Reading in the news - Thu 30 Jul

Food and farming:

• Professor Simon Willcock (Agriculture) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about sustainable farming methods for their Farmwatch special.
• Phys.org and Life Technology reported on research by Professor Richard Bennett (Agriculture) into attitudes towards higher welfare for farm animals. From our story: Shoppers would fork out more for better farm animal welfare

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Ad Hoc News reported on a study by Dr Alba Fuertes (Built Environment) about health concerns over construction workers during heatwaves. From our story: Construction sites are not ready for extreme heat
• National Oceanography Centre featured Reading research on how limiting global warming will benefit ocean ecosystems.
• Dr Jess Neumann (Geography) and Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) were quoted by Science Media Centre about ongoing UK droughts. Dr Neumann spoke to Greatest Hits Radio, Magic Classical, Kerrang and LBC about the impacts.
• Switzerland Tribune featured a study by Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) on climate change and air turbulence.
• Dr Rob Thompson (Meteorology) spoke to BBC Radio Oxford about recent temperatures and rainfall. From our expert comment: July set to be the driest, warmest and sunniest on record

Culture and heritage:

• Professor Parveen Yaqoob (Food and Nutritional Sciences) wrote for Museums and Heritage about the importance of museums.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce announced that the Charlie Waller Trust has been selected as the University’s 2026/27 Charity of the Year. From our story: Charlie Waller Trust named University's Charity of the Year

Other coverage:

• Food Authenticity Network highlighted an upcoming talk from Professor Jane Parker (Food and Nutritional Sciences).

Alumni:

• Ammon News highlighted the recent graduation of Zaid Yazan Al-Habashna, who studied Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.
• Graduate Abi Colling has joined Jones Hargreaves as a Building Surveyor, reports Commercial News Media.