The Open University

An iceberg floating in the Antarctic Ocean

One trillion tonne iceberg spins out to sea

5 September 2018

One of the world’s largest icebergs – four times the size of London – has broken away from Antarctic shores and started spinning towards the open ocean. Scientists are trying to predict where it’s heading, and Professor in Polar Oceanography at The Open University (OU), Mark Brandon, is one of those tracking its progress. “Spectacular […]

An artist impression oF the surface of the Planet Mars four billion years ago

Scientists discover evidence of a water cycle on ancient Mars

29 August 2018

Scientists from The Open University (OU) have discovered a series of large fan-shaped sediment deposits on the surface of Mars. These suggest that Mars once had large seas on its surface and a water cycle similar to Earth. The research also shows when Mars’ climate went from being hospitable to the cold desert it is […]

Apples in a grid pattern with bright background

Curious Kids: how does gravity pull things down to Earth?

20 August 2018

This is an article from Curious Kids, a series for children of all ages. The Conversation is asking young people to send in questions they’d like an expert to answer. All questions are welcome: find details on how to enter at the bottom. How does gravity pull things down to Earth? – Gabriel, age four, […]

Back to the future: what we said about education and Astronomy

6 August 2018

In 2009, in celebration of the Open University’s 40th Anniversary, we asked academics from around the University to predict what the future would look like in their areas of study. Now, as we approach the OU’s 50th Anniversary, we asked the same academics to revisit their predictions, reflect on their accuracy, and reset them for […]

OU’s research offers new-generation online police training

1 August 2018

Technology is being used more and more for training purposes in all walks of working life, to reach a younger more tech-familiar audience. The Open University’s award-winning Child Witness Interview Simulator, a game-based online learning programme helping to train next-generation police officers, is among such innovations. Developed by the OU’s Centre for Policing, Research and […]

We know there is water on Mars – what next?

31 July 2018

The age old question of whether Mars has ever supported life is the focus of the latest research from scientists at The Open University (OU). With over half a million pounds of funding from the UK Space Agency, they will be exploring the chemistry of the martian environment to determine if life has ever existed, […]

New Research Network to support the UK’s Food Manufacturing Digital Economy

31 July 2018

A new project has been launched to examine how the Internet of Things (IoT) could transform the food industry through innovations such as ‘smart’ cooking appliances, data-driven supermarket refrigeration networks and enhanced food traceability systems. The Internet of Food Things (IoFT) Network Plus will bring together data and computer scientists, chemists, and economists to investigate […]

OU launches plastic waste initiative with BBC

28 July 2018

Following the impact of Blue Planet II, The Open University (OU) and the BBC have launched an online platform, which brings together programmes and resources to help us understand plastics, the impact they have on the environment, and top tips to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. Plastics Watch brings together engaging and interactive content […]

From cradle to grave – new model identifies factors that have shaped evolution

20 July 2018

Research involving scientists from The Open University (OU) published today in Science brings us closer to understanding how the complex interactions between topography (especially mountain ranges) and climate change influence the evolutionary histories and biodiversity of species in the Earth’s natural ecosystems. In a major step forward, the international team of researchers from the University […]

OU lecturer selected as one of the top women in engineering

18 July 2018

Senior Lecturer in Engineering and Innovation, Carol Morris, has been recognised for her efforts in challenging gender stereotypes in engineering with a Top 50 Women in Engineering Award (WE50). In competition with over 200 nominations, Carol was awarded the WE50 – Returners and Transferrers for being a passionate supporter of women in engineering and for being […]

OU News

Category: Science, maths, computing and technology