By Professor Robert Van de Noort
As we approach the end of another year, it is good to celebrate our successes with each other.
Looking back over the past 12 months at the University, 2022 has been a good year by many measures. More final year students have told us they are happy with their experiences on campus in the National Student Survey. We’ve seen more of our research being judged as world-leading or internationally excellent, and after the uncertainties of recent years we have welcomed a good number of first-year undergraduate students this September. And Reading reached the final of University Challenge, coming within touching distance of victory.
We’ve announced exciting collaborations with Reading FC and Reading Buses using our climate stripes, to raise awareness of the fight against climate change, and we are working with STEM Learning to improve climate education in schools and colleges across the country. The Natural History Museum announced that it will open a major new research facility at the University’s Thames Valley Science Park, next to the British Museum’s Archaeological Research Collection, creating opportunities for our students and researchers.
These are achievements of the whole University community, a group of more than 20,000 students and staff. I am proud and grateful to all of them, and hope they take time to celebrate these collective achievements as we go into the festive period.
Of course, our mission to make a difference in the world continues 365 days a year. That means working to support each other through good times and bad, and the challenges the world faces – as well as the challenges we can all face as individuals – can seem daunting. But that’s why I love our community at the University, and the wider community in Reading and Wokingham. We show each other that we care, and that we are acting not for ourselves, but for the common good.
That community comes to the fore at Christmas. We have some fantastic events on campus in the run up to Christmas that are open to everyone.
The Winter Festival takes place on our Whiteknights campus from 5.30pm this evening (Thursday 1 December). Come along for carols, festive treats, an arts and crafts market and our famous food market.
On Monday 5 December a carol service will be held in the students’ union with traditional carols, readings and musical performances. The service will also include an opportunity to donate to local and international charities.
The following Sunday, 11 December, we are hosting this year’s Reading Rotary Santa Run, a great event which will raise some much-needed funds for two local charities.
Excitingly, on Tuesday 20 December, our Children’s Christmas Lecture is back. This year, Professor Adrian Bell, an expert in the history of money and finance, will be explaining everything there is to know about money. I apologise if it leads to your children and grandchildren requesting an inflation-busting increase in pocket money.
All events, apart from the charity Santa Run, are free of charge, although booking for some events is required. Head to the Events page on our University website for more information, as well as to find out about other University events that might be of interest.
I for one am looking forward to the opportunity to come together with staff, students and local residents to celebrate past achievements, enjoy being together again and looking ahead to the promise of the coming year.
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading
