Reading in the news - Wed 13 Nov

Outdoor learning: The University helped two Shinfield primary schools create outdoor learning spaces, which were officially opened on Outdoor Classroom Day by Professor Helen Bilton (Institute of Education), reported by , and . From our story: Outdoor learning spaces open for Shinfield primary schools

Cacti facts: Dr Jamie Thompson (Evolutionary Biology) writes for discussing six intriguing facts about cacti, including their surprising fragility despite their spiky exterior. Republished by .

Heritage and culture:

• A team of archaeologists, including some from Reading, have dated King Arthur’s Hall in Cornwall at 5,500 years old, much older than previously thought, , , and report.

Food and farming:

• highlights the University’s involvement in the Menus of Change project, a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• A article quotes Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) warning that flash floods in Majorca are linked to climate change. Professor Cloke also spoke to Greatest Hits Radio about flood preparedness.
•  Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) is mentioned in stating that achieving net-zero emissions is crucial to stabilising global temperatures and reducing extreme weather events.
• Greatest Hits Radio mentions that the University has a team of climate scientists at COP29.
• Professor Chris Hilson (Law)  was interviewed on German public radio about a documentary on sea level rise and coastal protection in Wales.

Other coverage:

• Professor Rosa Freedman (Law) spoke to about the latest developments in Haiti, focusing on the political landscape, gang culture and international intervention.
• and report the University issued content warnings previously provided as part of course materials for students studying biology at Reading. Republished by , , , and .
• reports that the University is partnering with Reading Borough Council, Stantec, and Design Nature to deliver air quality education in local schools.
• Stephen Thomas, former head of global partnerships at Reading, writes for on the topic of transnational education.
• A BBC Radio Berkshire discussion about the news that Cadbury’s chocolate fingers are no longer being sold in France mentions that Mondalez, the owner of Cadbury’s, has facilities on the University’s Whiteknights campus.

Alumni:

• Healthcare technology company Aspirion has appointed Nick Giannasi as its new CEO. The announcement, which mentions he studied Zoology and Biochemistry at Reading, is reported by multiple sources including , , , and .
• highlights Harry Bhogal, a rising star at Hampshire Trust Bank, who attributes his interest in the mortgage sector to his studies in real estate at the University.
• profiles Measurable.energy, which was co-founded by Dan Williams and Josh Eadie, who completed their engineering doctorates at Reading.
• Nimisha Morkonda Gnanasekaran is featured in as a trailblazing data scientist. The article mentions that she left India to study computer science and cybernetics at Reading and was one of only two women in a class of 80 students.