Reading in the news - Tue 20 Jan

Trump’s Greenland threats: Professor Marko Milanovic (Law) was quoted by Invezz on the USA wanting to gain control of Greenland. Dr Derek Bolton (Politics and International Relations) also spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire on the topic.

Health and wellbeing:

• RTE republished an article written by Professor Tom Oliver (Biological Sciences) in The Conversation about how nature can make you feel better during winter. 
• A study by Dr Tijana Blanusa (Agriculture, Policy and Development) into the mental health benefits of keeping houseplants was mentioned by Buzzfeed. From our story: Attractive houseplants give biggest well-being boost 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• AS, Capital Vitoria, Journal Económico, Mundo Deportivo, and others provided further mentions of research from Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) from the recent Andorra Weather Meeting. 
• Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) spoke to BBC Radio Derby about what causes the sky to look red. 
• NNC highlighted research into the effects of native trees on bird reproduction. 
• BBC Radio Berkshire featured comments from Dr Jess Neumann (Geography) about changes to the UK’s water industry. 

Business and society:

• HR Director featured an article written by Professors Nada and Andrew Kakabadse (both Henley Business School) about leadership principles. 
• Jon Foster-Pedley (Henley Business School Africa) co-wrote an article for Business Day about governance and policy in South Africa. 
• Ellen Trane Nørby, Henley Business School student, was quoted by Forbes on handling change in leadership roles. 
• Associate professor Adrian Tagg (Construction Management) was quoted by RICS about using AI in building surveying.  

Heritage and culture:

• Theatre Reviews North reported on the University-produced play Glitch, which is currently touring the UK. 
• Greatest Hits Radio provided further coverage of student-led production ‘The Sound’, which explores the influence of Caribbean music and culture on Reading. From our story:  
• Free guided walks across campus will be available as part of the University’s 100^th anniversary celebration, reports ITV Meridian. 

Alumni:

• The Local Report listed Reading graduate Pascha Myhill as a contestant on the new series of The Apprentice. 
• CEO of Verso Biosense and Reading graduate, Kate Rowley, will be a speaker at an event for International Women’s Day 2026, reports Milton Park.