The Open University

New research highlights the economic cost of climate change inaction

4 November 2021

Different countries face different risks and opportunities as the world switches from fossil fuels to renewable energy, researchers say. Green policies have traditionally been seen as costly to countries who implement them, while other nations can do nothing and “free-ride” – leading to global inaction on the climate crisis. However, the research team – led […]

OU experts provide ten tips to safeguard against cybercrime

3 November 2021

Two academics from The Open University who researched the experiences of industry-leading professionals on cybersecurity strategy have compiled a list of top ten tips to help prevent people and businesses falling victim to criminals. Liz Daniel, Professor of Information Management and Visiting Fellow James Crotty co-authored a report into cybersecurity strategy and say while 100 […]

OU scientist showing how application of space technology can help the global climate crisis

2 November 2021

It’s called technology transfer, when innovations in one field are used with a different goal than the original purposes – often in a different industry. Space technology must meet high standards, needs to be reliable and failure-proof and that’s why OU space scientist Dr Geraint ‘Taff’ Morgan has been invited on an interdisciplinary panel of […]

Accolades bestowed in Business and Law Student and Alumni Awards

1 November 2021

In a year like no other, The Open University’s Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) enjoyed a double celebration for the achievements of its students and alumni. The pandemic put paid to its awards in 2020 but this year they returned, although they looked a lot different. Around 50 people gathered for the event, mostly […]

Professor Andy Lane awarded global education prize

1 November 2021

Professor Andy Lane has been awarded the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) 2021 Prize for Lifelong Contribution to the field of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning. The prize is awarded to deserving institutions and individuals for the highest possible excellence in the field. The ICDE is the leading, global membership organisation that […]

Three children dressed in costume for Halloween

How to be mindful of food allergies when trick or treating

29 October 2021

Halloween is a time when children look forward to putting on scary costumes, face paints and taking to the streets with their parents to shout ‘trick or treat’ at neighbours, in the hope of adding to their swag of sweets. But trick or treating can be a different kind of fright night for parents of […]

OU PhD student Kate researching urban trees

OU PhD student using urban tree research to tackle climate change

29 October 2021

“For trees to look after humans, we first need to look after them,” says Kate Hand, an Open University PhD student whose research examines the huge part urban trees can play in the fight against climate change. Kate, 32, from Aberdeenshire and now living in Milton Keynes, has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Yet […]

Students sitting in a group under a tree

New study seeks to learn from students’ experiences of mental health in education

27 October 2021

The Open University (OU) has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation on a study to pool students’ experiences of mental health related education in schools, colleges and universities across the UK. Designed in collaboration with students who have drawn from their own experiences of mental health in education, the study will take place on the […]