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

Two calculators adjacent to each other

Budget 2026: experts on what John Healey’s ‘breathing space’ plan means for households

It was a “breathing space” budget from Chancellor John Healey. In the absence of big surprises or bold change, Healey’s trade-off appears to be small reliefs now in exchange for “fresh hope” in the future. Here’s what our experts made of the chancellor’s first budget.

29th October 2026
Words in different languages and different colours written on a white wall

New research to transform refugee and migrant language education

Open University researchers are leading a new project exploring how language education for refugees and migrants can become more multilingual and inclusive across the UK’s devolved nations.

28th October 2026
Two prisoners wearing yellow uniforms lying on a floor, with a guard standing over them

Stanford prison experiment: why do controversial psychology studies still have such a hold on us?

Two of the most famous experiments in psychology, the Stanford prison experiment and Stanley Milgram’s obedience studies, have been called a sham, a lie and a fraud.

27th October 2026
A moth with its wings spread out, with red colouring and black circles on the wings

Moths in art history: centuries of creativity reveal the beauty of a misunderstood insect

Moths seem to be made for Halloween. They’re largely nocturnal, often outlandish in appearance and bear creepy names such as Lunar Thorn, Cloaked Carpet, Bordered Gothic and (best of all) Puss Moth.

26th October 2026

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