New climate and environment experts join University
Monday, 08 July 2013
'I am excited to join the team here - there is a unique breadth of expertise here that will allow us to take a fresh look at the long-term dynamics of climate change and the history of human-environment interactions.'
A new cohort of climate and environment experts have joined the University as part of the Academic Investment Project (AIP).
The 28 appointments, recruited over the last 12 months, build on Reading's position as one of the leading centres for the study of climate, meteorology and the environment, including through the Walker Institute for Climate System Research.
The new members of staff have joined the Department of Meteorology (15), the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (5), the School of Construction Management and Engineering (4), and the School of Human and Environmental Sciences (5, including one joint appointment with Meteorology).
The AIP, which was announced in March 2012, is strengthening 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.
Professor Christine Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: "We are delighted to welcome our new group of climate and environment experts who join an institution home to a world leading Department of Meteorology and top climate scientists. Tackling global problems such as climate change means recruiting the very best scientific staff. Our new cohort complement the outstanding researchers we have in this area and strengthen our ability to fight some of the world's most pressing issues."
Professor Sandy Harrison, a world expert on past climate change who has moved to Reading from Macquarie University in Australia, said: "I am excited to join the team here - there is a unique breadth of expertise here that will allow us to take a fresh look at the long-term dynamics of climate change and the history of human-environment interactions. It's great to be joining such a vibrant and dynamic community, and I am especially looking forward to developing plans for Reading's new Centre for Past Climate Change at Reading.
Vice-Chancellor, 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."
The 50 new academics posts across all subject areas of the AIP are due to be filled by September 2013.