OU News

News from The Open University

Image of a surfer catching a wave.

‘OU study opened the door to a whole new career,’ says trainee detective, John

When surf school owner John, 47, challenged himself with a return to education, he had two clear goals – to study a captivating subject, while unlocking new career opportunities. John never imagined that his Open University (OU) degree would set him on course to become a Detective Constable in his home county. As a new […]

Read more about ‘OU study opened the door to a whole new career,’ says trainee detective, John

‘Then the city started to burn, the fires were chasing me’ – 80 years on, Hiroshima survivors describe how the atomic blast echoed down generations

‘Then the city started to burn, the fires were chasing me’ – 80 years on, Hiroshima survivors describe how the atomic blast echoed down generations

I’m not sure if it was the effect of the atomic bomb, but I have always had a weak body, and when I was born, the doctor said I wouldn’t last more than three days. These are the words of Kazumi Kuwahara, a third-generation hibakusha – a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki […]

Read more about ‘Then the city started to burn, the fires were chasing me’ – 80 years on, Hiroshima survivors describe how the atomic blast echoed down generations

Why the UK’s butterflies are booming in 2025

Why the UK’s butterflies are booming in 2025

Biodiversity is in rapid decline, across the UK and globally, says Willow Neal, Postgraduate Researcher in Conservation Ecology at The Open University. Butterflies are excellent for helping us understand these changes. Where butterfly communities are rich and diverse, so too is the ecosystem. But the opposite is also true: if butterfly numbers are low and […]

Read more about Why the UK’s butterflies are booming in 2025

The Open University responds to the NHS 10-year Health Plan

The Open University responds to the NHS 10-year Health Plan

The Government has now published its 10-Year Health Plan for England, focusing on the NHS being ‘Fit for the Future’. Here, the OU nursing team give their topline thoughts on the three main themes. Hospital to Community The emphasis on prioritising most care out of or near to home is expected, appreciated and long overdue. […]

Read more about The Open University responds to the NHS 10-year Health Plan

The CONNECT Initiative: empowering the next generation for global digital co-operation through sci-tech diplomacy

The CONNECT Initiative: empowering the next generation for global digital co-operation through sci-tech diplomacy

The CONNECT initiative, led by The Open University and discussed during UNESCO’s Science Diplomacy Dialogue and Global Education events, is being recognised as a flagship example of capacity-building in scientific and technological diplomacy. CONNECT is a project aiming to support secondary schools to adopt open schooling, integrating science-action in the core-curriculum and using participatory-science with […]

Read more about The CONNECT Initiative: empowering the next generation for global digital co-operation through sci-tech diplomacy

Open University Tutor makes the King’s Honours list

Open University Tutor makes the King’s Honours list

Open University tutor, Diane Powles, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to Nursing and to Education in the Kings Birthday Honours list 2025. The honours list gives recognition to people who have made outstanding contributions to their sectors across the UK. On finding out she had been honoured, Diane said: […]

Read more about Open University Tutor makes the King’s Honours list

Alice on a tennis court giving a fist pump.

‘I’ve been able to achieve a Law degree without sacrificing the sport I love’ says professional tennis player Alice

Thinking ahead to life after tennis, Alice, 26, was determined to lay the foundations for a new career, while still playing the sport she loves. Discovering that she could do both by choosing to study at The Open University, Alice shares how she achieved a first-class degree in Law alongside a hectic competition schedule on […]

Read more about ‘I’ve been able to achieve a Law degree without sacrificing the sport I love’ says professional tennis player Alice

New university collaborative ‘ResearchPlus’ announced to give leading research universities a voice and help boost UK research and innovation.

New university collaborative ‘ResearchPlus’ announced to give leading research universities a voice and help boost UK research and innovation.

Today, ten leading research-focused universities announced their intention to form a new strategic partnership. ‘ResearchPlus’ will give a collective voice to universities that constitute a critical element of the UK’s research and innovation system, and that deliver vital research-informed education and advanced skills. ResearchPlus has the primary aim of enhancing the strength of the UK’s […]

Read more about New university collaborative ‘ResearchPlus’ announced to give leading research universities a voice and help boost UK research and innovation.

New OU/BBC co-production explores mental health

New OU/BBC co-production explores mental health

A new OU/BBC programme Heston: My life with bipolar airs on Thursday 19 June, at 8pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Heston Blumenthal is one the world’s greatest chefs, with six Michelin stars to his name. Yet in 2023, Heston started experiencing hallucinations and suicidal thoughts, his behaviour so extreme, wife Melanie decided to […]

Read more about New OU/BBC co-production explores mental health

“Resilience isn’t enough”: why the growth of women’s football could lead to player burnout

“Resilience isn’t enough”: why the growth of women’s football could lead to player burnout

Women’s football has exploded onto the global stage. Record-breaking crowds, major sponsorships, elite athletes and huge media deals have transformed the sport into a fast-growing spectacle. Its rise may be inspiring, but behind the success, many players are struggling with the growing physical and mental demands of the modern game, says Helen Owton, Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at […]

Read more about “Resilience isn’t enough”: why the growth of women’s football could lead to player burnout

Page 1 of 36