Reading in the news - Mon 28 Oct

Why won’t weather presenters talk about climate change? The Guardian features Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez (Meteorology) discussing the challenges of integrating climate change information into TV weather forecasts. Republished by Tribune International, Yahoo!News and Watts Up with That.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• Reading Chronicle reports that Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert van der Noort, opened Leighton Park School’s Grove Sixth Form Centre and library.
• Bracknell News reports that Wokingham Borough Council has approved refurbishments for the University of Reading’s Grade II listed URS building, on the Whiteknights campus.
• IZMU and Heart Radio Berkshire feature insights from Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre, and Television) on how AI has the potential to transform special effects in filmmaking. From our story: Public lectures return to Reading on campus and online.
• Wokingham Today and Reading Today highlights the festive event at Reading Minster featuring music groups such as the Universal Voices (Reading University children’s community choir).
• India Education Diary highlights The University of Reading participating in the Global Education Conclave 2024, which is aimed at strengthening international education and fostering global academic collaborations.

Health and wellbeing:

• South Africa Today discusses the mental health benefits of plants, featuring a 2023 study by the University of Reading. Also in Mother and Child Magazine and Female Entrepreneurs. From our research story: Owning houseplants can boost your mental health – here’s how to pick the right one
• News Nico and Trill reports on a 2022 genomic study revealing that Demodex folliculorum, a mite that is exclusive to humans, is undergoing evolutionary changes. From our news story: Secret lives of skin mites in our faces.

Food and farming:

• Direct Driller Magazine’s ‘Farmer Focus’ column (in print) highlights a partnership with the University, testing effects of Compost Extract on wheat yields and nitrogen requirements.
• Scientists are raising concerns over a timing mismatch between flowering crops and pollinators, which could threaten food production. Dr Chris Wyver (Agriculture, Policy and Development) is quoted in The Cool Down and MSN.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Geekweek Interia, Berliner Zeitung and MSN share insights from Professor Joy Singarayer (Meteorology), warning severe ecological damage in the Caspian Sea as water levels decline.
• Sinar Daily highlights Tom Oliver (Ecology) emphasizing the need to address interconnected crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, collectively.
• On BBC Radio Wales, Dr Jonathan Dale (Geography and Environmental Sciences) discusses his research utilizing drones to measure mud levels in estuaries.
• Khazar University News reports on a pre-COP29 conference held in partnership with the University of Reading, which included Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova (Henley Business School) as key Speaker.

Business and society:

• National Post, via Macdonald-Laurier Institute, features commentary by Professor Leonid Sirota (Law) on the ineffectiveness of defunding universities to address concerns about "wokeism."
• GQ France reports on the benefits of a 4-day workweek, highlighting Henley Business School research showing a 64% productivity increase among UK companies adopting the model.

Other Coverage:

• Oman Observer reports Dr James O’Donoghue (Meteorology) discussing the surprising transformations of Jupiter's Great Red Spot observed during a 90-day study. From our story: Saturn expert stars in BBC One ‘Solar System’ series.
• London Daily News highlights insights from Professor Jane Setter (English Language and Applied Linguistics) on how to pronounce some of London’s most challenging place names.
• A BBC Norfolk radio presenter reminisced about starting their first term at Reading University.
• On KPBS Television's Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Rebecca and Will visit the University of Reading archives, which house materials related to the UK publisher Mills & Boon.

Alumni:

• Accountancy Daily highlights the appointment of Ellie Warwick, as a tax associate at Azets' Newbury office. The Business Magazine also reports.
• Business Day features Olamidotun Votu-Obada and Lara Oseghale, recognized for their contributions to children's literature in the diaspora.
• Tuoi Tre News highlights former Reading PhD student, Ha Dang Nhu Quynh, who is dedicated to empowering other women through education and resilience in the face of challenges.
• Sunday Times features Pathum Egodawatta, a typeface designer and font engineer, emphasizes the importance of typography in addressing real-world challenges related to language, communication, and cultural identity.
• Inky Willis, a children's author and illustrator known for the 'Scribble Witch' series published by Hachette, is offering a drawing event for children, as reported by Isle of Thanet News.
• A letter to The Guardian reminisces about discovering Tony Bunyan's book, The History and Practice of the Political Police in Britain, while shelving books at the University of Reading library in the late 1970s.  Republished by AOL and Tribune International.