The Open University

The Open University becomes largest university in the UK to support tree-planting through its internet searches

20 January 2026

The Open University has become the largest university in the UK to switch to Ecosia, as its default internet search provider. Ecosia is a not-for-profit search engine that uses its advertising revenue to fund tree-planting projects worldwide, helping users turn everyday searches into climate action. After a successful pilot of Ecosia, the OU formally adopted […]

From heritage railway tearoom volunteer to senior engineer

15 January 2026

Thirty years ago Nick Simpson was a Grosmont Station Tearoom volunteer at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) in Grosmont – now he’s its Head of Mechanical Engineering. It was partly thanks to his recently acquired first-class degree in Engineering from The Open University, which his forward-thinking former boss decided to sponsor him on throughout. […]

Dive into the minds of the great thinkers, with new BBC/OU radio series

13 January 2026

Discover the surprising moments that sparked amazing ideas with the new series of BBC Radio 4’s Human Intelligence. The returning series of this OU-BBC co-production is broadcast on consecutive weekdays at 13.45pm on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Sounds and reveals the trailblazers of history and the lightbulb moments that set them on the […]

New series of OU/BBC Radio show Inside Health

13 January 2026

A new twelve-part series of the OU/BBC co-production Inside Health returns today, Tuesday 13th January, at 9.30am on BBC Radio Four and BBC Sounds. The weekly programme demystifies health issues, separates fact from fiction, and brings clarity to conflicting health advice. Dr Philippa Waterhouse, Dr Nicola Goodall, and Dr Calum McMullen provided academic expertise to […]

How astronomers plan to detect the signatures of alien life in the atmospheres of distant planets

12 January 2026

Carole Haswell, The Open University We live in a very exciting time: answers to some of the oldest questions humanity has conceived are within our grasp. One of these is whether Earth is the only place that harbours life. In the last 30 years, the question of whether the Sun is unique in hosting a […]

Evan is back with another series of The Bottom Line

8 January 2026

The popular OU/BBC radio series The Bottom Line takes to the airwaves for a new series from Thursday 8 January at 12.04pm on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, bringing a weekly look at business, money tips and strategy. Each week presenter and OU Honorary Graduate Evan Davis hosts the lively business discussion show and […]

OU / BBC radio series, Word of Mouth, returns

8 January 2026

A new seven-part OU/BBC radio series of Word of Mouth begins on Thursday, 8th January, and will air weekly at 15:30 on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. The series is presented by celebrated author Michael Rosen and explores the world of words and how we use them. In the first episode, Michael goes on an alphabetical odyssey with linguist Danny Bate, author of […]

Degree led to a journey of discovery for Dana – in more ways than one

6 January 2026

Dana Jarvis didn’t know she was dyslexic until her Open University tutor recognised some symptoms – now she’s just graduated with a degree in Classical Studies and she’s about to become a published author. The road to success began when the 27 year old from Holt in Norfolk, who is also autistic, decided to start […]

Double celebration for father and daughter’s Open University graduation

6 January 2026

It was a real family affair when David Stewart graduated from The Open University with a BA in Arts and Humanities because his daughter Eleanor picked up her own degree at the same time in Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Yet it was the retired teacher’s youngest daughter, Martha, 25, whose successful efforts to apply for university […]

From sun safety to sex appeal: what sunscreen ads reveal about beauty ideals and power

6 January 2026

Lauren Alex O’Hagan, The Open University and Lame M. Kenalemang-Palm, Shanghai University In the depths of winter, sunscreen might not be top of many people’s shopping lists. Yet it remains a staple in most households, and many of us are encouraged to use it year-round. But sunscreen’s history reveals more than just protection from the […]

OU News