Reading in the news - Tue 22 Apr
22 April 2025

Pope Francis: Professor Rebecca Rist (History) was interviewed by many broadcast outlets, discussing the passing of Pope Francis, his legacy and what will happen next, including: BBC News Channel, BBC 2 Radio, BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Berkshire, and BBC Radio Oxford.
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
- , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and report that Dr Xiangbo Feng (Meteorology) co-authored a study highlighting that marine heatwaves have tripled in the past 80 years due to climate change. From our story: Extreme marine heatwaves have tripled over the past 80 years.
- , , , , and highlight a study led by Professor Chris Merchant (Meteorology), linking rising sea surface temperatures to greenhouse gas-driven energy imbalances.
- The i Paper (in print), ITV 1 Meridian, Greatest Hits Radio, , Heart Radio Berkshire, , , and report on a study led by Dr Jonny Williams (Meteorology) highlighting how warmer air impacts aircraft performance during take-off. From our story: Holiday flights could carry fewer passengers as world warms
- reports on a study led by Dr James O’Donoghue (Meteorology) which analysed 2017 data showing how a solar wind compressed Jupiter's magnetosphere. From our story: Solar wave squeezed Jupiter’s bubble to unleash heat
- reports that Kew Gardens will soon unveil the Carbon Garden, highlighting the role of plants and fungi in climate change. Planting will be inspired by the climate stripes, developed by Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology).
- highlights the insights of Dr Manabu Sakamoto (Zoology) regarding a study on dinosaur extinction.
- features Professor Sarah Dance (Meteorology) discussing AI's role in weather forecasting and the challenges of linking observations with forecast accuracy.
- and highlights the role of AI in revolutionising weather prediction, with Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez (Meteorology) emphasising the rapid progress in the field.
- Multiple German outlets, including , , , , , , , , , , , and , report on the discovery of a dinosaur fossil with a bite mark, with comment from Dr Brian Pickles (Biological Sciences), who was involved in the research. From our story: Rare pterosaur fossil reveals crocodilian bite 76m years ago
- Heart Radio Berkshire highlights comments from Professor Richard Allen (Meteorology), who explained that Europe is increasingly susceptible to extreme weather fluctuations.
Health and wellbeing:
- and Henley Standard (in print) highlight a dementia care toolkit donated to a local care home, originally developed by Professor Rachel McCrindle and Dr Esther Olorunda (both Biomedical Sciences) as part of a PhD project.
- features Professor Carien Van Reekum (Psychology), whose study found e-bike users reported higher confidence and mental health benefits than traditional cyclists.
- Devon Life Magazine (in print) Professor Netta Weinstein (Psychology) discussing the distinction between solitude and loneliness.
- , and report on research involving Professor Claire Williams (Psychology) that shows eating walnuts at breakfast can enhance cognitive function. Republished by , and . From our story: Eating walnuts for breakfast may boost your brain function
- , , , and report that Professor Julie Lovegrove (Food and Nutritional Sciences) led a study showing that eating two pieces of common fruit each day can lower cholesterol levels.
Food and farming:
- The Reading Chronicle (in print) reports that University scientist Dr Jamie Thompson (Ecology) won a prestigious award from the Linnean Society of London for his research on flowering plants.
- features Professor Mark Tibbett (Sustainable Land Management) and Professor Chris Collins (Geography), responding to a study on the global distribution of cropland contaminated by heavy metal pollution.
Heritage and culture:
- Henley Standard (in print) mentions that Professor Chloe Houston (English Literature) will lead a discussion on people’s relationship with land in utopian literature at the Hardwick Estate this week.
Business and society:
- highlights Henley Business School research showing that emotionally intelligent leadership boosts team performance, motivation, and engagement.
- reports that Professor Rosa Freedman (Law) highlighted the ICPG’s role in creating a community for academics to discuss antisemitism and work towards positive change.
- highlights comments by Dr Caroline Baylon, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International) on the critical role of international students in UK universities.
- features Professor Rosa Freedman (Law), who offers expert analysis on the issue of reparations for slavery.
- publishes an opinion piece by Professor Filipe Morais (Henley Business School), looking at the limited access small Portuguese companies have to public capital markets.
- A article mentions the University’s previous relationship with a Russian college to offer a course in international relations. Republished by and and .
- Professor Jo Phoenix (Law) wrote a letter to following the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.
- highlights a project aimed at reshaping migration discourse, co-investigated by Professor Federico Faloppa (Languages and Cultures).
- highlights the EU Passport Project, which records the stories of British Jews reclaiming European citizenship, with Professor Ruvi Ziegler (Law) commenting on the growing phenomenon.
Other coverage:
- writes that Bottle Yard and Shinfield Studios, located at the University’s Thames Valley Science Park, are shortlisted for a global screen award.
- highlights the University in the new Paddington in Peru film, where the character Judy Brown is considering attending Reading.
- reports that Wokingham Borough Council is collaborating with the University and other partners to bring the award-winning Forest of Imagination to the borough in 2025.
- , and report that the University has submitted a premises licence application to host events at the Palmer Quad on campus.
- and highlight that Julie Susel (Security Services) was highly commended in the Initiative of the Year category at the Association of University Chief Security Officers awards.
- BBC Radio Berkshire and report on Readipop Fiesta, which is taking place at the 成人抖阴 Students' Union on 13 September.
- highlights that Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan has been named the UK’s 1000th Climate Ambassador, a scheme developed by the University. From our story: Minister is Climate Ambassador number 1,000
- , , , , and report union concerns over the Ofsted inspection system following the death of headteacher Ruth Perry, as reported by PA News.
- features Henley-on-Thames as a great destination for rowing, history, and hidden delights, highlighting Greenlands, the riverside location of Henley Business School.
- features Stuart Brown, Chief Digital and Information Officer at the University, discussing the future of innovation in education to build higher education networks.
- The Cornishman (in print) highlights a major retrospective exhibition in honour of Tom Cross, who previously worked as a senior lecturer at the University.
Alumni:
- features David Fryer, a Horticulture BSc graduate from the University, now Head of Technical at Fothergill's Seeds, sharing advice on top plants for Mediterranean gardens.
- National Post highlights Grace Mabena, an MBA graduate, who is seeking Canadian residency. Republished by .
- and highlights that Orondaam Otto was named a 2025 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and completed academic programmes at Henley Business School.
- features Dr Rutendo Hwindingwi in a discussion hosted by Henley Business School Africa, highlighting the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area in boosting intra-African trade.
- mentions that weather presenter KC Sherman studied meteorology at Reading.
- reports on a new e-commerce platform developed by South African entrepreneur Dudu Radebe, who studied at Henley Business School.
- and reports that politician Francis Zammit Dimech, who passed away at the age of 70, held an MBA from Henley Business School.
- interviews Robin Simmonds, who holds an MBA from Henley Business School, on the merger of two regional law firms.
- highlights Julie Mae Cohen, a UK-bestselling author and former associate lecturer in creative writing at the University, who also studied English at Reading.
- Menotti Lerro writes for about his book, The Importance of Being Normal, which he began during his Master of Arts at the University.
- profiles property professional John Weir, head of real estate at the Church Commissioners for England. Weir studied land management at Reading.