The Open University

Have you ever heard of lichen? 🦠

Dr Judith Taylor, Research Scientist and Lecturer at #TheOpenUniversity gives us an insight into her lichen research, revealing where it can be found and how it can be used essential medicines 💊

#Microbiology #Research #BritishScienceWeek

Dr Simeon Barber is a Research Fellow and part of a team of scientists at the OU who study the history and processing of water on the Moon 🌑

Discover some of the recent developments Simeon and his team have been working on 👇🚀

#BritishScienceWeek #ExplorationScience #Space

Faye Hyslop achieved both her masters and undergraduate degrees with us at #TheOpenUniversity before going on to become Environment Manager for SGN in Scotland and Northern Ireland 🌏🎓

Discover Faye's study journey: https://ow.ly/UahK50YqntL

#EnvironmentalManagement #BritishScienceWeek

Did you know we have a full range of science courses ready for #BritishScienceWeek? 🔬🧪

Brush up your knowledge of science, technology, engineering and maths with our free OpenLearn events, games, animations and more...

👉 https://ow.ly/I6uA50YqmA2

#TheOpenUniversity #Science #STEM

This #BritishScienceWeek, Computing and AI student Aya tells us what it's like to be a woman in STEM at the OU, and how her studies have helped her get on the right career path 💻✨

Learn more about our STEM courses and start your journey with us 👉 stem.open.ac.uk

#WomenInSTEM #TheOpenUniversity

Ever wondered why your child watches the same video over and over, or prefers playing on their own?

Mel Green explains what these behaviours can actually tell us and why understanding the ‘why’ changes everything.

Watch the full video: https://ow.ly/xq2s50Yq5WB

#TheOpenUniversity #neurodiversity

Did you know that when you use WhatsApp, you might be keeping people at a distance without even realising it? 👀📱

Dr Caroline Tagg explores some of the strategies we use to manage our messages.

Which of these do you use most?

#TheOpenUniversity #socialmedia

Our statement on the use of the term 'Ancient Palestine' in teaching materials:

www.open.ac.uk/blogs/news/u...

There's two weeks until Open Research Week 2026 🔬

Open Research Week is a cross‑institutional programme championing the practices, skills and culture that make research more transparent, collaborative and impactful 🧑‍🔬💭

Learn more: https://research.open.ac.uk/events/open-research-week-2026

For 50+ years, The Open University and BBC have co-produced inspiring content 📺 Explore free learning on OU Connect: https://connect.open.ac.uk/ #OUfamily #TheOpenUniversity #OUconnect #BBC

Sixty years ago, Jennie Lee's vision created The Open University 🎓 Welcoming all backgrounds, millions have started life-changing journeys. #OUfamily #TheOpenUniversity #OU60 💙

Studying during Ramadan can feel like a challenge. We asked our community to share the tips that help them stay focused while fasting and here are their best ideas to support you through the month 🌙

#OUfamily #TheOpenUniversity #Ramadan

Why does real power lie in our communities and how can we reconnect people who feel politically unheard? 💭

Dr Dan Taylor explains how a new model of democracy can help policymakers, councils and institutions move beyond short-term, top-down interventions 📢

Learn more ▶️ https://ow.ly/1unR50YgYSJ

OU student Abbie often gets asked whether distance learning means sacrificing a social life, but here’s why the truth is quite the opposite! 👩🏻‍💻

Kickstart your journey and explore our courses 👉 https://ow.ly/WWZB50YgxOi

#TheOpenUniversity #OUfamily #StudentLife

We asked our community to share their desk setups! Share your study setups with us by joining our Instagram broadcast channel: https://ow.ly/x1m950YenKy

and maybe we will feature you next time (bonus points if pets are featured 👀)

#OUfamily #TheOpenUniversity

Ready to control your future? ⏰ Study anytime, anywhere! 📚✈️ Boost your employability with our courses and support. Search "Open University" now! 💙 #OU #OUfamily #TheOpenUniversity #University #uni

Prof Olga Jurasz and Research Fellow Leyla Buran, from the OU's Centre for Protecting Women Online say safer internet should be grounded in prevention, not reaction.

They argue for governments, regulators and platforms to reflect on what online safety should look like 👉 https://ow.ly/q5FG50YckyQ

What is neurodiversity? Dr Poppy Gibson, OU Lecturer in Education, explains 👇

Over the next few weeks, OU experts will share practical advice for parents and educators supporting neurodivergent children.

More: https://ow.ly/p8rF50YbygM

#Neurodiversity #TheOpenUniversity

For Time to Talk Day, the OU’s Dr Felicitas Rost shares practical ways to begin conversations that can ease pressure, build understanding, and support wellbeing at work and in everyday life. O

If you need support while at the OU, we are ready to help: https://help.open.ac.uk/mental-health-support

New OU starters 👋 this one’s for you!
If you’re beginning your studies this week, drop a comment and tell us why you've started studying with the OU 💙

And to our current students: pop by, say hello, and share a few words of encouragement or advice.

#OUfamily #TheOpenUniversity

To honour Jennie Lee’s legacy, Milton Keynes City Council has appointed sculptor Andy Edwards to create a new statue celebrating the visionary behind the 1966 White Paper that founded The Open University. Unveiling in 2026. 🔗 https://ow.ly/9Hip50Y7u3j #OUfamily #OpenUniversity

Flexible learning. Real-world skills. Entrepreneurial thinking.
Meet Elijah - OU Business Management student, award winner and co-owner of Liz Pie Pastry, building his future while studying online.

This is studying like an entrepreneur.: https://youtu.be/DBt68-n6eJc?si=aZfFYIiw7fvL1Mir

This week we hosted an event launching the ESRC-funded Research Capability Hub 🔬

The event introduced the vision for the Hub, outlining the work underway, and invited social science researchers to help shape the next phase of development.

Learn more 👉 https://ow.ly/tOzB50Y5ZEB

Why does an ageing population matter and how can people age well?

OU research shows how small, sustainable daily actions can help older adults build healthier habits later in life 🍊🏸

Learn more about our OU-led public health initiative and watch the full video on YouTube ▶️https://ow.ly/bz1S50Y5smV

This is what it really means to Study Like A Performer! 💃🎤

Whether you’re a psychology student, performer, or someone balancing work and study, Freya’s approach proves that transferable skills can shape a powerful career path.

Start your journey here: www.open.ac.uk/courses

Study Like A Performer | How Freya Balances Performing and Psychology to Become a Psychiatrist YouTube video by The Open University

▶️ Watch the full video on YouTube: youtu.be/XQxPx37kz3o

💻 Sign up for an Open University course and start your journey: www.open.ac.uk/courses

#StudyLikeAPerformer #OUfamily

Congratulations to Professor Teresa Cremin Co-Director of the OU's Literacy and Social Justice Centre Reading for Pleasure (The Open University), who has been awarded a CBE for ‘services to education’ in the New Year Honours list announced by the King.

More: https://ow.ly/2xSo50XNEfL

@openarc.bsky.social

Did you know the Romans had their own version of a tablet? 👀🏛️

Dr @shaftowheed.bsky.social reveals all!

#DidYouKnow #OUresearch

🧠 Did you know fruit flies have surprisingly dramatic love lives?

Our new video series kicks off with a Dr Anood Sohail, Lecturer in Precision Medicine, revealing how these tiny romantics court each other. ✨

#DidYouKnow #OUresearch