The Centre for Open Thanatology is The Open University’s interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to the study and education of death, dying, loss, and grief across the life course and in diverse contexts. Our vision is to use research and education to foster open dialogue and critical engagement with death and loss. The Centre Directors are Professor Erica Borgstrom and Dr Joanne Jordan. The links on this page give more information about the academics in the group, several of our projects and publications, and a range of resources. Keep in touch with our activities via Bluesky (@openthanatology.bsky.social) and our mailing list (Open Thanatology News).

About the group

The Centre for Open Thanatology was established in 2025. Building on over two decades of pioneering research and education, we bring together scholars, educators, practitioners, and the public to examine death and loss in their broadest terms. The Centre represents multiple disciplines, including the arts, social sciences, nursing, psychology, English and linguistics, history, law, social work, and education, and cultivates interdisciplinary collaboration and develops research capacity. Our work spans a wide range of themes—from neonatal loss, palliative and end-of-life care, and bereavement, to memorialisation practices and the existential challenges posed by the climate emergency. Through innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and educational initiatives, we bridge theory and practice and support the development of those working in these fields. 

At The Open University, we have an innovative Death, Dying and Bereavement module, which was the first flexible learning of its kind to address the challenging area of death, dying and bereavement, as well as end of life care. This can be taken as a standalone module or part of a degree. Via OpenLearn, the Centre for Open Thanatology offers a wide range of free videos, articles, interactives and short courses related to our research and public education topics, which can be accessed via our Open Thanatology Hub. We also have a podcast - Open Thanatology Talks - that engages with research, education, and practice-based issues around death and loss.

The Centre for Open Thanatology seeks to shape national and international conversations about death-related topics. This approach cuts across academic, professional, policy, and public spheres—creating a space where death and loss are not hidden, but openly studied, shared, and understood. For REF2021, we had a number of impact case studies related to research and public engagement led by Centre members. Additionally, through the OU-BBC collaborations, we also consult on a range of prime-time, radio, and internet-based video content, including documentaries like Better Off Dead, Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers, and A Time to Live and short films for BBC Ideas and Morning Live. Members of the Centre are available for media and event requests, knowledge exchange and consultant roles - contact the Centre administration for more information.