Hunting for silver

Cambridge alumnus Amy Hunt won the 200m silver at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo on Friday (19/09). The 23-year-old beat Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson for second place, while the American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won gold. It was GB’s second medal after Jake Wightman’s silver in the men’s 1500m. Hunt told BBC Sports: “As soon as I saw my mum, I burst into tears. I knew I could do it as long as I put in a good turn and was with them off the bend. I am so proud of myself.” The athlete, who studied English at Corpus Christi, was competing in her first major final.

Swap the votes

Cambridge’s Political Psychology Lab has published a study showing that British attitudes to European immigrants can be shifted by relatable messaging. According to the paper in Scientific Reports, reading a short profile of a Polish NHS worker that emphasises duty and hard work produces a 20-point swing in positivity towards European immigration among British voters. 3,000 adults participated in the study. Of those assigned the profile, 73% displayed positive attitudes, compared to 53% of those given a neutral text. Lead author Dr Tessa Buchanan said: “This study shows that making a positive case for migration from Europe can sway UK public opinion, something many in Westminster have appeared to doubt.”

New blood

The University has appointed Rita Akushie as its new Chief Financial Officer. Akushie has over 30 years of experience in financial operations, including her current role as Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of London. She will take up the position when Antony Odgers steps down on 31 December. Announcing her appointment, Akushie said: “I look forward to working collaboratively across the University to build a finance function that is modern, transparent, and aligned with Cambridge’s world-leading mission.” Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice added: “Rita impressed the interview panel with her vast experience, particularly in finance transformation, her passion for higher education and her commitment to inclusive leadership.”

A jolly expensive Fellowe

Cambridge auctioneers Cheffins sold a portrait by Venetian painter Rosalba Carriera for £508,000, breaking the artist’s record. The painting was of Coulson Fellowes, MP for Huntingdonshire between 1741-1761. Purchased by a UK-based private collector via telephone, the artwork from 1724 was estimated to make just £15,000-£25,000. Auctioneer Luke Bodalbhai said the painting demonstrated Carreira’s “talent as one of the leading lights of 18th Century portraiture”. Her representations of notable figures, including Louis XV of France and author Horace Walpole, hang everywhere from the Louvre to London’s National Gallery. The previous record for her work was £421,000 in 2002.