With global partnerships more important than ever as the world seeks to ‘build back greener’ after the pandemic, CONNECTED highlights some of the University of Reading’s successful climate partnerships.
The University of Reading is committed to building on its strong international partnerships with environmental and research organisations, as it continues to do something about major issues such as climate change, and helping the world respond to natural hazards such as floods, storms and heatwaves.
The University of Reading’s international collaborations include firm and established links with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The ECMWF is currently considering a UK plan to strengthen those links by establishing a new scientific centre on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus.
There is superb research taking place between the University, ECMWF and the EU-funded Copernicus programme. Such research shows how Reading scientists are making outstanding contributions to projects that are helping many European countries, businesses and people.
Some examples of research projects include:
- Predicting the impacts of tropical cyclones (Dr Rebecca Emerton)
- Making better seasonal forecasts by understanding the stratosphere (Professor Robin Hogan and Dr Inna Polichtchouk)
- Showing how Europe’s lakes are heating up fastest in the world (Dr Laura Carrea)
- Linking weather and energy forecasts to make the grid greener (Dr David Brayshaw).
The University of Reading has been highlighting projects like these on social media, under the theme of #PlanetPartners.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “With more uncertainty about the future than ever before, it is understandable that people are worried.
“I am proud that the University is continuing to do something about it, by working together with others from around the world, and those international organisations such as ECMWF with whom we have strong and growing links.
“Now is the time to build on these partnerships. I am confident that the University will continue to make a big difference to the big environmental challenges the world faces in the future.”
Reading 2050
As part of the University of Reading’s commitment to address major issues such as climate change, CONNECTED is pleased to share how research from Reading academics is playing a key part in developing the future vision of Reading town.
The University is publishing ‘Reading 2050: a smart and sustainable city?’, a collection of articles edited by Professors Tim Dixon and Lorraine Farrelly from the School of the Built Environment. These articles consider Reading in 2050 from all angles: the place and its environment; the people and their lifestyle; and the economy and future employment.
