Research news

Welcome to our OU Business School research related news and blogs page, providing a platform to showcase the wide variety of stories and news from our OUBS research community.

If you would like to contribute a research related blog or news piece, please email us at: [email protected].

Please note that views expressed in these blog posts and news items are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the OU Business School.

The latest Chocolate Scorecard highlights urgent need for industry change

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.

28th March 2024

The Open University awarded £7.7m to protect women and girls online

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.

16th January 2024

How smaller businesses can become net-zero influencers and enablers

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.

17th October 2023

OU research reveals inequalities in employment leave for Early Pregnancy Endings

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.

12th October 2023

OU secures a further £600k to fund research into improving how Police investigate cases of rape and sexual violence

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. 

24th August 2023

Nearly 1 in 2 school leavers in England have reconsidered going to university, as cost of living soars

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. 

11th August 2023

How can smart cities become greener?

A blog post by Professor Effie Kesidou, Dr Despoina Filiou and Professor Lichao Wu on how smart cities can become greener.

1st May 2023

OU researchers secure €350,000 for social innovation research

Researchers from the OU's Faculty of Business and Law are collaborating with universities, research centres and small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe on a new project to decarbonise the continent.

22nd February 2023

New research finds the biggest predictors of future wealth

According to new research, your planning capabilities and attitude towards money are two big drivers when it comes to accumulating wealth.

17th January 2023

Report uncovers several areas that urgently need addressing in the investigations of rape and other sexual offences

Findings from Operation Soteria Bluestone, a report launched in 2021 as a response to the government End-to-End Rape Review, have revealed several areas that urgently need addressing in the investigations of rape and other sexual offences (RAOSO).

16th December 2022

Upcoming Events

May 21

CVSL Conference 2026: Voluntary Sector Leadership - what next?

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 10:00 to 16:00

The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

Join us at this year’s annual conference as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of CVSL. Together we’ll reflect on a decade of impact and look ahead to the next ten years, featuring insights and reflections from former CVSL directors.

Jun 2

Technology, Inclusion and Esports: Opening Up New Spaces of Participation

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 10:30 to 12:30

Online and and in person at The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB

This event explores the relationship between technology, inclusion, and esports, examining how digital gaming environments can create new opportunities for participation, connection, and belonging in society and organisations.