Research at the OU

Explore The Open University's free OpenLearn interactive resources to learn more about some of the latest news across STEM.

The Open University team have selected eight of their favourite Glasgow's Transforming content to share with you. Enjoy activities around Artificial Intelligence, Earth & Space and Renewable Energy and then browse the full collection of resources available for free on OpenLearn. 

Cartoon man holding a map next to a signpost saying Future, surrounded by STEM icons such as DNA, stars and viruses.

The Open University 

OpenLearn

Open STEM Africa

The Open University, in collaboration with the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) and the Ghana Education Service (GES), is transforming teaching and learning in ICT-based practical science in senior high schools in Ghana.

Find out more about biology, chemistry and physics by exploring the interactive activities in the virtual laboratory, plus other resources available for teachers.

Exploring AI

Cast your mind back in time - no one had heard of AI and no one certainly used it in every day life - or did they? While the use of AI appears to be transforming many sectors, check out the brief history of AI.

Computers are becoming smarter and may soon become intelligent. The free course, Machines, minds and computers, explores what intelligence is, how computers may become so, and whether they ever will really be intelligent.

Genetics Research Awareness via Community Engagement

It’s an exciting time in the field of genetics research. Groundbreaking discoveries in genetics research are being made, which transform our understanding of ourselves and improve our healthcare. But does genetics research represent and benefit us all equally?  Learn more through the GRACE project.

The Design Hub

The quality of design can transform an outcome.  At The OU we take a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching design, building capacities to recognise social, ecological and technological challenges and creatively respond to these through design thinking, practices and processes. Learn more by exploring The Design Hub.

BBC Inside Science

Covering everything from the test tube to the depths of space, BBC Inside Science is your guide to how science is evolving, transforming and affecting our lives. It is supported by leading OU academic expertise from across STEM.

Explore Mars

The OU’s research into Mars has transformed our understanding. Explore the resources curated in the Mars collection to learn more of the research developments over the last 20 years.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has transformed the energy we use.  In this free course, we ask the question ‘Can renewable energy sources power the world?’ as a response to the growing awareness that increased use of renewable energy technologies is making a major contribution to global efforts to limit anthropogenic climate change.

Astrobiology

The new discipline of astrobiology that is, the science of searching for extraterrestrial life, is transforming our understanding of space. This free course examines the emergence of icy satellites of distant planets as potential sites of extraterrestrial life, looks at the potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa, and speculates on the ethics of searching for life elsewhere in the solar system.