Uni wins award for environmental work

THE UNIVERSITY of Reading (UoR) was the recipient of an accolade for its work on climate research at a prestigious awards ceremony.

A representative from the university attended the Time Higher Education Awards

2023 in Liverpool to collect the award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.

It won out over competition from Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Essex, Loughborough University, the University of Portsmouth, and the Royal Northern College of Music.

UoR’s Professor Hannah Cloke was also shortlisted for the Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year following her work in in hydrology, which included overseeing both postgraduate and undergraduate student research.

The panel said: “What stood out was the sheer breadth of Reading’s contributions to environmental leadership, ranging from its world-leading scientific research to the global policy impact of its flood forecasting.”

They explained that the university: “Doesn’t just talk the talk, but sets the agenda on one of the biggest issues of our time.”

It follows world-leading climate research and public awareness initiatives such as the famed Climate Stripes graphic.

These include programmes such as the National Climate Education Action Plan, the Climate Ambassador Scheme, both of which provide access to guidance and resources for sustainability guidance from leading experts in the field.

John Gill, Times Higher Education editor, said that the awards had at last: “Left behind the exceptionally tough operating environment of the Covid-hit years.

“It was a year in which covid no longer dominated every aspect of universities’ activities, and the 650 submissions across 20 award categories reflect that unique moment when universities continued to deal with adversity, but also raised their eyes to the horizon.

“The result was a fascinating range of entries reflecting the excellence that exists throughout universities across the UK and Ireland, of which we can be truly proud-- as ever, it is THE’s great privilege to be able to support and celebrate these achievements with all of you.

“Congratulations to everyone shortlisted.”