Astronomy Research Group
The Group comprises six full time academics plus two RCUK Research Fellows, of lecturer standing. In addition, Prof. Barrie Jones, who retired in late 2006 is an Emeritus Professor. Prof. Glenn White is Head of Group, whilst Prof Nigel Mason, who is active in laboratory astrochemistry, carries out research jointly in this Research Group (under STFC funding) and in Atomic and Molecular Engineering (under EPSRC/NERC funding). Drs. Carole Haswell, Ulrich Kolb, Andrew Norton and Stephen Serjeant have each been in post for several years, and each is a Senior Lecturer. All of these staff are experienced supervisors of postgraduate students. Dr. Simon Clark and Dr. Stephen Lewis were appointed to five-year RCUK fellowships in 2005 and are of Lecturer standing; they are already supervising research students.
Astronomy Group staff are also involved in the development and implementation of a wide range of Open University physics and astronomy undergraduate courses, reflecting the University's unique supported open learning programme which has been developed over the last four decades. We are committed to increasing the public awareness and understanding of our research both through these teaching materials and supporting activities, such as the ongoing BBC/OU StarDate strand of television programmes, for which we act as academic consultants, and the associated open2.net website.
