The Open University

Barbican - photo courtesy of Claudia Rosani

OU honours digital entrepreneur for encouraging diversity in science and technology

29 September 2017

Digital entrepreneur, Lopa Patel, has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to encouraging diversity and inclusion in science and technology, and her wider impact on British culture, industry, and society. The OU presented Lopa Patel MBE with a Doctor of the University by Vice Chancellor, Peter Horrocks, at its recent Barbican […]

Students taking part in learning exercise

OU academic shortlisted for innovation in engineering and science

28 September 2017

Associate Director for Academic Professional Development (APD), Dr Anne Adams and her team, have been shortlisted for the WISE Tech Innovation Award 2017 for inspiring technological innovations. The WISE Awards 2017 recognises the outstanding contributions to gender balance in science, technology and engineering, of individuals and organisations. The entry submitted by the all-women team […]

Are big businesses creating a modern dystopia? New BBC series investigates

26 September 2017

Whether it’s using PayPal instead of cash, checking your iPhone constantly for emails, or using a Fitbit to track your steps, technologies have pervaded our daily lives in the last few decades and completely changed how we live. But is it all for the good? A new BBC series, co-produced by The Open University, investigates […]

India in Britain – celebrating a shared heritage

26 September 2017

A major touring exhibition based on research from the OU and the University of Exeter to celebrate the long history of the Indian presence in Britain and its impact on British life has been shortlisted for an Eastern Eye Arts, Culture and Theatre Award 2018. “At the Heart of the Nation” exhibition is one of […]

Human Body: Secrets of Your Life Revealed

OU/BBC documentary reveals the secrets of the human body

25 September 2017

In a landmark series, the BBC reveals the secrets of the human body and what biological and chemical processes support life. Produced in partnership with The Open University, Human Body: Secrets of Your Life Revealed, will be broadcast on BBC Two on Monday 25 September 2017, 9pm. In this three-part series, doctors and presenters, Chris and […]

OU honours leading science educator for widening participation in space science

22 September 2017

Science writer and educator, Emily Lakdawalla, has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to planetary and space science communication. The OU presented Emily Lakdawalla with a Doctor of the University at its recent Barbican Degree Ceremony. Senior Editor of The Planetary Society, Emily is respected internationally as a passionate advocate for […]

Extending our reach – how validation helps more people gain degrees

22 September 2017

The role of universities in validating degrees – rubber stamping degrees which are achieved at a different college or institution – will be more important than ever in the emerging Higher Education landscape. So says Phil Berry, Director, OU Validation Partnerships, who reflects on the place of validation in UK universities. Writing on the HE […]

Mexico Earthquake: Expert reaction

20 September 2017

Prof David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University, said: “The epicentre of yesterday’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Mexico was about 500 km from the magnitude 8.1 quake of 8 September. There is no direct connection between the two, although they are both consequences of the convergence of the Pacific floor (here belonging to […]

The Detectives: Murder on the Streets

19 September 2017

The chilling BBC/OU Co-production The Detectives: Murder on the Streets returns for a second series this autumn, following Manchester’s homicide detectives as they work to unravel complex murder cases. With unparalleled and intimate access, this four-part series follows the Manchester team over the course of a year as they try to crack complex cases in real time. Open University […]

Cassini crashes: it’s time for a new mission to explore the possibility of life on Saturn’s moons

15 September 2017

NASA’s Cassini mission has made its “death plunge” into the swirling clouds of Saturn after 20 years of exploring the planet and its moons. It’s been amazingly successful, making headlines with groundbreaking discoveries throughout its journey. But today the headlines are more like obituary notices, looking back at the mission’s spectacular achievements. Cassini discovered new […]

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