The Open University

The BepiColombo spacecraft is ready to solve the many mysteries of Mercury

11 July 2017

The €1.65 billion BepiColombo spacecraft is now being unstacked for final tests after being displayed in its launch configuration to the world’s press at the European Space Agency’s Space Technology and Research Centre. The six-metre high assembly will soon be shipped to Kourou in French Guyana where it is anticipated to launch in October 2018. […]

OU joins new EU research to track radicalisation online

10 July 2017

The OU is among more than 20 partners across Europe launching a new research project to examine online radicalisation. The project, called Trivalent, will look at ways to protect citizens around the globe from being targeted, and potentially enticed into endorsing and propagating violent radical content. Comprehensive understanding The OU’s part in the project is led […]

Robotic telescopes COAST and PIRATE / Credit: Alan Cayless (The Open University)

OU brings astronomical telescopes to students in their home

5 July 2017

The OU Faculty of STEM is celebrating the inauguration of its remotely-controlled robotic telescopes, which will bring astronomy and space science to life for students whenever and wherever they are in the world. For almost half a century, the OU has been developing the latest digital technology to enhance the learning experience of students. The inauguration of […]

How your pile of laundry fills the sea with plastic pollution

4 July 2017

Microplastic pollution is one of the newest environmental issues on the block. After decades of intense observation and campaigning by conservation groups, awareness of microplastic pollution has fortunately grown. There is now worldwide concern about tiny pieces of plastic litter that are having a harmful impact on marine species and habitats. Large plastic litter has […]

OU professor elected as President of the Geological Society of London

30 June 2017

Professor of Earth Sciences, Nick Rogers, has recently been elected to the role of President of the Geological Society of London. The role has been designated following his 20 year fellowship to the Society, the six years he has spent serving on the Council, and in recognition of his standing in scientific research. Founded in […]

OU research to improve welfare of working animals

29 June 2017

Researchers from the OU are developing technology that will improve the mental health, performance, and welfare of Mobility Assistance Dogs across the UK. Supporting dogs to support humans The OU Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) Lab, which is dedicated to researching and developing interactive technology to support animals, improve their welfare and foster positive human-animal relationships, is […]

OU OpenStem Lab Team at THELMA Awards 2017

“Highly deserving” OU OpenSTEM Labs win at Higher Education awards

23 June 2017

The OU’s OpenSTEM Labs project has won the Outstanding Digital Innovation of the Year trophy at this year’s Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs). This incredibly exciting project enables OU science students to connect online to technical equipment such as microscopes, robots and robotic rovers, telescopes, lab-bench experiments and analytical instruments. This means that […]

Want a career in engineering? Here’s 10 top tips for you

23 June 2017

With 5,000 engineering students at the OU, and a third of these studying to change careers, here’s some advice on gaining experience in the sector from careers adviser Catrin Davies. Take a look at sites like Gradcracker, TargetJobs and the OU’s own JobZone to see if there’s any work placements that might work for you. 2. […]

Centenary Sir Arthur Clarke Awards Ceremony_Stars

OU shortlisted for two awards for its contribution to international space science

1 June 2017

This week, academics from the Faculty of STEM are celebrating Space Science at the OU by supporting the UK Space Conference 2017. In addition, they are eagerly awaiting the Centenary Sir Arthur Clarke Awards Ceremony, for which the OU has been shortlisted for two categories. Space Achievement – Academic Study/Research The Centre for Electronic Imaging […]

Could an App replace a trip to the Doctor?

26 April 2017

With news of a healthcare smartphone app which could diagnose medical conditions and aid GP services, expert in digital healthcare Professor Shailey Minocha weighs up the pros and cons of technology becoming an integrated part of our wellbeing: Q. Can we trust our data with Apps such as this? “The app and underlying systems will […]

OU News

Category: Science, maths, computing and technology