image: Professor Sam Wass and the The Queen's Reading Room
Credit: University of East London and The Queen's Reading Room
A second major neuroscience research project has been unveiled by The Queen's Reading Room, the charity founded by Her Majesty Queen Camilla. In partnership with The Bentley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bentley Motors, and led by Professor Sam Wass at the University of East London, the laboratory controlled study will explore the physiological and psychological impact of shared reading groups and book clubs, deepening understanding of how reading together may reduce stress, strengthens social bonds, and improves mental health.
Building upon The Queen's Reading Room's groundbreaking 2024 primary study, which inferred that just five minutes of reading can reduce stress by nearly 20%, this second phase of research will employ rigorous scientific methodology to examine the transformative effects of reading within group settings and book clubs.
The study arrives at a moment when loneliness and social isolation have been identified as significant public health challenges. Early findings from The Queen's Reading Room's initial research demonstrated that reading fiction can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness by 70%, a discovery of particular importance given neuroscientific evidence linking social isolation to increased risk of dementia. By examining both individual responses and the collective impact within reading groups, this new research will provide vital evidence to support the expansion of shared reading initiatives across communities nationwide.
The partnership with The Bentley Foundation reflects a shared commitment to advancing life chances through meaningful investment. The research directly underpins The Queen's Reading Room's vital grassroots work, including partnerships with homelessness charity, St Mungo's and The Elm Foundation, a domestic violence charity. Should the study support the hypothesis that shared reading delivers measurable benefits for stress reduction and mental wellbeing, the resulting data will become an invaluable resource for the charity as it deepens its work, as well as for organisations and those seeking to strengthen community resilience.
This partnership represents an important moment for The Bentley Foundation as it widens its historic focus on environment and sustainability to introduce two additional pillars: Arts & Culture, and Education. The collaboration with The Queen's Reading Room, an established British cultural institution, exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to supporting education, access, talent development, and initiatives that align with its emphasis on heritage, legacy, and long term value.
As one of the leading literary charities conducting neuroscientific research into reading and wellbeing, The Queen's Reading Room's findings are expected to provide crucial evidence about reading's essential role in national health and community cohesion.
Vicki Perrin, Chief Executive of The Queen's Reading Room, said:
“We have always believed passionately in the transformative power of reading, and our first study revealed glimpses of its remarkable effects on improving wellbeing and connection.
We are deeply grateful to The Bentley Foundation for enabling us to go further, exploring what happens when people gather to share stories and connect over the pages of a book.
Our mission has always been about lighting little fires, inspiring readers everywhere to find comfort, joy, and community in literature. Through this research, we hope to encourage people to make room for reading in their lives, demonstrating that these shared moments with books can truly transform us.”
Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEIB Officer, and responsible for The Bentley Foundation, said:
“At The Bentley Foundation, we believe that long-term social impact is created when cultural enrichment, education, and wellbeing intersect.
The Queen’s Reading Room exemplifies this philosophy, combining heritage and literature with rigorous scientific research to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time - loneliness, stress, and social disconnection.
We are proud to support this pioneering study, which has the potential not only to deepen understanding of how shared reading strengthens human connection, but also to provide robust evidence that can inform communities and charities and the actions they take.
This partnership marks an important step in our expanded commitment to arts and culture and global education, and reflects our belief in initiatives that deliver lasting value for individuals and society.”
"Professor Sam Wass, University of East London, said:
“This study gives us a unique opportunity to understand what happens, psychologically and physiologically, when people read together.
While previous research has shown the benefits of reading alone, far less is known about the impact of shared reading on stress, social connection and mental wellbeing.
By applying rigorous neuroscientific methods to shared reading groups and book clubs, we aim to build a clearer evidence base for how these collective experiences shape connection and belonging.
It is a privilege to lead this work at the University of East London in partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room and The Bentley Foundation, and to explore how research can support real-world approaches to tackling loneliness and improving wellbeing.”
The study results are expected to be published by World Mental Health Day 2026 (Saturday 10th October), with findings to be shared with organisations, and partners working to promote reading.