There are lots of opportunities for the public to engage with, and get involved in, our research. You can help our researchers make new discoveries through our citizen science projects or volunteer to take part in a clinical trial. Or if you’re local to Reading why not check out some of our local community projects? We also run a range of fascinating public lectures and events which give an insight into Reading’s research discoveries. Explore the links below to find out more.
Community Festival
On Saturday 13 May 2023, the local community were invited onto Whiteknights Campus to celebrate and engage with the research taking place at the University of Reading through research activities and talks. Activities included getting hands-on with artefacts from the Cookham Archaeology summer field school, getting close to bumblebees and watching them collect pollen at the Bumblearium, and listening to stories in languages from across the world.
PUBLIC EVENTS
The World of Stonehenge
The British Museum’s World of Stonehenge exhibition, co-curated by Reading archaeologist, Duncan Garrow, has given a million people a window into the lives of prehistoric people, through artefacts, soundscapes and events. Its legacy of online lectures, research and an exhibition book continues to link us with our distant past.
our work in the local area
Community-led research pilot with the British Science Association
Researchers at the University of Reading are working with the British Science Association (BSA) to pilot a new approach to community-led research in Reading and Slough. The project aims to put communities at the heart of research, exploring the issues that matter to them. The project is supporting local community groups to develop their own research agenda on broadly science-based topics, working with researchers from the University to help bring their projects to life.
Led by the Reading School of Art and hosted by partners within the town, Reading International is a contemporary visual arts organisation. It promotes and commissions exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops and talks. Artists and curators are given a platform to make new work in response to the unique social and historical context of Reading and wider Berkshire.
Find out about upcoming Reading International events
Come face to face with the mask of a terrifying Gorgon Medusa, see an elephant skeleton up close and explore our collection of original Ladybird Book covers. The University is home to the Museum of English Rural Life, The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology and The Cole Museum of Zoology as well as the Herbarium and some fascinating collections of books, prints and letters.
Volunteer for a study
The University carries out a range of research trials, for example in cardiovascular health or psychology, and we often need volunteers to participate in our studies. If you are interested in getting involved, explore the link below:
mask