Reading in the news - Mon 11 Mar

Ministerial controversy: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Parveen Yaqoob writes a column for Research Professional News suggesting the row over Michelle Donelan’s libellous comments about two members of a UK Research and Innovation equality, diversity and inclusion advisory panel should not distract from equality in research. 

Invention of words: Professor Steven Mithen (Archaeology) appeared on Times Radio to discuss his new book, ‘The Language Puzzle’, which explores how the invention of words 1.6 million years ago powered the development of humanity. 

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• BBC News, BBC 1 South and BBC Radio Berkshire continue coverage on a University of Reading scheme which is seeking new funding for toddlers in Whitley Wood to learn to love reading. Radio coverage includes a feature by Dr Daisy Powell, Rinna Puno-Levett and Elli Walker (all Institute of Education). Read our news story.
• Greatest Hits Radio continues coverage of ‘Resilience Rucksacks’, a scheme from the University of Reading that aims to support schoolchildren’s mental health. Read our news story. 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• The Express quotes Professor Len Shaffrey (Meteorology) on climate change making summers drier and winters wetter in the UK.
• Daily Star quotes PhD researcher Chris Wyver (Agriculture), mentioning bumblebees coming out of hibernation earlier than normal. Read our news story.
• Dr Till Kuhlbrodt (Meteorology) leads a study on the alarming rate at which oceans are warming, SciTechDaily and  Today Headline reports. Read our news story.  

Health and wellbeing:

• Professor Stella Chan (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences) discusses the mental and physical health benefits of walking 10,000 steps for The Telegraph. Republished by MSN. 

Food and farming:

• Wired Gov confirms that Professor Christine Riefa (Law) will speak at the CTSI’s Annual Conference.

Business and society:

• Dr Charmi Patel (Henley Business School) discusses coffee badging, when an employee briefly enters the office, grabs a coffee, mingles, and then works remotely from home, for People Magazine. 

Other Coverage:

• Stephen Michael Wedgwood Benn, 3^rd Viscount Stansgate, praises the University of Reading in the House of Lords for being ‘strong advocates for the inclusion of women in science.’ Televised by BBC Parliament.
• Professor Rosa Freedman (Law) spoke to Al Jazeera and LiveNOW (FOX) about the ongoing violence in Haiti.
• Lady Bodam Taiwo is a Thrive Mentor at the University of Reading, Thrive Global mentions.
• Professor Jo Phoenix (Law) will be a guest speaker at the University of Buckingham, where she will discuss her recent employment tribunal win,  The University of Buckingham reports.

Alumni:

• Psychreg reports that Crystal Khoo holds a degree from the University of Reading.
• Oracle News mentions that Professor D. K. Olukoya obtained his PhD at the University of Reading in 1984.