The OU named Knowledge Partner for Milton Keynes International Festival

Posted on 15 July 2025 • Around the OU, University news

The Open University (OU) has been named official Knowledge Partner for the Milton Keynes International Festival (MK:IF) 2025, running from 18–27 July.

In a vibrant 10-day celebration of arts, science, and culture, the OU will bring its world-class research, creativity, and academic expertise directly into the heart of the community.

A dynamic programme of free, open-to-all events will offer visitors of all ages the chance to explore cutting-edge ideas — from space exploration and climate change to music, storytelling, and community life.

Exploring space, right here in Milton Keynes

The OU will showcase its space research during the festival, ranging from the open-air display of the 7m diameter Mars Globe, made by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, to visits to research laboratories and opportunities to interact with researchers working on the topics of Moon and Mars exploration.

There are also dedicated lectures and panel discussions covering various space exploration topics, including a public lecture by Luke Jerram, and hands-on experiences led by OU academics.

Professor Mahesh Anand, who recently hit space science headlines after being awarded coveted ‘moon dust’ for research, is the academic coordinator of OU’s Space contribution to MKIF. Prof Anand commented:

“We are extremely excited and proud to share with the public our world-leading space research, which is taking place at the Walton Hall campus of The Open University in Milton Keynes.

“Through our partnership with MKIF, we hope to engage audiences from all walks of life and inspire the next generation of workforce for the space economy. As we also mark the International Moon Day on 20^th July, I invite all citizens and visitors in Milton Keynes to the OU over the forthcoming weekend to learn about our shared vision of exploring space for the benefit of all.”

Mars Globe viewing times

The touring Mars Globe installation by Luke Jerram will be hosted at the OU’s Milton Keynes campus outside the Berill Building (weather permitting) and open to all. The seven-metre-wide piece depicts the planet Mars at a 1:1 million scale, using high-resolution NASA imagery to reveal valleys, volcanoes, and ancient craters in incredible detail. The installation will be open to the public:

• Friday 18 & Saturday 19 July (10am–9pm)

• Sunday 20 July (10am–4pm)

Location: Outside the Berrill Building, The Open University, MK7 6AA

A Festival of Curiosity, Creativity, and Community

Ceri Rose, Director of Strategy, Marketing and Communications at The Open University, said:

“The Open University is proud to be supporting Milton Keynes International Festival this year as its official Knowledge Partner. 

“The OU is a global leader in higher education, able to reach every adult in the United Kingdom — and many others across the world — with the opportunity to learn and achieve. This aligns with Milton Keynes International Festival’s mission for the local community to see a different side of Milton Keynes and attend some amazing knowledge exchange and community participation events. 

As a university founded right here in Milton Keynes, we’re excited to bring some of our world-leading research, creative collaborations, and inspiring academics into the heart of the festival. Whether it’s through hands-on experiences, thought-provoking talks, or community-driven workshops, we look forward to engaging with festivalgoers of all ages. 

Together, we’re celebrating curiosity, creativity and the power of learning to change lives.” 

The full OU programme can be found on the MK:IF website.