The University is to invest in 50 new academic posts to tackle global problems

Thursday, 01 March 2012

Dr Ben Whalley and Professor Kevin Warwick researching into brain-computer interfaces

The University of Reading is to make 50 new academic appointments as part of an investment programme to further our research in areas of global critical importance. The posts will enhance and support our research and teaching in areas of excellence within the University.

As well as supporting research excellence, the 50 new academics will contribute to reading's strong focus on research-led teaching and bring real life examples of research into the lecture theatres and laboratories.

The Academic Investment Project, led by Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell, will strengthen the University's already renowned research in areas such as climate change, sustainable buildings and environments, food security and healthy ageing, to create world-leading research groupings.

This ambitious vision builds on Reading's reputation as one of the strongest research-led universities in the UK. Excellence with impact is an embedded part of the ethos of the University and this new investment project will have global reach through research and teaching.

Sir David Bell said: "The establishment of these new research posts will help Reading build on its reputation as one the strongest research-led universities in the UK and provide a platform for researchers to develop solutions to problems that affect the quality of life and sustainability of our planet.

"This significant new investment is a statement of our intent to grow Reading's position of research strength across the University. We are committed to fulfilling our goals to make a real difference to the lives of people now and in the future."

Reflecting an ever-changing world, the University's existing strategic research focus will be accelerated by the Reading Investment Project and will focus on six key interdisciplinary areas of excellence:

• Climate and environmental sciences - building on Reading's position as one of the leading centres for the study of climate, meteorology and the environment
• Brain-computer interfaces - providing an interdisciplinary hub for innovative research into the structure, function and workings of the brain and intelligent robots
• Cardiovascular, metabolic and neuroscience biology - further investment in the research into healthy ageing conducted at Reading's Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR)
• Food security - with a focus on discovering how climate change will affect farming across the world and the link between crops, food and human health.
• Law, business and finance - building on the success of Reading's School of Law and further strengthening the University's excellent teaching and research, links with business and international profile
• Literacy and multilingualism - part of the establishment of a new Centre for Literacy and Multilingualism, building on existing strengths in English Language / Applied Linguistics, the Institute of Education and Clinical Language Sciences.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: "This significant investment signals Reading University's commitment to fostering talent and producing quality research. It will keep the institution at the forefront of work in a range of important areas including food security, which I had a chance to learn more about on a recent visit there."

These new academic roles, which will include Chairs, Readers, Senior Lectureships and Lectureships, will be advertised in two phases, with successful candidates taking up their posts between September 2012 and September 2013.  More information can be found at www.readingisinvesting.co.uk.