Research news and blogs

A landmark piece of legislation has come into force, recognising pet theft as a specific crime for the first time. The Pet Abduction Act 2024 aims to address the emotional distress experienced by stolen pets and their owners.

A groundbreaking new report has been released highlighting the often-overlooked issue of early pregnancy endings as a workplace issue. 

A new report from The Open University, in collaboration with Riverford Organic Farmers and Sustain, explores how employee ownership can address the complex challenges facing the food and farming sector.

A toolkit has been designed to enhance support for maternal mental health in the workplace as a result of a research study conducted by The Open University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Greater Manchester Police Association of Women in Policing.

The Open University is proud to be part of the 5th Edition of the Chocolate Scorecard that grades chocolate companies on their sustainability and ethics.

Researchers at The Open University have been awarded £7,730,000 from Research England to create a new centre for protecting women against violence online.

Richard Blundel, Professor of Enterprise and Organisation and Director of the Centre for Social and Sustainable Enterprise, writes about how smaller businesses can become net-zero influencers and enablers.

A ground-breaking research paper from The Open University, the University of Plymouth, the University of Essex, and University College London has unveiled significant inequalities in the paid leave parents receive when facing an early end to pregnancies.

A team of researchers from the OU’s Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) has secured another year’s funding (£600k) to continue their work, alongside Police to improve the way rape and sexual offences are investigated. 

The Open University has commissioned a new survey of 18–19-year-olds in England which shows that nearly 1 in 2 (49%) have reconsidered going to university in the last year because of the rising cost of living.