UCL in the media

18 May 2013: Introduce standard cigarette packets now

The argument for plain tobacco packaging is clear—it would save lives—and the arguments used against it are false, argues Professor Robert West (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health). Read: BMJ

18 May 2013: Mafia Republic: Italy’s Criminal Curse by John Dickie

UCL Italian Professor John Dickie's new book shows that the strength, scale and endurance of the country’s three main Mafias are sadly representative of Italy’s broader weaknesses, writes Bill Emmott. Read: Times (£)

17 May 2013: To tackle child sexual exploitation, prevention is better than new law

Prosecution should be a last resort for child sexual exploitation. Funds would be more usefully channelled towards harm reduction, achieved through better prevention, detection, and victim-support initiatives, writes Ella Cockbain (UCL Security & Crime Scienc). Read: Independent

16 May 2013: Contact time a matter of degree

Development of personalised learning by harnessing technological advances is going to transform higher education. But it will require substantial, long-term investment, says Professor Stephen Caddick. Read: Guardian More: The Conversation

15 May 2013: Japan's politicians have a problem with 'comfort women'

Gender awareness training for Japanese conservative politicians is long overdue, and Osaka's mayor should be first up, says Dr Maki Kimura (UCL Political Science). Read: Guardian