News archive

March 2013

Flamingos need friends too

UK scientists are embarking on a four-year study of flamingo behaviour to explore how their relationships could be key to improving breeding success and the overall welfare of captive flocks. 

Exeter appoints new Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Professor Mark Goodwin has been appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter. He takes up his new role on 1 August and succeeds Professor Mark Overton who becomes Dean of the Faculty of Taught Programmes.

Business School lecturer highly commended by leading academic publisher

Dr Stephen Jollands from the Business School has been given a Highly Commended Award in the 2012 Emerald/European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards.

New report offers academic insight to improve gender equality in the financial services sector

True gender diversity is lacking in the financial services sector especially at senior management level.

Lizards facing mass extinction

Climate change could lead to dozens of species of lizards becoming extinct within the next 50 years, according to new research published today.

How birds of different feathers flock together

When different species of birds flock together, their flight formations are determined by social dynamics between and within species.

Buoyant bronze age boat makes history in Cornwall

Today history was made in Cornwall as a unique project to recreate a 4000 year old boat reached its dramatic conclusion as it launched into the waters of Falmouth Harbour.

Breast cancer technique to be tested on human breast tissue for the first time

A technique that could take away the anxious wait by patients for breast cancer results by removing the need for a needle biopsy is to have its performance evaluated for the first time, on breast tissue and lymph nodes.

Screen Talks at Picture House

Great films and great debates are the basis of ‘Screen Talks’, linking University of Exeter academics and the public through a programme of talks and film screenings at Exeter Picturehouse.

International Women’s Day: Vodcast launched to boost numbers of female surgeons

A video podcast that aims to increase the number of women that embark on and succeed in surgical careers is being launched on International Women’s Day at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. 

Bioscience to battle ash dieback

The University of Exeter is a member of a consortium awarded £2.4M by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for urgent research into the ash dieback fungus and the genetics of resistance in ash trees.

Legal aid supported by University law students

By taking to the streets on Tuesday 12 March Law students and academics from the University of Exeter are aiming to raise funds for the Community Legal Helpdesk at Exeter County Court.

European countries pool expertise to save water

Intelligent water monitoring systems could soon be in place across Europe thanks to iWIDGET, a €5 million European Commission project that will use cutting edge smart-metering technology to improve water use efficiency.

Beetroot juice – the winning formula for team sports

New research shows that drinking beetroot juice can significantly improve performance in team sports involving bouts of high intensity exercise.

Scottish sharks to be tracked for a second year

Scientists are to extend a popular basking shark tracking project for another year, it was announced today.

Double life of mysterious film star revealed in exhibition

A hugely popular film star in both Hitler’s Germany and in wartime Britain, actor Anton Walbrook was famous under two different names. Of Jewish heritage, and gay in an era when homosexuality was illegal he cultivated a mysterious image. 

Brain study seeks answers on dementia

Research which seeks to understand how the brain’s electrical behaviour is linked to dementia could pave the way for better treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

3D laser scanning of dhows in Doha

A unique collection of traditional seagoing boats in Doha, Qatar has been recorded for posterity using a 3D scanning process.  

Perfectly mixed up

Drama has become a regular activity for Exeter’s young people in care who have joined forces with students from the University of Exeter to stage a play in Austin, Texas.

Exeter returns to India

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith this week returned to India for the second time in less than a month, leading a senior delegation from the University of Exeter to the cities of Mumbai and Bangalore.

EGD team recognised for outstanding service

The Employability and Graduate Development team has been accredited with a nationally recognised quality mark for their work supporting individuals to make learning and work more accessible.

Devon's turbulent political past revealed

Today it is hard to imagine mid-Devon as a hotbed of political ferment but things were quite different a century ago when politicians risked physical assault in towns like Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey.

£1 million to investigate epigenetic factors in schizophrenia

Scientists will investigate the role of epigenetic processes in schizophrenia, a major cause of mental illness.

Exeter student strikes gold with physics display in Parliament

Claire Woollacott, 24, a PhD Postgraduate Research Student from the School of Physics at the University of Exeter, struck gold at a competition in the House of Commons yesterday for excellence in her physics research, walking away with a £3,000 prize.

University celebrates Exeter Pride

The University of Exeter is once again proud to be an official sponsor of Exeter’s fifth annual lesbian gay bisexual and trans (LGBT) Pride.

Historian selected to join major European think-tank

Professor Richard Overy has been inaugurated as a new member of the prestigious European Academy of Sciences and Arts.  

Long predicted atomic collapse state observed in graphene

The first experimental observation of a phenomenon in quantum mechanics that was predicted nearly 70 years ago holds important implications for the future of graphene-based electronic devices.

Live tracking of vulnerable South Atlantic seabirds

Real-time information showing the locations of the threatened frigatebird is now available online thanks to a new Darwin Initiative funded study led by the University of Exeter and Ascension Island Government Conservation Department. 

Youngsters unravel science mysteries and much more in fun-packed week

Children from across the South West took part in hands-on events and activities with researchers from the University of Exeter in celebration of invention and discovery during National Science & Engineering Week.

Superfast model brain to predict flooding during heavy rain

Heavy rain has once again resulted in widespread flooding across the country. With climate change likely to cause further severe weather events in the coming years, methods of quickly predicting flooding will become increasingly important. 

University chefs win gold for second year in a row

An elite team of chefs from the University of Exeter have won The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) Chefs Competition for a second year in a row.

Researchers discuss health and wellbeing at Parliament

A team of researchers has hosted a briefing to Parliament, focusing on the complex links between the environment and health.

Religious Education in schools defined by secular pressure groups

Secularists and Humanists played a critical role in the development of modern Religious Education in the 1960s and 1970s, according to new research by Education experts from the University of Exeter and University of Worcester. 

Meditation technique enhances children’s mental health

Teachers in schools across the globe are turning to a new philosophy to help improve the behaviour and well-being of students. 

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee commemorated with creation of Jubilee Wood

In 2012, celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee erupted across the UK and Exeter was privileged to receive a visit from Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Green light for new £9.7m University Technical College for South Devon

A £9.7m bid to create a University Technical College (UTC) in Newton Abbot has been approved by the Department for Education.

Goddess of Easter shines light on collective Christian worship

Millions of people will be tucking into chocolate eggs this Easter, but very few may be aware of the Pagan influence on the Christian festival.

Exeter receives share of £84 million boost to PhD training

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is this year investing £84.2 million in postgraduate training through its annual Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs).

Listen up! Exeter on form in BBC Radio 4 quiz

On Monday 1 April, a team of academics and students from the University of Exeter will be pitting their wits against each other on BBC Radio 4’s lively quiz show, The 3rd Degree.