Reading in the news - Tue 14 Dec

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) was interviewed on the Jeremy Vine show on BBC Radio 2 to discuss Covid risks around Christmas mixing; on GB News and LBC Radio to discuss restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron variant; and he answered BBC Radio Berkshire and BBC Hereford and Worcester's Omicron and restrictions questions. He was quoted by the Daily Mail and News Colony on Omicron's ability to evade immunity; by The Express on the government's vaccine rollout; and by Gloucestershire Live on how well PCR tests detect the Omicron variant. 
• Professor Richard Bennett (Agriculture) was quoted by Horti Daily on confidence in agri-food since the start of the pandemic; and he spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about public confidence in the food supply chain since the pandemic began. 
• Dr Jane Parker (Food) was mentioned by News Wise, Eurek Alert!, and Medical Xpress for her part in researching the causes of covid-induced parosmia and phantosmia. 
• Dr Tara Pirie (Biological Sciences) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about how she is dealing with the new restrictions.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) was quoted by Liputan 6 on findings that changes in temperature and wind speed could cause harsher turbulence on flights.

Other Coverage:

• Dr Mark Dallas's (Pharmacy) article on The Conversation on risk factors that can determine the likelihood of developing cognitive decline was republished by Foreign Affairs. 
• Professor Rodney Jones (English Language) was quoted by Food Navigator on his research on an EIT-Food Funded Project, Health Claims Unpacked, which found health claim regulations could be failing to meet objectives. 
• Yiba reports on Henley Business School Africa being recognised as the first business school in the country to achieve Level 1 BBBEE. 
• Emeritus Professor Malcolm Barber (History) was quoted by Jioforme on the history of the First Crusade. 
• Professor Rajneesh Narula (Henle Business School)  writes for Business Day on the importance of policy stability for investment and development.
• NRHZ quotes the late Professor Colin Gray (formerly Politics & International Relations) on military strategies of the United States and the Soviet Union. 
• Reading was mentioned by London Post as one of the best Universities in the UK to study creative courses.
• The University was listed by Events as a previous attendee of the Cartels Workshop: a Webinar that discusses substantive and procedural EU Developments.  
• The University’s discussion with Wokingham Borough Council over its local plan was mentioned in an Earley Environmental Group newsletter (in print). Read our statement.
• The University sharing its facilities with St Joseph's College was mentioned by Muddy Stilettos. 
• Graham and Sibbald announces it has promoted a Reading History graduate.