2024 Research Awards
We’re delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Research Awards. This year’s Awards included a new Interdisciplinary Research category and we received a number of high quality entries on a broad range of topics, reflecting the creativity and impact, and depth and breadth, of research activities taking place across the University.
The Awards celebrate excellent research taking place across the University that addresses real-world problems using interdisciplinary approaches, is built on partnership and collaboration and engages a wide range of audiences.
Research engagement, collaboration and impact take many forms and this year entries were submitted to one of four categories: External Collaboration and Innovation, Interdisciplinary Research, Public Engagement with Research and Research Impact.
Each of the shortlisted projects described here addresses a significant challenge and engages individuals, organisations or communities to bring about positive change: from revitalising Ghana’s cocoa farming to safeguarding mobility for diversity via an LGBTQ+ travel tool. Disciplines represented in the shortlist include Classics, Crop Science, Education, English Literature, Environmental Science, International Development, Law and Meteorology.
Download our 2024 Research Awards brochure to read more about the shortlisted projects or click on the boxes below.
External Collaboration and Innovation
This award celebrates external engagement and the development of lasting and successful non-academic collaborations in research and innovation regionally, nationally or globally.
Winner
Making cocoa farming in Ghana sustainable
More sustainable cocoa farming is now possible thanks to research co-developed by University of Reading crop and soil scientists working with Ghanaian partners. Through participation and training events, farmers and...Read More >
Runner-up
Families flourish through co-created reading initiatives
A community-based project to promote a love of reading among families in low-income areas in Reading is providing benefits beyond improved literacy in children such as increased confidence and better...Read More >
Interdisciplinary Research
This award recognises individuals or teams who undertake original and innovative interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research.
Winner
Transforming UK food systems for disadvantaged communities
An interdisciplinary research team from the University of Reading and four partner universities are working alongside food, government and civil society stakeholders to address food poverty in culturally-diverse disadvantaged communities....Read More >
Runner-up
Building the case for natural farming in India
An innovative interdisciplinary approach combining soil and social sciences has revealed new understanding about the effectiveness of Zero Budget Natural Farming. By providing a holistic approach to support the case...Read More >
Public Engagement with Research
This award recognises achievement in research-led public engagement.
Winner
Monsters and myths inspire young audiences
The 'In the Company of Monsters' exhibition, co-curated by University of Reading researchers, engaged young audiences in museum experiences, using mythology and modern reinterpretations to challenge perceptions of difference. Its...Read More >
Runner-up
Inspiring action on climate change through engaging science
By raising awareness using positive messages and solutions, a Reading climate scientist is educating and engaging others to inspire action to tackle the causes of climate change. The project has...Read More >
Research Impact
This award recognises individuals or teams who have achieved impact from research to address real-world problems and change the world around us, locally, nationally or globally.
Winner
Innovative tool empowers LGBTQ+ travellers
A new online travel tool is helping organisations develop policies for LGBTQ+ international travel and empowering individuals to check their employer’s safeguards.