Vice-Chancellor says thank you to media stars

Thursday, 06 June 2013

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell praised the outstanding work of some of our media stars at a special event last week. During a lunch in Park House Sir David heard from 14 colleagues across a range of departments about their recent experiences of working with the media.

Sir David said: "I have been delighted to see a good number of our academics appearing in the media over the past few months. This lunch was an opportunity to express my gratitude to some of our colleagues who make the time to share their research and expertise with a wide audience through the media."

The last six months have seen a rise in the number of Reading academics appearing in the media, print, online and broadcast. From the Sky News Sunrise couch and BBC1's Bang Goes the Theory, to providing comment for national newspapers and websites, colleagues have been successfully showcasing their work and expertise through an array of media channels.

Sir David added: "With the increase in student fees, competition for research funding and our growing need to reach a global audience, it has never been more important for the University to be developing its external profile and reputation. I would like to thank colleagues throughout the University who engage with the media and hope they serve as an inspiration to others to follow suit."

The University's press office is experienced and skilled in working with the media and presenting information in a way that will maximise publicity, raising the profile of both the individual academic and the University, at home and abroad.

The press team can also offer interview tips and practice as well as field media calls, ensuring only the most appropriate opportunities are presented to colleagues along with a relevant briefing.

Academics with a paper due to be published or with a desire to highlight their research and expertise by commenting on a related news item should contact the press team media@reading.ac.uk, 0118 378 7115/7391

How do some of our stars feel about engaging with the media and the support they've received?

Dr Paul Williams, Meteorology

"There are many good reasons for Reading's academics to engage with the media.  As well as raising the profile of the University, it is an excellent opportunity to communicate our research to a wide public audience.  Although it can be daunting at first, the support and training offered by the press office are outstanding."

Dr Gemma Walton, Food and Nutritional Sciences

"Over the last few years I have been involved in a number of different media activities - from analysing the impact of different diets on the guts of cowboys in Colorado, to discussing flatulence on Embarrassing bodies. As a gut microbiologist I have been trying to relay to people that fact that we all have bacteria living within us and that the vast majority of these bacteria are no bad thing, and can even help with our overall health.

As a researcher I feel I am in a good position to relay information about the work we do here at Reading, furthermore I really enjoy it. If you are interested in getting involved I would really recommend it and you won't be on your own - the University's press office are on hand to offer advice and can let you know what to expect and even down to the types of questions you will be asked. If you are interested I would urge you to talk to the press office and find out what you can get involved in."

Dr Rebecca Rist, History

"When the news broke of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI I was asked by the University press office for comment.  Over the ensuing month I worked closely with the team to cover the events of the ensuing Conclave and the election of Pope Francis I in a series of interviews for television, radio and a number of broadsheets in both the UK and the USA.  As an historian it was a fantastic opportunity to inform the general public about the fascinating institution that is the papacy.

Throughout the month the press office was with me every step of the way -from practical advice, to savvy ideas on how best to get difficult historical concepts across to a non-expert audience.  I would highly recommend any colleague who is passionate about getting their research out there to the wider public to make a date with the team." 

In the photograph:

Back row l to r: Dr Steve Musson, Dr Len Shaffrey, Dr Christina Hellmich, Sir David Bell, Dr Jane Parker, Professor Richard Tiffin, Dr Jonathan Bell

Front row l to r:  Dr Paul Williams, Dr Richard Allan, Dr Sam Boateng, Dr Faustina Hwang, Dr Gemma Walton, Professor Christopher Duggan, Professor Mike Gooding