Research at The Open University

We do research differently

We've been using our research to transform lives throughout the UK and worldwide for over 50 years. In 2022 we embarked on a new research mission to address three crucial societal challenges:

  • Sustainability
  • Tackling Inequalities
  • Living Well
 Find out how in our Research Plan

Research at The Open University

Research news and articles

Space ship orbiting Jupiter and one of its moons

Calls for more ethical fieldwork in space research

A paper from AstrobiologyOU researchers calling for endorsing an ethical approach to fieldwork has been published in Nature Astronomy.

21st September 2023
Black Labrador dog wearing a blue assistance vest

OU to host conference on disability research

Valuable insights on disability research, will be shared at the OU’s Exploring Equitable Research Careers for Disabled Researchers conference, hosted online on Thursday 21 September.

18th September 2023
Group of people sitting in chairs, with microphones

First OU Citizen Advisory Panel to direct societal challenge-led research

The inaugural meeting of the Open University Citizen Advisory Panel brought together people from all over the OU community, including alumni, students, and members of staff.

8th September 2023
Rebecca Harrison, with Syu, talking to each other and project posters in the background

The Environmental Impact of Filmmaking

Launching on Friday 7 September at the British Film Institute in London, The Environmental Impact of Filmmaking is an Open Societal Challenge project at The Open University, led by Dr Rebecca Harrison.

7th September 2023
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