Reading in the news - Fri 10 Sep

Flu season: Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) is quoted by The Times on the challenges of combatting flu virus variations every winter.

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic 

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) was interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester about the possibility of making vaccinations compulsory for frontline workers. He is quoted by the Northern Echo and Chronicle Live on fears over a Covid spike following Leeds Festival;  Tokyo Chunichi Shimbun (English translation attached) on the UK’s handling of the pandemic in recent months.

#PlanetPartners: Reading’s global work for a sustainable future

• The Guardian and Yahoo News quote a University of Reading student on her dismay at realising her climate change protest placard had been displayed in a Science Museum exhibition sponsored by fossil fuel company Shell. London News Time reports how the placard was removed after protests.
• Phys.org and India Education Diary report on Reading research predicting how dry seasons in the tropics will change in future due to climate change. Read our news story.
• Reading.co.uk reports on the University’s involvement in Reading Climate Festival later this month, and quotes Tim Dixon (Built Environment) in his role as co-chair of the Reading Climate Change Partnership.

Other coverage

• Dr Gunter Kuhnle is quoted by the Telegraph on why some vegan food isn’t as eco-friendly or healthy as people might think, and by Brinkwire on Reading research showing flavanols can lower blood pressure.
• BBC Radio Berkshire interviewed Professor David Leake (Biological Sciences) about a new antioxidant drug that could prevent heart attacks and strokes, identified by British Heart Foundation-funded research at Reading. Medical Xpress, Reach MD and Technology Times and also cover the story. Read our news story.
• A virtual exhibition exploring ancient diets by the Ure Museum on Whiteknights campus is featured in a Wokingham Today preview of local events in this months’ Heritage Open Days.
• Jon Foster Pedley (Dean and Director of Henley Business School Africa) writes for the Daily Maverick on how employers can approach the issue of their staff having mixed views on vaccinations.
• Business Reporter republishes an article written for The Conversation by Dr David Rose (Agriculture), on the responsible development of farming robots.
• Forbes publishes an article by Professor Ben Laker (Henley Business School) on securing a position on a non-profit board.
• Stuart Brown (Director of Digital Technology Services) is quoted by WonkHE on the current challenges of recruiting cyber security staff.
• Mirage News report that Dr Mimi Zou (Law) has been appointed to the government’s Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation advisory board.
• Malawi24, News Ghana, Namibian Sun, Nyasa Times, PC Tech, EABW News and Pindula report on a skills development training programme for African filmmakers, which involves Henley Business School.