Reading in the news - Wed 20 Dec

COVID-19: Staying safe at Christmas

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) provides commentary on the rise of Covid-19 cases around Christmas time, for BBC Radio 2.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Heart Berkshire reports that 30,000 schools, colleges, and Universities across England are working on Climate Action Plans, with support from University of Reading and others. Read our story.
• Representatives from the University of Reading spoke to members of the CLASP charity about climate change, Wokingham Today reports.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• Reading Today reports that the University of Reading has teamed up with The Giving Tree, a campaign to help organizations and businesses work with charities to help residents in need. Read our news story.
• Molli Cleaver (Community Relations Manager) is quoted in Reading Today, regarding the University’s community-based Christmas actives. Read our news story.

Food and farming:

• Visiting fellow, John Giles, writes for Fruitnet, on the changing landscape of the fresh produce industry.
• Research from the University and the Royal Horticultural Society found that ivy helps to keep a house cool in summer, and during the winter it prevents extreme low night temperatures and reduces damp – mentioned in House and Garden.

Business and society:

• Sifted quotes Professor Jonathan Passmore (Henley Business School) on how AI can help make employee management more objective, by removing inter-personal biases.

Other Coverage:

• Dr Kenton White (Politics and International Relations) writes for The Conversation on a recent Ukrainian aid debate, which saw republicans push an isolationist stance, risking geopolitical repercussions for NATO.

Alumni:

• Graduate surveyor of global property consultancy for Knight Frank, Emily Wilson, completed her MSc degree in Real Estate at the University of Reading, News From Wales reports.
• CAIA mentions that Richard Barkham PhD began his career as Professor of Economics and Land Management at the University.