Reading in the news - Mon 24 Mar

Warmest start to spring: Last Thursday’s temperatures were well above the average for the start of spring, and the highest since 1990. Reading Chronicle reports the University recorded 20.4°C, the warmest March day in 35 years, with Dr Stephen Burt (Meteorology) noting the last similar temperature was in 1990. From our expert comment: Warmest start to spring in 35 years on Thursday.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• Wokingham Today features a strategic partnership with the University providing access to the latest research on climate emergency and supporting the local economy.
• Reading Chronicle and Reading Today feature the Reading Half Marathon, passing through Whitley, the University of Reading campus, and the town centre.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Earth.com features Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology), explaining how clouds are trapping more heat, worsening global warming. From our news story: Earths dirty mirror effect is accelerating climate change.
• Reading Chronicle and Bracknell News report that the University, in partnership with Hatch Farm Land and Gleeson Land, is leading the Loddon Valley Garden Village project to deliver new homes. From our news story: Consultation begins on new garden village for Wokingham.
• Reading Chronicle features a community tree-planting event in Lower Earley, organised in collaboration with the University, Earley Environmental Group, and local councils. From our news story: Residents invited to plant trees in Swallows Meadow.
• Euro Weekly News features a study by the University that tested UK-based weather apps in Spain for accuracy and reliability. From our news story: Met Office BBC Weather apps compared which is best.
• Yahoo News highlights that University scientists have made a significant breakthrough in predicting hurricanes. From our news story: Hurricanes to hit Atlantic harder and more often study says.

Health and wellbeing

• Archynewsy and Ex Bulletin report research from the University which highlights that while solitude can reduce stress and improve life satisfaction, prolonged isolation can lead to loneliness. From our news story: How solitude boosts wellbeing.
• VTV reports that a study conducted at the University highlighted the benefits of dark chocolate in improving visual acuity, and brain health, helping combat anaemia and improving mood.

Food and farming:

• Zimbabwe Now reports that smallholder farmers in southern Zimbabwe are using the University’s PICSA approach, combining climate data and local knowledge to make informed decisions.
• Nation Cymru reports that Postdoctoral Research Associate Amy Gresham discovered fallow deer’s preference for brambles by analysing their poo. From our news story: Deer poo probe presents promise for woodland plant growth.

Business and society:

• International Adviser features Henley Business School's executive programmes in a CISI-IPI partnership for asset management professionals.
• Stat Times reports on a 2024 University-led study, supported by CAMS, analysing 17 years of dust exposure data and the impact on aviation.
• The Telegraph reports that although Huawei was banned from Britain's networks, it maintains partnerships with UK universities, including Henley Business School's ICT academy.
• The Guardian report on Dr Kerry Goettlich (Politics and International Relations) discusses how Trump’s expansionist policies threaten the post-WWII rules-based order. Republished by AOL, and Inkl.
• Reading Today reports that Reading's new landlord licensing scheme follows a University survey.
• Law Gazette features Rosemary Auchmuty (Law) in a review of The Rising Role of Women in Family Offices and Family Businesses highlighting its relevance to feminists.

Other coverage:

• Reading Chronicle features the University’s Department of Film, Theatre, and Television Spring Showcase, where student filmmakers presented their work at Reading Biscuit Factory. From our story: Student filmmakers focus on community groups.
• Wokingham Today and Reading Today highlight the University’s plans to refurbish its Grade II listed URS building on the Whiteknights campus, approved by Wokingham Borough Council.
• ANI News, Lokmat Times, LatestLY, Web India, OB News, The Print report that the British Council, in partnership with the University of Reading, hosted a discussion on Abhay K.'s book, with Pro Vice-Chancellor Caroline Baylon praising the book.

Alumni:

• Jornada highlights the career of Mauricio Céspedes, a creative designer and illustrator who directed short films, music videos, and documentaries for the University.
• Saportareport highlights Britney Mayorga, who received the Fulbright/University of Reading Award in Food Security to pursue a master's in nutrition science.
• Saudi Gazette features Dr Eman Al-Mutairi, who recently earned an executive coaching certificate from Henley Business School.
• Mirror, Get Surrey, Bristol Post, and Get Surrey cover the story of Mim Goldsmith, a University speech and language therapy graduate, who was paralysed after twisting in the shower in 2023.
• Independent highlights Idris Olorunnimbe's collaboration with the Lagos State Government and Henley Business School to enhance Nigeria's education sector.
• Ideal Home features an article by David Fryer, who holds a Horticulture BSc (Hons) from the University, sharing insights on Japanese-inspired planting and landscaping for small gardens.