From Nobel Peace Prizes and Olympic medal designs, to Climate Stripes, Rubens discoveries and satellites in space, the final two decades of our centenary story are packed with moments that put the University of Reading on the world stage.
As we reach the final instalment of our centenary highlights series, we look back on the years 2006 to 2026 – exploring the people, discoveries and milestones that have shaped Reading over the past two decades and continue to influence our community today.
We also hear from Reading graduates who studied with us during this time and who helped define the University we are today.
Did you know?…
Did you know? In 2007, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – which included Reading scientists – was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The first IPCC was held in 1990 and featured contributions from Reading scientists, including Professor Keith Shine.
Today, the University still hosts major workshops for the IPCC and this year brought together more than 100 climate experts and policymakers to work on strengthening global understanding of climate challenges.
Find out more about the IPCC workshops and listen in to their discussions
Did you know? In 2007, Reading alumnus Michael Rosen was made Children’s Laureate.
Today, we have many graduates making waves in the literary world, writing books and contributing to modern literature.
Find out more about our English Literature graduates
Read graduate and poet, A.F.Harold’s, story
Did you know? In 2008, The Charlie Waller Institute launched. The Institute trains its students’ in psychological practices, in particular those recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Today, the Institute has successfully trained over 2,700 practitioners and in 2026 was selected as the University of Reading’s Charity of the Year.
Find out more about the Charlie Waller Institute
Did you know? In 2012, fine art alumnus David Watkins designed the medals for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Today, we have seen many of our graduates successfully compete in or involved in the Olympic Games.
Read stories about our alumni and the Olympic Games
Did you know? In 2012, the Minghella Building was opened and became home to a £11m centre for film, theatre and television (FTT) students.
Today, the University and studios are key partners of Screen Berkshire, a BFI-funded training programme helping to develop the next generation of filmmakers.
And now… The UK’s largest new film studio, Shadowbox Studios, opened in 2024 at the University’s Thames Valley Business Park.
Hear stories from our FTT graduates
Did you know? In 2013, a sketch owned by the University of Reading was confirmed as a work by seventeenth-century artist Sir Peter Paul Rubens and valued at £75k. This is one of the many exciting finds from our archives, which also includes a 500-year-old William Caxton print worth £100,000.
Find out more about Sir Peter Paul Rubens work:
Today, the reading room archives are open to the public, providing researchers and visitors the opportunity to explore the University’s rich collections and conduct their own historical research.
Find out more about visiting the Special Collections
Did you know? In 2013, Professor Keith Shine became Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science as part of the expansion of Regius Chairs to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, making us one of only 20 UK universities to have had Regius Professorships at the time.
Find out more about Professor Keith Shine
Today, we have had two holders of the Regius Professorship. In 2026, one of the UK’s leading experts on weather and flooding, Professor Hannah Cloke OBE, was appointed Regius Professor in Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading.
Find out more about Professor Hannah Cloke OBE
Did you know? In 2015, the University of Reading Art Collection was established.
Today, the collection is comprised of around 1,500 works of painting, drawing, sculpture, and graphic art, including many pieces of national and international significance. Much of the collection can now be viewed from anywhere in the world on the Bloomberg Connects app.
Find out more about the Bloomberg Connects app
Visit the University of Reading Art Collection
Did you know? In 2016, the University officially launched the University of Reading Malaysia.
Today, the University of Reading Malaysia has celebrated their 10th anniversary.
And, this year presented an Honorary Doctorate of Psychology to Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
Find out more about the University of Reading Malaysia centenary celebrations
Did you know? In 2018, Professor Ed Hawkins created the Climate Stripes. These ‘warming stripe’ graphics are visual representations of the change in temperature as measured in each country, region or city over the past 100+ years. Each stripe or bar represents the temperature in that country, region or city averaged over a year.
Today, the Climate Stripes have been projected onto iconic landmarks worldwide and used as the cover image of Greta Thunberg’s Climate Book. They have appeared on the stages of countless music festivals and have even been to space.
And, you can download the climate stripes that represent your own region.
Download your own Climate Stripes
Did you know? In 2019, the £40m refurbishment of the University of Reading Library was completed.
Today, the library houses over 755,800 catalogued items of print stock, over 1,550 study seats and is central in our students and staff University experience – with over 21,700 members.
And, as a University of Reading graduate you are entitled to a discounted University library borrowing membership.
Find out more about alumni library memberships
Did you know? In 2023, the University of Reading was awarded the University of Sanctuary award and now holds University of Sanctuary status. The University of Sanctuary Award recognises ‘universities that have gone above and beyond to provide an understanding, compassionate, and safe experience that would enable people seeking sanctuary to thrive and recognise their potential’.
Today, 12 Sanctuary Scholarships are available each year for sanctuary seekers, helping to address the educational disruption that can result from displacement.
Did you know? In 2023, Royal Botanical Gardens Kew announced plans to move their herbarium collection to the University’s Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP).
Today, TVSP is already home to the British Museum Archaeological Research Collection, and the Natural History Museum’s £200m new science and collections facility is currently under construction.
Did you know? In 2024, the Reading Students’ Union had special guests Dick and Dom perform a DJ set at the Summer Ball.
Today, the Summer Ball has seen acts from: RAYE, Caity Baser, Becky Hill, Sub Focus, Disciples, Katy B and even Wheatus.
Did you know? In 2024, EarthCARE satellite was launched. Conceived in 1993 by Reading’s own Professor Anthony Illingworth, the satellite was created to revolutionise our understanding of the role that clouds and aerosol particles play in climate change. The satellite was launched on one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets in May 2024, just over 30 years after its inception.
Today, EarthCare tracked the 2026 summer wildfire-induced storms and observed the effects of these fires in the atmosphere, witnessing the first pyrocumulonimbus cloud ever seen in France and the dimming of skies across Canada.
Did you know? In 2025, Reading was named Sustainable University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Find out more about our Sustainable University of the Year ranking
Did you know? In 2025, celebrity stars came to Reading. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter explored our Beckett Collection ahead of their Broadway production of Waiting for Godot.
Find out more about the Beckett Collection
Did you know? Our alumni community spans the globe. Over the past 100 years, more than 300,000 students have graduated from the University of Reading.
Today, we pride ourselves on connecting generations of Reading graduates across countries, industries and communities.
Alumni memories
It’s not just our campus that holds these stories. We also heard from Reading graduates whose own University memories and highlights span the years 2006-2026 – moments of friendship, love, discovery, and lifelong connection.
For 2007 law graduate, Abigail Wiafe-Akenteng, life in halls and the beauty of the campus grounds made her time at Reading memorable. She shared: “I spent all three years living at the former Sibly Hall and while it wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing building, I have many fond memories of my time there. I initially dreaded the long walks to Foxhill House for tutorials but grew to love the beauty of the nature along the way. We were all slightly terrified of Foxhill and convinced it was haunted!
“It has been nearly 20 years since I completed my studies at Reading, and I no longer live in the UK, but I miss it dearly. Whenever I visit the UK, I drive by the campus with my family and point out the buildings that shaped my university years.”
2007 zoology graduate, Emma Deacon, had memories of life in halls and lasting friendships. She shared:
“University was my first experience away from home. My halls of residence were Blagrave Halls on Bulmershe Campus. One memory that stands out is mugs constantly being smashed in the kitchen, with everyone blaming each other – until we caught a squirrel in the act! It snuck in the window, caused havoc then left each morning.
“I also remember early Christmas celebrations where we did secret Santa and opened presents in our pyjamas. I absolutely loved my time at Reading, certainly lifelong memories and friends made.”
University life was defined by community, student activism and unforgettable adventures for 2019 English literature graduate, Molli Cleaver. She remembered:
“A lot has changed since I was a student – in my first year, Edith Morley was still called HumSS and we had to submit our assignments and buy tickets for events in person. You would queue to submit essays and wait for your receipt, and the queue for the Summer Ball tickets was so long it would run past the Library!
“I was SU President 2019-20, a time during UCU strikes and would head out to the picket line in front of campus each morning to serve hot drinks to members of staff striking. I also remember students campaigning for the University to divest from fossil fuels and the student encampment in the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
“I was also part of RAG in my second and third year – we ran lots of challenges including ‘Lost’ where we would drop the students taking part in a random location across the country and they’d have to find their own way back without spending any money or using their phone for directions!”
For Bryan Dugan, who came to Reading from the University of Oklahoma in 2012 to study typography, a year abroad became an opportunity to build international friendships and discover new interests. He recalled:
“Studying at Reading was my first time out of the country, and although I was definitely nervous Reading ended up being a welcoming home away from home. I made so many friends from all over the world and really discovered so many new aspects of myself.
“I enrolled in typography and Deaf Studies and have so many fond memories of professors in both departments and the other students on my course. The professors were so welcoming to international students and wanted to ensure we got the most out of our time in Reading.
“I was able to do so many hands-on projects in the typography department, and I still have those projects on display at my home in Oklahoma! The study abroad experience was a chance to explore my independence, make new friends, and even discover my love for running by running around the beautiful campus. I really appreciate Reading for allowing this little country kid a chance to come to the University and to learn so much about myself.”
For 2024 human geography graduate, Ho-Kit Lam, starting university after the pandemic brought unexpected connections. He shared: “It was a bit of an unknown joining the University as we came out of the pandemic, but I soon realised everyone was in the same boat. My favourite memory came from my first year when post-it note messages were put in our bedroom windows. Through those impromptu hello messages in different languages, I eventually met some of my best friends.
“I also remember a very early morning walk along the coast during our first field trip to Glastonbury, when a group of friends and I watched a lovely sunrise. Now, as a member of staff, I still get to enjoy the greenery and peace of the Harris Garden.”
For Anthony Biyogo, who completed his MA in international relations in 2024, a University scholarship helped make his postgraduate studies possible. He expressed his gratitude:
“The University of Reading’s partial subject scholarship played a vital role in enabling me, as an international student, to pursue and complete my studies. I am pleased to share that I successfully graduated in December 2024, an achievement that would not have been possible without the generous support from the scholarship. I am truly grateful for the University’s commitment to supporting students in reaching their academic and professional goals.”
For Yannick Terrasa, who came to Reading from France through the Erasmus Programme in 2014–15, her year abroad brought lasting friendships and some of the happiest memories of his life. She shared:
“I have so many fond memories of studying, going to lectures, learning so much and partying in the halls or at Park Bar.
“I carry the University of Reading deeply in my heart – it is where I had one of the most amazing years of my life. I met so many people, some of whom became true friends. Aida, one of those friends, was my maid of honour when I got married last year.”
For 2025 graduate, Akash Kumar, working as a Student Ambassador gave him the opportunity to represent Reading and inspire prospective students. He reflected:
“My fondest memories are from working as a Student Ambassador and representing Reading at different events. I had the opportunity to share my experiences with prospective students, some of whom went on to study at Reading. I felt the work I did had a positive impact on someone’s life.
“Reading gave me a platform to express myself. I got my first job here, had amazing professors and met people who are still really close to me.”
Share your Story
This may be the final instalment of our highlights series, but it’s far from the end of our story.
The University invites you to reflect on Reading’s journey so far through its Centenary Wall of Wishes – a chance to share your message and celebrate this momentous year.
You can submit your message via the Centenary Wall of Wishes form.
Revisit Cheers to 100 Years!
Missed one in our series? Revisit our entire highlights series.
