OU News

News from The Open University

How to grow plants on the moon – OU expert’s view of new study

How to grow plants on the moon – OU expert’s view of new study

Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at The Open University writes for The Conversation on the impact of new findings that reveal why plants don’t thrive in lunar habitats. What do you need to make your garden grow? As well as plenty of sunshine alternating with gentle showers of rain – and busy bees and […]

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OU/BBC production airs about Joe Wicks and his difficult childhood

OU/BBC production airs about Joe Wicks and his difficult childhood

The nation’s favourite PE teacher Joe Wicks appeared on the small screen recently to show how the mental health of parents can affect their children. In Joe Wicks: facing my childhood, an Open University co-production with the BBC, he opens up about the effect his own parents’ mental health issues, which were not talked about […]

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OU launches world’s first Online Confucius Institute

The OU has today launched the world’s first Online Confucius Institute in partnership with the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). The Online Confucius Institute at The Open University is a non-profit educational partnership between the OU and BFSU which will provide a range of opportunities for students, researchers, teachers and the wider professional community to […]

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REF 2021 recognises 82% of OU research impact as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent.’

REF 2021 recognises 82% of OU research impact as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent.’

The Open University (OU)’s commitment to research and societal impact is recognised today (Thursday, 12 May), with 82% of its research impact assessed to be ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. These results are a welcome acknowledgement of the impact of OU researchers’ work in transforming lives, shaping […]

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Honorary graduates share advice on overcoming barriers and achieving

Honorary graduates share advice on overcoming barriers and achieving

Three people renowned for their accomplishments in their individual fields of work have been awarded honorary degrees by The Open University (OU). James Timpson, chief executive of Timpsons, the national shoe repairs company, talented composer and musician Matt Baker and Professor of Psychiatry Kamaldeep Bhui all received their honours at recent OU degree ceremonies. Reflecting […]

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OU offers funding opportunity for disabled veterans

OU offers funding opportunity for disabled veterans

A scholarship fund with the potential to change people’s lives is open for applications. Now in its fifth year, The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF) is once again open for applications offering 50 free study places at The Open University (OU) to individuals injured or disabled as a result of military service. So far, the […]

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Nursing Sister and OU student Karen

‘I had twins during my studies but still achieved my degree – and a new role!’

Karen Gitau was already working as an Enrolled Nurse when she began her Open University journey. She knew her BSc Open Degree would help her progress in her career – and she was right. She is proud to now be working as a successful Nursing Sister and Practice Manager in South Africa where she lives. […]

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Open University Nursing Apprentice Paul shares his innovative buddying system

‘Your first career doesn’t have to be your final one’

Paul Gardner-Smith has just completed his Open University Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship as part of a drastic career change from secondary school teacher to nurse. He’s now living his dream career as a Registered Nurse and has already created an inspired ‘buddy’ system to support the next generation of nursing apprentices. As part of Paul’s […]

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Refugees walking along with their belongings. Image credit:Thinkstock

Open University launches fund for displaced refugees

A new fund has been launched by The Open University (OU) to support people displaced by conflict or crisis to build a brighter and better future. The Open Futures Sanctuary Scholarships programme is designed to help refugees, forced migrants and people seeking asylum; those fleeing armed conflict, violence, or persecution in their home nation, including […]

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New research highlights need for change in climate mitigation tactics

New research highlights need for change in climate mitigation tactics

A new study has found that the presence of moisture has a stronger role in developing areas of tropical vegetation than manmade CO2 emissions. The research, undertaken by Dr William Gosling from the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam and supported by the OU, found previous suggestions that human-elevated CO2 […]

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