The Open University

On the death of a baby: Parents experience of grief and loss

15 October 2018

Dr Kerry Jones is a Lecturer in End of Life Care and researches bereavement across the whole life span. In this article, she debunks some common misconceptions and outlines ways to support parents who are going through this loss. “ It doesn’t matter how many babies we do or don’t have, you can’t ever replace […]

Supporting women in Oldham is lifetime’s work for OU Hon Grad

12 October 2018

A desire to share knowledge and create support networks for women like herself, inspired OU Honorary Graduate Najma Khalid to create a community scheme which is still flourishing seven years after its inception. Najma received her Honorary Masters at the OU’s Manchester degree ceremony this month, in front of a packed audience at Bridgewater Hall. […]

Mount Etna: volcano is sliding towards the sea and now we know why

11 October 2018

The southeast flank of Mount Etna in Sicily is sliding towards the sea at a rate of several centimetres a year. This might not sound like much, but the kind of stress that this movement creates inside volcanoes can cause devastating landslides. If, one day, Etna’s movement significantly increases then it could have serious consequences. […]

New to the OU? Here’s 8 tips to set you up for study

10 October 2018

As new students open their Open University books and start learning with us, we asked our Instagram community to share their advice for anyone beginning with the OU. They’ve given us some top tips to help you get off on the right foot: 1. Don’t Doubt Yourself It can feel overwhelming when you start getting […]

How to manage the digital-related stress of technology

9 October 2018

How can we avoid the stress and anxiety associated with the digital age? Dr Gini Harrison and Dr Mathijs Lucassen give us five tips. In a related article on the dark side of technology, we explored how research is starting to show that smartphone and multimedia use is related to anxiety and poor cognitive function. So, what can […]

Campaigner and Activist Lucy Watts MBE receives honorary Masters

2 October 2018

ome Campaigner and activist Lucy Watts MBE has been awarded an honorary Masters from The Open University for her commitment to public services. Lucy Watts lives with a life-limiting condition and draws on her own experiences of disability to improve the lives of other people grappling with severe illness. She is determined not only to […]

OU scientists feature in Radio 4 Life Scientific book

28 September 2018

Three Open University scientists, including the late Professor Colin Pillinger, are among a select group to feature in a new book based on the popular BBC Radio 4 series The Life Scientific. The three OU scientists are: Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Hazel Rymer (and Professor of Environmental Volcanology), Professor in Planetary Sciences Monica Grady, the late […]

Richard Gillingwater steps down as Open University Pro-Chancellor

27 September 2018

Professor Mary Kellett, the acting Vice-Chancellor of The Open University has thanked Richard Gillingwater for his contributions to the University as his tenure as Pro-Chancellor approaches its end. “The Pro-Chancellor is a key role for the OU. The Pro-Chancellor also leads the University’s Council providing valuable guidance and oversight. I am grateful to Richard for […]

From first black graduate of The Open University to honorary doctorate

25 September 2018

“Education took me out of poverty,” says Elaine Sihera, the first black graduate of The Open University who has now been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the university at a degree ceremony in London. HUGE milestone in my life this morning…being conferred a doctor of the Open University. Very difficult to describe in words. Congrats […]

Grenfell Tower research film shortlisted for National award

24 September 2018

A film created by Dr David Scott, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, about the Grenfell Tower tragedy, has been shortlisted for the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s prestigious 2018 Research in Film Awards. The film, called ‘Grenfell Tower and Social Murder’ is shortlisted for Best Research Film of the Year. Dr David Scott said: ‘The tragic […]

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