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.

Want to buy guilt-free Easter chocolate?

Pick from our list of ‘good eggs’ that score best for the environment and child labour.

11th April 2022

Early pregnancy endings and the workplace – your experience

The Open University Business School is hoping to drive changes in policy and practice by leading on a new project about early pregnancy endings and the workplace.

7th March 2022

Self-employment: what is it, why do it and how has the pandemic affected it?

Professor Elizabeth Daniel discusses the lasting legacy of the pandemic on self-employment and homeworking, the ‘passionpreneur’ and describes how mental load is affecting self-employed women.

28th January 2022
image of gift giving

Academic reveals the psychology of spending this Christmas

Mark Fenton-O’Creevy is Professor of Organisational Behaviour and he advises that if you want to keep yourself in check this Christmas, you need to know what your triggers are and learn how to avoid them.

9th December 2021
Elderly man holding juggling ball

Social care cap: how the new system will work and why it’s unfair – an expert explains

Why means-tested support will impact those who are less well-off, as they will end up losing more of their assets to pay for their care.

1st December 2021

Politicians join cross-party discussion on how to tackle gender-based violence

Key politicians including Labour’s Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding, Jess Phillips MP, will join a cross-party panel at a free webinar to discuss what more should be done to prevent gender-based violence.

26th November 2021
Police officer in street

Over half a million pounds to research police response to rape

OU research that will transform how rape investigations are conducted has just been awarded £570,000 by The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, who are hosting this National Police Chiefs Council led and Home Office funded programme.

25th November 2021

Where basic income fits in the future of work - and why it matters to business

Dr Charles Barthold explains what a basic income is, why the circumstances are right to test it now and why business should be involved in the debate

8th November 2021
Image of the Bluestone team

Operation Soteria Bluestone: Year 2 - Meet the Team

The research is split into six workstreams all looking at different aspects of the investigative process: suspect focused investigations, challenging and disrupting repeat offenders, victim engagement, learning and development and wellbeing, review of data, and performance and digital forensics. 

8th November 2021
An innovative hydrogen-powered vehicle from Riversimple.

Eco-innovation and green start-ups – an evidence review

Richard Blundel, Professor of Enterprise and Organisation, and Dr Sam Hampton, a colleague from the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, are the co-authors of a new report, ‘Eco-innovation and Green Start-ups: An Evidence Review’.

12th October 2021

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.