The Open University

OU scientist showing how application of space technology can help the global climate crisis

2 November 2021

It’s called technology transfer, when innovations in one field are used with a different goal than the original purposes – often in a different industry. Space technology must meet high standards, needs to be reliable and failure-proof and that’s why OU space scientist Dr Geraint ‘Taff’ Morgan has been invited on an interdisciplinary panel of […]

OU PhD student Kate researching urban trees

OU PhD student using urban tree research to tackle climate change

29 October 2021

“For trees to look after humans, we first need to look after them,” says Kate Hand, an Open University PhD student whose research examines the huge part urban trees can play in the fight against climate change. Kate, 32, from Aberdeenshire and now living in Milton Keynes, has always loved exploring the great outdoors. Yet […]

The Open University champions COP26 with ‘Green Zone’ event exploring culture, citizens and climate

27 October 2021

The Open University is hosting a unique event at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) as one of several initiatives to mark its commitment to responding to the climate crisis. COP26 will bring together parties from across the world to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate […]

A new vision for farming would help the world tackle climate change and restore biodiversity

22 October 2021

A coalition of agroecological and regenerative farming organisations are calling on leaders to be bold on sustainable agriculture in tackling the climate and nature emergency at COP26 in Glasgow. The coalition is pleased to see the Government publish its Net Zero Strategy this week. There are certainly many elements that are welcome, particularly around agroforestry […]

OU Graduate Sarah achieved her degree despite multiple hospital trips and cancer treatment

‘I’m so proud I did this’ – how Sarah achieved her degree while battling cancer

22 October 2021

“You can absolutely do it,” – that’s the advice of new OU graduate Sarah, who achieved her Open University degree after a journey that involved juggling full-time work, raising three children, and battling a cancer diagnosis. Sarah from Inverness first signed up to study Environmental Management and Technology with the OU in Scotland to get […]

Floodplain Meadows Partnership art competition winners announced

15 October 2021

Alice Walker from Oxfordshire and Claire Cornish from Cumbria have been crowned the winners of the Floodplain Meadow arts and crafts competition. The winning pieces of art demonstrated the diverse role of floodplain meadows for biodiversity, flood water management, agriculture, and the importance of their preservation. Funded by the Morgan Family Bursary Fund and the […]

What’s wrong with talking about the menopause?

15 October 2021

An OU academic is highlighting the difficulties working women encounter on World Menopause Day since many must live with debilitating symptoms impacting their performance at work. “The change”, as it was quaintly referred to by a whispering post-war generation, was seldom talked about in the workplace. Although that’s all changing, there’s still more to be […]

Bird eggshell study highlights potential risk to nest environments due to climate change

13 October 2021

New research has revealed how the moisture-resistance of bird eggshells has evolved to thrive in different environments, suggesting that bird populations nesting in environments prone to climate change may be at risk when weather conditions undergo a period of intense and rapid change. The study was led by academics at Royal Holloway, University of London […]

Totem brings the messages of climate change on way to COP26

8 October 2021

A giant totem, bringing messages all the way from Mexico about climate change has been stopping off at sites en route, thanks to a collaboration with The Open University. The 4.5m high wooden structure drew onlookers’ attention in the forecourt at Milton Keynes Train Station, where it remained for four days. It made a further […]

OU scientist hails space probes first close-up pictures of Mercury

4 October 2021

The joint European (ESA) and Japanese (JAXA) Space Agencies’ mission BepiColombo swung past its destination planet Mercury at only 200 km above the surface in the early hours of 2 October and sent back some spectacular pictures. David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences at The Open University has been closely associated with the mission for […]

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