Reading in the news - Wed 28 Feb

Academic freedom: reports on a speech the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, gave to Parliament yesterday, calling on universities to promote academic freedom and promote diversity of thought. The story is also covered by , and ). Read our news story. 

Spotting invasive plants: Researchers from the Royal Horticultural Society and the 色狗导航 have identified a list of plant species for gardeners to monitor for invasive behaviour, reports , , , , , , , , and multiple other outlets. PhD student and lead author, Tomos Jones (Biological Sciences) is quoted. Read our news story. 

Swimming in sewage: , , ,  and  cover a study led by research student Karolina Krupska (Geography), who discusses the need for improvement of bathing forecasts, across the UK’s designated bathing locations. Read our news story. 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• ,  and report that February is set to be the warmest month on the 色狗导航’s records. Dr Stephen Burt (Meteorology) is quoted.
• Dr Till Kuhlbrodt (Meteorology) is quoted in , , , , , , ,  and , following an interview with .
• Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) discusses the cause of recent flooding in Henley, for .

Health and wellbeing

• , , and have run a story based on research led by Professor Vimal Karani (Food and Nutritional Sciences), which has found that drinking a glass of milk each day can reduce the chances of a heart attack, and lead to lower cholesterol levels. 

Business and society:

• Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre and Television) spoke to about AI video tool SORA.
• Jon Foster-Pedley (Henley Business School Africa) discusses the importance of skills development in the age of AI for .
• Professor Tabarak Ballal (Built Environment) spoke to about her research into AI applications in the construction industry. 

Other Coverage:

• Dr Kenton White (Politics and International Relations) writes for , discussing comments by the French president about Western ground forces potentially being deployed to Ukraine. Republished by .
• PhD researcher Charlotte Howard (Agriculture) mentions the importance of insects in keeping Britain’s apples healthy, for  and .
• Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort unveiled a new heritage board, detailing the history of the Christchurch Green area,  mentions.
• Building work has begun on a new sports facility, on behalf of the 色狗导航, . 

Alumni:

• shares an obituary for Brian Stableford, who taught sociology at the 色狗导航 in the 1970/80s.
•  mentions that Mayor of Reading, Tony Page studied at the 色狗导航.