News

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. When these biosensors are incorporated into Smart Contact Lenses they enable non-invasive and continuous monitoring of these biomarkers, which is expected to offer faster disease diagnosis and prognosis. There is also scope to use contact lenses for ocular drug delivery.

A review of the latest developments in this exciting field can be found here:

A new Open Access book has been published which offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of the hydrogen industry. Written by former members of the School of Engineering and Innovation, incorporating research they performed while working there, the book builds upon insights gathered from a series of expert workshops and follow-on activity. International experts from various fields, including industry, public policy, and academia, engaged in dialogue and knowledge exchange, resulting in invaluable findings and observations.

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 Anniversary Trust. The Report explores how the combination of creativity and emerging technologies, known as CreaTech, can drive innovation, create jobs, and position the UK as a global leader in the Creative Industries. The year-long research initiative, supported by think-tank Erskine Analysis, highlights the opportunities presented by CreaTech.

DEFRA has just published the results of the RADAR project (Reviewing Approaches for communicating Drought status And Risk) which was a collaboration between the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and Kevin Collins in the School of Engineering and Innovation. Through a range of focus groups with different sectors, the research explored ways of improving communication of drought. 

Researchers in the School of Engineering and Innovation, in collaboration with colleagues from ten other institutions, jointly published a review article entitled Surface Engineering of Borophene as Next-Generation Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications in the journal Energy and Environmental Materials. Borophene is an emerging bi-dimensional nanomaterial formed by boron atoms arranged in anisotropic crystal structures that lead to exceptional mechanical, electronic, and conductivity properties.

On 23rd January 2025, Kevin Collins convened a stakeholder workshop near Canterbury on local understanding of the River Nailbourne as part of his Chalk Bournes project in conjunction with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Researchers in the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are developing methods suitable for the construction of lunar habitats and infrastructure. Working with researchers at the University of Surrey and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, they have generated an understanding of the energy required to process molten lunar regolith.

On the 10^th anniversary of establishing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of Water Governance, Kevin Collins attended the 20^th meeting of the OECD Water Governance Initiative (WGI) at the OECD HQ in Paris 28-29^th January. Over 150+ WGI members convened in person and online.

Rachel Wood and Sam Osys, both working towards PhDs in Design at the Open University, published a joint article entitled 'Emotional engagement is an essential part of the design process' in The Psychologist. They both work in the design industry: Rachel as Head of Customer Journey in public services, and Samantha as a Design Strategist and Senior Solutions Designer in the financial sector. In the article they discuss how they integrate psychology and behavioural science in human centred design.

Theo Zamenopoulos and Katerina Alexiou in the School of Engineering and Innovation are the lead academics in an Open Societal Challenges Challenge Us! Project established in collaboration with Fidele Mutwarasibo from the OU Business School, Alex Cole of TIN Ventures, the MK Community Foundation, and MK Ethnic Business Community.