Community projects supported by the University

Helping children learn about hospitals, understanding historical diversity in rural communities and running a pop-up geology museum were just three of the community projects funded through the University's Community Engagement Fund last year.

The Community Engagement Fund sets aside a total of £30,000 every year to support local charities and community projects across the Thames Valley region.

University staff members can apply for funding to support projects they are involved with either as part of their job or in a voluntary capacity. The projects must also further at least one of the University's charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research.

The Community Engagement Fund provides one-off, small awards (usually around £1,000 per year), as well as larger awards (up to a maximum of £10,000 per year) on a one-off or multi-year basis.

Last year, £67,000 was granted to a total of 18 projects. These included the following three projects:

"We're Going to Hospital" - using VR to help children learn about hospitals

This project uses virtual reality (VR) to help children learn about hospitals and understand their experiences of visiting one. Led by Dr Laura Maftei and Dr Ian Ewart from the School of the Built Environment, the project collaborates with Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) and local schools in Reading.

Researchers created digital replicas of three children's hospital spaces using 360° video cameras to create immersive VR films, 2D films and interactive 3D models.

These replicas were shown to children in Reading schools, providing an interactive way to virtually experience the hospital environment. The schools chosen represented a diverse range of children from different backgrounds, some with special educational needs and disabilities. 

By experiencing the hospital environment in this way, children can help prepare themselves for what to expect if they visit for real, making it a less anxious experience for everyone.

Exploring historical diversity in Berkshire

Historians Dr Richard Blakemore and Dr Daniel Renshaw led a project uncovering stories of ethnically diverse individuals in 18th and 19th century rural Berkshire. Working with the Royal Berkshire Archives (RBA), they introduced local school children to this hidden history.

Research by History PhD student Graham Moore uncovered the story of George Freeman (alias Foray), an African boy brought to England in 1811, aged 11, after being rescued from a Portuguese slave ship. After a brief time in Remenham, Berkshire, he died aged just 17.

Sessions at local schools brought George's story to children of a similar age, encouraging them to consider his life experiences.

The project involved describing historical research processes and transforming evidence into illustrations and fiction. A piece of artwork with accompanying text is being developed for display at the University and RBA.

Geology 'rocks'

The Department of Geography and Environmental Science, led by Dr Hazel McGoff, held a series of 'pop-up geology museum' events in 2024. These events displayed examples of different critical mineral specimens, allowing visitors to handle these items and learn about their uses in modern life.

Displays included minerals from Cornwall, South Africa and Australia. Information posters, mini challenges and conversations with staff provided learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

This year’s winners