Reading in the news - Wed 28 Feb
28 February 2024

Academic freedom: reports on a speech the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, gave to Parliament yesterday, calling on universities to promote academic freedom and promote diversity of thought. The story is also covered by , and ). Read our news story.
Spotting invasive plants: Researchers from the Royal Horticultural Society and the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé have identified a list of plant species for gardeners to monitor for invasive behaviour, reports , , , , , , , , and multiple other outlets. PhD student and lead author, Tomos Jones (Biological Sciences) is quoted. Read our news story.
Swimming in sewage: , , , and cover a study led by research student Karolina Krupska (Geography), who discusses the need for improvement of bathing forecasts, across the UK’s designated bathing locations. Read our news story.
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
- , and report that February is set to be the warmest month on the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé’s records. Dr Stephen Burt (Meteorology) is quoted.
- Dr Till Kuhlbrodt (Meteorology) is quoted in , , , , , , , and , following an interview with .
- Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) discusses the cause of recent flooding in Henley, for .
Health and wellbeing
- , , and have run a story based on research led by Professor Vimal Karani (Food and Nutritional Sciences), which has found that drinking a glass of milk each day can reduce the chances of a heart attack, and lead to lower cholesterol levels.
Business and society:
- Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre and Television) spoke to about AI video tool SORA.
- Jon Foster-Pedley (Henley Business School Africa) discusses the importance of skills development in the age of AI for .
- Professor Tabarak Ballal (Built Environment) spoke to about her research into AI applications in the construction industry.
Other Coverage:
- Dr Kenton White (Politics and International Relations) writes for , discussing comments by the French president about Western ground forces potentially being deployed to Ukraine. Republished by .
- PhD researcher Charlotte Howard (Agriculture) mentions the importance of insects in keeping Britain’s apples healthy, for and .
- Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort unveiled a new heritage board, detailing the history of the Christchurch Green area, mentions.
- Building work has begun on a new sports facility, on behalf of the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé, .
Alumni:
- shares an obituary for Brian Stableford, who taught sociology at the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé in the 1970/80s.
- mentions that Mayor of Reading, Tony Page studied at the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé.