Reading in the news - Thu 19 Jun

Middle East: Dr Alexander Gilder (Law) was interviewed by BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Berkshire on the potential escalation if the US were to join Israel in the conflict with Iran.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• RDG Today reports that the University is inviting two local residents to join its Community Engagement Steering Group to strengthen ties with the local community.
• The Harris Garden features in the Amateur Photographer picture of the week (number 36).

Health and wellbeing:

• Diario de Gastronomía quotes Emeritus Professor Peter Shewry (Food and Nutritional Sciences), highlighting that consumer expectations significantly influence symptoms of non-celiac wheat sensitivity.
• The Scottish Sun, The Irish Sun, and The Sun Online report University research revealing that people can sweat up to 10 litres a day. From our research blog: What science says about the best ways to cool down.

Business and society:

• Dr Rodrigo Perez-Vega (Marketing) was interviewed by BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Berkshire on Amazon's AI developments.
• ABC Religion and Ethics, Prothom Alo, RTV Online, and University World News feature Professor Marko Milanovic (Law), who examines whether Israel’s use of force against Iran can be justified under international law as self-defence. Republished by MSN, DW and DNYUZ.
• Marketing Week Greece reports that Professor Benjamin Laker (Henley Business School) delivered a keynote at the 36th EASE Leadership Conference.
• Newsweek quotes Dr Keith Arundale (Henley Business School), who says younger workers may have stronger AI skills but still need hands-on experience to manage errors introduced by the AI.
• Sakshi Post and HotAir reports that a university study found AI-generated essays evaded detection software 94% of the time, highlighting growing challenges in identifying academic cheating. From our story: AI generated exam answers go undetected in real-world blind test.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Dr Jess Neumann (Geography and Environmental Science) was interviewed by Greatest Hits Radio, BBC Sussex and quoted by RDG Today and Wokingham Today, and Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/ Metrology) was featured by Londynek.net, warning of England’s future water shortfall and urging a change in attitude to value and conserve water.
• GameSpot and A9VG report that PlayStation launched a free app with the University and partners to demonstrate climate change effects.
• Headliner Hub reports Yamaha Music London will host workshops and launch a scarf inspired by University’s warming stripes for Show Your Stripes Day 2025.
• The sun’s south pole is photographed for the first time, as reported by NewScientist (in print), including comments from Mathew Owens (Meteorlogy).
• Thermal adaptations of tree trunks have been studied by an international collaboration that includes researchers in China and in Reading. People’s Daily Online reports.

Other Coverage:

• The Reading Chronicle reports that the University has been ranked fifth-best in the South East in the Complete University Guide 2026.
• RDG Today reports that Readipop Fiesta 2025 will take place on September 13 at Reading Students’ Union, featuring performances across five stages over 14 hours.
• Times Live features an extract from Paul Sinton-Hewitt’s book, recalling his visit to University in 2011 to speak about his achievements as a nine-times Comrades winner.
• Politis reports Neapolis University Paphos is hosting an AI and legal science event featuring its joint law programs with the University.

Heritage and culture:

• The Spectator and The Observer feature Nicola Wilson (English Literature), highlighting popular interwar novels and historical works that shaped reading habits in the 1930s, include the emergence of the book club.

Alumni:

• Garden Centre Retail and Garden Trade Specialist reports that Simon Williams, a graduate in Maths and Statistics, was honoured by Wyevale Nurseries for his long service across finance, IT, transport, and HR.
• Garden Centre Retail and TGCMC Newsweaver reports that Ricky Bowness, a graduate in Landscape Management, has been appointed Retail Buying Director at Squire’s.
• Universo do Seguro, Revista Cobertura and Revista Apólice reports that Dr Gabriel Perez, MeteoIA founding partner and PhD graduate, presented a methodology to anticipate climate risks for insurance and agribusiness.
• African News Agency reports that Nomvula Zeldah Mabuza, MBA graduate at Henley Business School South Africa, is involved in addressing youth unemployment through “skilling strategies” and recovery and redirection of financial resources in the South African economy.