The Open University

Periods are political… and here’s the proof 🩸

Dr Sophie Doherty @sophiedoherty.bsky.social and human rights campaigner Jo Atkins-Potts are leading ‘Periods are Political: The Politics of Menstruation in Activism, Art, and Law’, from 13:00 – 17:00. Open to all, register here: bit.ly/4nAKUQd

A green lawn with people sitting out on a sunny day. A stately home in the background.

A green lawn with people sitting out on a sunny day. A cafeteria in the background.

A crowd of around 70 people standing in the foyer of a library, looking up and smiling.

A crowd of around 70 people standing in the foyer of a library, looking up and smiling. A gold tree made of Open University Shields is on the wall.

We're excited to welcome our Oct #OUGradSch25 PhD cohort to campus today! We can’t wait to hear about their research journeys.
On Fri, we’ll also welcome Professional Doctorate students.
Also welcome to the first PhD by Distance Learning cohort!
@oulibrary.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social

Huge congratulations to OU academic Dr Katerina Alexiou, whose image has been selected as September's Research image of the month.

Read the full article: ow.ly/MkbX50X49fi

Image shoes a rocky and mossy path that runs through a mountain valley towards snowy mountain peaks and a blue sky with white clouds.

PhD researcher Elaine Hooton is shining a spotlight on geodiversity and calling for a shift in how we talk about the non-living foundations of our planet. Elaine shared this inspiring photo of geodiversity in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Read more 👉 research.open.ac.uk/news/giving-...

OU PolicyWISE Director, Dewi Knight, co-authored a new landmark report on the Council of the Nations and Regions, highlighting the opportunity for “collaborative territorial governance.”

Read more on the PolicyWISE website 👉 www.policywise.org.uk/about/inter-...

When patients understand their condition, treatments, and options, the outcomes improve and the risks decrease.

New research shines a light on the importance of clear communication and shared decision-making in cardiology services.

Learn more 👉 research.open.ac.uk/news/patient...

We are delighted that the OU has been awarded £4.9M by the UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council to lead the delivery of an exciting new approach to research skills development in the social sciences.

Read more: research.open.ac.uk/news/ou-awar...

The Open University The Open University has been shortlisted for a research-led international collaboration of the year project, innovative teaching and widening participation in this year’s Times Higher Awards.

We are proud to have been shortlisted in three categories in
Times Higher Awards 2025 and the OU is a collaborator on a fourth
research.open.ac.uk/news/three-o...

Following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, OU academic Prof Simon Usherwood reveals what this now means for PM Keir Starmer.

#UKPolitics #Government #Politics

We’re proud to share that 7 OU academics have been appointed to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 sub-panels! This diverse and expert group will help assess the quality of research across UK higher education.

Discover who they are and what this means:
research.open.ac.uk/news/seven-o...

Working together with your child’s new school can make their first weeks easier Children experience a whole range of changes in their lives as they start school.

Starting a new school is a big step for both children and parents.

Lecturer in Primary Education, Dr. Poppy Gibson, explores how a collaborative approach between home and school can ease this important transition.

Read more here: ow.ly/4wNA50WQ6Rh

Last night one of our academics, Dr Amber Fensham-Smith, appeared on BBC's The One Show to give to explain why more families are choosing to homeschool their children, and the potential benefits of doing so.

💡Learn more: wels.open.ac.uk/research/childrens-research-centre @ajfenshamsmith.bsky.social

Dr Amber Fensham-Smith

One of our academics, Dr Amber Fensham-Smith will be appearing on tonight's episode of The One Show, discussing home schooling with presenter Angelica Bell 📚

You can watch Amber from 7pm and find out more about her research here: wels.open.ac.uk/research/chi...

@ajfenshamsmith.bsky.social

Diant Butler

Congratulations Prof Diane Butler of @openuniversity.bsky.social on her #NTFS2025 award! Diane has significantly shaped STEM education at The Open University, her initiatives contributed to a more equitable and supportive academic environment for both students and staff.

The Mars art installation is still on campus today until 4pm, but please be aware that you’ll need to take the V10 entrance as there is a road closure in place on Groveway (H9).

#IFMKFEST

Great to visit today and give lecture about the arts & science artworks I’ve made over the past 28 yrs ! Lovely to set everyone & so much enthusiasm 🌙@ifmkfest.bsky.social
@openuniversity.bsky.social

Visual summary of the linked page

Have you ever thought about how artists and scientist view the world? 🌍👀 Find out more about this @openuniversity.bsky.social research & download the illustrated leaflet 🎨👇
inklusivenature.com/2025/06/26/a...
#SciArt #SciComm

BepiColombo's closest view of Mercury. Credit: ESA/BepiColombo/MTM

Mercury’s elusive meteorites have never been conclusively identified, however, a new study by OU academic, Dr Ben Rider-Stokes, may offer the best understanding yet! The new research offers a rare window into Mercury’s formation and evolution.

👉 lnkd.in/e6DRySQ5

📸 Credit: ESA/BepiColombo/MTM

I'm still buzzing from a wonderful day at the @openuniversity.bsky.social Dublin graduation ceremony on Friday to receive my Doctorate in Education. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way #OUFamily @ougradsch.bsky.social

We're committed to making a difference to young people from care. That's why we're proud to have teamed up with John Lewis to offer the Care Experienced Scholarship💙

If you've experienced care, this scholarship can be your stepping stone into higher education.

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

YouTube video by The Open University Is ADHD a superpower? Or is it harmful to think that way?

Is ADHD a superpower? Or is it harmful to think that way?

Fresh from his work on our co-pro of Inside Our Minds, OU expert @jonrainford.bsky.social shares his thoughts: youtu.be/gf2BaJFxE1A?...

For more ADHD guidance, visit: connect.open.ac.uk/health-wellb...

#InsideOurADHDMinds

If you've been watching inside our ADHD minds and need some more support or resources, do check out the @openuniversity.bsky.social connect interactive I authored to support the series. connect.open.ac.uk/health-wellb...

Two OU scientists are at one of the rigs testing the substrate.

Work has commenced on our first green roof research installation thanks to a collaboration between OU academics and a local Living Roof contractor.

The project represents a significant stride towards sustainable urban development!

Find out more: www.open.ac.uk/blogs/news/s...

📣 Big news!

The OU's Professor Mahesh Anand, Professor of Planetary Science and Exploration, has been selected as the first scientist from the UK to receive Moon samples from China’s Lunar Exploration Program ⬇️

ow.ly/A5fy50VGVtX

Holly Parrott is a PhD student @openuniversity.bsky.social & recently passed her mini viva, a key stage in doctorates. Interviewed by fellow student Laud in 2 parts, Holly advises on preparing for the mini viva, managing the unexpected & keeping positive. Full videos: www5.open.ac.uk/students/res...

The Open Futures Fund Highlighting the OU's mission to promote fairness and inclusion by offering fully funded scholarship places.

Are you eligible?

We have a range of scholarships that sit at the heart of the OU’s mission; to make higher education accessible to all, championing equity and inclusion: www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees...

"Of the 24,000 professors in the UK, only 74 are Black women. I am proud to be counted among them." Carol Azumah Dennis, Professor of Education, Policy and Practice

Recently promoted Professor @AzumahCarol is one of only 74 Black women professors in the UK - from more than 24,000.

Read about her career, and her experience with the 100 Black Women Professors Now programme: www.open.ac.uk/blogs/news/e...

#IfNotNowWHEN #100BWPN

"I'm grateful to be here today."

Congratulations to Nyasha for completing a Bachelor of Science, Open. 💙

A huge congratulations to Arda-Lisa, who completed a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing! ✍️

"I'm able to do more, I can aim higher."

Huge congratulations to Alzira, who is crossing the stage in London today! 👏