The Open University

The Open University launches new toolkit to support parents of neurodivergent children as research reveals families feel overwhelmed and under-resourced

9 February 2026

With neurodiversity diagnoses rising across the UK, new research from The Open University (OU) reveals that many parents of neurodivergent children are struggling to find clear, trustworthy and practical guidance, despite actively searching for support. The survey of 1,000 UK parents of neurodivergent children found that while 70% say they have a trusted place to […]

OU academics among Fellows appointed by National Academy for Mathematical Sciences

4 February 2026

The Academy for the Mathematical Sciences (AcadMathSci) has appointed its inaugural cohort of Fellows, including two academics from The Open University (OU), with a vision to bring together the UK’s strongest mathematicians to help solve some of the nation’s biggest challenges. Professor Gwyneth Stallard OBE and Professor June Barrow-Green from the OU joined the cohort […]

Jennie Lee (copyright The Open University)

Renowned sculptor appointed by Milton Keynes City Council to honour Open University pioneer Jennie Lee

2 February 2026

Milton Keynes City Council has selected renowned Artist Andy Edwards to create a new statue in the city centre to celebrate the life of Jennie Lee, the trailblazing figure who played a pivotal role in establishing The Open University. Located near Station Square, the statue will be a lasting tribute to her vision and will […]

Research Capability Hub launches with strong national support

30 January 2026

The Open University’s Research Capability Hub (RCH) was formally launched this week (27 January) at a hybrid event that brought together more than 150 participants from across the UK’s social science research community. A major milestone: from design to delivery The launch event marked a significant step in moving the Hub, which was funded by a £4.9M award […]

New analysis from Ministry of Justice shows Open University study reduces reoffending amongst prison learners

29 January 2026

New 2026 data from the Ministry of Justice’s Justice DataLab confirms that studying with The Open University (OU) continues to deliver significant reductions in reoffending amongst prison learners, reaffirming the OU’s longstanding impact on rehabilitation. Reoffending remains one of the most costly and persistent challenges facing the UK justice system. The latest official data from the Ministry of Justice (2019) showed that reoffending cost the UK an estimated £18.1 billion […]

OU academics use novel technique to begin unravelling mysteries of Mars’ climate

26 January 2026

Academics from The Open University (OU) have used a new method to study the surface of Mars, identifying millions of features called “TARs” (Transverse Aeolian Ridges) in detailed satellite images of the Martian surface. These are large wind blown ripples which can tell us a lot about the atmosphere and climate of the red planet. […]

Professor Teresa Cremin, CBE, delivers keynote speech at National Year of Reading launch

22 January 2026

Professor Teresa Cremin, CBE delivers keynote speech at National Year of Reading launch Professor of literacy, Teresa Cremin, CBE, delivered an inspirational keynote speech at the National Year of Reading 2026 launch, where she called for everyone to “Go all in Together” to help more young people discover the joy of reading. In her speech, Professor Cremin, […]

Heather gets a First while studying for a degree on her Arctic adventure

22 January 2026

Graduate Heather Gunn struck out on a campervan adventure of a lifetime while studying for a degree in Norway’s Arctic Circle in the company of just her 15-year-old Jack Russell. Now she’s got a First. And the Cheltenham-based photographer has officially celebrated her achievement gaining a BA in Environmental Studies at a ceremony in Birmingham’s […]

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. […]

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