February was another month of high profile media appearances for the University of Glasgow.  Amongst the highlights was a special report which was broadcast on the BBC’s Newsnight Scotland into research from Professor Lee Cronin and Professor Richard Cogdell on the possibility of creating solar fuel from plants. The story also ran on Breakfast television and national radio, and was the third most watched BBC online story from around the world. Later in the month Professor Cogdell presented the research at the annual meeting of the American Advancement of Science in Canada, which led to additional reporting in more than 70 titles around the world.

Research by Dr Jason Gill on exercise and health was featured in an edition of Horizon on BBC 2. The link below should take you to the programme on the BBC i-player ... though you may never eat a full Scottish breakfast again!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01cywtq/Horizon_20112012_The_Truth_About_Exercise/

The University of Glasgow has been leading the way in an innovative approach to teacher training. Several pilot “partner schools” have operated in Glasgow and in February a formal link was established with Irvine Royal Academy in North Ayrshire. Launched by the Principal and the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the story ran across the BBC, with appearances on Good Morning Scotland, BBC Online and Newsnight Scotland. This was in addition to coverage in the Herald and elsewhere, including a number of local titles.

Other stories that were prominent in February included the appointment of Professor Muffy Calder as Scotland’s new Chief Scientific Officer; research into why plants do not get sunburn and what implications this might have; and the launch of the Space Glasgow Research Cluster - expect many stories to emerge from this exciting development in coming months.

Colleagues also provided comment to the media on a range of issues and topics, including the troubles of Rangers FC, the Greek financial crisis, religious education in schools and the debate on Scottish independence. 

Finally, it is worth mentioning the continuing media profile of Emeli Sandé, our Young Alumnus of the Year. Not only did her debut album chart at number one, but she also scooped the Critics’ Award at the Brit Awards. Several of the press reports picked up on her links with the University of Glasgow.

As ever, the corporate communications team is keen to hear from anyone who might be working on something that could be of interest to the media, who have expertise on a particular area or topic or who just want to chat about how to deal with reporters and editors. At the moment we are also working on a list of academics who might wish to comment on the independence debate – everything from the legal and economic aspects to social, educational and historic. If you are interested in being on that list or just want to talk about how we might be able to help, give us a call on 0141 330 3535 or email us media@glasgow.ac.uk  

First published: 29 February 2012

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