To celebrate 100 years of our communities, we've planned a vibrant programme of community events, academic conferences, international visits and alumni reunions. We’ll be hosting everything from festivals, lectures and performances to children’s activities and exhibitions.
All centenary events
Centenary tours
Join one of our guided walks to discover fascinating moments from our history, architectural gems, the beauty of our green spaces and the generations of voices who have inspired the University.
19 February–10 December | Whiteknights and London Road campuses | Open to all | Register to attend
just IMAGINE if...
Do you have an idea that addresses a global challenge, such as ending poverty, protecting the planet, or ensuring everyone has a right to health? Submit to just IMAGINE if... and create possibilities for tomorrow.
9 March–24 September | Submit online | Open to all
Centenary community engagement fund
We are proud to launch the Centenary Fund, to look beyond 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose, where great things are achieved by working together.
20 April–21 June | Fundraiser open to all
A look at animal research at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø
Centenary Grant Project
Building on our openness agenda, we are hosting a public event discussing the past, present and future of animal research at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø. The event will feature a film with a walk-through view of our animal research facilities using virtual reality.
4 June
Memoir workshop
This free workshop offers a gentle introduction to memoir writing.
We will explore why we might choose to write about our lives, what can be lost when these stories aren’t recorded, and how to begin writing when you’re not sure where to start.
6 June, 13:30–16:00 | ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Biscuit Factory | Open to all | Booking essential
Imprint
This displays prints in the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's Art Collections by early twentieth-century women artists at the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's School of Art.
9 June 2026–17 January 2027 | Museum of English Rural Life | Open to all
Echoes
This explores student activism and unsung heroes over the last 100 years.
9 June–27 September | Museum of English Rural Life | Open to all
Late at the MERL
Celebrate the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's centenary after-hours at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), with tours, crafts, drinks, a film-screening and a cheese-tasting.
17 June | Tickets are free but booking is required
This special awards ceremony, introduced in our centenary year, celebrates the outstanding contributions of our University staff community. It recognises excellence across all areas, bringing together our existing staff awards schemes in Professional Services, Teaching and Learning, and Research and Innovation.
23 June | Invitation-only
Centenary Community Forum
Bringing together representatives of the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø and our local community to celebrate a century of partnership.
30 June | Invitation only
100 miles for 100 years
Staff member Nathan Bingham is walking 100 miles over five days with local mental health charity Sport in Mind. Join Nathan for the final leg of his walk.
15:00 to 15:30 | 4 August | Whiteknights campus | Open to all
Celebrating the Uniquely Green: 100 Years of Botany
Centenary Grant Project
The finals of are coming to ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, which will host staff and students from across the UK and Ireland. The events will celebrate the influential role of botany teaching and research at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø during the past century, and our alumni who have made significant contributions worldwide.
19 August 2026 | Open to all
Outdoor Learning Garden
To mark our centenary year, we are creating an Outdoor Learning Garden that will benefit University students, local school children and neighbouring community groups, both now and as a legacy for the future.
The Garden celebrates our role as a leading climate science and environmental research institution and will provide a focal point for our outdoor learning activities.
Centenary events
For the full schedule of centenary events, visit the University Events website, or sign up to the University Events for updates.
Help fund future projects
We have launched the Centenary Fund to look beyond our first 100 years and support a future filled with promise and purpose - where great things are achieved by working together.
We’d love you to get involved. Whether you can support just one event or several, your time and contribution will play a vital role in making our centenary celebrations a success.