Reading in the news - Fri 13 Sep

Ice Age puberty:

A study from the University of Reading, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, finds that Ice Age adolescents experienced puberty stages similar to modern children. Researchers analysed specific bone markers to determine age and sex, using techniques developed by Professor Mary Lewis  (Archaeology) and reported by the University of Victoria, Irish News, Herald Scotland, Echo News, RTE, Phys, Watford Observer, The Standard, Independent, East Anglian Daily Times, County Times, Somerset County Gazette, Worcester News, The York Press, Yahoo! News, Aol, Mail Online, The Bolton News, The National, Lancashire Telegraph, Glasgow Times, IPSWICH Star, Bucks Free Press, The Leader, Warrington Guardian, PHYS, Science Daily, CTV News, Daily Kos, The I Paper (in print) and more. Read our news story.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university  

• Wokingham. Today reports on the Loddon Garden Village development, which includes land partly owned by the University of Reading.
• Times Higher Education (in print) covers the University of Reading's recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, sponsored by Advance HE.
• The Reading Chronicle (in print) reports that international students at the University of Reading contribute over £220 million annually to the local economy. Sarah Ifidon, the university's welfare officer for international students, supports these figures.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment 

• Professor Liz Stephens (Meteorology) explores the South Sudan floods in an article for The Conversation, discussing whether they represent the first instance of mass population displacement due to climate change. Republished by AllAfrica Global Media. Republished by Future Media News, Green Building Africa
• Raillynews reports on a major study into extreme weather risks, due to climate change, led by CICERO International Centre for Climate Research and supported by the University of Reading. Also covered by Insuedthueringen, Stuttgarter-Nachrichten, Frankenpost, Kreiszeitung Böblinger Bote,Cannstatter Zeitung , Stuttgarter-Zeitung, Schwarzwaelder-Bote, and Neue Presse. Read our news story.
• Professor Michaela Hegglin (Meteorology) confirms that the greenhouse gas emissions from the healthcare sector are of concern, in the FT.

Health and wellbeing

• IBTimes reports on the London Biotechnology Show’s grand return, showcasing cutting-edge advances in health and medicine. The event features Professor Darius Widera (Pharmacy) as a key speaker.
• Physics World features researchers Caleb Miller (Meteorology) and Giles Harrison (Meteorology) discussing their research on how intense storms, such as Storm Ciarán, can impact the boiling point of water.

Food and farming:

• MirageNews reports on funding for the Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN), which includes research led by Professor Donal O'Sullivan (Crop Science). The Network aims to address the demand for sustainable plant protein while mitigating climate change impacts. Republished by Cambrian News, SeedToday, FarmingUK, and Seed Quest.

Business and society:

• The University of Reading will host a new science and digitalisation centre from the Natural History Museum at its Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP), Wokingham Today reports.
• The University of Reading has climbed to 35th place in the Guardian University Guide for 2025, up nine spots from last year’s ranking of 44th, reports Wokingham Today and Reading Today. Read our news story.
• The University of Reading has been shortlisted as a finalist for the AI Business of the Year award in the inaugural National AI Awards, reports RDG Today.
• BMC Public Health highlights a study on work hours and hypertension risk in Indonesia, referencing research from Henley Business School.
• Daily Maverick reports on the "powerhouse partnership" between the Black Management Forums and Henley Business School.
• PHYS article highlights research conducted in collaboration between the University of Reading and Birmingham Business School, which reveals that the performance of English Premier League football clubs can influence students' university choices.
• The Star highlights Henley Business School at the University of Reading as one of the top business institutions in the UK. Founded in 1945, Henley was ranked as a Top 10 UK Business School in the Financial Times European Business School Rankings 2022. Read our news story.
• Lead Stories features a review by Professor Stephen Morse (Geography), formerly of the University of Reading and now at the University of Surrey, debunking the claim that Haiti's average IQ is 67.
• The Imaginative Conservative features an article on the beauty of the Renaissance, expressing gratitude to several scholars, including Professor Hugo Tucker (Modern Languages and European Studies). The author acknowledges Tucker for his valuable support in the research and exploration of Renaissance studies.

Other Coverage:

• The Reading Chronicle (in print) reports that Ed Fuller, a student from the University of Reading, won gold and set a world record at the 2024 Paris Paralympics for Paralympics GB. Read our news story.
• The Conversation features an article by Professor Jacqui Turner (Modern History) discussing why the term "thornback" is considered derogatory to young, single women.
• EOS features Dr Claire Ryder (Meteorology) recalling her observation of dust at Dubai International Airport that could be sucked up by jet engines.
• Robotics engineer, Vincent Strong (Biomedical Engineering) of the University of Reading featured in Physics World have developed an electro-active polymer hydrogel that can "memorize" experiences, similar to biological neurons. Read our news story.