Research at The Open University
Citizenship and Governance
OU research is rethinking the changing relationships between citizens and authorities in the 21st century. Its scope ranges from global issues like migration, to the increasing scrutiny of private lives.
Find out more about our research into Citizenship and Governance.
International Development
International Development research at the OU is pioneering a different approach which we call ‘inclusive innovation’. We are working with poor and marginalised people developing their own solutions.
Find out more about the OU's international development research.
Space
The OU is one of the top three university space science centres in the UK. OU scientists play key roles in iconic missions, such as Rosetta, the first comet landing.
Find out more about what we do and how space helps economic growth.
Education
The Open University is the European leader for massive innovations in learning technologies which have worldwide influence and deliver digital education at scale.
Find out more about our pioneering research in Education.
Postgraduate research students
The OU has a vibrant international community of research students working in state-of-the-art facilities with academics who are leading experts in their disciplines.
Browse our winning postgraduate posters.
Open Research Online database
OU research is available to all via our free public access online repository, home to thousands of peer-reviewed publications.
Read the OU research paper on Learning Designs using a Learning Analytics approach.
Latest news
-
Computer modelling to probe impacts of ambitious carbon capture scheme
Open University expertise in modelling complex environmental systems, will be supporting one of the... read more
-
'Rain and drought' laboratory will help us protect rare species
Can we protect some of Britain's most diverse and precious ecosystems from the effects of climate... read more
-
Mission to Mars prepares for blast off
On Monday 14 March, Britain is heading back to Mars to look for signs of life. Establishing whether... read more
-
International Women's Day plea for more women in IT
The OU has launched a video for International Women’s Day (8 March) to highlight a project that... read more
-
Why sports people convicted of violence against women forfeit their right to be 'stars'
When Floyd Mayweather took on Manny Pacquiao last year in what was billed as the “fight of the... read more
-
Open University wins grant to boost physics in Slovakia
Open University expertise will help to boost the skills of researchers in Slovakia working in the... read more
-
Creating a model 'smart city' in Milton Keynes
The Open University is leading the MK:Smart research programme, which is transforming its home town... read more
-
Boris delivers Brexit body blow for sterling, but long term picture is murkier
Most prospective prime ministers would be mildly embarrassed if a boost to their chances made... read more
-
OU academic supports Pale Red Dot campaign
Dr Carole Haswell at The Open University’s Faculty of Science has expressed her support for the... read more
-
OU alumnus interviewed on research in Africa in the Lancet
An Open University (OU) alumnus who is Head of Training at one of the OU’s Affiliated Research... read more
