Reading in the news - Thu 22 Feb

Beckett edits: The Spectator Australia mentions that the University of Reading is home to a large collection of Samuel Beckett manuscripts in a review of a new book edited by Dr Mark Nixon (English Literature). ‘Write, cut, rewrite…’ features some of the early versions of famous works by revered authors, including Samuel Beckett. Dr Nixon is also mentioned in a Financial Times article that previews a new exhibition at Oxford’s Bodleian Library, where many of the authors’ works will be displayed.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• Greatest Hits Radio reports on the UNESCO International Mother Language Day event held at the Lifespring Church on Reading’s Oxford Road. The event was organised by the University’s Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism. Read our news story.  
• Reading Today reports that the University is holding a lecture led by the first openly transgender woman to work in Premier League football, Dr Sophie Cook. Read our news story. 

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Newsweek reports on a plea to amateur astronomers to photograph an unusual comet passing Earth. PhD researcher Sarah Watson (Meteorology) is quoted. Republished by various regional American outlets including The Sun News, The Herald, The Olympian and other outlets like News18 and The Bellingham Herald Read our news story.
• A new research paper, co-written by a team at the University of Reading, shows how UK solar parks can provide vital resources for bees and butterflies, Lancaster University, phys.org, Mirage News, Environmental News Network, reports.
• South China Morning Post reports on University of Reading research showing clear-air turbulence has increased over the past 50 years.  

Food and farming:

• Spark Chronicles quotes Professor Ian Givens (Biomedical Sciences), who comments on the health benefits of millets.

Business and society:

• Professor Stuart Green (Construction Management and Engineering) features in Global Construction Review, discussing the fragmentation of the construction industry.
• Professors Andrew Kakabadse and Nada Kakabadse (both Henley Business School) write for Board Agenda on the pros and cons of advisory boards. 

Other Coverage:

• Maidenhead Advertiser and Slough Express reports on a film academy’s collaboration with Screen Berkshire, which is led by the University of Reading.  
• Stantec’s Susan Emmet chaired the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Reading, BE News reports. 
• London Daily News mentions that Entrepreneur Sara Chandran worked as the Education Officer at the University’s Students’ Union.

Alumni:

• Farmers Guardian reports that farmer, James Lee, studied at the University of Reading.
• Artist, Sylvia Kopeček, earned a degree from the University, Sussex Express mentions.