Reading in the news - Mon 9 Feb

Four-day week: Dr Melissa Carr (Henley Business School) was featured on BBC One’s (replayed by ) and quoted by (republished by and ) about four-day working weeks. 

Rainfall record: Further coverage of the longest consecutive rainfall ever recorded at the University: interviewed Professor Liz Bentley (Meteorology), with further mentions by , Sky News (replayed by ) and quotes from Dr Jess Neumann (Geography and Environmental Science) and Dr Stephen Burt (Meteorology) included in . From our story: Longest rain spell ever recorded as IPCC comes to campus

Health and wellbeing:

• (replayed by over 50 global radio stations) mentioned research led by Professor Netta Weinstein (Psychology) into balancing solitude and socialisation.
• quoted Professor Carien Van Reekum (Psychology) on the benefits of using e-bikes.
• Dr Alastair Culham (Ecology) was quoted by (republished by and ) about the dangers of poisonous plant hemlock water dropwort.

Food and farming:

• Coverage of a new trial led by the University looking at how wearable technology can help accurately track people’s diets in , , and . From our story: Camera glasses show diet researchers what we really eat
• Dr Andreas Karatzas (Food and Nutritional Sciences) was quoted by and on the risks of washing raw chicken.
• highlighted research into how bananas affect nutrient absorption in smoothies.
• Professor Ian Jones (Biomedical Sciences) was quoted by (republished by and ) about the risks of eating illegally imported meat.

#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment

• Episode 2 of Channel 5 documentary  featured Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) and Reading alumna Laura Tobin, discussing UK heatwaves and floods. 
• , and (republished by ) highlighted a study by Professor Paul Williams (Meteorology) on climate change and air turbulence. From our story: Turbulent flights to continue as warming world shakes skies
• Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) wrote for (republished by , , , and ) on diverse voices in the UN’s climate science body, highlighting upcoming IPCC workshops taking place on campus. spoke to Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez (Meteorology) on the same topic. From our story: Major IPCC workshops bring diverse climate voices to Reading
• (republished by ) quoted Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) on 2025 being the third hottest year on record. From our story: 2025’s dark red stripe represents Earth’s third-warmest year
• Jeff Da Costa (Geography and Environmental Sciences) wrote for (republished by ) about extreme weather warnings and Luxembourg’s large-scale flooding in 2021. From our story: How Luxembourg flood warnings went without action 
• and (republished by ) included comments from Dr Kieran Hunt (Meteorology) on recent reduced snowfall in the Himalayas.

Business and society:

• Professor Emese Lazar (Henley Business School) wrote for about UK youth unemployment, also speaking to on the topic.
• Professor Chris Hilson (Law) was quoted by on public nuisance and environmental litigation.
• Dr Chris Dalton (Henley Business School) wrote for on business transformation strategy.
• An article in (republished by , , , , , and other outlets) quoted Emeritus Professor Tim Dixon (Built Environment) on plans to rebuild Gaza.
• Emeritus Professor Neil Crosby (Henley Business School) wrote for about changes to global banking rules.
• mentioned a study into detecting AI in student essays.

Heritage and culture:

• featured a review of a book from Dr Alanna Skuse (English Literature) about medicine in Renaissance England. From our story: Book reveals Renaissance England's medical revolution
• A study by Dr Annemieke Milks (Archaeology) on prehistoric wooden tools was featured by and (republished by , , , and ). From our story: Earliest evidence of wooden tools used by humans
• reported that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded almost £250,000 to the Cookham Abbey Connects project. From our story: Ancient abbey’s secrets to be shared thanks to major grant. 
• Research from Dr Rebecca Pitt (Archaeology) about health during Britain’s Roman occupation was featured by .
• interviewed Dr Helen Parish (History) on the history behind why people drive on the left in the UK.

#UniForReading: our role as a civic university

• mentioned the University-led women’s running scheme Let’s Lift the Curfew. From our story: Women’s running scheme brightens up winter evenings

Other coverage:

• listed Reading as one of the top 15 universities in the UK with the best campus life.

Alumni:

• Henley Business School graduate Charlie Reeve wrote for about lambing.
• mentioned that singer Ian Westley, who studied at Reading, will be performing at an upcoming charity concert at Earley St Peter’s Church.
• reported on a new exhibition from artist Cornelia Parker, Fine Art graduate.