Prof Barbara Sahakian’s (Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Clare Hall) study which led to the finding that reading a lot along between the ages of two and nine was linked linked to better academic performance at Secondary school, greater happiness and reduced likelihood of depression, anxiety or behavioural problems made the front page of The Times today. The Co-authors of this research are Professor Jianfeng Feng and other researchers from Fudan University and Christelle Langley, who is also from the Department of Psychiatry.

Professor Barbara says,

Reading isn’t just a pleasurable experience. It is widely accepted that it inspires thinking and creativity, increases empathy and reduces stress. But on top of this, we found significant evidence that it’s linked to important developmental factors in children, improving their cognition, mental health and brain structure

We congratulate Professor Barbara and wish her the very best in all her pursuits.