Reading in the news - Wed 17 Dec

Jane Austen at 250: Dr Paddy Bullard (English Literature) and Isabel Hughes, Associate director of the Museum of English Rural Life, spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about Jane Austen and her 250^th birthday.

Health and wellbeing:

• Dr Simon Clarke was quoted by The Telegraph (republished by MSN) on the new H3N2 flu variant. Professor Ian Jones (both Biomedical Sciences) was also quoted by The Times on the reliability of the flu jab. 

Ad Hoc News mentioned research into the cognitive benefits of eating walnuts. 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Travel News mentions Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) in an article about how heat affects airplane take-offs.  
• Professor Mathew Owens (Meteorology) was quoted by Sky&Telescope in response to a study mapping the Sun’s magnetic surface. 
• Reading Today reported on additional funding for the University’s Climate Ambassadors, quoting deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Parveen Yaqoob (Food and Nutritional Sciences). From our story: Climate Ambassadors volunteers honoured as scheme extended 

Business and society:

• Professor Rosa Freedman (Law) spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about comments from Sir Richard Knighton, who said The UK needs "more people being ready to fight for their country". 
• Cambridge Network highlighted Henley Business School research into people feeling how they can be themselves in the workplace. 
• Dr Melissa Carr (Henley Business School) was quoted by Raconteur about diversity and inclusion policies. 

Heritage and culture:

• ZME Science featured a study by Dr Rebecca Pitt (Archaeology) into health the health of Britons during the Roman-era. From our story: Roman urbanism was bad for Brits' health 

Other coverage:

• Cecily Mwaniki, founder of charity Utulivu Women’s Group, has been awarded an honorary degree from the University, reports The Reading Chronicle. Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles (Geography and Environmental Science) is quoted. From our story: Community champion honoured by University 

Alumni:

• Business and Economics graduate, Phaedros Pantelides, wrote for FXStreet about peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.