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The Open University is proud to announce the launch of the Centre for Open Thanatology, a new interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to the study and education of death, dying, loss, and grief across the life course.

The Centre's launch event, themed Dialogue and Engagement with Death and Loss, will take place on 23rd June 2026, reflects the Centre's commitment to fostering open, critical conversations through research and education. The day will feature a keynote address by Professor Neil Thompson, followed by a live podcast recording in which Dr Bethan Michael-Fox interviews Dr Korina Giaxoglou. 

Erica Borgstrom, Professor Of Medical Anthropology and Co-director of the Centre for Open Thanatology said: "The Centre for Open Thanatology is a hub for critical inquiry, collaboration and education about death and related topics. Rooted in the values of openness and interdisciplinarity, it builds on the incredible work already happening at the OU and will continue to grow this area at the university. As a Centre, it will champion theoretical, practice-oriented, and public engagement work on dying and the aftermath of death, with the intention of enriching our understandings about these topics and improving people’s experiences of death and loss."

Short talks and discussions at the launch will showcase research spanning health and social care, bereavement support, funeral practices, climate change, and histories and archives. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and view exhibits of Centre members' work.

The event is open to all, including members of the public, practitioners, researchers, students, and service providers. In-person places are limited and early registration is recommended; those attending in person will receive refreshments and a lunch voucher. The event will also be live-streamed for online participants.

To register, please visit the event's Eventbrite page.

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