Reading in the news - Fri 8 May

Sporting success: Will Rand, RUBC Director of Rowing, was quoted by Thames Gazette following the University’s boat club winning 30 medals at a recent rowing event. From our story: Record-breaking rowers win 30 medals at national competition

BBC Sport and Observer include mentions of research co-authored by Professor James Reade and Dr Andy Chung (both Economics) that found universities with successful local football teams are more attractive to prospective students.

Sir David Attenborough turns 100: On Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, BBC Radio Berkshire interviewed student Ramandeep Nijjar about how his work has inspired her, and spoke to Dr Jonathan Mitchley (Ecology) about a time he met the broadcaster. 

Business and society:

Dr Anna Jackman (Geography) spoke to BBC Radio 4 about the first Amazon drone deliveries and was quoted by Londynek, Droitwich Standard, Worcester Observer, Conservative Post, Kidderminster Standard, and others on the topic.

LatinBiz Today republished an article from PR Newswire, quoting Professor Jonathan Passmore (Henley Business School) on executive coaching.

Emeritus Professor Richard Buckley (Law) wrote for New Law Journal about the Rylands vs Fletcher case.

Research from Dr Yasmine Shamma (English Literature) into migration was mentioned by News Directory.

Bodyshop Magazine republished analysis by Professor Simon Chandler-Wilde and Professor Paul Glaister (both Mathematics) into the cost of dodging potholes.

Board Agenda reported on Henley Business School research into AI in leadership.

Health and wellbeing:

Professor Jane Portlock (Pharmacy) wrote for Pharmacy Magazine about endometriosis. 

Newsweek and Times Now News(republished by MSN andSakiraforms) quoted Professor Ian Jones (Biomedical Sciences) about the spread of hantavirus.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

Reading Today reported on Dr James O’Donoghue (Meteorology), who won the 2026 Carl Sagan Medal. From our story: Carl Sagan medal for scientist who took millions to space

An article written by Professor Nicolas Bellouin (Meteorology) for The Conversation on plane contrails was republished by Globo.

Research from Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) into air turbulence was mentioned by MyTV Baltimore.

Heritage and culture:

Dan Miller, Head of Music, was quoted by Thames Gazette about an upcoming orchestra concert for the University’s centenary celebrations. From our story: Reading Sound Foundry creates Hexagon world premiere

Wisata Viva reported on a study by Professor Duncan Garrow (Archaeology) which discovered an artificial island over 5,000 years old.

Alumni

Journalist Nikos Vatopoulos, who studied Politics, was interviewed by Art Point Viewabout his new book.

Lee Cowie, who has an MBA from Henley Business School, has been appointed CEO of Accesso, reports Theme Park Central.

Quantity Surveying graduate Gamlath Menike wrote for The Island about Sri Lanka’s construction industry.