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Dr Margaret Ebubedike wins OU Research Image of the Year

A graphic showing a photo looking down on a girl sitting on grass holding a camera. The words to the right of the graphic read, OU Research Image of the Year Winner Dr Margaret Ebubedike

Dr Margaret Ebubedike (School of Education, Youth and Sport) is the overall winner of The Open University (OU) Research Image Competition. Profile photo of Dr Margaret Ebubedike

The OU Research Image Competition was newly launched late last year. In addition to an overall winner, images have been chosen for every month, celebrating the diverse areas of research from across the university. 

In the call for submissions, OU academics were asked to submit images under the theme “impacting the world.” Submissions came in a variety of different forms such as photographs, illustrations and comics.

Commenting on her win, Margaret felt “pleased” and said it was “incredibly meaningful” to have won the accolade.

The winning image

A photo of a young girl doing her homework sat by a building on a path in North Eastern Nigeria

Margaret described the image and its background in her own words: "The image shows a young girl sitting on a dusty path, studying outside her small home in a village in northeast Nigeria. What struck me most with this image was her expression of curiosity and resilience. Continuing to strive for her education whilst living in a situation where girls are being abducted for attending school by Boko Haram. The image showcases the untold resilience of agency of children, particularly girls in conflict affected regions.

"The girl who took the image was around 12 years old and when she was asked about the image she made a powerful statement, which sums up why I do the research I do.

The research behind it all

Inclusivity is an important aspect in Margaret’s research, whose methods consistently explore opportunities to raise the voices of individuals and communities who are less heard.

Margaret went on to say: "My doctoral research focused on women in leadership. During data gathering, I was interviewing one of my participants, a very senior woman leader in northeast Nigeria. What she said during the interview struck me and would later shape my current research interest. She expressed her concern about the future of girls in the Lake Chad region. She was worried that girls would no longer have the opportunities to get education and thrive due to the Boko Haram attacks. She pleaded that we should explore ways to support these girls to continue education despite the situation of armed conflict. For me, this image speaks so deeply of how a girl, and her voice must be seen as equal partners in addressing the crisis. And this is where I believe research can have the greatest impact. It not only sparks a global conversation, shapes policies and inspires action but it can be utilised to cocreate suitable and successful interventions when we listen, understand, and take onboard the lived experiences of those involved. It calls to action policymakers, educators, NGO, and others to empower communities to lead the way towards a systematic change.

Capturing the Open University

When looking for the overall winner of the competition, the panel searched for an image that not only encapsulated individual research but also captured the spirit of the OU.

Margaret explained that: "The Open University’s mission has always sought to oppose injustice and empower people – and this research focuses on an empowerment rather than a deficit approach. It sees people, girls, who refuse to be defined by the struggles around her but instead show resilience and tenacity to access her right to education.

“Being chosen as OU Research image of the month is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just recognition of my work but also of the communities it supports. Most importantly, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. That little girl’s words keep me grounded and motivated. I am most excited to tell the girl who took the image that we continue to amplify her voice. This work is about hope, opportunity, and building a brighter future for everyone."

Monthly winners from the Faculty of WELS were Philip Seargeant whose submission was an illustration depicting the ‘Radicals of Russell Square’ and Carys Jennings who shared an image of a young person creating ripples in water.

Images from all winners will be shared across OU platforms.

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