We use our research to transform lives across the four nations and globally.

We take a challenge-led and open approach to research through our Open Societal Challenges (OSC).

These Challenges are driving real change across the themes of Sustainability, Tackling Inequalities and Living Well.

We need the brightest minds to address the most pressing needs of our time and we are building a more diverse next generation of research leaders to continue to support this and to broaden our horizons.

Learn more about the OSC programme Collaborate with us

Research at The Open University

Research news and articles

Open Research Week, enabling Engagement, Innovation and Impact, 16 - 20 March, with the Midlands Innovation, Nottingham Trent University and Open University logos

Open Research Week to spotlight innovation in 2026

Open Research Week will return from 16–20 March 2026, uniting Open University researchers and partners to explore how open practices drive engagement, innovation and societal benefit.

13th February 2026

Grant recipients announced for the 2025 Open Business Creators Fund for Women in Business

The businesses selected to receive funding from the Open Business Creators Fund for Women in Business, (delivered by The Open University and sponsored by NatWest) have been announced.

9th February 2026

Dr Alexandra Okada, wearing a white jacket and a black and white scarf, standing in between Veveu Arruda and Ronata Feder, who are both wearing dark-coloured suits

OU research model drives literacy transformation across São Paulo

A major state-wide literacy programme in Brazil is demonstrating how Open University research is informing public policy at scale, following its high profile presentation at BETT London 2026 by São Paulo’s Secretary of Education, Renato Feder.

5th February 2026

OU joins NBIC’s national biofilm research network

The Open University is proud to announce its inclusion in the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) consortium as part of NBIC’s sixth accession round.

14th January 2026

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Open Research Week 2026, 16 - 20 March

Expolore our Open Research event series, 16 - 20 March 2026

Social media

The words 'So What?' in white against a dark blue background

Interested in research? Check out the new Open University research video series 'So What?' to find out more about some of the impactful research happening at The Open University.

Watch the 'So What? series on YouTube

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Our faculties and institutes

Our research is conducted across four faculties, two research institutes, and a variety of inter-faculty research areas.

Find a researcher

We have a global and diverse community of more than 1,200 academic and research staff and 900 postgraduate research students.

Our research services

We are passionate about the creation and impact of research-based knowledge and how we can apply this to real challenges.

Start a career with the OU

We provide excellent training and development opportunities for researchers at all stages of their career so that they excel in their academic profession.

Five most recent publications

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Discover research at The Open University

Open Research Online (ORO) is the Open Access repository of research outputs from The Open University's research community.

The service is publicly accessible and can be browsed and searched freely. It is home to thousands of peer reviewed publications.

Browse ORO or search using the box below.

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Updated 30 January 2026

Research that transforms lives