The Open University

New free-floating planet population spotted by “elderly” telescope

6 July 2021

Tantalising evidence has been uncovered for a mysterious population of “free-floating” planets, planets that may be alone in deep space, unbound to any host star. The results include four new discoveries that are consistent with planets of similar masses to Earth, published today in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The study, led by […]

UK scientists join NASA’s first steps back to the Moon – and onward to Mars

6 July 2021

A team of scientists from The Open University (OU) and RAL Space are collaborating with ESA and NASA to investigate the occurrence and behaviour of water on the Moon. Led by the OU’s Dr. Simeon Barber, the UK team has developed a sophisticated analytical instrument known as the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer (EMS) under a contract […]

Juggling a degree, family and the Forces

5 July 2021

Like many Open University students, Royal Air Force Police Corporal Abi Harding, 32, is no stranger to studying with a newborn baby on her lap. After becoming pregnant during the first year of her Sports, Fitness and Coaching degree, determined Abi has continued to juggle her studies, work life and has just welcomed her second […]

OU student entrepreneur Erin at home in Loch Lomond

The OU student entrepreneur tackling climate change on two wheels

1 July 2021

Erin Charters, 24, from Loch Lomond was inspired to start her electric bike hire business during an Open University (OU) module on renewable energy. The young entrepreneur and mum is using her degree in Environmental Science to power her business and spark sustainable change within her community. “I started Cycle Luss with the idea of […]

OU research finds human impacts on monsoon rainfall could exceed natural changes over last 30 million years

30 June 2021

A study by a team from the Open University (OU) has had its findings published in leading science journal Nature Communications Findings at a glance Study shows that the long-term evolution of East Asian Monsoon rainfall was driven by the rising Himalayas, but Indian Monsoon rainfall is sensitive to a complex mix of drivers, with […]

Opera star Laura Wright backs the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund as application deadline looms

28 June 2021

Applications for this year’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF) are due to close on July 9th and the DVSF’s new ambassador, mezzo-soprano Laura Wright, is calling for eligible veterans to apply before the deadline. Laura became one of the decade’s biggest selling artists after she won BBC Chorister of the Year in 2005. She is […]

Gender Critical Research Network – A message from the Vice-Chancellor

24 June 2021

Our University is not only a place of open debate but should be an exemplar of how to have these debates, bringing the standards of inquiry we have as an academic institution not just into our own conversations but taking them out into wider society. This, however, needs to be governed by clear rules that […]

‘Being different makes the best stories’ – author Shereen shares her tips for aspiring writers

23 June 2021

“I get really emotive about an issue and it inspires me to write about it,” says British Palestinian author Shereen Malherbe, who made her writing dream come true while studying for an English Literature and Creative Writing degree with The Open University. Shereen published her debut novel while studying part-time and used the chapters she […]

OU Professor appointed co-chair of Global Education Advisory Panel

18 June 2021

The Open University’s Professor of International Education and Development, Kwame Akyeampong has been appointed co-chair of the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP). Hosted by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the World Bank, the panel will review and assess evidence-based and cost effective practices to improve education outcomes and help policymakers in low- […]

Amazons and warrior princesses on screen – the legacy of Xena 20 years on

18 June 2021

Written by Dr Amanda Potter, Visiting Research Fellow, at The Open University . Xena the warrior princess, played by Lucy Lawless, captivated audiences around the world for six series with her high kicks, sword skills and distinctive war cry. The series followed her as she fought her way through armies, monsters and gods, alongside her […]

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