An innovative new kind of physics experiment is being introduced for science students on Open University courses this year. Interactive screen experiments (ISEs) use Flash technology to allow students to carry out a real experiment using a standard home computer and web browser.

Determining how and why everyday people are being watched by public and private organisations – and the social consequences of this expanding surveillance – will be the focus of a new, $2.5-million collaborative research project involving Dr Kirstie Ball of the OU Business School.

In the current debate over the longer-term effects of 21st century global warming and climate change, research from The Open University (UK) is now providing some compelling evidence of what can happen when the Earth’s oceans and atmosphere become much warmer.

If a malicious employee stole data from your organisation, would you have the skills to detect it? Could you gather evidence that would help the authorities prosecute a criminal case? Would you be able to produce the evidence to handle a disputed transaction, or a misbehaving employee? In this digital age we live in, computing security and business IT processes are under more scrutiny and pressure than ever before.