Reading in the news - Thu 16 Dec

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) was quoted by Express and the Independent (and in print) on the societal problems Omicron could cause; by the Financial Times on the contagiousness of Omicron; by Express, Daily Mail, BBC Radio Wales, and BBC Radio Berkshire on concern about the drop in Pfizer's efficacity; by New York Times on the NHS's capacity to expand, BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester on rising case numbers; and he answered BBC 1 Oxford's Covid questions.
• Professor Ian Jones (Biological Sciences) was quoted by the Daily Mail, Health Medicine News and other news sites on speeding up the release of an at-home Covid pill that could ease pressure on hospitals, and by The Times (and in print) on the spike protein of Omicron contributing to its spread.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Ed Hawkins' (Meteorology) climate stripes were mentioned by Ecocentricity Blog and reposted by Yahoo!, IDC Chase, and Just Means. The Herald (in print) reported on his climate stripes which were lit up on the remains of Scotland's largest coal-fired power station due to be demolished.
• Dr Ella Gilbert (Meteorology) was quoted by Totally Vegan Buzz on the need for lowering global emissions to avoid polar ice melt and sea-level rise. 
• The University was mentioned by British Farmer & Grower (in print) on research on the use of LED lights to promote year-round production of berries.

Other Coverage:

• Professor Alan Floyd (Institute of Education) was listed by Yahoo! as a supporter of keeping universities open during Covid restrictions.
• Professor Roberta Gilchrist (Archaeology) was quoted by Berkshire Live on the University's investigation of Reading Abbey's medieval history. 
• Reading was listed by AB GOV as taking part in the EIT integrated master's program which aims to prepare students to work towards the future transformation of the food system.
• The University and Henley Business School were mentioned by Baike Juwai as providers of excellent education.
• Lost artefacts were donated to the University's Museum of English Rural Life, reports Travellers Times.
• A University graduate was mentioned by Graham and Sibbald for achieving a promotion.
• EGI feature a tribute to Professor Sarah Sayce (Henley Business School), who sadly passed away recently.