Environment lecturer Dr William Young commented on the Co-op’s decision to ban 30 chemicals from its own-brand products on BBC News 24. The author of ‘Sold out – the true cost of supermarket shopping’ also did interviews about his new book with BBC radio stations across the country. Writing in the Independent on Sunday Dr Young called on all supermarkets to ‘bring society’s values into the heart of their activities’.

Human rights lawyer Professor Colin Harvey joined BBC Radio Leeds to comment on a test case being brought by Iraqi families whose relatives had been killed by British forces. Professor Harvey discussed whether the Human Rights Act of 1998 would apply to British soldiers’ actions in Iraq.

ITV’s Frock ‘n’ Roll series included contributions from popular music expert Simon Warner: “The clothes people wear, the music they listen to and the subcultures they associate themselves with, from mods to rockers, Teddy boys to punks, have formed a powerful connection in the post-war years.”

Leeds University Business school lecturer Dr John Maule joined Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall on BBC Radio 4’s Questions Questions, for a discussion about consumer choice.

Why audiences clap together, the wobbling Millennium bridge and other examples of synchronicity were featured on BBC Radio 4’s Material World. Leeds mathematician Dr Alastair Rucklidge was there to help explain this phenomenon.

Bangalore papers The Hindu and New Indian Express covered the launch of the University of Leeds Indian alumni association. Speaking to The Hindu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Pearman said: “We have a dedicated and exceptional staff, who provide the students with a good foundation in the various subjects.”

The Sasser computer virus and the capture of its creator were featured in Computer Weekly. Professor David Wall from the school of law, explained that this virus writer was probably motivated by a need for recognition (see Reporter 498).

An award-winning Optimise scheme run by the University’s office for part time education to help single parents and carers go to university was covered by BBC Radio Leeds and the Yorkshire Post.