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School of Engineering and Innovation

Leading the OU’s teaching in Engineering, Design, Technology & Innovation Management, Systems Thinking and Environmental Management and has highly rated Design and Materials Engineering research.

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School of Engineering and Innovation

We aim to make an impact on individuals, organisations and communities that have to design, develop, build and manage complex systems involving technologies of all kinds. Our disciplines combine both analysis and synthesis, ranging from engineering, through design and systems thinking to environmental and technology management.

We take a broad view of engineering and innovation in all our activities. Our teaching covers many forms of formal, non-formal and informal courses and educational resources. Our wide ranging research and scholarship covers several Research Excellence Framework (REF) units of assessment. Our expertise is used in various commercial, not-for-profit and grant funded activities both nationally and internationally.  

We are committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and aim to enhance our reach into, and impact on, currently underserved groups and organisations in line with The Open University’s mission.

News

World Design Congress 2025

For the first time in over 50 years, the World Design Congress returns to London, taking place at the Barbican Centre on 9–11 September 2025.

18th March 2025

Design Award and Intangible Cultural Heritage

An academic in the Design Groupwithin the School of Engineering and Innovation was part of a team that won a Gold H.E. Teaching Award in China. Senior Lecturer in Design, Dr.

17th March 2025

Smart Contact Lenses

Researchers in the School of Engineering and Innovation are developing novel biosensor technologies for real-time analysis of diagnostic biomarkers including glucose, proteins, and electrolytes.

8th March 2025

Insights into the New Hydrogen Economy

A new Open Access book has been published which offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of the hydrogen industry.

21st February 2025

The Coronation Challenge: CreaTech Report

The Open University is proud to celebrate its contribution to a major new government report, The Coronation Challenge: CreaTech Report, launched Monday 10 Feb by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Royal Anniversa

19th February 2025
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