News archive

April 2013

Exciting and original technologies made freely available by University

The University of Exeter has joined Easy Access IP, which promotes new ways of sharing intellectual property (IP).

Miniature aircraft could help scientific data take off

In their most basic form, remote-controlled aircraft are the perfect gadget-lover’s toy, but now their high-tech cousins have the potential to revolutionise the way ecological data are collected.

Legal Helpdesk wins Attorney General Pro Bono Prize

3 April 2013
University of Exeter law students have been awarded the prize for Best New Student Pro Bono Activity prize by the Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC MP for its legal helpdesk that provides assistance to court users.

Predicting drought or rainfall in the desert

A new study by Professor Jim Haywood, from Mathematics at the University of Exeter, and colleagues suggests that sporadic volcanic eruptions in the northern hemisphere strongly influence the sea surface temperature and cause drought in the Sahel – the area of sub-Saharan Africa, just south of the Sahara desert. 

Business School alumnus comes top in UK professional exam

Mark Johnstone (Accounting and Finance with European Studies 2011), an accountant training with Thomas Westcott in Exeter and University of Exeter Business School alumnus has won first place and the Little prize in the ICAEW ACA exams Taxation paper.

Air pollution stunts coral growth

A new study has found that air pollution can shade corals from sunlight and cool the surrounding water resulting in reduced growth rates.

Revolutionary Iran

As Iran gears up for its elections in June, it is timely to have a major new book about the Islamic Republic. ‘Revolutionary Iran’ is the latest book by Dr Michael Axworthy, the Director of the University of Exeter’s Centre for Persian and Iranian Studies.

Thinking you’re old and frail

Older adults who categorise themselves as old and frail encourage attitudinal and behavioural confirmation of that identity.

University announces new HR Director

The University today announced the appointment of Jacqueline (Jacqui) Marshall as Human Resources Director. Jacqui will take up the post on 1 July.

Greek scholarships announced at Athens alumni event

Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith will be announcing two new scholarships for Greek students this week at a networking event in Athens for the University’s alumni, offer-holders and friends.

Stress - a modern day issue?

Today, many people consider stress to be part of life, yet most of us have little understanding of what the concept means or where it comes from. 

Award will link business with academia

A University of Exeter Medical School scientist has received a prestigious Industry Fellowship award, aimed at connecting Academia and Industry.

Exeter students host and win national TV awards

As part of the National Student Television Association (NaSTA) awards, last weekend saw the University of Exeter Students’ Guild’s XTV welcome the future of the television industry to Exeter, and be rewarded with several awards of their own.

Investigating Cornwall’s political past and present

Cornwall’s political heritage and relationship with Westminster is being explored in a new research programme. 

Teaching Awards 2013 - shortlist announced

Now in their fourth year, the Students Guild Teaching Awards have smashed all previous records receiving 2,415 individual nominations, up by 20 percent on the previous year. More than 500 individual academics have been nominated.

Thomas Hardy the man behind the classics

Thomas Hardy is one of the West Country’s most famous writers whose novels, such as Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the D’Urbervilles are internationally renowned.  

University ranks 49th best institution in the world

The Leiden University World Rankings shows that the University of Exeter ranks 49th best institution in the world.

Rope sculpture unravelled in exhibition on campus

Devon’s ancient pathway, the Mariners Way has been the inspiration for local artist Edward Crumpton, whose work is being exhibited at the University of Exeter from 27 April until 9 June.

Revolutionary new device joins world of smart electronics

Unique properties of graphene and graphExeter combine to create a new flexible, transparent, photosensitive device.

Green spaces may boost wellbeing for city dwellers

New research published in the journal Psychological Science has found that people living in urban areas with more green space tend to report greater wellbeing than city dwellers that don’t have parks, gardens, or other green space nearby.

Bugs produce diesel on demand

It sounds like science fiction but a team from the University of Exeter, with support from Shell, has developed a method to make bacteria produce diesel on demand. 

Epigenetic changes shed light on biological mechanism of autism

A University of Exeter Medical School scientist is part of a team to have identified patterns of epigenetic changes involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by studying genetically identical twins who differ in autism traits.

Battling with bugs to prevent antibiotic resistance

New scientific research published in the journal PLoS Biology shows that bacteria can evolve resistance more quickly when stronger antibiotics are used.

Top nominations in national student employment awards

The University of Exeter has the highest number of nominations nationally – 77 – in the Student Employee of the Year Awards 2013.

Opening of Environment and Sustainability Institute inspires next generation of researchers

The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), a £30 million environmental research institute at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus was formally opened on Tuesday 23 April by more than 120 local school children. 

Exeter student wins American Ambassador’s Award

A national competition for the best undergraduate essay on any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline has been won by a University of Exeter student.  

Fish win fights on strength of personality

When predicting the outcome of a fight, the big guy doesn’t always win, suggests new research on fish. 

Exeter hits top ten in The Complete University Guide

The University of Exeter moves up from 13th to 10th place in The Complete University Guide’s ranking of 124 UK universities for 2014, which was published today (Monday 29 April).

Foul-smelling gas shows health benefits in reducing joint swelling

A gas associated with the smell of rotten eggs has proven to effectively reduce joint swelling, in research which could lead to advances in the treatment of arthritis.

Two Exeter academics appointed Wolfson Research Merit Award holders

The Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, has announced the appointment of two Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award holders from Exeter out of a total of 27 new awards.

Saturn’s youthful appearance explained

New research published in the journal Nature Geoscience has revealed how Saturn keeps itself looking young and hot.