OU News

News from The Open University

Cindy’s story: “Anything is possible”

Cindy’s story: “Anything is possible”

In 2003, Cindy Vanstone’s world was turned upside down. Her son was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and needed care around the clock, causing Cindy to give up work and care for him full-time. “Before then, my life would have been considered pretty normal,” says Cindy. “I had a good job in finance, a beautiful daughter and […]

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Shrouded stars

OU researchers make new discoveries set to reveal the geology of planets outside our Solar System

Three OU astronomers today announce ground-breaking discoveries allowing scientists to understand planets outside our Solar System. Professor Carole Haswell, Dr Daniel Staab and Dr John Barnes discovered three, new, nearby planetary systems. Research led by Professor Haswell found the exoplanets – planets outside the Solar System – as part of the Dispersed Matter Planet Project […]

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The OU at 50

50 years of history: the objects that made the OU

Fifty years ago, Harold Wilson and Jennie Lee made history. In April 1969, The Open University received its Royal Charter and their vision of a University that would open up education for all was finally brought to life. Since those exciting first years, the OU’s Archive team have kept a record of almost everything the […]

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“I’m not sure where I’d have been without the OU”

“I’m not sure where I’d have been without the OU”

As an unmarried single mother in the 1970s, Elizabeth Tye found it difficult to make her dreams of university come true. After two attempts of studying at a conventional brick university, in 1972, 23-year-old Elizabeth enrolled with the OU, becoming one of our early pioneer students. It was an opportunity which she says has ‘opened […]

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Professor Monica Grady named as Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor

Professor Monica Grady named as Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor

Leading space expert Professor Monica Grady is to become Liverpool Hope University’s new Chancellor. Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Science at The Open University and is known for her work on meteorites. She was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa by Liverpool Hope during the Summer 2019 Graduation celebrations. As […]

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“I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”

“I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”

Twenty-two years ago, Rebecca Bungay, 40, started her journey to higher education like most students, but found the road well-travelled was not for her and left university after only six weeks. Years later, determined to achieve her lifelong goal, Rebecca embarked on a degree course with the OU. Last month, Rebecca received her degree in […]

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The many lives of Prue Leith

The many lives of Prue Leith

To celebrate The Open University’s 50th Anniversary year, OU Honorary Graduate Prue Leith joined us for an ‘In conversation’ talk last week, led by fellow writer and Honorary Graduate Val McDermid. Speaking to the audience of OU students, alumni, partners and other members of the wider OU family, Prue described how her passion for new […]

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Mars

OU team gives go ahead to bring Mars’ moon pieces to Earth

A UK team led by the Open University has given the green light for Mars’ moon material to be transported to Earth as part of a forthcoming mission. The team, led by the OU’s Dr Manish Patel, a renowned expert on Mars exploration, gave the thumbs up for a new Japanese mission to bring pieces […]

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Walton Hall

Open University Position Statement on USS Pensions and 2019/20 Pay Award 

The Open University (OU) is one of more than 340 higher education and related institutions across the United Kingdom that participate in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). With effect from Monday 25 November 2019, the University and College Union (UCU) has announced it is taking eight days of strike action. This is around two separate […]

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Linda Plowright-Pepper

Linda’s story: A non-traditional route to academia

Linda, 62, is a PhD researcher at the OU. Following a successful career working with young people and sport, she’s turned to research. “I’ve not approached academia in a traditional way. I’m 62, so I’m ancient! I was secure within my professional world and don’t have the same confidence as an academic as I had […]

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