The University of Reading is investing £50 million to boost its research in areas such as food security and climate change.

The Berkshire university will make 50 new senior academic appointments as part of the £50 million investment programme to further knowledge in research areas of critical global importance.

The project is being led by Reading's new vice-chancellor Sir David Bell, and will also focus on sustainable buildings and environments and healthy ageing with the aim of creating world-leading research groupings.

Sir David 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.

“This significant new investment is a statement of our intent to grow Reading's position of research strength across the University. We are committed to fulfilling our goals to make a real difference to the lives of people now and in the future.”

Reflecting an ever-changing world, the university's existing strategic research focus will be accelerated by the project and one of the six areas of focus will be food security. Specifically researchers will look at how climate change will affect world farming and the link between crops, food and human health.

The senior research roles, which will include chairs, readers and senior lectureships, will be advertised in two phases, with successful candidates taking up their posts in September 2012 and September 2013.

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