Research at The Open University

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

Carys Jennings, with light brown hair and a pair of glasses on the top of her head

Research image of the month - a ripple of understanding

This month’s research image of the month (July 2025) encapsulates Carys Jennings' research on how children experience happiness, particularly in a school setting.

24th July 2025

OU awarded funding to support world-class doctoral training

The Open University has been awarded funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council to train postgraduate researchers in creative economy and arts and humanities.

23rd July 2025

Denise Whitelock, in a pink and white dress, standing next to a man wearing a blue shirt, holding a certificate

OU academic honoured for exceptional research in digital education

An Open University academic has been awarded for outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of digital education.

21st July 2025

A little girl sitting next to water bottles in Gaza

OU received £560k UKRI funding for bold project on democratising higher education

The Open University has been awarded £560,000 by UK Research and Innovation to lead a pioneering research project that interrogates the future of university governance in a neoliberalised higher education landscape.

18th July 2025

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