Reading in the news - Fri 29 May

#PlanetPartners: Reading’s global work for a sustainable future

• Reading scientists are trialling using drones to deliver electrical charge into clouds to encourage rainfall in the UAE. Core investigator Dr Keri Nicoll (Meteorology) is quoted in , , The , and on the project. Read our news story on a visit by the UAE Ambassador to the UK to the University this week.
• Research led by Professor Mathew Owens (Meteorology) on how increased solar storm activity could delay moon missions is picked up by The New Scientist. .

#UniForReading: reaffirming our role as a civic university

• Vice Chancellor Robert Van de Noort is quoted in in an article about UK universities supporting the economy after the pandemic. The article mentions UoR’s ‘Cine Valley’ plan, which will bring £500 million in investment and 3,000 jobs to the Thames Valley region. Read our news story.

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic

• Dr Simon Clarke (Biological Sciences) spoke to BBC London about the likelihood of lockdown restrictions being fully lifted on the 21st of June going ahead, and whether it would be safe.

Cow’s milk and cholesterol: New research suggests that drinking cow’s milk has no association to increased cholesterol levels. Professor Vimal Karani (Food) is quoted in multiple news sites including , and . Read our news story.

World temperatures: Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) is quoted on rising global temperatures for The , , The , The and . Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) spoke to BBC World about the research, also featured on BBC News 24.

Other Coverage:

• The University has identified 20 recommendations to tackle racism and inequality in a report covered by multiple news sites including . Read our news story.
• publishes a blog by Professor Karín Lesnik-Oberstein (English Lit) on culture and diversity in children’s myths and folk tales, and how this is taught to Reading students.
• Henley Business School, in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Trade, hosted webinars on Nigeria’s creative sector covered by and .
• covers how EPR, an ecological consultancy firm, has an arrangement with UoR to provide master’s ecology students with placements. 
• covers news that UoR donated over 300 apple trees to the charity ‘Freely Fruity’, who campaign to get fresh fruit to children.