The Open University

Methane on Mars: a new discovery or just a lot of hot air?

2 April 2019

The discovery of life on Mars would get pretty much everyone excited. But the scientists hunting for it would probably be happy no matter what the outcome of their search – whether life turned out to extinct, dormant or extant. They’d even consider finding no evidence of life whatsoever to be an important discovery. […]

BBC and OU programme explores ‘The Brexit Storm’

1 April 2019

As Parliament continues to negotiate leaving the European Union, The Brexit Storm: Laura Kuenssberg’s Inside Story gives viewers a front-row seat to nine turbulent months of political history. Co-produced by the BBC and The Open University’s Broadcast and Partnerships team, the one-off special airs on Monday 1 April at 9pm on BBC Two. With candid access to many of […]

Teachers recognised for important work in encouraging reading for pleasure

29 March 2019

Last week, the winners of the 2019 Egmont Reading for Pleasure Teacher Awards, in association with The Open University and the UK Literacy Association (UKLA) were announced at a conference hosted by the OU. Launched in 2017 following extensive research into reading for pleasure by the OU, Egmont and UKLA, the awards aim to demonstrate […]

Honorary degrees celebrate contributions to culture, education, veterinary science and linguistics

22 March 2019

Today’s Open University degree ceremony at The Barbican, London, kicked off the spring graduation season in the OU’s 50th anniversary year. Alongside hundreds of Open University students receiving their awards, Sharon Corr, Baroness Jean Coussins and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick were conferred with honorary degrees. Sharon Corr – exceptional contribution to education and culture Singer, songwriter and […]

“I took my refugee status as an opportunity” – Shabnam’s inspiring story

20 March 2019

“I took my refugee status as an opportunity, not a disadvantage,” says Shabnam Nasimi, 28, who was just eight years old when her parents, fearful of the wrath of the Taliban, abandoned their belongings and made the perilous journey across Europe. The family settled in the UK and her father Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi, went on […]

Making the most of your OU degree ceremony

19 March 2019

The date is booked and the graduation ceremony is looming. The hard work is done and you’re getting ready to cross the stage to cheers and applause as you pick up your degree. But what to expect?! Fear not, because we asked our Instagram alumni community for their best tips on how to make the […]

Research reveals role of Indian Summer Monsoon on global climate stage

18 March 2019

A study by an international research team led by The Open University (OU) has revealed new insights to help understand the historical importance of the Indian Summer Monsoon. The study shows how the Monsoon acted as a conduit for moving heat and moisture during a period of climate transition, thousands of years ago. • Study […]

£1million to research care of child migrants

18 March 2019

A researcher who travelled to ‘the Jungle’ refugee camp in Calais to see how unaccompanied child migrants lived has secured £1million of funding from the Economic and Social Research Council to study the care of lone child refugees. The new research project, which is co-led by The Open University and University College London, will investigate […]

Schools need to prepare today’s students to tackle global challenges

14 March 2019

Professor Peter Twinning, Professor of Education (Futures) at The Open University discusses why the UK’s school system needs to change. Traditional models of schooling are based on a desire for standardisation and compliance, for a mass of industrial age ‘production line’ workers (with the majority of the small number of leaders and thinkers coming from […]

BBC honours OU in 50th Anniversary celebrations

14 March 2019

In an inspiring address marking the OU’s 50th anniversary celebrations Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, and Martha Lane-Fox, Chancellor of The Open University hosted a special reception to celebrate the unique OU/BBC partnership, its achievements and the shared social mission of both National institutions. The Open University has always had an iconic place […]

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