Reading in the news - Fri 21 Jan

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) was interviewed by  and quoted by  and  as the UK announces easing of almost all restrictions; by on vaccine effectiveness;  on the virus's transmissibility, and  on Covid and vulnerable people in hospital. 
• Professor Ian Jones is quoted by , , , and  on the Omicron variant and natural immunity.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Dr Robbie Girling and Dr James Ryalls (Agriculture) are quoted by , , , , , , , , , and over 100 others on research that revealed the effects of pollution on pollinators' ability to smell crops and wildflowers. BBC World Service Radio also mentioned the research. Read our news story.
• BBC Radio Berkshire, , , and  report on the University's efforts to decarbonise heating and move towards carbon zero target by 2030. Read our news story.
• Dr Ella Gilbert (Meteorology) is quoted by on climate news that shocked her.
• Professor Maria Shahgedanova (Geography / Environmental Science) is quoted by on the global reduction of glaciers. 
• Professor Tom Oliver (Biological Sciences) is mentioned by on sustainability lessons learned from the pandemic. 

Other Coverage:

• Emeritus Professor Brian Scott-Quinn (Henley Business School) is quoted by on the lack of standardised metrics for businesses' future climate impact. 
• Associate Professor Miriam Marra (Henley) is quoted by on the advantages of the four-day work week, and a 2019 Henley study which found specific productivity benefits is mentioned by . 
• Reading research on the dietary and health benefits of tomatoes is quoted by Real People (in print). 
• Megan Powell, a student from the University is mentioned by  and British Farmer & Grower (in print) for being selected to receive a 'Centenary Award' bursary.
• reports that a Reading graduate is recognised in national business awards.