Reading in the news - Mon 28 Oct
28 October 2024

Why won’t weather presenters talk about climate change? features Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez (Meteorology) discussing the challenges of integrating climate change information into TV weather forecasts. Republished by , and .
#UniForReading: our role as a civic university
- reports that Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert van der Noort, opened Leighton Park School’s Grove Sixth Form Centre and library.
- reports that Wokingham Borough Council has approved refurbishments for the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé’s Grade II listed URS building, on the Whiteknights campus.
- and feature insights from Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre, and Television) on how AI has the potential to transform special effects in filmmaking. From our story: Public lectures return to Reading on campus and online.
- and highlights the festive event at Reading Minster featuring music groups such as the Universal Voices (Reading University children’s community choir).
- highlights The Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé participating in the Global Education Conclave 2024, which is aimed at strengthening international education and fostering global academic collaborations.
Health and wellbeing:
- discusses the mental health benefits of plants, featuring a 2023 study by the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé. Also in and . From our research story:
- and reports on a 2022 genomic study revealing that Demodex folliculorum, a mite that is exclusive to humans, is undergoing evolutionary changes. From our news story: Secret lives of skin mites in our faces.
Food and farming:
- Direct Driller Magazine’s ‘Farmer Focus’ column (in print) highlights a partnership with the University, testing effects of Compost Extract on wheat yields and nitrogen requirements.
- Scientists are raising concerns over a timing mismatch between flowering crops and pollinators, which could threaten food production. Dr Chris Wyver (Agriculture, Policy and Development) is quoted in and .
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
- , and share insights from Professor Joy Singarayer (Meteorology), warning severe ecological damage in the Caspian Sea as water levels decline.
- highlights Tom Oliver (Ecology) emphasizing the need to address interconnected crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, collectively.
- On , Dr Jonathan Dale (Geography and Environmental Sciences) discusses his research utilizing drones to measure mud levels in estuaries.
- reports on a pre-COP29 conference held in partnership with the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé, which included Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova (Henley Business School) as key Speaker.
Business and society:
- , via , features commentary by Professor Leonid Sirota (Law) on the ineffectiveness of defunding universities to address concerns about "wokeism."
- reports on the benefits of a 4-day workweek, highlighting Henley Business School research showing a 64% productivity increase among UK companies adopting the model.
Other Coverage:
- reports Dr James O’Donoghue (Meteorology) discussing the surprising transformations of Jupiter's Great Red Spot observed during a 90-day study. From our story: Saturn expert stars in BBC One ‘Solar System’ series.
- highlights insights from Professor Jane Setter (English Language and Applied Linguistics) on how to pronounce some of London’s most challenging place names.
- A presenter reminisced about starting their first term at Reading University.
- On , Rebecca and Will visit the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé archives, which house materials related to the UK publisher Mills & Boon.
Alumni:
- highlights the appointment of Ellie Warwick, as a tax associate at Azets' Newbury office. also reports.
- features Olamidotun Votu-Obada and Lara Oseghale, recognized for their contributions to children's literature in the diaspora.
- highlights former Reading PhD student, Ha Dang Nhu Quynh, who is dedicated to empowering other women through education and resilience in the face of challenges.
- features Pathum Egodawatta, a typeface designer and font engineer, emphasizes the importance of typography in addressing real-world challenges related to language, communication, and cultural identity.
- Inky Willis, a children's author and illustrator known for the 'Scribble Witch' series published by Hachette, is offering a drawing event for children, as reported by .
- A letter to reminisces about discovering Tony Bunyan's book, The History and Practice of the Political Police in Britain, while shelving books at the Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé library in the late 1970s. Republished by and .