public engagement with research

A campaign based around an infographic showing average temperature rises since the pre-industrial era devised by Reading meteorologist Professor Ed Hawkins has been used across the world from the front cover of the Economist to the ties of TV weather reporters in the USA , 

The OPENER project aims to open up environmental research beyond the scientific community. It’s recruiting ‘citizen scientists’ to participate in experiments, training researchers how to involve the public in work, and creating a group of people across the UK to continue this important work in the future.

The election of Nancy Astor, the first female MP to take her seat, changed British democracy for ever. #Astor100 is a major series of academic and public engagements taking place across 2019-2020 celebrating 100 years of women in parliament, curated by Dr Jacqui Turner, lecturer in Modern History at the University of Reading.

Designer Marie Neurath’s appealing and accessible graphic style helped explain complex science subjects to children in the mid-twentieth century. Through an exhibition and teaching resources, Sue Walker has given Neurath’s work the showcase it deserves and encouraged educators to recognise its continued relevance for primary teaching.

Reading International has forged links between artists, communities and venues to create contemporary artworks that spark debate on local and global issues. Reaching over 45,000 people in three years, it is helping to raise the quality of cultural organisation in Reading by applying new curatorial methods that inspire.

Researchers and community partners have come together to support disadvantaged women from local communities to recognise their own skills and strengths. Armed with new confidence and aspirations, many have been able to improve their lives and those of their families.

Re-imagining the high street through your stories’ explores people’s stories of life on Oxford Road in Reading. Through community engagement, local residents and businesses can decide what they want to see happening on their high street, celebrating local heritage and the rich multicultural history of the area.

By influencing national neighbourhood planning policy and informing best practice, research from the University of Reading is facilitating the involvement of citizens in the development of their own communities.

Dr Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai’s ‘Maths Through Stories’ initiative has made it easier for teachers and parents worldwide to harness the power of storytelling to make maths learning more accessible and enjoyable to learners everywhere.