Double win for Reading in THE Awards 2022

It was a double celebration for Reading as colleagues picked up two prizes at this year's Times Higher Education Awards.

Professor Paul Williams, Dr Cathie Wells and Professor Nancy Nichols, from the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences, won Research Project of the Year for STEM for their work to cut carbon emissions by using sophisticated maths to better direct aircraft across the Atlantic.

Hong Lin, a senior technician at the University, was named Outstanding Technician of the Year. She has played a major role in some of the University’s biggest scientific breakthroughs, and was recognised for her work on projects leading to the development of new treatments for children with epilepsy, and on projects using llama antibodies to develop therapies for Covid-19.

The Times Higher Education Awards are the leading awards that celebrate the work of individual and institutions in universities and colleges in the UK and Ireland. They cover the full range of university activity - both academic and support services, from front-line staff through to all levels of leadership and management.

Making flying greener

Work led by Dr Wells, Professor Williams and Professor Nichols on reducing aircraft emissions by improving transatlantic flight routes is ground-breaking. The team used a mathematical algorithm to calculate the optimum routes between Europe and the USA. They discovered that by hitching a ride on the jet stream, transatlantic flights could save fuel and reduce emissions. The study was cited by air-traffic controllers as evidence to permanently abolish the old transatlantic routes. Since 1 March 2022, all flights at and below 33,000 feet have benefited from this greater route flexibility.

Dr Wells said: “It is hugely satisfying to see my research having a genuine impact on the aviation industry, and potentially helping to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”

Professor Williams said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award for the UK's best science research project. Designing more intelligent flight routes is an immediate and low-cost way to reduce aircraft emissions. I think it will play a key role in helping to make flying greener in future.”

Paul talks more about his research for the University's alumni magazine, Connected.

Spotlight on the work of technicians

Hong Lin is passionate about the visibility of the technician’s role, a particularly of technicians from underrepresented groups. So, although most comfortable working behind the scenes, last year she challenged herself, being interviewed for UK Research and Innovation's 101 Jobs that Change the World campaign.

Without skilled technicians acting as a linchpin, working behind the scenes, and promoting quality in research, universities would cease to have a working environment that is conducive to success.

Ms Lin said: "It felt like a dream when I heard my name announced as the winner of Outstanding Technician of the Year. I’m so happy my work has been recognised. The projects I’ve worked on have involved lots of hard work from many great teams of people. As a technician I’m proud to have made some contribution."

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said: "The University of Reading seeks to bring about positive change in the world. Our colleagues have made significant contributions in that respect and should be justly proud of themselves.

"Their work sits in the context of an active, lively, and successful research community, here at the University of Reading.”