Reading in the news - Thu 5 Oct

Warm September: and quote Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) on a new report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service that showed September 2023 was the hottest September on record, and that 2023 could be the warmest year on record. Republished by Isle of Wight Radio, Island Radio, Black Country Radio, , MKFM, JackFM, More Radio, and . Read our expert comment.  

Sycamore gap: Professor Helen Parish (History) writes for about the felling of the famous sycamore tree at Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland, and four other significant tree destructions from history. Republished by .

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment  

• Professor Chris Hilson (Law) is quoted in on the effect climate change has had on a rural Texan Town.  
• Dr Tijana Blanusa (Crop Science) writes for on plants making a positive environmental impact in fighting pollution and helping to cool the environment. 

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university 

• In and , Vice Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort writes about the launch of a new clinical simulation training suite at the University’s Whiteknights campus and the launch of Screen Berkshire, a project that will help develop the skills of new and existing film and TV talent in the county. Both projects will ‘support people in Reading and Wokingham.’
• A steering group has been set up by Wokingham Borough Council to help establish key hopes and aspirations for Wokingham Borough. The project will be working alongside representatives from the ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ, reports.

Business and society:

• Dr Chris Dalton (Henley Business School) writes about self-awareness in management and leadership for . 
• Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean and Director of Henley Business School (Africa) writes for on a ‘new manifesto for business schools in South Africa.’

COVID-19: expert comment on the pandemic 

• quotes Dr Alexander Edwards (Pharmacy), who debunks the conspiracy theory linking COVID-19 vaccines with mobile phone signals.  

Food and farming:

• mentions research conducted by the University on wheat yield accumulation.  

Other Coverage:

• quotes Adrian Tagg (Construction Management and Engineering) on RAAC being included in buildings outside of the UK.  

Alumni: 

• spoke to filmmaker and alumni, Natalia Syam, on her new debut feature ‘Footprints On Water.’ Syam completed her BA in Film, Theatre and Television at the ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ.  
• Former Majority Leader of the NPP, Felix Owusu-Adjapong, has passed away. Adjapong studied Urban Land Appraisal at the University, reports. Also republished by .