Reading in the news - Tue 1 Jul

The heatwave continues:

• Multiple sources including , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and and Press Association (in print) quotes Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) on the UK being on the edge of a “large dome of heat” driving the current heatwave. Republished by , , , , , | , , , , ,  ,  , and . Sky News Radio spoke with Professor Allen (Meteorology) on the same topic.
• , , BBC Radio 5, , Press Association (in print)  and feature Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology), who explained the causes of the extreme heatwaves across Southern and Western Europe and their link to climate change. Dr Deoras explained that the current heat dome, centred on Denmark with the UK on its western edge, is causing stable, mostly cloudless weather by drawing in hot, dry air from the south. Reported by multiple sources including , , , , , , , , , , , and
• BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Cornwall mention a video made by Dr Rob Thompson (Meteorology) that demonstrates that after a hot spell, rain water does not soak into the ground as well, leading to further consequences of drought, including flooding.
• The , BBC 1 South and BBC Radio Berkshire, ITV 1 Meridian Thames Valley feature Dr Eugene Mohareb (Construction Management and Engineering), who warns that extreme heat events are "creeping up on us" and highlights society's slow response to rising temperatures.
• BBC Radio Ulster featured Professor Peter Inness (Meteorology) discussing how sunny weather can also cause various health and environmental issues affecting different people in diverse ways.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• reports that the University has launched its Centenary Memories project ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2026, inviting the public to share stories. Republished by .
• reports that the University has launched the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship for 2026.

Health and wellbeing:

• highlights research from the University indicating that grilling with sunflower oil and similar processed fats can produce harmful compounds linked to health issues.
• BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle feature Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences), who states there is no evidence from properly controlled studies that 5G technology or any mobile phone technology poses a health risk.

Business and society:

• reports on a University study showing that ChatGPT significantly outperformed real students in a university exam, raising concerns about academic integrity and AI’s capabilities. From our news story: AI generated exam answers go undetected in real-world blind test.
• reports that Henley Business School’s Global Executive MBA has climbed to 64th place in the 2025 QS Global Executive MBA Rankings, maintaining its position in the world top 100.
• reports that Henley Business School Africa has been appointed as an official B20 network partner. Dean Jon Foster-Pedley, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement, Sub-Saharan Africa) called the role a major milestone.
• reports that Henley Business School officially launched the Change Science Institute on 18 June 2025. The event featured a panel including Henley Dean Jon Foster-Pedley.
• mentions comments from Professor Marko Milanovic (Law) on the current conflict in the Middle East.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• references a survey by Which? magazine in collaboration with the University, comparing the accuracy of weather forecasts from five popular apps over two weeks.
• and report Kerry Stewart (Ecology) led research warning that 500 bird species could face extinction within the next century, a crisis described as unprecedented in modern times. From our story: 500 bird species face extinction within the next century.
• Greatest Hits Radio reports that University scientists helped create Climate Station, a PlayStation VR experience designed to make climate science accessible, and Professor Richard Allen (Meteorology) highlighted its value in engaging diverse groups with climate data.
• documentary Why Cities Flood: Spain's Deadly Disaster features Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography and Environmental Science), highlighting systemic failures in early warning systems.
• and reports Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology) analysed India’s 2025 monsoon season, showing it reached full national coverage by June 29, the ninth earliest since 1960. Republished by .
• refers to a 色狗导航 study that compared different weather apps. From our news story: Met Office BBC Weather apps compared which is best.

Other Coverage:

• A photo of the 色狗导航 appeared in in an article highlighting a powerful early example of a book club that reviewed a book and generated over 7,000 sales.
• , and highlight new Rams signing Max Brown, who will be studying for a PGCE in teaching at the University while playing rugby for the team.
• BBC Radio Berkshire speaks to Professor Philip Beaman (Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences) about ‘earworms’ – the songs that just won’t leave your head.

Alumni:

• highlights Nomvula Mabuza, a risk governance and compliance specialist and current MBA candidate at Henley Business School.
• The reports  Nick Candy, a British billionaire and property developer, studied human geography at the University. Republished by and
• An alumna speaks to Racing TV, mentioning their studies in estate management at the University.