Latest news

Redder ladybirds more deadly, say scientists

A ladybird’s colour indicates how well-fed and how toxic it is, according to an international team of scientists.

Students in training for 2012 International Mining Games

Students from the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines (CSM) are kick-starting an unusual training regime this January.

Predators hunt for a balanced diet

Predators select their prey in order to eat a nutritionally balanced diet and give themselves the best chance of producing healthy offspring.

Timely ends: telomere length in early life predicts lifespan

New research by a team from the Universities of Glasgow and Exeter shows that a good indicator of how long individuals will live can be obtained from early in life using the length of specialised pieces of DNA called telomeres. 

Fit females make more daughters, mighty males get grandsons

Females influence the gender of their offspring so they inherit either their mother’s or grandfather’s qualities.

University and Geological Survey join together in a critical alliance

In response to growing unease over supply of critical metals for high-tech manufacturing and green technologies, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the University of Exeter have agreed to join forces in a new initiative to improve research capability in this vital area.

Cornwall Campus disruption on Thursday 5 January

A message for all Cornwall Campus staff and students

Unique art-science experiment conducted in Cornwall and Iceland

A new book – Six Days in Iceland – is the result of collaboration between a poet and Geography staff and students at the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus.

University supports children's graduation

Cornwall Children’s University held its graduation ceremony involving 50 young people from schools across Cornwall at the Cornwall Campus on Wednesday 9 November.

World-class professors will help Cornwall take centre stage for environmental research

A trio of renowned professors will move to Cornwall following an international hunt for academics of the highest calibre to establish the region as a world-leading centre for environmental research.

Falmouth set to host wave energy test site

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) and The Crown Estate have signed a lease to create FabTest, a new wave energy ‘nursery’ test site in Falmouth Bay on the south coast of Cornwall.

Students celebrate partnerships with Cornish businesses

Students and local businesses are celebrating how they are together helping further our understanding of Cornwall’s flora and fauna.

Low carbon project scoops national award

It was recently announced that the ‘Clear About Carbon’ project involving academics from the University of Exeter Business School is a joint winner of the 2011 European Social Fund (ESF) Sustainable Development Specialist Project Leader Awards.

Is chivalry the norm for insects?

The long-standing consensus of why insects stick together after mating has been turned on its head by scientists from the University of Exeter.

Study finds decline in dolphins around Cornish coast

The number of bottlenose dolphins around Cornwall’s coast could be declining according to a new study by the University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Britain’s wildlife will benefit from better coastal structures

Plants and animals that live on Britain’s coasts could benefit from changes to the way coastal structures such as seawalls, breakwaters, rock armour and jetties are designed and built.

‘Heat-proof’ eggs help turtles cope with hot beaches

Sea turtles face an uncertain future as a warming climate threatens to reduce their reproductive viability.

Golding centenary celebrations in home county

The centenary of the birth of Cornwall’s most famous literary son, the author William Golding, will be marked by a major international conference at the University of Exeter’s Tremough Campus, Penryn 16 – 18 September. 

Exeter academic explains chemical ‘risk list’

A University of Exeter academic has spoken about the many chemical elements we rely on that are at risk.

Major investments will help businesses thrive

Innovation is at the core of three major new projects, collectively worth over £50 million, and all designed to help businesses thrive in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and beyond.

Free carbon reduction event for businesses in Cornwall

A free half day conference on October 11 at the Eden Project aims to bring local businesses in Cornwall up to date with the latest advice and techniques in the field of carbon reduction.

Females choose mates for their personalities, study shows

Adventurous females choose mates with similar personalities, regardless of the male’s appearance and other assets, according to research led by the University of Exeter.

Research reveals how butterflies copy their neighbours to fool birds

The mystery of how a butterfly has changed its wing patterns to mimic neighbouring species and avoid being eaten by birds has been solved by a team of scientists.

Construction of student accommodation begins at station site

Bath Row Developments, who secured planning permission to construct a 233-bed accommodation scheme for Cornwall Campus students adjoining Penryn Railway Station in 2009, has appointed Kier Living to be its lead contractor and construction has now commenced.

Niamh Lamond appointed as new CEO for the Tremough Campus Services Group

The University of Exeter (UoE) and University College Falmouth (UCF) have appointed Niamh Lamond as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Tremough Campus Services Group (TCSG).

Diane finds paradise through geology

Cornwall Campus student Diane Paradise is celebrating her University of Exeter graduation and a new career in Africa, while her daughter prepares to start university in Wales.

Cornwall graduates celebrate degree success

More than 500 students will graduate from the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus on Monday 25 July.

History of Science in the South West

The submarine telegraph cable is one of the iconic technologies of the 19th century.

Decline in species shows climate change warnings not exaggerated

One in 10 species could face extinction by the year 2100 if current climate change impacts continue.

Businesses and University to build environmental knowledge economy for Cornwall

More than 100 business representatives have met with the University of Exeter to discuss how together they can build an environmental knowledge economy for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Turf cutting celebrates new hub for Cornwall Campus

The University of Exeter and University College Falmouth welcomed local business leaders to the turf cutting ceremony for the latest investment project on the Cornwall Campus - The Exchange on Thursday 23 June 2011.

Exeter ranked in top ten UK universities

The University of Exeter has been rated as one of the top ten UK universities in The Times Good University Guide.

South West shops support repair research

Shops from across the South West have helped a University of Exeter research team uncover the creativity and community spirit at the heart of the region’s small-scale repair industries.

Exeter study reveals US turtles’ movements

A University of Exeter team has monitored the movements of an entire sub-population of marine turtles for the first time.

Student wins national prize for sea turtle study

A Cornwall Campus-based University of Exeter student has won a national prize for his research.

The novel in a time of climate change

The past five years have seen a significant increase in novels focusing on climate change. 

Children’s University graduation ceremony in Cornwall

The Cornwall Campus in Penryn was the setting for the first ever Children’s University graduation ceremony for school pupils between the ages of 5 and 14 years in Cornwall. 

Future of energy under the spotlight

Leading experts on energy policy will be discussing what the future holds for Cornwall, the UK and the rest of the world at an event which aims to share cutting-edge ideas.

Leading academic sheds light on current economic threats in public lecture

The next in the ‘Shaping the Future’ series of lectures hosted by the University of Exeter on 24 May will be delivered by one of the world’s leading labour economists and a recent member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Commission (MPC).

Cornwall Campus hosts culture festival

The themes of fashion and place will be explored at a one day culture festival at the Cornwall Campus, Penryn on Saturday 21 May.

John Betjeman and all things Cornish

As part of the Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature a series of special University of Exeter lecture sessions will be held at the Fowey Town Hall. 

Ceremony kicks-off Environment and Sustainability Institute

A ceremony has marked the official start of construction work on the building which will house the University of Exeter’s £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the Tremough Campus.

Environment and Sustainability Institute brings new jobs to Cornwall

The University of Exeter is looking to take on 23 new academic staff in Cornwall as part of recruitment for the £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).

Cornwall students join SAS for beach clean

More than 80 students from the University of Exeter and University College Falmouth sprung into action as part of an FXU Community Action/Surfers against Sewage (SAS) Beach Clean.

Head of Cornwall's first university environmental research institute appointed

Professor Kevin J Gaston has been appointed inaugural Director of the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).

Exeter contributes to the history of the world

History experts from the University of Exeter have contributed their geographical and subject knowledge to the latest edition of the prestigious copy of The Times Complete History of the World.

Last chance to see farming heritage exhibition

A final exhibition of photographs, film and interviews, collected from the year long project, ‘Family, Farming and Tradition,’ will be exhibited in the Engine Room, at the Exchange, in Penzance, from the 23rd November- 16th December 2010.

University of Exeter in top 200 in the world

For the first time, the University of Exeter has been hailed as one of the top 200 institutions across the world.

£10 million for world class learning, teaching and research facility

A £10 million investment in innovative learning, teaching and research facilities at the Tremough Campus in Penryn will help the University of Exeter (UoE) and University College Falmouth (UCF) to achieve their shared vision to create a world class campus for Cornwall.

CSI-style detection work reveals the advantage for crafty crows

Scientists from the University of Exeter have used ‘CSI-style’ detective work to help reveal the huge evolutionary advantage that can be gained by animals using tools to forage for food.

Exeter scientist helps expose the secret life of snails

A national competition to find the UK’s top amateur scientist has been won by a 69-year-old grandmother from Devon — with a little help from the University of Exeter.

University of Exeter staff volunteer in the local Cornish community

On Wednesday 8th September, members of staff from the University Admissions, Registry and Finance Teams volunteered their services for a day at the BF Adventure centre.

Do snails have sat-nav?

A scientist from the University of Exeter is helping to solve one of the great gardening mysteries – do snails have sat-nav?

Creative Cornwall in words and pictures

Three very different writers will be looking at how Cornwall has made an impact on their creative writing in a special free event open to the public at the University of Exeter’s Tremough Campus, Penryn. 

Historical gold for Spain

First the tennis, then the football and now a Spaniard triumphs as this years highest achieving history graduate at the University of Exeter’s summer graduation.

£30 million investment in new research institute

A £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) is set to be built at the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus.

It’s a first for law graduates in Cornwall

July 2010 is a landmark for Cornwall, as it is the first time in Cornish history that a campus based full time law degree is sending out qualified LLB graduates. 

Congratulations to Cornwall Campus graduates

The hard work of hundreds of students from the University of Exeter’s Tremough Campus, Penryn, is recognised today as they receive their degrees at a graduation ceremony at Truro Cathedral.

Cornish students prepare for a sustainable future

More than 120 young people from Cornish schools took part in a day of hands-on activities aimed at inspiring and informing Year 10 students about the increasing ‘green’ career opportunities that exist locally.

Cornwall leads the way with ‘Clear About Carbon’ project

A three year project to instil better carbon literacy skills into both the public and private sector is being rolled out in Cornwall as the first initiative of its kind nationally.

Oral history exhibition celebrates Truro communities

While much has been written about the history of Truro’s historic centre, what about the story of the council housing estates that have developed around the outskirts of the city since the 1920s – 1960s?

Battle of the sexes exists in the plant world too

A University of Exeter scientist has contributed to research which shows plants, like animals, also have a battle of the sexes when it comes to raising their offspring.

Mongoose traditions shed light on evolution of human culture

A groundbreaking study of banded mongooses in Uganda has shown even small-brained animals pass on traditions, giving a valuable insight into how complex human culture could have evolved.

Cornish farming heritage project wins the lottery

A new project which traces Cornish farming and heritage from the late 19th century to the present day through photography, video, film and artefacts is being documented by researchers from the University of Exeter’s Cornish Audio Visual Archive (CAVA).

Big Brother in the wild

Tracing the success of individual wild insects in leaving descendants is now possible according to new research by University of Exeter biologists using a combination of digital video technology, tagging and DNA fingerprinting.

Social impacts of mining at home and abroad

The University of Exeter’s, Camborne School of Mines, hosted visitors from Europe who carry out research on the social impacts of mining. 

UK’s leading energy experts gather in Falmouth

Following the success of last year’s energy conference the University of Exeter will be staging another world-class event in Falmouth on 24 and 25 May.

Exeter wins national mooting competition

Law students from the University of Exeter won the coveted Weekly Law Reports Annual Mooting Competition, hosted at the Law Society in London.

Government Chief Scientific Advisor tackles global challenges at Cornwall Campus

People in Cornwall will have the opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s most high profile and influential scientists at a free public lecture.

History student brews up business idea

A student on the Cornwall Campus, is setting up a brewery with a difference. He is now looking for local businesses or individuals who might be able to help provide space for his company.

Geographer celebrates history of Cornish science

A geographer from the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus has written the first full-length book on the history of science in Cornwall.

Nick Clegg tours Renewable Energy lab

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg toured the University of Exeter’s Renewable Energy laboratory on Wednesday 31 March.

Increased grant package for Exeter

The University of Exeter’s government grant for teaching and research is to increase by 3.7% next year to £66.17 million.

Schools celebrate science at Exeter

School pupils from across the South West will measure the speed of light, discover artificial intelligence and see what happens to everyday objects at -200° C.

Anniversary celebrations for Cornish culture

The Cornish Audio Visual Archive (CAVA) celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Cornwall Centre in Redruth.

Record breaking election turnout

A record breaking 5742 students voted in last week’s University of Exeter Students’ Guild sabbatical elections (36% of students).

Exeter geographer advises Indian government on climate change

A University of Exeter geographer has advised the Indian Government on the links between climate change and national security.

Does promiscuity prevent extinction?

Promiscuous females may be the key to a species’ survival, according to new research by the Universities of Exeter and Liverpool.

Cornwall scientists speed up marine renewable testing

A team from the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus has designed a unique facility that will help deliver reliability and risk control for wave energy device developers, investors and insurance companies.

Cornwall research project inspires major new BBC series

A research project based at the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus has inspired the BBC’s latest primetime wildlife documentary series.

Exeter scientist discovers how the butterflies got their spots

How two butterfly species have evolved exactly the same striking wing colour and pattern has intrigued biologists since Darwin’s day.

Career driven students rewarded

Five ambitious students are each celebrating a £1,000 payout from the University of Exeter to further their careers. 

Exeter geographer reveals peatland surface patterns

A team of UK scientists led by Dr Karen Anderson of the University of Exeter have developed a new technique for monitoring the condition of peatlands.

Golding treasures mapped

Cornwall’s most famous literary son, Sir William Golding, left unpublished at his death in 1993 a number of writings, including novels, a piece of science fiction, and extensive notes towards an autobiography.

100 new PhD funding opportunities at Exeter

The University of Exeter will be awarding funding for over 100 new PhD places for 2010.

Exeter geographer helps generate sense of belonging

A geographer on the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus is helping shape a series of arts projects designed to generate a sense of community belonging.

South West businesses and academics join forces to generate power

Business professionals and researchers will gather in Cornwall on 8 January to identify opportunities to get involved with developing wave and tidal energy in the South West.

Turtles’ Christmas journey tracked by scientists

The journeys of two marine turtles around the world’s oceans will be available to view online this Christmas, thanks to a new research project launched by the University of Exeter.

Whiskers hold secrets of invasive mink

Details of the lifestyle of mink, which escaped from fur farms and now live wild in the UK, have been revealed through analysis of their whiskers.

Studies suggest males have more personality

Males have more pronounced personalities than females across a range of species – from humans to house sparrows – according to new research.

Knowledge of Cornish ghouls and ghosts required

Myths of haunted places and tortured souls roaming Cornwall are well documented in popular literature and magical goings on continue to thrive in modern folk lore.  

Europe’s businesses to benefit from South West universities

Businesses across Europe are set to benefit from a new €2million cross-channel collaboration involving the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth.

Impact of renewable energy on our oceans must be investigated, say Exeter scientists

Scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth are calling for urgent research to understand the impact of renewable energy developments on marine life.

Mother knows best

University of Exeter scientists have found new evidence to explain how female insects can influence the father of their offspring, even after mating with up to ten males.

Researchers capture bacterial infection on film

Researchers have developed a new technique that allows them to make a movie of bacteria infecting their living host.

£10 million for energy research announced

South West England’s ambition to be a global centre for harnessing energy from the sea has received a major boost with the announcement of a £10.3 million investment in marine energy research.

Launch powers wave energy research

The ambition for Cornwall to become a world leading centre for wave energy has moved a step closer to reality with the launch of a two tonne (2000kg) buoy off the coast of Falmouth.

Over £6 million Cornwall Campus research investment

An ambitious project worth more than £6 million to increase high quality research and strengthen links between businesses and the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) has been approved for more than £4.6 million of ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence investment.

Scientists identify world’s largest leatherback turtle population

An international team of scientists has identified a nesting population of leatherback sea turtles in Gabon, West Africa as the world's largest.

Daphne du Maurier Festival gets new expert sessions

Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and My Cousin Rachel are some of the great literary works by the famous English writer Daphne du Maurier, whose popularity and international acclaim are being used as a catalyst to promote and celebrate literature in and around the South West.

Cornish Families on film, in sound and on record

For the first time in history, the oral traditions of Cornish families will be made available through a major multi media resource which explores Cornish identities and the way families in Cornwall interact.

Exeter researcher to develop coatings that kill superbugs

A scientist from the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus is part of a €3 million Europe-wide research collaboration to pioneer research into safer, more effective antibacterial plastics and coatings.

Bizarre bird behaviour predicted by game theory

A team of scientists, led by the University of Exeter, has used game theory to explain the bizarre behaviour of a group of ravens.

British butterfly reveals role of habitat for species responding to climate change

Most wild species are expected to colonise northwards as the climate warms, but how are they going to get there when so many landscapes are covered in wheat fields and other crops?

Fish guts explain marine carbon cycle mystery

Research by the University of Exeter reveals the major influence of fish on maintaining the delicate pH balance of our oceans, vital for the health of coral reefs and other marine life.

University team finds link between common chemical and disease in adults

A research team from the University of Exeter, Peninsula Medical School, the University of Plymouth and the University of Iowa, has found evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) to diabetes and heart disease in adults.

Exploring Cornish families far and wide

Discovering how families in Cornwall interact and exploring the characteristics of Cornish identity; forms part of a one day conference led by the University’s Institute of Cornish Studies, Cornish Audio Visual Archive (CAVA).

Study shows rise in dolphin, whale, and porpoise deaths

A study by the University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, published in the journal Biodiversity and Conservation, has revealed a disturbing rise in the number of whales, dolphins and porpoises found dead on Cornish beaches.

Exeter scientist warns: the carbon crisis is lethal for coral reefs

Major new research indicates that coral reefs will not survive the rapid increases in global temperatures and atmospheric CO2 that are forecast this century by the IPCC.