The Open University: STEM

12/10/2026

A plaque was unveiled last week to celebrate the work of Professor Colin Pillinger who persuaded politicians, pop stars and the public to support what had seemed impossible: a British mission to Mars.

Read more in this BBC News article:

Colin Pillinger died believing that Beagle 2 had not landed, and now his work is being celebrated around the UK.

09/10/2026

🌱 It’s ! Dive into a world of discovery with us from 8–18 October. Explore inspiring talks, fun competitions, and hands-on activities for all biology enthusiasts.

See what’s on: https://events.stem.open.ac.uk/event/biology-week-2026-8-18-october-featuring-lhcs/

What are you most excited to join? Let us know below! 👇

07/10/2026

Ready to start your module and not studied for a while?

This FREE short course will help to boost your confidence and explore useful skills to discover how ready you are to study and how to develop your skills in 6 steps to become a successful distance learner.

Distance learning can open up opportunities for study. You might have not studied for a while, you might be returning to education, or you might not have had the chance to study at a higher level ...

05/10/2026

New research involving OU academics boosts prospects for finding life in the icy plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

https://ow.ly/3JRu50ZSgxV

02/10/2026

There isn't a day that goes by when AI isn't in the news. Recent concerns about the safety of the technology is sparking national debate.

Got you thinking? This FREE short course explores the importance of using Generative AI ethically and responsibly.

https://ow.ly/SrOf50ZSfta

30/09/2026

Black STEM Hub welcome event:

Thursday 2 October
5:00pm to 6:00pm

Join us online to meet the team, hear about upcoming activities and learn how to become part of the Black STEM Hub community.
Register to attend:
https://ow.ly/sGqa50ZNVuX

28/09/2026

Ready to start your OU studies and feeling scared, nervous, unsure where to being? Don't worry, we've got you!
We've compiled a playlist with loads of tips and hits for real OU students to help you get started.
https://ow.ly/nvJN50ZQytZ

24/09/2026

Ready to start your student journey with us?

21/09/2026

The Black STEM Hub team are hosting two welcome events this autumn:
Welcome Fair
Fri 26 Sept
10:00 to 15:00
Milton Keynes campus

Visit us at the Welcome Fair to learn more & find out how you can get involved!

Can't make it to campus? Join us online to meet the team, hear about upcoming activities and learn how to become part of the Black STEM Hub community.

Online meet and greet:
Thurs 2 Oct
17:00 - 18:00

Register to attend:
https://ow.ly/F2F250ZNUUO

18/09/2026

Maths in movies has often been used creatively to engage students in formulas and numerical theory. This episode of 'It's all Academic - From Fractions to Formulas’ is a light-hearted parody of the Wizard of Oz in which the traditional characters are replaced by mathematical concepts:

Maths in movies has often been used creatively as a method by which...