capability of smartphone tech to be used as accurate at-home testing kits for illnesses including Dengue Fever. Read our news story. 
•  reports on the launch of the University College of Estate Management's (UCEM) construction site management degree. UCEM is part of the University. 

Alumni:

• Record Collector (in print) reports on the musical career of Reading graduate, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of Roxy Music, Andy Mackay.
• reports on a Reading graduate's upcoming talk as part of The Inspire Foundation's 'Connections and Autism' conference. 
• reports on the opening of Sanare Psychosocial Rehabilitation, a mental health programme founded by a Reading graduate. 
• reports on the proposal that a Reading graduate is selected as a new board member for Q-linea AB.