The Open University

AI sheds new light on dinosaur footprints

20 February 2026

A new publication introduces a transformative AI approach to studying dinosaur footprints, offering researchers (and enthusiasts!) an objective way to classify tracks and investigate the conditions in which dinosaurs lived. The paper, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), discussed how using an unsupervised neural network, the team — including Dr Gregor Hartmann of […]

OU researchers lead international advances in planetary protection

19 February 2026

Open University researchers are leading international advances in planetary protection, helping ensure that space exploration is safe, sustainable, and scientifically rigorous. Their research is featured in a new thematic issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A which brings together the latest international perspectives on preventing contamination in space and safeguarding Earth from extraterrestrial […]

OU academics among Fellows appointed by National Academy for Mathematical Sciences

4 February 2026

The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences (AcadMathSci) has appointed its inaugural cohort of Fellows, including two academics from The Open University (OU), with a vision to bring together the UK’s strongest mathematicians to help solve some of the nation’s biggest challenges. Professor Gwyneth Stallard OBE and Professor June Barrow-Green from the OU joined the cohort […]

OU academics use novel technique to begin unravelling mysteries of Mars’ climate

26 January 2026

Academics from The Open University (OU) have used a new method to study the surface of Mars, identifying millions of features called “TARs” (Transverse Aeolian Ridges) in detailed satellite images of the Martian surface. These are large wind blown ripples which can tell us a lot about the atmosphere and climate of the red planet. […]

Heather gets a First while studying for a degree on her Arctic adventure

22 January 2026

Graduate Heather Gunn struck out on a campervan adventure of a lifetime while studying for a degree in Norway’s Arctic Circle in the company of just her 15-year-old Jack Russell. Now she’s got a First. And the Cheltenham-based photographer has officially celebrated her achievement gaining a BA in Environmental Studies at a ceremony in Birmingham’s […]

From heritage railway tearoom volunteer to senior engineer

15 January 2026

Thirty years ago Nick Simpson was a Grosmont Station Tearoom volunteer at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) in Grosmont – now he’s its Head of Mechanical Engineering. It was partly thanks to his recently acquired first-class degree in Engineering from The Open University, which his forward-thinking former boss decided to sponsor him on throughout. […]

How astronomers plan to detect the signatures of alien life in the atmospheres of distant planets

12 January 2026

Carole Haswell, The Open University We live in a very exciting time: answers to some of the oldest questions humanity has conceived are within our grasp. One of these is whether Earth is the only place that harbours life. In the last 30 years, the question of whether the Sun is unique in hosting a […]

Watch The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: Is There Life Beyond Earth?

27 December 2025

Starting on 28 December 2025, a new three-part OU/BBC series, The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures with Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, starts on BBC Four at 19:00 and available for catch up on BBC iPlayer. The 2025 lectures are titled: Is There Life Beyond Earth? Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock begins her search for extraterrestrial life with an exploration of our nearest neighbour, and her favourite […]

OU space researchers awarded £1.2 Million to advance imaging technology supporting the future human exploration of Mars

11 December 2025

Professor Manish Patel from The Open University (OU) has been awarded £1.2 million in new funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to continue developing cutting-edge imaging technology that will play a central role in future human exploration of Mars. The funding supports the next phase of work on a combined visible-infrared (IR) imager for […]

New online courses added to global programme on tackling antimicrobial resistance

8 December 2025

A free online programme developed by The Open University (OU) and the Fleming Fund has been updated with four new courses to complement the existing 25 courses, providing a comprehensive professional learning package to strengthen the global response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The online professional development programme Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance supports practitioners in adapting, building […]

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Category: Science, maths, computing and technology