SCIENTISTS at Reading University were treated to a special visit last week.
Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE ambassador to the UK, visited the University of Reading’s weather scientists on Tuesday, May 25.
The ambassador visited the meteorology department to learn about research on rain and cloud electricity, which is part of a UAE-funded project.
The project explores new ways to understand and potentially increase patterns of rainfall.
Mr Abulhoul was welcomed by vice-chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort and pro-vice-chancellor Paul Inman, before visiting Professor Maarten Ambaum and Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez in the weather department.
READ MORE: University of Reading students can learn as they go thanks to new entrepreneurship module
Professor Ambaum and colleagues gave an overview of the rainfall enhancement project, where drones are being tested to deliver electrical charge into clouds to influence the conditions that lead to rain.
After seeing demonstrations of the technology, the ambassador visited the University’s weather station.
Mr Abulhoul helped launch a weather balloon, which is used to feed data into the Met Office network of weather observations.
Ambassador Mansoor Abulhoul said: “My visit to the University of Reading was an inspiring example of the power of collaboration between the UK and UAE.
“I’m proud that the UAE is able to support projects at an institution globally recognised for its excellence in climate science.
Mr Abulhoul added: “I look forward to the success of this project and to future partnerships between the Emirates and the University.”
READ MORE: University of Reading reports 5% rise in applications
Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor, said it was a “great honour” to welcome the ambassador.
He added: “If there is one thing we don’t need in Reading now it’s more rain, as we have experienced one of the wettest Mays on record, but understanding more about how rain forms, and with the potential to bring much-needed relief to arid regions, is an extraordinary scientific achievement.
“We are mindful that we as a university have a big role to play, by working with global partners to understand and help prevent the worst effects of climate change.”
