To celebrate 100 years of our communities, we've planned a vibrant programme of community events, academic conferences, international visits and alumni reunions. We’ll be hosting everything from festivals, lectures and performances to children’s activities and exhibitions.
All centenary events
Materials and Memories: Memoir workshop
This free workshop offers a gentle introduction to memoir writing.
We will explore why we might choose to write about our lives, what can be lost when these stories aren’t recorded, and how to begin writing when you’re not sure where to start.
Participants are encouraged to bring a small item of clothing, a photograph or simply a memory of clothing that connects to childhood or family.
24 October, 13:30–16:00 | Reading Biscuit Factory | Open to all | Booking essential
Centenary tours
Join one of our guided walks to discover fascinating moments from our history, architectural gems, the beauty of our green spaces and the generations of voices who have inspired the University.
19 February–10 December | Whiteknights and London Road campuses | Open to all | Register to attend
Climate Risks to Reading’s Twin Town in Nicaragua
Meteorology student Eoin Ware shares findings from his study of San Francisco Libre, Reading's twin town in Nicaragua.
Working with local collaborator Manuel Vallejos, Eoin gathered first-hand accounts from farmers and growers, and combined them with 35 years of weather data.
Manuel Vallejos will appear by video link from Nicaragua.
19:00 | 28 October | Sutcliffe Lecture Theatre, Brian Hoskins Building, Whiteknights campus (Earley Gate) | Open to all | No booking needed
Imprint
This centenary grant-funded exhibition displays prints in the University of Reading's Art Collections by early twentieth-century women artists at the University of Reading's School of Art.
9 June 2026–17 January 2027 | Museum of English Rural Life | Open to all
Time Capsule Exhibition
Funded by the University of Reading Centenary Project Grant Scheme, this display showcases the contents of a time capsule buried in The MERL garden earlier this year to mark the centenary of the University of Reading.
Curated by PhD students in the University’s Department of Agriculture, the project involved local schools and consultation with communities to consider what we will be eating in 2126 and how we think we will be producing our food.
The display offers the chance for visitors to both explore exciting visions for the future of food and farming and to reflect on their own ideas.
6 October 2026 – 17 January 2027 | Museum of English Rural Life | No booking needed
Women's Lives Conference
How have women's lives changed over the last century, and where should research go next? This conference ends the Women's Lives centenary grant project, led by Professor Vicki Harman and Dawn Clarke. It brings together several themes from the University's centenary year.
The keynote speaker is Professor Benedetta Cappellini of Durham University. The programme also includes:
- Professor Vicki Harman, Zine-making showcase: creative reflections about women's lives. A display of zines made at the project's community workshops throughout the year.
- Dr Rhi Smith, Beyond the Cloisters: University of Reading women's early work on social issues. This draws on her centenary-funded project, Voices of Reading's Women.
- Dr Tatiana Rowson, Sense and action: career disruptions during the menopause transition.
- Sanctuary, migration and belonging, a panel discussion with:
- Najwa Al Abdallah, CEO of Refugee Support Group
- Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles
- Unis Nisa
- Amal Bedri, a University of Reading Sanctuary Scholar whose story featured in the centenary Real Impact, Real Lives campaign.
Photographs from the Sanctuary Photography Exhibition will accompany the panel.
The day ends by looking ahead, setting out ideas and priorities for the next generation of research on women's lives.
25 November, 9:30–17:00 | The Meadow Suite, University of Reading | Register to attend
Outdoor Learning Garden
To mark our centenary year, we are creating an Outdoor Learning Garden that will benefit University students, local school children and neighbouring community groups, both now and as a legacy for the future.
The Garden celebrates our role as a leading climate science and environmental research institution and will provide a focal point for our outdoor learning activities.
Centenary events
For the full schedule of centenary events, visit the University Events website, or sign up to the University Events What’s On mailing list for updates.
Help fund future projects
We have launched the Centenary Fund to look beyond our first 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose - where great things are achieved by working together.
Get involved
We’d love you to get involved. Whether you can support just one event or several, your time and contribution will play a vital role in making our centenary celebrations a success.