Reading in the news - Tue 3 Oct

Screen Berkshire launch: The University is a partner in the Screen Berkshire project, which launches today with the aim of making the film and TV production industry more accessible and helping to train and develop emerging and experienced crew. Dominique Unsworth, CEO of Resource Productions CIC, which is leading Screen Berkshire, spoke to BBC Berkshire about what the project is trying to achieve.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment  

• Scientists from the University of Reading have been at the forefront of an investigation to enhance rain production, BNN reports. Professor Giles Harrison (Meteorology) is mentioned.  

• Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) is quoted by BBC News on the global temperatures of 2023 being ‘extraordinary’.  
• Stuff – Great NZ Roads reports that researchers from the University of Reading have found that severe turbulence could increase as an effect of climate change.  

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic 

• The Daily Mail quotes Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) on increased numbers of Covid cases, due to the change in season. Republished by Sound Health and Lasting Wealth and Business Telegraph. 

 #UniForReading: our role as a civic university   

• Reading Borough Council has created a Safer Students partnership with the University of Reading and other educational establishments around Reading to improve safety.  
• The University of Reading is inviting residents to share their views about the University’s community work at its upcoming Autumn Community Forum, Reading Today (in print) writes. Molli Cleaver (Community Relations Manager) is quoted. 
• Reading Biscuit Factory is celebrating Black History Month with a showcase of films in collaboration with the British Film Institute and the University of Reading, Reading Today reports.
   

Food and farming: 

• Fresh Produce reports that the University of Reading is part of The Agricultural Universities Council (AUC) and The Centre for Effective Innovation in Agriculture (CEIA). AUC chair, Professor Simon Mortimer (Sustainable Land Management) is quoted. Republished by Potato Review.  
• 26 academics from the University of Reading, including Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) and Professor Ciara McCabe (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences), are backing the plant-based universities catering campaign, Reading Today (in print) reports.
   

Business and society: 

• BBC Oxford and BBC Berkshire spoke to Professor Adrian Palmer (Henley Business School) on how Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis has affected retailers.  
• Mondaq republishes an article by Hillier Hopkins regarding side hustles. The report mentions Henley Business School, estimating that side hustles contribute billions to the UK economy. 

Other Coverage: 

• Round & About Magazine (in print) report on the award-winning programmes delivered by Reading Rep Theatre, in partnership with the University of Reading.  
• Students are unlikely to find true love at the University of Reading, Reading Today (in print) reports.  
• Thames Valley Chamber Commerce Group mention that the University of Reading is their event partner, and recently worked alongside them during the September 2023 Debates.  
• Reading Today (in print) mentions that two buildings at the University’s Whiteknights Campus were closed briefly so reports of a suspect package could be investigated.  
• Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School has worked with the University of Reading to help implement the national roll-out of climate action education, Reading Today (in print) reports.

Alumni: 

• Hollys Book Corner mentions that author, Samantha Hastings, earned one of her degrees at the University of Reading. 
• Tasmin Stamp, who won the first prize at the Henley ploughing match, studied agriculture business management, Henley Standard mentions.