University of Reading’s Groundbreaking Research Earns THE Awards Spotlight

University of Reading’s Groundbreaking Research Earns THE Awards Spotlight

The University of Reading, a distinguished UK institution with origins dating back to 1892 and full university status conferred in 1926, continues to uphold its reputation for academic excellence and global engagement. Consistently ranked among the top 30 UK universities, Reading attracts students from over 160 countries and is widely recognised for its pioneering research and commitment to sustainability. Reading University, known for its Green Flag-awarded Whiteknights campus, excels in agriculture, business, climate science, and arts, contributing globally through research and inclusive education.

In a year defined by innovation and societal relevance across the UK’s higher education sector, the University of Reading has distinguished itself by being shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025. Its researchers have been commended for projects addressing both global agricultural challenges and national healthcare priorities, reinforcing the institution’s role in delivering research with tangible benefits.

One of the shortlisted initiatives is an international collaboration led by Dr Andrew Daymond and Professor Tom Sizmur, nominated for the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year. Their project, developed in partnership with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, explores the use of compost derived from cocoa pod husks to improve crop yields. Findings from the 2024 season revealed that farmers applying five tonnes of compost per hectare achieved yield increases of nearly 40 per cent. Furthermore, over 1,000 farmers and extension agents participated in field-based workshops, demonstrating Reading’s active role in advancing life sciences, nutritional science and sustainable agricultural practices.

Simultaneously, Professor Weizi Li and Nicholas Berin Chan from Henley Business School have been nominated for Research Project of the Year (STEM) for their work in artificial intelligence aimed at reducing missed appointments within the NHS. Collaborating with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, their team analysed more than half a million appointments to identify key risk factors such as deprivation and mental health concerns. By developing the first university-led AI decision-support system within the NHS, they enabled staff to proactively contact high-risk patients with tailored interventions. The initiative reportedly reduced missed appointments by 40 per cent and delivered estimated cost savings of £250,000.

The Times Higher Education Awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious recognition of excellence in UK and Irish higher education, celebrating achievements in research, teaching, leadership and professional services. Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, stated that the nominations reflected Reading’s commitment to research that addresses real-world challenges. She emphasised that the University’s researchers were actively contributing to solutions for some of society’s most pressing issues, both locally and globally. University representatives noted that these nominations underscore Reading’s interdisciplinary strengths, spanning computer science, health sciences, business management and science and technology. The institution’s achievements further highlight its role as a centre for innovation in biomedical sciences, public policy, international relations and education management.

The Berkshire campus has long been recognised for its contributions to both global and local development, offering a wide range of academic programmes including degree courses, teacher training, speech and language therapy, construction management, architectural engineering and graphic design. With strong foundations in English language and literature, alongside cutting-edge research in science and technology, the University of Reading continues to consolidate its position as one of the UK’s most forward-looking and impactful institutions. The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards 2025 will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Thursday, 13 November, with updates to be shared via the University’s official channels and national higher education news platforms. Reading’s dual nominations affirm its standing as a university where research excellence meets real-world impact.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Reading’s dual nominations at the Times Higher Education Awards 2025 are not just a moment of celebration; they are a clear signal of what modern research excellence looks like. In a sector often defined by tradition, Reading stands out for its ability to combine academic rigour with real-world relevance. These shortlisted projects, one addressing sustainable cocoa farming in Ghana and the other tackling missed NHS appointments through artificial intelligence, demonstrate how universities can lead global and national change through collaboration, innovation and purpose. What makes this recognition particularly noteworthy is the breadth of disciplines involved. From environmental science and biological research to business analytics and healthcare technology, Reading has shown that impactful research does not sit in silos. It thrives in interdisciplinary spaces, where ideas are shared across borders and sectors. The University’s partnership with institutions in Ghana and its collaboration with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust reflect a research culture that is outward-looking, inclusive and deeply committed to public good. Moreover, these nominations reinforce Reading’s strategic leadership. Under the guidance of Professor Parveen Yaqoob and others, the University has prioritised research that delivers tangible benefits, whether it’s improving crop yields for farmers or saving the NHS thousands of pounds while supporting vulnerable patients. This is not research for prestige alone; it is research with purpose. Reading’s success also speaks to the strength of its academic environment. With a campus known for sustainability, a diverse international student body, and a curriculum that spans everything from climate science to architectural engineering, the University continues to shape the future of higher education. Its ability to respond to global challenges while remaining rooted in community needs is precisely what makes it one of the UK’s most forward-thinking institutions.

According to Skoobuzz, Reading’s THE Awards 2025 nominations solidify its position as a leading, impactful, and visionary UK university, setting standards in societal value and inclusive innovation.

FAQs

1. Why was the University of Reading shortlisted for THE Awards 2025? 
The University was shortlisted in two categories for its impactful research addressing global agricultural challenges and national healthcare needs. One project focused on sustainable cocoa production in Ghana, while another used artificial intelligence to reduce missed NHS appointments. These nominations reflect Reading’s commitment to research that delivers tangible societal benefits.

2. What AI projects are recognised at the University of Reading? 
Reading’s AI research was recognised for developing the first university-led decision-support system within the NHS. Led by Professor Weizi Li and Nicholas Berin Chan, the project analysed over 500,000 appointments to identify non-attendance risks, reducing missed appointments by 40% and saving an estimated £250,000. The University has also been acknowledged for its work in predictive maintenance and AI-driven public health modelling.

3. What is the role of cocoa research at the University of Reading?
Reading has been a global leader in cocoa research since the 1980s. Its work includes climate resilience studies, genetic diversity conservation, and sustainable farming practices. The recent Ghana collaboration demonstrated that compost made from cocoa pod husks increased yields by nearly 40%, with over 1,000 farmers trained through field workshops.

4. Is the University of Reading strong in artificial intelligence research? 
Yes. Reading ranks among the UK’s top AI research hubs, with 100% of its Computer Science research impact rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ in the latest national assessment. It hosts the Thames Valley AI Hub and offers interdisciplinary AI programmes through its Computer Science department and Henley Business School.

5. How does the University of Reading support international students? 
Reading supports over 4,500 international students from more than 160 countries. Services include visa guidance, accommodation support, scholarships, pre-sessional English programmes, and a dedicated Global Study Lounge. Students benefit from tailored wellbeing services, cultural integration activities, and career development resources.

6. Which science and technology projects are leading at the University of Reading? 

Key initiatives include:

• AI for NHS decision support
• Climate-resilient cocoa farming
• Agrimetrics for agri-food innovation
• Sustainable food systems through EIT Food
• Climate solutions via the Institute for Environmental Analytics
• Biomedical and ecological research supported by the Health and Life Sciences Zone

7. What is the ranking of the University of Reading, UK? 
Reading is ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK and within the top 250 globally. It performs strongly in environmental science, international outlook, and research impact, and is consistently recognised for its teaching quality and sustainability leadership.

8. Does the University of Reading offer artificial intelligence university courses? 
Yes. Reading offers:

• BSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Applied AI for Business
• MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence

These programmes combine technical expertise with practical applications and benefit from strong industry partnerships in the Thames Valley region.

9. How can students apply now to the University of Reading? 
Applications for undergraduate courses are submitted through UCAS using the University’s institution code. Postgraduate and foundation programmes are available via the University’s online application portal. Deadlines vary by course, and support is available for visa processing, scholarships, and accommodation arrangements.

10. What research projects are making news at the University of Reading?
Recent highlights include:

• AI for inflammatory arthritis prediction
• Climate tipping point modelling
• Medieval ritual landscape archaeology
• Privacy in embedded AI systems
• Rodent-borne pathogen studies
• Publishing history and digital humanities

These projects span health, climate, heritage, and data science, showcasing Reading’s interdisciplinary research excellence.