Reading in the news - Wed 14 Jan
14 January 2026
Earth’s third warmest year: , and various regional outlets, including , , and (republished by and ) and other outlets quoted Professor Richard Allan (Meteorology) about 2025 being the third hottest year on record. Professor Ed Hawkins (Meteorology) spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about the temperature record, with further comments featured by and on changes to the climate stripes graphic.
Food and farming:
(republished by and) reported on University research into livestock foot-and-mouth disease vaccinations.
Professor Richard Bennett (Agriculture) was quoted by on his research into UK meat industry welfare standards. From our story: Higher animal welfare brings home the bacon for UK farmers
#PlanetPartners: working with global partners to protect the environment
mentioned an upcoming talk from Dr Laura Baker (Meteorology) comparing the UK’s summers in 1976 and 2025.
Dr Scott Mahadeo (Economics) co-wrote an article for (republished by ) on the risks of indoor air pollution.
(republished by and) included comments from Professor Hannah Cloke (Geography/Meteorology) on the UK adapting to flood risks.
and featured quotes from Dr Kieran Hunt (Meteorology) on snowfall in the Himalayas.
Professor Chris Hilson (Law) was quoted by about plans to expand Heathrow.
() reported that Professor Mathew Owens (Meteorology) has been awarded the Royal Astronomical Society’s Chapman Medal. From our story: Space weather forecaster awarded special Society medal
Business and society:
Professor Rosa Freedman (Law) spoke to (from 1:16:16) about the role and functions of the UN.
Jon Foster-Pedley (Henley Business School Africa) spoke to about business education in Africa, with further quotes featured by .
Heritage and culture:
provided further coverage of upcoming campus walking tours available during the University’s 100th anniversary celebration, quoting Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager. From our story: Campus history walking tours to celebrate 100 years
Comments from The Museum of English Rural life about John Fowler, Victorian agricultural engineer, were featured by
Other coverage:
highlighted plans for the Loddon Garden Village project.
Professor Shadi Basurra (Computer Science) spoke to about X’s AI, Grok.
Alumni:
Times provided an obituary for founder of Ronaldo Ices, Simon Edye, who studied at Reading.
Tanja Wegmann, who has an MBA from Henley Business School, wrote an article for about ‘health holidays’.
mentioned that English graduate Liza Ravenscroft is the new Crisis Manager for Prince William.
Phaedros Pantelides, who studied Business and Economics, wrote for about the value of gold.

