Help us beat heart attacks and stroke
2018-10-11 08:00 - 2019-01-12 17:00 (Europe/London)
University of Reading scientists are calling on members of the public to help make a breakthrough in the fight against the world’s leading cause of death. We are seeking volunteers to provide blood samples for a new heart disease study, examining how factors like blood cholesterol can affect a person’s risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Blood clots which form when they are not needed can cause heart attacks and strokes by blocking blood vessels. Although there are many clot-busting drugs on the market, heart attack and strokes are still one of the biggest causes of death in the UK. Research has found that there is a big variation in the activity of people’s platelets – the tiny cells in our blood which kick off the clotting process.
Researchers at the University of Reading are carrying out a British Heart Foundation-funded study called METPLAR (Understanding Metabolic Factors that Contribute to Platelet Reactivity) that is looking into what influences the speed and extent to which platelets can respond to blood vessel damage, and what factors are likely to cause formation of large clots. We will find out whether there is a relationship between a person’s platelet reactivity and a number of other parameters, including how sensitive we are to the hormone insulin, and levels of cholesterol in the blood.
With these measurements we hope to identify more accurate methods of testing platelets and determine which anti-platelet medications will work best with different individuals.
Can you help us?
We are currently looking for volunteers willing to take part in the study. The study consists of one short visit (about 45 minutes) to the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition at the University of Reading, where your blood pressure, height, weight, waist and hip circumference and body fat composition will be measured and a blood sample will also be taken.
We are currently recruiting non-smoking men and women aged 30-65 years who are not diabetic or taking medications for cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure or inflammatory conditions.
You will be reimbursed travel expenses associated with the study.
If you meet our criteria and are interested in taking part please contact the METPLAR study by phoning 0118 378 7096 or e-mailing us at metplar@reading.ac.uk.
Further information
What is blood clotting?
Blood clotting is a very important process that is tightly regulated within our blood vessels. When we damage our blood vessels, blood clots form to form a ‘plug’ and prevent blood loss. But if clots form in the absence of damage, this can lead to blockage of our blood vessels.
The process of blood clotting is initiated by the smallest cells in our blood which are called platelets. These platelets circulate in the body in a resting state until they come into contact with a stimulator that signals to them that the blood vessels have been damaged. Platelets respond to these signals by clumping together and sticking to the site of damage forming a ‘plug’. This plug is then encased by a protein in the blood, called fibrin, which makes the clot more robust. After the clot has ‘plugged’ the site of injury, the wound is then healed over time by the body’s immune system and the clot is dissolved.
How can blood clotting lead to thrombosis?
When regulated properly, the blood clotting system works very well, however occasionally it can become dysregulated. Sometimes our platelets can become activated when they shouldn’t causing blood clots to form in places where they are not required. This unwanted clot formation can lead to a process called thrombosis. where blood clots form and grow uncontrollably large, restricting blood flow through a blood vessel and in some cases causing complete vessel blockage. These large blood clots can also break off from the vessel wall and become lodged in vessels elsewhere in the body. If thrombosis and blockage occurs in a blood vessel in the heart or in the brain this can cause a heart attack or a stroke which can have fatal consequences.
How can we help prevent thrombosis?
There are a number of successful drugs on the market that function by preventing the formation of blood clots to reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes, however, despite this success, heart attacks are still one of the biggest causes of death in the UK. Research has found that there is a large variation in how different people’s platelets within the normal healthy population react to stimulation and some react much more readily than others. Researchers at the University of Reading are performing a study that is looking into which factors influence the speed and extent at which platelets can respond to blood vessel damage, and what factors are likely to contribute to the formation of large clots. We will determine whether there is a relationship between an individual’s platelet reactivity and a number of metabolic parameters, including insulin sensitivity, and blood cholesterol. With these measurements we hope to identify more accurate methods of testing platelets and determine which anti-platelet medications will work best with different individuals. This human study will be performed in collaboration with the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition at the University of Reading.
What is World Thrombosis Day?
Saturday the 13th of October marks the annual “World Thrombosis Day” campaign. The aim of this global campaign is to raise awareness of thrombosis which is a condition that is often misunderstood and overlooked and is caused by the development of unwanted blood clots. The aims of the World Thrombosis Day campaign is to increase global awareness of the causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention and treatment of thrombosis in order to ultimately reduce death and disability caused by the condition. If you would like to know more about World Thrombosis Day or the fundraising that is being done to raise awareness of this campaign, visit the World Thrombosis day website http://www.worldthrombosisday.org/.

LOB Research Seminar
2018-10-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Henley Business School, Room 108, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
Leadership Organisations and Behaviour Research Seminar
Guest speaker Sharon Clarke

Our Changing Climate: Past, Present and Future
2018-10-17 19:30 | Palmer Building, Room G10, Palmer Building, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
Part of the University of Reading’s Public Lecture Series
ADMISSION FREE – BOOKING ADVISABLE

The hot and dry summer of 2018 was a reminder of just how vulnerable society can be to unusual weather through overheating buildings, transport disruption, lower crop production and risks to human health. Such heatwaves are now hotter because the planet has warmed over the past century, largely due to human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases. Other consequences of a warming world are that extreme rainfall events have become more frequent and sea levels have risen as the oceans expand and the glaciers melt.
This lecture will outline how our climate has already changed, and what we might expect in the future. Further changes are inevitable. The Paris Agreement aims to stabilise global temperatures but society’s choices will decide how much change we should expect.
Professor Ed Hawkins is a climate scientist in the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, based in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. He is a Lead Author for the forthcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 6th Assessment Report and was awarded the Royal Society’s Kavli Medal in 2018.
Register to attend here.

'Little Wins: The Huge Power of Thinking Like a Toddler'
2018-10-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Henley Business School, Room G11, Henley Business School, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
University of Reading honorary graduate Paul Lindley is an award winning British entrepreneur, social campaigner and best-selling author. In 2006 he founded Ella’s Kitchen, an innovative brand of organic baby food built on the mission to improve children’s lives through developing healthy relationships with food. It is now the UK’s largest baby food brand and has sales of over $100M from across 40 countries. In 2017, Paul published his first book, the critically acclaimed bestseller ‘Little Wins: The Huge Power of Thinking Like a Toddler.’
In this lecture, Paul will discuss how he believes unlocking our personal potential is not achieved by learning new skills, but by re-discovering old ones – those we all had when we were toddlers. Paul argues that in ‘growing down’ we can be more imaginative, free thinking, playful and self-confident, allowing us to look at our personal, corporate and social challenges in a different, more impactful way.
Register for this event here.

Open Access Week 2018: Open Access FAQs with the CentAUR Team (drop-in session)
2018-10-22 13:00
Do you have questions about ROSS, REF, or open access? The CentAUR team answers your frequently asked questions. If you are not able to come along tweet us at @UniRdg_CentAUR using the hashtag #askthecentaur.

Real Estate and Planning research seminar - Deregulating Planning: the case of office-to-residential permitted development in England
2018-10-24 13:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Dr Ben Clifford, University College London

Law School: 'Axis of Protection' Seminar
2018-10-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Foxhill House, Room G02, School of Law, Whiteknights Rd, Earley,, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7BY
‘THE LEGAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE NATIONAL AND THE FOREIGNER IN SOUTH AMERICA OVER 200 YEARS’
Speaker:
Dr Diego Acosta, Reader in European and Migration Law, Bristol
Discussants:
Dr Ana Beduschi, Senior Lecturer in Law, Exeter
Dr Ruvi Ziegler, Associate Professor in International Refugee Law, Reading
Time:
Thursday 25 October 2018, 4-6pm
Location:
Room GO2, Foxhill House, School of Law
Free to attend
Contact r.ziegler@reading.ac.uk for more information.
Part of the ‘Axis of Protection: Human Rights in International Law’ Seminar Series 2018/19’

Reading 2050: Transforming the MERL
2018-10-25 18:00 - 19:00
25 October 2018, 18:00–19:00 Building L022 G01 London Road campus, University of Reading RG1 5AQ
Transforming the Museum of English Rural Life: Past, Present and Future
Please join Kate Arnold-Forster for a lecture: ‘Transforming the Museum of English Rural Life: Past, Present and Future’
The lecture is part of the ‘People and Lifestyle’ theme of the Reading 2050 lecture series, which provide a platform to discuss how Reading should evolve into a smarter and more sustainable city by 2050 (www.reading2050.co.uk )
Admission to the lecture is free.
The SBE, Barton Wilmore and Reading UK, established the Reading 2050 group in 2013. The Reading 2050 lecture series is structured around three themes, which underpin the Reading 2050 vision:
*Place and Environment
*People and Lifestyle
*Economy and Employment
In 2017, the School brought together expert speakers to discuss Reading’s heritage and history, the future of its transport and energy and the impact of climate change and floods. A discussion on Reading’s Art and Culture was facilitated earlier this year, and there are other Reading 2050 events planned for 2018 and 2019.
For details of future lectures visit: www.reading.ac.uk/architecture

Open Access Week 2018: The Game of Open Access
2018-10-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Carrington, Room 201
Play an open access board game about open access!
At this informal session you will develop an understanding of open access through the initial idea for an article to its acceptance for publication.
Bring your lunch.

Biological Sciences Seminar Series
2018-10-30 13:00 - 13:50 | Harborne Lecture Theatre, Harborne Building, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR
School of Biological Sciences
Research Seminars Series – Autumn Term, 2018
Tuesdays 1:00- 1:50pm
Venue – Harborne Lecture Theatre, Harborne Building
Prof Eric Allan – University of Bern, Switzerland
‘Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning: from experiments to the real world and back again’
Hosted by Prof Tom Oliver

Real Estate and Planning research seminar - Land Value Tax: panacea or policy problem?
2018-10-31 13:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Dr Edward Shepherd, University of Reading

Russia and the First World War: A fatal mistake?
2018-11-01 19:00
World War I Public Lecture
Professor Dominic Lieven, Senior Research Fellow, Trinity College, Cambridge and Fellow of the British Academy, is a distinguished Historian of Russia with award-winning books. In this public lecture, Professor Lieven will tell the fascinating, dramatic and hugely important story of Russia’s descent into the First World War and its fatal impact on generations of Russians in the long twentieth century. Professor Lieven’s close study of diaries, letters, books and official documents give a very different interpretation of the First World War, from an Eastern perspective, and shows the underestimated role of Russia’s leaders in the Great War.
ADMISSION FREE – BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Register to attend this event here.
For more information on this event contact Athena Leoussi on a.s.leoussi@reading.ac.uk

Russia and the First World War: A Fatal Mistake?
2018-11-01 19:00 | Edith Morley, Room G27
Thursday 1 November, at 19:00, the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies will be holding its 6th annual public lecture to mark Armistice Day and the Centenary of the First World War.
The title of the lecture is: RUSSIA AND THE FIRST WORLD WAR: A FATAL MISTAKE?
This year’s distinguished speaker is Professor Dominic Lieven, Senior Research Fellow, Trinity College, Cambridge and Fellow of the British Academy. Professor Lieven is a eminent Historian of Russia with award-winning books. In this public lecture, Professor Lieven will tell us the fascinating, dramatic and hugely important story of Russia’s descent into the First World War and its fatal impact on generations of Russians in the long twentieth century. Professor Lieven’s close study of diaries, letters, books and official documents give a very different interpretation of the First World War, from an Eastern perspective, and shows the underestimated role of Russia’s leaders in the Great War.
The lecture room, in Edith Morley G27, is now completely booked, but there is a waiting list, in case of cancellations. Please, contact e.best@reading.ac.uk to book on the waiting list.
The series is intended to enhance the bonds between the University and the local community, and to highlight the First World War as a focal point of research in the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies.
This research is led by Drs Marjorie Gehrhardt and Athena S. Leoussi.

Typography Workshop
2018-11-06 11:00 - 13:00 | Department of Typography & Graphic Communication, TOB 2, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7BE, United Kingdom
Searching for printed images with computer vision
Abstract: Computer vision has made rapid progress in recent years: computers can now reliably match the same image; find differences in similar images; and classify content within multiple images. This hands-on session will demonstrate how to install and use state-of-the-art open source software from the University of Oxford’s Visual Geometry Group. Attendees will leave the session with knowledge of how to match, differentiate, classify and annotate content within many kinds of images, but with particular reference to print.
Requirements: a relatively recent laptop (not a tablet or phone), ideally one capable of running Docker (please install in advance, if possible). Online demos will be provided for those unable to install software. Demonstration data will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring along (1) pairs of images exhibiting small differences, such as variant printings, restruck coins or altered photographs and (2) collections of images containing identical features, such as multiple images of buildings, duplicate photographs or collections of woodcuts and other printed images, and their original printing surfaces.
Bio: Dr. Giles Bergel (www.printing-machine.org) is a digital humanist and book historian based in the Department of Engineering Sciences at the University of Oxford and the Department of Information Studies at University College London. He has been working on computer vision within the humanities since the creation of the Bodleian Library’s Broadside Ballads Online resource in 2012, which implements a computer vision tool that is among several that he now manages and supports. HIs other interests include bibliography, typography and book design; the history of copyright; book trade history; and text encoding
The workshop will take place in Typography Room T4. If you are interested in attending this workshop and have not already registered, please contact Dr Rob Banham directly – r.e.banham@reading.ac.uk

Collections Research Network Autumn Showcase
2018-11-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Edith Morley, Room 301, Whiteknights campus, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR
The Collections Research Network is an opportunity for staff to share good practice and discuss upcoming research projects using collections.
It is facilitated by the Heritage and Creativity Institute for Collections (HCIC), who are keen to support researchers to shape the format by piloting more informal and interactive sessions over the coming year.
If you have a project which you would like to showcase in a 15 minute presentation please get in touch with HCIC director Dr Rhi Smith r.smith@reading.ac.uk.
To book a place at the showcase please contact hcic@reading.ac.uk. A light working lunch will be provided.

Collections Research Network Autumn Showcase
2018-11-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Edith Morley, Room 301, Whiteknights campus, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR
The Collections Research Network is an opportunity for staff to share good practice and discuss upcoming research projects using collections.
It is facilitated by the Heritage and Creativity Institute for Collections (HCIC), whoa re keen to support researchers to shape the format by piloting more informal and interactive sessions over the coming year.
If you have a project which you would like to showcase in a 15 minute presentation, please get in touch with HCIC director Dr Rhi Smith r.smith@readin.ac.uk.
To book a place at the showcase please contact hcic@reading.ac.uk. A light working lunch will be provided.

Wheat Responses To Piriformospora Indica Inoculation
2018-11-13 00:00 | Room 1U02, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6AR, United Kingdom
School of Agriculture, Policy and Development – Autumn 2018
Postgraduate talk on Wheat Responses To Piriformospora Indica Inoculation.
This talk will be given by Samer
For further information contact Ferdousi Rahman via email; ferdousi.rahman@reading.ac.uk

Ayn Rand from the left: questioning Rand through literary theory, questioning literary theory through Rand
2018-11-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Chancellor’s Building, Room G15, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Reading, Reading, RG6 6AH
A one-day conference at the University of Reading
Speakers:
Professor Ian Parker – Rand, Libertarianism and Psychoanalysis
Dr Jan de Vos – Rand and Psychologization
Dr Krissie West – Atlas Shrugged and American pastoral
Carl Packman – Randian Economics
Jerome Cox-Strong – The New Left: Rand and the cure
Dr Neil Cocks – Rand and art theory

Electron Microscopy Workshops
2018-11-13 11:00 - 12:00
Sherrie Foo, University of Reading
Electron Microscopy Workshops
If you think that electron microscopy may be useful in your research, or if you simply want to find out more about the technique, and the facilities available at Reading, come along to the free workshops at the Electron Microscopy Lab.
To register your interest for the following sessions, contact Sherrie Foo s.j.foo@reading.ac.uk ext 4616
Specimen preparation for SEM
X-ray microanalysis
Specimen preparation for TEM

Biological Sciences Seminars Series
2018-11-13 13:00 - 13:50 | Harborne Lecture Theatre, Harborne Building, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR
School of Biological Sciences
Research Seminars Series – Autumn Term, 2018
Tuesdays 1:00- 1:50pm
Venue – Harborne Lecture Theatre, Harborne Building
Dr Grishna Pirianov – Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
‘Modulation of macrophage polarization by novel monosaccharide-based Toll-like receptor 4 antagonists (FP7 derivatives): implications in treatment of CVD’
Hosted by Prof David Leake

Mathematical Modelling of Immunoglobulin Class Switching
2018-11-13 13:00 - 14:00 | M212, WhiteKnights, Reading, RG6 6AX, United Kingdom
Department of Mathematics and Statistics Seminar Series – Autumn 2018
Mathematical Biology Group Meeting
Osamah Alayafi – University of Reading
For further information, please email maths@reading.ac.uk or telephone 0118 378 8996

Political Voices: A View Across The Border - In Conversation With Danny Kinahan
2018-11-13 16:15 - 17:30 | Edith Morley, Room G25, Edith Morley Building, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
On November 13, the Politics and IR Research Seminar will be a little different. As part of marking UK Parliament Week, we have invited former Ulster Unionist MP and MLA member Danny Kinahan to share his views and insight on the thorny problems of Northern Ireland and Brexit.
In accepting the invitation, Danny said: “It makes obvious sense to discuss Northern Ireland and Brexit now. That means explaining our electoral system and how we got to where we are – and how we manage our way through this quagmire.”
Danny will present his thoughts and will be happy to take questions from staff and students alike. The event will start at 4.15 and conclude by 5.30pm. It is open to all students and staff.

Discussion and Debate: Faith In A Changing World
2018-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Henley Business School, Room G11, Henley Business School, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
Interfaith Week 2018
Politically and socially, the world has changed over the last few years in ways that few could predict. In this complex and fast-changing world, what is the place of religious faith? How have world religions contributed and reacted to social and political changes in recent times? How do believers of different kinds interpret these events and what suggestions do various faith paths have for finding a way forwards?
At this event, which is being held in Interfaith week 2018, representatives from different world religions, including Rabbi Jonathan Romain (Maidenhead Synagogue) and Rt Revd Andrew Proud (Bishop of Reading) provide their own perspectives and answer questions from the audience.
Admission free. Booking essential.
To book your place visit www.reading.ac.uk/events

Putting Things in the Right Place: How do bacteria get organised?
2018-11-14 13:00 - 13:50 | Harborne Lecture Theatre, Harborne Building, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR
Professor Judith Armitage, University of Oxford
Putting things in the right place; How do bacteria get organised?
Lowry Lecture 2018, School of Biological Sciences,
Hosted by Prof Kim Watson

Real Estate and Planning research seminar - Affordability, Viability and the National Planning Policy Framework
2018-11-14 13:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Professor Antonia Layard, University of Bristol

Engaging with Policymakers
2018-11-14 13:30 - 16:00
Researcher Development Programme- Communications Training Sessions
At some point in their career, many researchers will be asked to provide advice to policymakers in government, the public sector or the private sector. In this session, we will discuss some of the different ways that researchers can engage with Westminster and with Whitehall. We will look at how policymakers access information to help them make decisions and explore some of the different routes that researchers can use to engage in parliamentary processes. We will also discuss how to write an impartial summary of your research and situate your work in a wider policy context. We will work with practical examples with plenty of time for discussion.
To book a place on this session, please contact peopledevelopment@reading.ac.uk

Vocabulary Learning Through Listening: Comparing L2 Explanations, Teachers Codeswitching, Contrastive Focus-on-Form and Incidental Learning
2018-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | London Road, Building LO24, Room G06, 4 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5AQ, United Kingdom
Institute of Education Seminar Series- Autumn Term 2018
Dr Anthony Zhang, ECR
Please feel free to bring your lunch along to this event.

Political Voices: Dr Philip Lee MP On Brexit
2018-11-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Edith Morley Building, Van Emden Lecture Theatre, Edith Morley Building, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
Join us in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading to meet our latest ‘Political Voice’. Our guest is both the MP for Bracknell and a practising GP and until June he was a Junior Justice Minister in Theresa May’s Government. Yet this conservative loyalist chose to resign from government over the direction Theresa May’s team has set – and in particular over the Chequers proposal.
Phillip will be talking about this and about his views on Brexit overall and its impact on the UK. A keen sportsman, he’s not known for pulling political punches so there’s no doubt his talk and our open Q&A session will be compelling and challenging – who knows, it might even cross a few ‘red lines’.

Chemical and Physical Methods For Making Nanoparticles and Their Application, Especially In Heterogeneous Catalysis
2018-11-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Lecture Theatre G, Chemistry, Whiteknights Campus, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
Chemistry Seminar Series – Autumn 2018
Dr Peter Ellis and Dr Alistair Kean
All are welcome
For further information on this seminar contact b.l.parr@reading.ac.uk

Workshop: Creating an inclusive learning environment for pupils with visible differences
2018-11-20 16:30 - 18:00 | Edith Morley, Room G44, Edith Morley Building, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
For more information contact Dr Marjorie Gehrhardt.
