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Open University launches ‘Challenge Us!’ competition to tackle most pressing societal challenges

The Open University (OU) is inviting UK charities to join them in addressing society’s most pressing challenges. The Challenge Us! competition aims to bridge the gap between OU researchers and local businesses and charities, encouraging collaboration that will tackle real-world problems. The competition opens today, Friday 15 March, and runs until Wednesday 15 May 2024. […]

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Open secrets of a rigged Russian election: academic expert opinion

Open secrets of a rigged Russian election: academic expert opinion

This Friday Russia goes to the polls in a general election predicted to reinstate Vladimir Putin as leader, again. Behind the scenes will be a tried-and-tested toolkit to ensure his victory, according to Open University academic Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody – Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies, who specialises in Russian information manipulation. Technically, the […]

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OU professor urges organisations to consider more supportive policies for the effects of menopause in the workplace

On International Women’s Day, Jo Brewis, Professor of People and Organisations at The Open University (OU), speaks to the OU Business School about her latest work and gives insight into the field of menopause in the workplace. At the end of last year Professor Brewis called for the scrutiny of new employment leave policies, highlighting […]

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Anushree wearing an orange space suit, dark glasses and headset carrying out research. There is a colleague wearing a similar suit and glasses in the background.

‘I became a doctor and landed my dream job on a NASA mission, thanks to the OU’

As a teenager in India, Anushree became fascinated with space exploration but never imagined it was a career within her reach. On International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to share Anushree’s inspiring story. Now a Postdoctoral Fellow helping NASA investigate whether there’s ever been life on Mars, Anushree reflects on her incredible journey and why it’s […]

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Budget 2024: experts explain what it means for taxpayers, businesses, borrowers and the NHS

Budget 2024: experts explain what it means for taxpayers, businesses, borrowers and the NHS

The spring budget of 2024 was widely seen as a chance for UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt to inject some economic optimism into British politics ahead of a general election. Would he or wouldn’t he cut income tax? (He wouldn’t.) Would he pull rabbits out of hats in a bid to convince the electorate that the […]

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The Open University joins £4.8 million initiative to combat economic inactivity in Northern Ireland

The Open University joins £4.8 million initiative to combat economic inactivity in Northern Ireland

The Open University (OU) is proud to announce its involvement in a £4.8 million research and policy action group, EPIC Futures NI, aimed at addressing economic inactivity in Northern Ireland. Led by Ulster University and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the initiative aims to revolutionise approaches to employment by identifying and supporting the […]

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On World Book Day find out how the OU’s Reading Schools Programme is helping more children to read for pleasure

Today is World Book Day and as children around the world excitedly mark the occasion by dressing up as their favourite literary character, or join in with special events at their school, it is important to remember that behind the buzz and excitement of the day there is an important message – to encourage more […]

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Body in the freezer – The Real CSI is back!

Body in the freezer – The Real CSI is back!

A new episode of Forensics: The Real CSI – an Open University/BBC co-production macabrely called Body in the freezer – begins this week. Find out on Sunday 10 March at 9pm on BBC Two how a decomposing body found in a freezer at a waste disposal site triggers the alarm and sees the West Midlands […]

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judges hammer

I run mock trials to research the legal system. The bias shown in Channel 4’s The Jury: Murder Trial is a very real problem

Academic Dr Lee John Curley is a lecturer in psychology at The Open University who conducts research into the way juries behave behind closed doors. Here, he gives his take on the findings of a new reality show about the potential bias of jurors. Channel 4 has billed its new reality show, Jury: Murder Trial, […]

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money counting

Hundreds of councils could sink if the budget does not address their funding distress

With the budget looming on Wednesday Alan Shipman, senior lecturer in economics at The Open University, says if councils don’t get the help they need life will get a lot harder where YOU live. Jeremy Hunt’s Budget options have been narrowed by the growing financial crisis in Britain’s Town Halls as hundreds more councils are […]

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