Our Partnership
The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher education for nearly a century. A collaborative community of innovators and pioneers, pushing academic boundaries and leading social change, committed to working together to address the world’s biggest challenges. The University of Reading is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, ranked among the top 200 universities in the world (172nd in the world, 25th in the UK – QS World University Rankings 2025). They are a truly international institution, operating in a highly competitive, global market.
In their 2020-2026 Strategic Plan the university commits to challenge and transform the outlook of the students they educate, improve the lives of their neighbours, the prospects for our country, and the future of our planet. The plan culminates in 2026, the University’s centenary year and continues beyond it, with plans to build on successes to date, grow the student body and strengthen brand and profile around the world. The universities strategic principles extend from the local to the global and they are dedicated to championing innovation and development in their local communities throughout the Thames Valley.
The Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP)
With our new government, a different local political landscape, and changing economic conditions shaping our business and political future, the University has been working, very closely, with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a value proposition for the Thames Valley.
The Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP) has been a catalyst for wider regional investment. Securing multi-million-pound investment, with help from the Chamber, from Shinfield Studios (recently ‘formally’ opened) and attracting two major research facilities from the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, the University has realised an ambition to embed business and industry innovation in the heart of the Thames Valley. Stimulants of economic growth they are examples of how strong partnership can, and will, continue to deliver further inward investment for the benefit of the local area and its people.
Each collaboration highlights the importance and value of partnership and co-developing solutions in the interest of the wider communities that the University serves. These partnerships enable us to leverage our collective strengths, expand our reach, and accelerate progress, as well as upskill and equip the workforce of tomorrow.
Thames Valley Assembly – Parliamentary Question Time event held at the University of Reading, November 2023
