The Open University

Tributes paid to OU’s former Pro-Chancellor Lord Haskins

1 April 2026

It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of Lord Christopher Haskins, former Pro-Chancellor of The Open University. Lord Haskins, a former industrialist and peer, he served as the OU’s Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council from 2005-2014. Born near Dublin in May 1937, he later moved and made his home […]

Group in London for finale of MEL Programme

“Inspiring” evening celebrates diverse leadership programme with graduates

18 March 2026

The Open University honoured its cohort of graduates from its pioneering Minority Ethnic Leadership (MEL) Programme at a special event in London last week. The programme was the first-of-its-kind, aiming to support a new generation of diverse leaders, with a bespoke course and opportunities for peer learning and mentoring. Students, senior leaders, mentors and guests […]

Research Capability Hub launches with strong national support

30 January 2026

The Open University’s Research Capability Hub (RCH) was formally launched this week (27 January) at a hybrid event that brought together more than 150 participants from across the UK’s social science research community. A major milestone: from design to delivery The launch event marked a significant step in moving the Hub, which was funded by a £4.9M award […]

The Open University becomes largest university in the UK to support tree-planting through its internet searches

20 January 2026

The Open University has become the largest university in the UK to switch to Ecosia, as its default internet search provider. Ecosia is a not-for-profit search engine that uses its advertising revenue to fund tree-planting projects worldwide, helping users turn everyday searches into climate action. After a successful pilot of Ecosia, the OU formally adopted […]

From sun safety to sex appeal: what sunscreen ads reveal about beauty ideals and power

6 January 2026

Lauren Alex O’Hagan, The Open University and Lame M. Kenalemang-Palm, Shanghai University In the depths of winter, sunscreen might not be top of many people’s shopping lists. Yet it remains a staple in most households, and many of us are encouraged to use it year-round. But sunscreen’s history reveals more than just protection from the […]

OU’s Professor Teresa Cremin awarded CBE for ‘services to education’

2 January 2026

Professor Teresa Cremin, Co-Director of The Open University’s Literacy and Social Justice Centre, has been awarded a CBE for ‘services to education’ in the New Year Honours list announced by the King. Professor Cremin initiated the OU’s highly successful ‘Reading for Pleasure’ Research and Practice Coalition that works with organisations, schools, policy makers, and many others to impact positively on children’s life chances through reading. The […]

Centre for Protecting Women Online at The Open University responds to Government’s VAWG Strategy

19 December 2025

The Centre for Protecting Women Online at The Open University has welcomed the Government’s recognition that online abuse and tech-facilitated violence are central to women and girls’ lived experiences, but warned that the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy risks treating digital abuse as a peripheral issue. While the Strategy sets out an […]

Scheme to train more nurses wins prestigious prize

18 December 2025

A unique partnership between the NHS and The Open University to give people the opportunity to study for a nursing degree while training on the job has scooped a top national award. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and The Open University joined forces in July 2024 to give local people who had always […]

Why Jane Austen readers still leave letters at her graveside

12 December 2025

When Jane Austen died in July 1817, aged just 41, she was buried in Winchester Cathedral. I moved to the city in 2025. As a lecturer in English literature, I have long researched and taught Austen’s novels, so I was keen to visit her final resting place, says Naomi Walker, Associate Lecturer in English Literature, […]

‘Now I’m a CEO – OU study gave me the confidence and skills I needed to get there!’

11 December 2025

Describing his work experience as “eclectic”, Jack, 44, yearned for a role where he could lean into a diverse set of professional interests. Trusting that further learning would unlock the opportunity he craved, Jack juggled work, study and family life to achieve his MBA (Technology Management) with The Open University. Jack shares how OU study […]

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