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Impact
Open University research is designed to be open and to influence policy and practice and change lives for the better.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) shows that research undertaken at The Open University is both world-leading and has an impact in the real world.
We maximise our impact through major collaborations with external organisations ranging from public bodies to third-sector to business, benefiting the economy, society and cultural life. Some examples of our impact, across a range of areas, are set out below:
Human and Animal health, welfare and wellbeing
Promoting action for autistic people
Our research has helped to challenge common stereotypes of autism and promote action for autistic people worldwide.
Reducing abortion stigma
Our research is challenging stigma surrounding abortion and improving related care.
Creativity, culture, learning and participation
Using religious history to promote social cohesion
Our research has alerted key decision makers to the importance of historically informed religious literacy as a means of avoiding potential conflict.
Using keyword signing for more inclusive teaching in Indonesian classrooms
We have introduced keyword signing into classrooms in Indonesia, enabling children with special educational needs to participate.
Improving student retention
Our research has produced software which can reduce student drop-out rates.
Enhanced, ethical performance and professional practice
Reading for pleasure: changing professional practice
Our research is having a positive impact on children’s reading for pleasure and changing teachers’ professional practice
Transforming English language teaching in Bangladesh
We have transformed the way English is taught in schools in Bangladesh, improving the lives of more than six million children.
Policy and law
Revealing the dangers of hands-free phone use
Our research is informing policy on the need to reconsider current mobile phone legislation.
Environment
Transforming attitudes about the health of our oceans
Our research raised issues of ocean health into the public consciousness through informing Blue Planet II.
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