Reading in the news - Thu 6 Jan

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Alexander Edwards (Pharmacy) was quoted by  (and in print) and  on the reliability of lateral flow test results; his comments on the Government's removal of the requirement for PCR confirmation were aired by BBC Radio 4, BBC Berkshire, and across local radio stations, and he discussed LFT and PCR tests with BBC Radio Leeds.
• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) spoke to LBC News Radio, BBC Radio Berkshire and Heart Radio Berkshire about changes to rules around PCR tests; and BBC Radio Ulster about the Omicron variant. He was also quoted by on restrictions in Wales in comparison to the UK.
• Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) was quoted by The Times (in print) on the body's defence mechanisms in place that may lessen the severity of those who are infected with both the flu and Covid.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Tom Oliver (Biological Sciences) was quoted by  on a project he led which found faults in the Government's approach to environmental risk management.
• reports on a study conducted by Yale, and involving Dr Kevin Hodges (Meteorology), that found more hurricanes were likely to shift further towards the poles and have a wider impact around the world.
• A book review of Weather Photography. The best images of extreme phenomena, which included work by Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology), was published by .

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university 

• A article on Sanctuary Strikers, Reading's only football team that brings together refugees and non-refugees, mentions the University’s support to the team. 

University excavations in Silchester

• BBC's Digging For Britain interviewed Professor Michael Fulford (Archaeology) on the University's archaeological excavations in Roman Silchester.

Other Coverage:

• The Daily Mail (in print) reported on the University's previous warning to students of the potentially 'triggering' nature of an Ancient Greek poem.
• , ,  and  report that Matthew White, (Director of Campus Commerce) was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to the catering and hospitality industry. 
• quotes Dr Charlotte Mills (Food) on the consistency of findings that coffee and tea can reduce the risk of stroke and memory loss.
• Semicolon Africa's partnership with Henley Business School, as part of the Innovation for African Universities (IAU) project, was mentioned by .
• reports on University findings that cities lack a strategic plan to become 'smarter' despite the threat of cybercrime.
• Grace Loweth, a Reading University Student Union Welfare Officer, spoke to BBC Berkshire about Reading's response to spiking.
• reports on the passing of Mrs Agnes Labor, a University graduate from the '70s and Sierra Leone's first female MP. 
• The University's Real Estate Master's degree was reported by  and  as in high demand.  
•  reports on findings from Henley Business School on the benefits of a four-day work week.
•  reports Liverpool's Vice-Chancellor as an alumnus of the University.
• A Reading graduate spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about meeting his wife at the University during fresher's week. 
• A Reading graduate was mentioned by  for her expertise that will be offered during a sustainability conference in London. 
• A Reading graduate was mentioned by , , , , , and multiple other outlets for being elected as a partner of Bracewell.