72% of OU research, underpinning its flexible higher education, is world-leading or internationally excellent (2014 UK Research Excellence Framework). The OU pioneers innovation in teaching, and is a global leader in the design, content and delivery of supported open learning. It leverages 50 years of experience in using open and distance learning and education technology to deliver innovative, inclusive learning pathways and capacity building of frontline health and education workers at scale that overcome the barriers of time, distance, resources, technology, and culture in low-resource contexts. The OU is the largest academic provider of learning resources globally, from the UK’s National Health Service leadership programme to engineering and manufacturing design. The resources developed include digital and print-based media applicable in different world locations. The OU’s OpenLearn platform, established in 2006-2008 with funding from the Hewlett Foundation, is one of the world’s largest open learning sites, with 10,000+ hours of freely-available, open learning materials, accessed by over 60 million visitors from 239 countries since its launch.
