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Research impact

Knowledge exchange is fundamental to the OU's mission to be ‘open to people, places, ideas and methods’. We aim for all research to have a distinct and material impact across the economy, society and cultural life. 

Latest impact case studies

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Research impact

Recognised for research excellence

  • Overall 87 per cent of all OU research was deemed ‘internationally recognised ’ or better in the 2008 RAE
  • 80 per cent of OU research in Art and Design was deemed ‘internationally excellent’ or better
  • 70 per cent of OU research in Earth and Environmental Science and Computer Science was deemed ‘internationally excellent’ or better
  • Art & Design was ranked third in the UK and Development Studies ranked fourth

Embedding public engagement

The Open University is working to embed public engagement with research in our strategic planning and in the work of researchers at all levels. 

We are one of just eight UK institutions to receive Catalyst funding from Research Councils UK for this three-year project.

Find out more about the Catalyst for Public Engagement with Research.


Children's Research Centre runner up in national awards

An Open University centre which empowers children as active researchers was runner up in The Guardian University Awards’ Outstanding Research Impact 2013 category.



The Children’s Research Centre (CRC) trains and supports children to research topics they consider important, leading in some cases to impact on policy or practice.