The Open University

New grant gives go-ahead for AI-adaptation of cyber security course

18 May 2020

The Open University has won a grant through the Nesta and Department for Education CareerTech Challenge which rewards innovative tech solutions with grant funding. Nesta, an innovation foundation, in partnership with the Department for Education, is supporting 11 organisations to develop digital solutions to improve adult learner motivation and career adaptability through online courses. Funded […]

OU partners with BBC to support the nation in maintaining good mental health

15 May 2020

The Open University has partnered with the BBC to co-produce a digital series to support maintaining good mental health during the pandemic lockdown. New content – featuring clips and illustrations – will be released daily to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May), covering topics from toxic productivity to relationship tips. OU academics, Will Murcott, […]

Coronavirus: Ten economic steps to support employment

15 May 2020

As the UK and indeed the rest of the world looks at how to survive economically from the pandemic, amid fears of job losses and sustainability in many areas of employment, the OU’s Professor Paul Anand, Professor of Economics shares academic thinking on the policies which should be considered priority in a paper published by […]

Apollo 17 sample leads to new discovery of the Moon’s evolution

11 May 2020

An international team of scientists, including Mahesh Anand, Professor of Planetary Science and Exploration at The Open University, have discovered new evidence that massive impact events formed large portions of the Moon’s crust. According to research, published today in Nature Astronomy, the formation of ancient rocks on the Moon may be directly linked to large-scale […]

International Nurses Day – Lisa’s pride in her profession

11 May 2020

After finding her path with an OU nursing degree and a sought-after place on a healthcare leadership programme, Lisa says she has never felt prouder of her fellow nurses in these unprecedented times. As we mark International Nurses Day (12 May), read about Lisa’s journey. Lisa had been working in healthcare for 18 years, but […]

Inflation or deflation – which would be worse right now?

7 May 2020

Alan Shipman, Lecturer In Economics at The Open University, discusses whether inflation or deflation would be worse for the UK economy in the current climate. Inflation among the 37 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) fell from 2.3% in February to 1.7% in March. With all the damage to global health […]

Ancient rivers on Mars more than 3.7 billion years old

5 May 2020

Scientists from around the globe have discovered evidence of ancient rivers on Mars more than 3.7 billion years old, using high-resolution 3D imaging data. Sedimentary rocks, found in a 200-metre high Martian rocky cliff, formed by the ancient rivers proves that water was not only present on Mars, but the rivers were probably active for […]

Triple gold for powerful Grenfell Tower film

1 May 2020

A film about the Grenfell Tower tragedy, created by Dr David Scott, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, in conjunction with Hamlett Films, has won not one but three awards. The film was awarded gold in the educational category at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards just announced in May 2020. It follows earlier success […]

The Sun: study shows it’s less active than sibling stars – here’s what that could mean

1 May 2020

Andrew Norton, Professor of Astrophysics Education at The Open University, writes about the magnetic activity on the Sun and what this could mean. All stars emit varying amounts of light over time – and the Sun is no exception. Such changes in starlight can help us understand how habitable any planets around other stars are […]

Surge in visitors to OU’s online counselling advice course

29 April 2020

Academics at the OU have received overwhelming support for their expertise in providing assistance to counsellors needing to move their services online in the current lockdown. Counselling of all kinds, dealing with mental health, abuse, anxiety, bereavement and relationship advice among other things, has been quickly moved to digital platforms to permit continuity for clients. […]

OU News