Research at The Open University

Research that transforms lives

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.

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Research at The Open University

Research news and articles

A lady holding a mobile phone with her arms resting on a red cushion, with an open notebook and pen on a table on front of her. Gajus/Shutterstock

Digital poverty is holding university students back

When a student can’t submit their essay because the household’s only device is being used by three siblings for school, or because their mobile data ran out mid-lecture, they are experiencing digital poverty.

6th July 2026
Three ladies and two men standing together in a row, with the words EDEN Best Research Paper Award 2026 on the bottom left-hand side of the image

OU researchers win prestigious EDEN Best Research Paper Award

Researchers from The Open University’s Institute of Educational Technology have received international recognition at the 2026 EDEN Annual Conference in Porto, with two papers shortlisted for the prestigious EDEN Best Research Paper Award and one selected as the overall winner.

3rd July 2026
A person holding an Oud - a wooden lute-like instrument with strings

Research explores how unequal mobilities impact musical life between Tunisia and Europe

The Open University has been awarded £130,000 from The Leverhulme Trust to support a major new research project, entitled: ‘Musically Stuck: immobile musicians and mobile music between Tunisia and Europe’.

3rd July 2026
A crowd of people watching a football game in a stadium

OU research to help transform understanding of football crowd dynamics

As the world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a major new Open University research project has secured £201,665 from the Swiss National Science Foundation to examine how football crowds, police forces and stadium authorities interact during high-profile matches and how these interactions can be managed more safely and effectively across Europe.

1st July 2026
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