Reading in the news - Wed 2 Jul

Health and wellbeing:

• quotes Dr Simon Clarke (Biomedical Sciences) saying there is no evidence to suggest that 5G mobile phone masts pose any health risk.

Food and farming:

• features PHD student Alex Biss (Crop Science), discussing how warmer temperatures are helping the growth of England’s wine industry.
• reports that a new study involving the University and other partners explores achieving a net-zero food system for sustainable food and water.

Business and society:

• features Dr Anne Dibley, Head of Post-Experience & Apprenticeship Programmes, discussing how employers can secure vital learning opportunities ahead of funding changes.
• reports that ENVISIA, in partnership with Henley Business School, offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Board Practice and Directorship to help professionalise board members.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• , , , , , , , and quote Dr Akshay Deoras (Meteorology), who warned that “heatwaves are deadly” as Europe braces for record-breaking temperatures. Republished by , , , , , , , , , , and .
• , , (also print), , , quote Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) about the factors behind rising temperatures. Republished by , and .
• features a new study by researchers at the University that warns that climate change and habitat loss could drive over 500 bird species to extinction within the next 100 years. Republished by . From our story: 500 bird species face extinction within the next century
• and quote Dr Stephen Burt (Meteorology) confirming that Reading has experienced its hottest June on record, with peaks reaching 31°C.
• and BBC Radio Berkshire report that central London is 4.5°C hotter on average, and that temperatures reached 32.9°C based on 2023 modelling using University data.
• , , , and quote Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) on why turbulence on flights is worsening. Republished by , and .

Heritage and culture:

• reports on the ongoing Cookham monastery excavation led by the Archaeology Department at Reading, uncovering new insights into life and death at this rare Anglo-Saxon site.
• BBC History Magazine (in print) features Professor Rebecca Rist (History) discussing Pope Alexander III’s challenges, including facing four antipopes during his papacy.
• BBC 2 re-aired an episode of Digging for Britain featuring Professor Martin Bell (Archaeology) who has spent the last 30 years excavating the Severn Estuary to shed further light on the lives of hunter-gathers from more than 7,000 years ago.

Other Coverage:

• LBC Radio interviews Professor Suzanne Graham (Institute of Education) discussing the importance of foreign language teaching in the school curriculum.
• Dr Athena Leoussi (Languages and Cultures) writes a book review for BBC History Magazine (in print) on The Greek Revolution and the Violent Birth of Nationalism.
• mentions that Professor Jo Phoenix (Law) attended an event on free speech in Cardiff.Top of Form
• Reading is mentioned in this article about universities seeking advice on student protests.
• highlights the University ranks between 201st and 300th in the Times Higher Education world rankings.

Alumni:

• Racing TV features a Reading alumna who studied estate management at the University.
• reports that Igbal Guliyev, the new dean at MGIMO, previously undertook advanced training at the University, among other global institutions.