The Open University and the environmental charity Earthwatch formally launched their partnership in June 2010 to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment
The OU and Earthwatch have been working together since 1979, but the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding last year invigorated the relationship.
Dr Hazel Rymer, Dean and Director of Studies in Science, said: "We are proud that Earthwatch has chosen this university to be their partner in this exciting venture. This is a great opportunity to engage students as volunteers and volunteers as students.
“The global reach of Earthwatch will help us to deliver our new BSc Natural Science to markets we could not otherwise penetrate. The OU and Earthwatch brands fit well together, both seeking participation and engagement in science by the widest possible constituencies."
Nigel Winser, the Earthwatch Executive Vice-President, said: "The launch of our partnership with the Open University is a milestone for Earthwatch. We are inspired by the opportunities this collaboration presents for our work to reach an even greater global network of citizen scientists and it is a privilege to work with such innovative and pioneering individuals.
“OU students will work alongside Earthwatch scientists carrying out vital environmental research, and their learning experiences will contribute to their own academic and personal goals."
Earthwatch have funded OU scientists to investigate geothermal power in Costa Rica and Iceland and to study the environmental impact of persistently active volcanoes in Nicaragua. The essence of an Earthwatch project is that volunteers collect field research data.
The new partnership will enable OU students to count Earthwatch volunteering towards the practical science component of their BSc Natural Science. It will also enable Earthwatch and OU to have more joint research projects and to jointly fund PhD studentships.