Author Archives: Met Department

How does science influence policy development in Westminster?

Posted on 6 January, 2014 by Met Department

Ever wondered how politicians and civil servants use science to make policy decisions? Dr Jonny Day spent a week in Westminster on the Royal Society Pairing Scheme to find out. The week started with a tour of Westminster followed by … Continue reading →

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2013: the year in extreme weather

Posted on 29 December, 2013 by Met Department

It seems each year has had extreme weather in recent times. After 2012 brought Hurricane Sandy to the east coast of the United States and the wettest year on record for England, many people may have expected a quieter time, … Continue reading →

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Do African monsoons affect global weather?

Posted on 3 December, 2013 by Met Department

West Africa’s population is growing rapidly, and it is uniquely exposed to complex meteorology, an uncertain future from climate change impacts & rapidly increasing air pollution. However, University of Reading climate scientists are helping sub-Saharan Africans as part of a … Continue reading →

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Preparing future scientists to help solve the biggest challenges facing the Earth

Posted on 28 November, 2013 by Met Department

How are scientists able to predict the complex and chaotic reality of global weather and climate? The answer: by turning the fiendishly complicated natural processes of Planet Earth into sophisticated mathematical equations – and being able to interpret the results. … Continue reading →

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A great scenario for outstanding environmental research

Posted on 5 November, 2013 by Met Department

World-class research into environmental science has been boosted with a new deal to fund the next generation of PhD students. The Postgraduate Centre in the Science of the Environment: Natural and Anthropogenic Processes, Impacts and Opportunities (SCENARIO) was given the … Continue reading →

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October 2013 storm: 1 in 5 year event

Posted on 28 October, 2013 by Met Department

World-leading weather scientists from the University of Reading have been following the path of one of the biggest storms to hit the South of England for several years. High winds and heavy rain battered southern parts of the UK, causing … Continue reading →

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Has climate change slowed down?

Posted on 24 October, 2013 by Met Department

The recent slowdown or hiatus in the rate of global warming at the Earth’s surface is continuing to receive media attention. However, surface temperature is only one measure of climate change examined by scientists and it is useful for measuring … Continue reading →

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From ashes to flashes

Posted on 11 October, 2013 by Met Department

Volcanoes are responsible for some the most spectacular displays of lightning on the planet. However, the exact mechanisms behind volcanic lightning, and why some volcanoes generate more lightning than others, are a mystery. In a recently published scientific paper featured in … Continue reading →

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Royal recognition for Reading climate scientist

Posted on 1 October, 2013 by Met Department

The University is delighted to announce that Professor Keith Shine formally begins his new post as the University’s first Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science today. The prestigious title of Regius Professorship was awarded to the University, and 11 … Continue reading →

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University contribution to the latest IPCC 5th Assessment report

Posted on 25 September, 2013 by Met Department

Media interest in reporting on climate change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is escalating prior to the release of the Summary for Policymakers on Friday 27th September. Professor Keith Shine was interviewed on BBC Radio 5 live … Continue reading →

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