Reading in the news - Thu 4 Jun

Diversity survey: A University of Reading report assessed Hampshire Police officers’ views during diversity training, reported The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, GB News, LBC reports. 

Animal research at Reading: The Reading Chronicle (print) featured the five llamas which have joined the University’s Llamatech herd, quoting Professor Gary Stephens (Pharmacy). From our story: Five new llamas join research herd at Reading farm. 

Health and wellbeing:

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) spoke to DW News about DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak.  
• Professor Netta Weinstein (Psychology) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire on report that found a third of the time people spend on their phones is spent without a clear purpose. 
• A study by Professor Weinstein on the psychological benefits of active listening was mentioned by Bae Negocios.  
• Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) was quoted by The Irish Mirror and Misryoum on the spread of meningitis B. 
• IT Boltwise provided further coverage of a study from Dr Maria Maiarú (Pharmacy) finding that stem cells can be used to treat chronic pain. From our story: Stem cell particles study set to tackle chronic nerve pain 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor, was quoted by The Reading Chronicle on a new Natural History Museum research facility in Reading. 
• Independent (Spanish, republished by MSN) quoted Professor Liz Stephens (Meteorology) on how an upcoming El Niño event will impact cost of living. 
• Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) was quoted by Misryoum on the environmental effects following the upcoming El Niño event. From our expert comment: El Nino: WMO report expert comments 
• Dr James Weber (Meteorology) was quoted by Samorzadowy on how cutting methane emissions affects ozone layer recovery. From our story: Cutting methane could slow the recovery of the ozonelayer 
• Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) was quoted by Ground Report on the dangers of heatwaves in India. 

Business and society:

• A study by PhD researcher Rebecca Matthews (Psychology) found that pressure to have a ‘natural birth’ is causing psychological harm to women, reports Reading Today and The Reading Chronicle (print). From our story: Natural birth pressure is harming new mothers’ mental health 
• Lyneth Zungu, Head of the MBA programme at Henley Business School Africa, was quoted by JSE Magazine on challenges to small businesses in South Africa. 
• Workplace Journal and City AM reported on how UK workers feel about AI, quoting Dr Melissa Carr (Henley Business School). 

Heritage and culture:

• The Reading Chronicle (print) reported on a walking tour developed by Dr Stephen Gage (Architecture) on Reading’s Victorian architecture. 

Other coverage:

• NetEase reported that Reading was placed 43 out of 130 institutions in the recent QS university ranking 2027. 
• Associate Professor Adrian Tagg (Construction Management) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about asbestos. 

Alumni:

• Journalist Nikos Vatopoulos, who studied Politics, was interviewed by Click News. 
• Economics graduate Kam Pooni has been appointed Chief Product Officer at Precision Life, reports One Nucleus, BioSpace, and Diagnostics World. 
• Politis reported that graduate Andreas Papacharalambous has been elected as an MP for ELAM’s parliament team. 
• Nia Pushkarova, who studied Fine Art, was quoted by Radio Bulgaria about the upcoming Water Tower Art Fest’s 20^th anniversary.  
• Peace FM, Joy Online, CNR, Vaultz News, Ghana Web, and others reported that Eugene Ocansey, Henley Business School graduate, has been appointed Executive Director of Access Bank Ghana.