Research

The Open University’s Faculty of Science is a leading international centre of academic excellence and hosts a vibrant and flourishing research community based in state-of-the-art research facilities at the University’s 40 hectare campus in Milton Keynes, a city that’s one of the fastest-developing areas in the UK.

The Faculty of Science has research expertise across a range of scientific topics and aims to produce high-quality research with an international profile.

We have research groups of international standing in the earth and environmental sciences, planetary and space sciences, astronomy, life sciences and the physical and molecular sciences. Our research shapes the identity of the University’s campus, stimulates our teaching and serves as a springboard for public engagement activities throughout the world. We provide opportunities for post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers to develop and launch their own research careers while working alongside leading international researchers. 

Our research opportunities

The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics that brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas through three major research groupings:

• The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
• Research in Life Sciences
• Research in Atomic, Molecular and Materials Engineering

Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to find solutions to specific scientific and technological problems.

Current research priorities are highlighted in our key research themes, which build on our long-standing areas of excellence. In addition, the Faculty of Science is supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly developing in response to external research opportunities. 

Our research facilities

We have over 4500 square metres of state-of-the-art research laboratories with major research facilities that include:

• One of Europe’s leading centres for isotope mass spectrometry including extensive radiogenic, noble gas and stable isotope mass spectrometry facilities and a new £3 million microbeam facility, including a Cameca Nanosims ion imaging system and dual beam FIB-SEM
• Ultraclean spacecraft instrument testing and assembly, and for handling planetary materials and returned extraterrestrial samples
• A state-of-the-art life sciences research facility including biological containment laboratories, molecular genetics and DNA-sequencing laboratories
• Ultraclean faciltities for handling planetary materials and returned extraterrestrial samples
• Environmental and transmission electron microscopy
• Hypervelocity Impact laboratory
• Newly opened laboratories for research in atomic, molecular and plasma research
• A newly opened facility for interdisciplinary research in ecosystems and geobiology. 

Postgraduate research

The Faculty of Science supports an exceptional programme of training and development for postgraduate research students that provides an organised and structured means by which students can both assess their research skills and plan the development and acquisition of these skills during their PhD studies.