The Open University

OU scientist uncovers evidence of a long lost planet

11 December 2023

A researcher at The Open University (OU), Ben Rider-Stokes, has investigated a unique, vivid, green meteorite classified as Northwest Africa (NWA) 8535. This sample is part of a distinct group of meteorites originating from an asteroid/planet that no longer exists in the modern-day Solar System known as angrites (which formed 4,564 million years ago). Usually, […]

A tribute to OU Honorary Graduate Benjamin Zephaniah

8 December 2023

It is with deep sadness that The Open University pays tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah, a distinguished poet, writer, and Honorary Graduate of the OU who has died at the age of 65. Benjamin’s career spanned the realms of poetry, literature, radio, music, and television. In 2004, t he OU recognised his outstanding contributions to the […]

Celebrating two major milestones for the Faculty of Business and Law

7 December 2023

This year marks dual celebrations for The Open University’s Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) as the Business School commemorates its 40th anniversary, and the Law School celebrates 25 years of impactful legal education. The Business School’s 40th Anniversary: Established in 1983, the OU Business School has become part of an elite group of just […]

Online learning to support counselling professionals

6 December 2023

Counsellors and psychotherapists are being given the chance to enhance their skills by taking part in online learning from The Open University to meet the changing demands from society. The OU is Europe’s largest provider of psychology education and has developed high-quality continuing professional development short courses to arm professionals with essential skills that they […]

Pivotal moment for humanity as the threats and opportunities from climate tipping points accelerate

6 December 2023

The world has reached a pivotal moment as threats and opportunities from climate system tipping points accelerate, a new report shows. A tipping point occurs when a small change sparks an often rapid and irreversible transformation, and the effects can be positive or negative. The Global Tipping Points Report – the most comprehensive assessment of […]

Image of a hand with a gold pen signing a document. The document being signed is the same-sex marriage regulations for Northern Ireland

Invaluable new resource aims to unlock the mysteries of delegated legislation

5 December 2023

Professor Stephanie Pywell, Professor of Law and Social Justice at The Open University, and Dr Tom West on behalf of the Hansard Society have joined forces to create an invaluable resource aimed at explaining one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, forms of legislation in the United Kingdom. Titled “Delegated Legislation: What types are […]

Destruction of Ukrainian heritage: why losing historical icons can leave a long shadow

4 December 2023

The Open University’s Professor of Philosophy Derek Matravers discusses how the destruction of historical artefacts and buildings currently being experienced by Ukraine can have a profound affect. Destruction of Ukrainian heritage is happening on a scale not seen there since World War II, a report published by the journal, Antiquity, has claimed. The report lists […]

Lloyds of London archives show how important the City was to the transatlantic slave trade

1 December 2023

Katie Donington is a Senior Lecturer in Black, Caribbean and African History, and here she talks about how the archives owned by Lloyds of London show the City’s connection to slavery. In 1783, the City of London was gripped by a court case which symbolised the brutal economics of slavery. Two years previously, the Liverpool […]

Menopause and ethics expert receives accolade from The Open University

30 November 2023

An expert in women’s reproductive and post-reproductive health has been awarded an honorary degree by The Open University (OU). Among hundreds of published works by Professor Margaret Rees are more than 20 textbooks – several of which have gone on to win awards from the British Medical Association. In accepting the award Professor Rees said: […]

Understanding the science behind UK droughts

29 November 2023

The Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist Group has released a groundbreaking report, supported by an Open University (OU) academic, setting out current research and scientific understanding of drought in the UK. For the first time, this report sets out a holistic view of our understanding of drought, its multiple causes, and current and future impacts on […]

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