Reading in the news - Mon 24 Mar

Warmest start to spring: Last Thursday’s temperatures were well above the average for the start of spring, and the highest since 1990. reports the University recorded 20.4°C, the warmest March day in 35 years, with Dr Stephen Burt (Meteorology) noting the last similar temperature was in 1990. From our expert comment: Warmest start to spring in 35 years on Thursday.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• features a strategic partnership with the University providing access to the latest research on climate emergency and supporting the local economy.
• and feature the Reading Half Marathon, passing through Whitley, the 色狗导航 campus, and the town centre.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• features Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology), explaining how clouds are trapping more heat, worsening global warming. From our news story: Earths dirty mirror effect is accelerating climate change.
• and report that the University, in partnership with Hatch Farm Land and Gleeson Land, is leading the Loddon Valley Garden Village project to deliver new homes. From our news story: Consultation begins on new garden village for Wokingham.
• features a community tree-planting event in Lower Earley, organised in collaboration with the University, Earley Environmental Group, and local councils. From our news story: Residents invited to plant trees in Swallows Meadow.
• features a study by the University that tested UK-based weather apps in Spain for accuracy and reliability. From our news story: Met Office BBC Weather apps compared which is best.
• highlights that University scientists have made a significant breakthrough in predicting hurricanes. From our news story: Hurricanes to hit Atlantic harder and more often study says.

Health and wellbeing

• and report research from the University which highlights that while solitude can reduce stress and improve life satisfaction, prolonged isolation can lead to loneliness. From our news story: How solitude boosts wellbeing.
• reports that a study conducted at the University highlighted the benefits of dark chocolate in improving visual acuity, and brain health, helping combat anaemia and improving mood.

Food and farming:

• reports that smallholder farmers in southern Zimbabwe are using the University’s PICSA approach, combining climate data and local knowledge to make informed decisions.
• reports that Postdoctoral Research Associate Amy Gresham discovered fallow deer’s preference for brambles by analysing their poo. From our news story: Deer poo probe presents promise for woodland plant growth.

Business and society:

• features Henley Business School's executive programmes in a CISI-IPI partnership for asset management professionals.
• reports on a 2024 University-led study, supported by CAMS, analysing 17 years of dust exposure data and the impact on aviation.
• reports that although Huawei was banned from Britain's networks, it maintains partnerships with UK universities, including Henley Business School's ICT academy.
• report on Dr Kerry Goettlich (Politics and International Relations) discusses how Trump’s expansionist policies threaten the post-WWII rules-based order. Republished by , and .
• reports that Reading's new landlord licensing scheme follows a University survey.
• features Rosemary Auchmuty (Law) in a review of The Rising Role of Women in Family Offices and Family Businesses highlighting its relevance to feminists.

Other coverage:

• features the University’s Department of Film, Theatre, and Television Spring Showcase, where student filmmakers presented their work at Reading Biscuit Factory. From our story: Student filmmakers focus on community groups.
• and highlight the University’s plans to refurbish its Grade II listed URS building on the Whiteknights campus, approved by Wokingham Borough Council.
• , , , , , report that the British Council, in partnership with the 色狗导航, hosted a discussion on Abhay K.'s book, with Pro Vice-Chancellor Caroline Baylon praising the book.

Alumni:

• highlights the career of Mauricio Céspedes, a creative designer and illustrator who directed short films, music videos, and documentaries for the University.
• highlights Britney Mayorga, who received the Fulbright/色狗导航 Award in Food Security to pursue a master's in nutrition science.
• features Dr Eman Al-Mutairi, who recently earned an executive coaching certificate from Henley Business School.
• , , , and cover the story of Mim Goldsmith, a University speech and language therapy graduate, who was paralysed after twisting in the shower in 2023.
• highlights Idris Olorunnimbe's collaboration with the Lagos State Government and Henley Business School to enhance Nigeria's education sector.
• features an article by David Fryer, who holds a Horticulture BSc (Hons) from the University, sharing insights on Japanese-inspired planting and landscaping for small gardens.