The Open University

Illustration of interstellar dust grain coated in water ice

Astronomers make new discovery about the grain structure of interstellar ice

4 July 2024

Astronomers, including Open University (OU) academics Helen Fraser and Hugh Dickinson and OU PhD student Zak Smith, have discovered the spectral signature of water ice that reveals new information about how ice forms and evolves during the birth of stars and planets. Their findings have been published today in the journal Nature Astronomy. A spectral […]

Andy dressed in warm clothing with a backdrop of Antarctica

‘OU study unlocked an amazing opportunity to work in Antarctica’

5 June 2024

When Natural Sciences student Andy, 54, was made redundant, he was unsure what to expect from the next chapter of his life. With a thirst for new experiences and an open mind about his next career move, Andy embarked on an academic journey with The Open University, never imagining it would take him on the […]

Image shows Tim Blackman being presented with the Queen's Anniversary Prize by The Queen at Buckingham Palace

The Queen presents The Open University with Queen’s Anniversary Prize at Buckingham Palace

22 February 2024

The Open University has been presented with a prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education by Her Majesty The Queen today at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace. It was announced in November that the OU had been awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its OpenSTEM Labs initiative – the highest national Honour in […]