Celebrating 100 years

2026 marks 100 years since the University of Reading was granted its Royal Charter. The story of our centenary was forged in our commitment to sustainability, strength of our community,  research excellence, and a deep belief in the power of engagement to create change.

Our centenary film – made by our people, filmed on our facilities, and featuring our research – looks ahead to what's next, with the enduring sense of hope that continues to inspire us to face the challenges of the century ahead.

 play video
Watch our centenary film.

Looking to the century ahead

Throughout 2026, we have been celebrating the University's achievements over the last 100 years and how the University's work and research have changed people's lives, both locally and around the world. Now, our Chancellor, Paul Lindley OBE, is looking to the century ahead, asking what role the University of Reading can play in preparing students and society for the challenges of the future.

Listen to the Reading Ahead podcast

2026 celebrations

Join us in our centenary celebrations, nurturing connections for the century ahead.

Centenary project grant scheme

Explore how the Centenary Project Grant Scheme is incubating ideas for the century ahead.

Our history

Explore our history and discover moments that will shape the century ahead.

Centenary stories

From rare manuscripts to student voices, dive into newly uncovered stories from our archives, brought to light for our centenary.

Centenary Collection

Celebrate being part of our community with our new, exclusive Centenary Collection merchandise – a range celebrating one hundred years of creating possibilities for tomorrow.

Generations of Reading Alumni

Since 1926, more than 300,000 students have become part of our alumni family. Find out how you can get involved and stay connected.

Award-winning impact

Awarded five Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, including for Connecting Communities with Climate Change in 2021. Discover how our work is making national impact.

A truly global university

With three campuses worldwide, partnerships across the globe, and over 26,000 students from around 160 countries, discover how we’re connecting communities through global education.