General

This summer we can follow a blog of an OU Geosciences graduate as he joins a volcanic observation centre in Ecuador. David Litchfield’s participation in the mission to monitor Mama Tungurahua, a 5023 metres high volcano, is secured with an OU bursary, but is far from being a risk-free adventure.

Since he joined the centre, the volcano exploded, sending shockwaves felt hundreds of kilometres away and forcing 200 local residents to flee, as reported by the BBC.

Tungurahua, which means ‘throat of fire’ in indigenous language, has been active on irregular basis since 1999, on occasions threatening local population, with thousands of people being temporarily evacuated and six deaths recorded in 2006.

David declares his broad interest in hazard monitoring methods and how geoscientists communicate their findings with those who need it. The Tungurahua Volcanic Observatory he is now based in provides a 40-minute early warning of lahars (volcanic mudflows) that threaten the nearby town of Baños and other local populations.

David will spend eight weeks at the base. He earned his placement there thanks to a number of factors, including: his enthusiasm, his knowledge of Spanish and the country, as well as to his backing from the OU.

He says: ‘I was successful in applying for financial support through the Ian Gass Bursary from the Open University where I studied undergraduate geosciences.’

David Litchfield is currently studying part-time for an MSc in Geophysical Hazards at UCL.

Since David wrote his first post, significant eruptive activity has been reported at the Tungurahua volcano. David will be writing about this in a subsequent blog post. He invites your comments and questions.

Posted on 30 July 2013.
 

Get ready to quiz OU academics on the issues that matter to you.

This is your time to drive conversation with some of Britain’s leading academics. Simply vote on our Facebook Poll, let us know which of our inspiring academics you’d like Desk Time with, and log back in on Friday (12-2pm) to ask the questions that really matter to you.

Vote on the poll now: http://on.fb.me/15ZtpeR

The three academics are - in no particular order:

Katie Chicot - Infinity
Questions around infinity have helped mathematicians to solve some very practical problems. OU Mathematician Katie Chicot is ready to explore the mysteries and misconceptions of infinity with you, from ancient puzzles to the latest mathematical research.

Kristina Hultgren - Communication
The OU’s linguistics expert Kristina is looking at how communications have changed over the last few decades, and what different countries can tell us about socio-cultural, economic and political changes in the way we communicate.

Ellie Dommett - Cognitive Enhancement
Recent news reports estimate that 10% of university students take smart-drugs to improve brain performance. Dr Ellie Dommett is ready to discuss the impact these drugs have on the brain, and what questions we should be asking to inform the choice on smart drugs.

Posted on 22 July 2013.

The OU wishes to commission four artists to celebrate 50 years since Harold Wilson announced his plans for a 'University of the Air'. The OU is using this key date as an opportunity to celebrate OU research and its impact on society today.

In September 1963, Harold Wilson launched the idea of the 'University of the Air' which became The Open University (OU) in 1969.

The OU is launching an innovative arts commission worth up to £20,000 for artists and companies of all media to deliver one of four – one per home nation – art projects around the themes of design and technology, arts and humanities, science and social science. The artist/company can be based in any location across the nation within which they live/work.

The closing date for submission of an expression of interest is 2 August 2013 (5pm).

The final arts performance, installation or event will take place over three days in late October or early November in Milton Keynes (design and technology), Belfast (arts and humanities), Cardiff (social sciences) and Edinburgh (science) and create a memorable and unique audience experience.

The commission will challenge artists of all media and seeks to:

• Celebrate the impact Open University research has had on society
• Promote innovation and excellence in the Arts
• Provide a memorable audience experience

A dedicated PR team has been commissioned to publicise the winning submissions to the art world and beyond.

Application details.

Posted on 16 July 2013.