WELS news

Following success at the Grierson Awards, the BBC/Open University co-production Inside our Autistic Minds has been recognised at the 2024 Broadcast Awards, scooping the prize for Best Specialist Factual Programme.

In partnership with the BBC, academics from the OU’s Faculty of WELS have led on six films for the popular BBC One show Morning Live. Inspired by talks with OU academics and supported by their expertise, the thought-provoking and informative films explore a diverse range of topics, including cognitive behavioural therapy, language learning, and muscle loss.

Every year, the OU’s Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) recognises students for their achievements through the WELS Student Awards. This year seventeen talented students received awards in two categories: the Going the Extra Mile Award and the Student Inspirational Achievement Award. Each award is particularly notable, as students must be nominated by their tutors to be eligible.

The search for innovative solutions to cater for the UK’s population is on the rise as our healthcare systems experience ever increasing pressure. Researchers at the OU have called for further exploration in assisting older people in their daily lives, specifically via the use of remote monitoring technologies and smart homes.

Dr Elizabeth Tilley has been promoted to Professor of Learning Disability Studies. This professorship recognises her long-standing commitment to people with learning disabilities and the importance of inter-disciplinary and inclusive research in helping to address the challenges they often face in society, across the life course.

The Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD) has released its first annual report, showcasing the Centre's research and accomplishments from August 2022 to September 2023.

Dr Mimi Tatlow-Golden has been promoted to Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies of Childhood and Youth. Her research centres on issues of contemporary consequence for childhood and youth, examining the self, schooling, food, and fun.

Dr Erica Borgstrom has been promoted to Professor of Medical Anthropology, within the OU’s Faculty of WELS. Erica’s specialist area in research and teaching is death and dying, with an emphasis on end-of-life care. She is the lead for the interdisciplinary Open Thanatology research group, which educates on death and dying.

Dr Janice Gorlach, OU alumna, has recently received an MBE for her services to education and the positive impact her work has had on children’s lives.

The Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD) has launched a policy brief and positioning and research papers series to profile the Centre’s work in global development and human wellbeing.