Reading in the news - Tue 28 Oct

Hurricanes and cyclones: A Category 5 hurricane, Melissa, has struck Jamaica. Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) was quoted by The Independent and others including Newsday, AOL and CBC about the link between climate change and hurricane intensity. The Guardian and ABC News Radio (Australia) spoke to Professor Liz Stephens (Meteorology) about the risks. Meanwhile, Dr Deoras was quoted by The Independent, Daily Observer, Las Vegas Sun, UNB, ABC News and others about Cyclone Montha in India. From our expert comment: 'Hurricane Melissa could be catastrophic'

Heritage and culture:

• The Mirror and MSN reported on Sandi Toksvig’s visit to Reading’s Cookham Abbey excavation site.

Food and farming:

• The Times featured Reading research into advantages of vitamin D to tackle seasonal depression.
• Dr Daniel Lamport (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences) was featured in an episode of Jamie: Eat Yourself Healthy on Channel 4, discussing his research into the cognitive benefits of eating blueberries.
• Ad Hoc News mentioned research on benefits of walnuts. From our story: Eating walnuts for breakfast may boost your brain function
• SSBCrack and WDC TV News reported on a study into how bananas affect nutrient absorption in smoothies.
• Oloygeia quoted Professor Gunter Kuhnle (Food and Nutritional Sciences) on a study on weight gain and ultra-processed food.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Professor Sandy Harrison (Geography and Environmental Science) and Professor Pier Luigi Vidale (Meteorology) were quoted by Nautilus about climate change and predicting vegetation survival.
• Research by Hillary Chanda (Construction Management and Engineering) found risks from Zambia’s solar panel use, reports Phys.org. From our story: Zambia’s solar success comes with toxic waste risk
• Nation Cymru republished an article written by Professor Chris Hilson (Law) in The Conversation about a lawsuit related to pollution in the River Wye.

Business and society:

• Daily Sun, The Business Standard, UNB, NewAge, BSS News, and additional outlets mentioned comments from Professor Niaz Asadullah (Economics) about AI’s impact on jobs in Bangladesh.
• Henley Business School ranked in the top 100 for the Financial Times Executive MBA 2025 ranking, reports Daily Maverick and Henley Standard, including comments from Jon Foster-Pedley (Henley Business School Africa).
• Malta Gazette highlighted research from Henley Business School into the benefits of four-day working weeks.
• MDNTV , Main News, and South Africa Today reported on the Africa Business Leaders Awards, held in partnership with Henley Business School Africa.
• Duunitori mentioned a podcast episode about leadership with Paula Kilpinen, CEO of Henley Business School Nordic.
• Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza, MBA candidate at Henley Business School Africa, wrote for IOL and Business Report (also in MSN and African News Agency) about the collapse of South Africa’s steel industry.

Other coverage:

• The Tab reported on Reading’s placement in the Times Higher Education’s World Reputation Rankings 2025.
• Ecosaver mentioned research which found reading before bed reduces stress levels.

Alumni:

• BenguTurk profiled Vice President of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party, İlyas Topsakal, who studied at Reading.
• Yannick Levantard, who studied Agricultural Development Economics, is the East and Southern Africa area manager for Hubbard, reports WATTPoultry.
• Environment and Development graduate Fermin Koop wrote for ZME Science about whaling in Iceland.
• INews mentioned that Sir Calixte George, who has an MSc in Soil Science, is receiving an honorary degree from the University of the West Indies.