The Open University

New Research Study into Coupledom in Later Life

2 October 2018

As we celebrate the International Day of Older People on October 1st, researchers at The Open University are embarking on a study into one of the major worries for older couples- becoming separated if one of them has to go into a care home. The study, titled ‘Coupledom in later life: living together and apart’, […]

OU scientists feature in Radio 4 Life Scientific book

28 September 2018

Three Open University scientists, including the late Professor Colin Pillinger, are among a select group to feature in a new book based on the popular BBC Radio 4 series The Life Scientific. The three OU scientists are: Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Hazel Rymer (and Professor of Environmental Volcanology), Professor in Planetary Sciences Monica Grady, the late […]

Richard Gillingwater steps down as Open University Pro-Chancellor

27 September 2018

Professor Mary Kellett, the acting Vice-Chancellor of The Open University has thanked Richard Gillingwater for his contributions to the University as his tenure as Pro-Chancellor approaches its end. “The Pro-Chancellor is a key role for the OU. The Pro-Chancellor also leads the University’s Council providing valuable guidance and oversight. I am grateful to Richard for […]

New research explores how migration fosters growth in Africa

25 September 2018

In recent years there’s been significant growth in African economies driven by trade in commodities, which has prompted more migrants to move to, and within, African countries. Now, new research from The Open University will investigate what impact this migration has had both on growth in Africa and in the migrants’ countries of origin, and […]

From first black graduate of The Open University to honorary doctorate

25 September 2018

“Education took me out of poverty,” says Elaine Sihera, the first black graduate of The Open University who has now been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the university at a degree ceremony in London. HUGE milestone in my life this morning…being conferred a doctor of the Open University. Very difficult to describe in words. Congrats […]

Grenfell Tower research film shortlisted for National award

24 September 2018

A film created by Dr David Scott, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, about the Grenfell Tower tragedy, has been shortlisted for the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s prestigious 2018 Research in Film Awards. The film, called ‘Grenfell Tower and Social Murder’ is shortlisted for Best Research Film of the Year. Dr David Scott said: ‘The tragic […]

Three things today’s teachers need to consider for tomorrow’s students

19 September 2018

It’s argued in increasing measure that teachers have low job satisfaction; but one antidote to this could be asking educators to re-imagine their role and think about their own vision for education in the future. Today’s teachers face many challenges inside and outside the classroom, but there are also larger global changes approaching which those […]

Depressed man sitting on bridge in a smart shirt

Stock market crashes linked to higher rates of suicide – new research

17 September 2018

Writing in the wake of the 1929 stock market crash, New York Times columnist Will Rodgers commented that the level of panic was such that it induced a spate of suicide among traders. Although stories of increased rates of suicide in the aftermath of a financial meltdown are deeply ingrained in the folklore of finance, […]

Thousands celebrate as degree ceremony season begins at The Open University

14 September 2018

5,000 graduates are set to pick up their Open University degrees at 21 ceremonies held by the University across the four nations this Autumn. Part of The Open University family For Professor Mary Kellett, Acting Vice-Chancellor, the degree ceremonies are always a highlight of the university year: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to […]

Are you a spender or a saver? Take our quiz to find out

13 September 2018

The 15th of September is Pensions Awareness Day (PAD). This annual event was launched in 2014 by PensionGeeks, an innovative communications company that aims to put fun into pensions – yes, really! As PAD’s double decker bus hits the road to spread the word, Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance at the […]

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