Reading in the news - Fri 7 Nov

Archaeology on TV: A new Channel 4 documentary airs on 11 Nov, following Sandi Toksvig exploring the University’s dig at Cookham Abbey. Heritage Daily quotes research lead Professor Gabor Thomas (Archaeology). From our story: Sandi Toksvig discovers Cookham monastery’s Hidden Wonders.

Food and farming:

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Science) spoke to BBC South Today and BBC Radio Berkshire on increasing cases of bird flu.
• The Times highlighted research from Professor Julie Lovegrove (Food and Nutritional Sciences) into the benefits of consuming fava beans.
• Farmers Guardian (print) reported Professor Richard Bennett’s (Agriculture) tool to compare animal welfare standards on farms. From our story: UK shoppers would pay billions more for high-welfare meat

Business and society:

• Professor Dominik Zaum (Politics and International Relations) was quoted by Trouw on President Trump’s comments on Gaza.
• Professor Nada Kakabadse (Henley Business School) wrote for The Conversation (republished by Tolerance) about women in crisis leadership roles.

Heritage and culture:

• Beccles and Bungay Journal and Eastern Daily Press (print) provided further coverage of research into the history of book manufacturer William Clowes & Sons.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) spoke to BBC News Channel about Typhoon Kalmaegi, also featured on ABC News (Australia).
• Further comments from Dr Xiangbo Feng about the role of climate change in tropical storms were featured by Market Screener, Today Headline, The Kathmandu Post, Asiaone, and other global outlets.
• PennState and Mirage News reported on research from Professor Sandy Harrison (Geography and Environmental Science) looking at geographical changes to Africa’s landscape.
• Dr Sophie Blackburn (Geography) wrote for The Conversation (republished by Tolerance) about how Cuba prepared for Hurricane Melissa.
• Nature News reported on a study by Regius Professor Keith Shine and Professor Laura Wilcox (both Meteorology) on the impact of solar radiation modification.
• Big Issue and Newz9 included comments from Professor Benoit Mayer (Law) on the COP30 summit.

Other coverage:

• PMLive mentioned University-developed biotechnology aiding platelet research.
• Reading Today highlighted the performance of students Paddy Jackson, James Gilman, and Isaac Tokura in a local rugby match.
• UK Property Forums highlighted a University-sponsored award at the BerksProp Awards 2025.

Alumni:

• Business and Economics graduate, Phaedros Pantelides, wrote for FXStreet about the US government shutdown.
• The Times featured an obituary for South African author Zoë Wicomb.
• Creamer Media, and IITPSA (republished by ITWeb) listed CEO of Leva Foundation Ryan le Roux, who has an MBA from Henley Business School, as a finalist in the IITPSA President’s awards.