News archive

June 2014

Gannet sat nav reveals impact of fishing vessels

Fishing vessels have a far bigger ecological footprint than previously thought, according to research which tracked the movement and behaviour of seabirds using GPS devices.

Exeter enjoys notable success in Guardian 2015 University Guide

The University of Exeter has enjoyed significant success in the latest Guardian University Guide, strengthening its position as one of the best universities in the country.

Gone with the Wind 75th anniversary talk

The epic film Gone with the Wind marks its 75th anniversary this year. Scarlett O’Hara, the ultimate southern belle and heroine, forms the basis of a re-released book Scarlett’s Women: Gone with the Wind and its Female Fans which explores the film and why it appeals to a wide female fan base. 

Practical, affordable, management measures could accelerate the path to malaria eradication

The scourge of malaria could be curbed more rapidly in developing countries if governments and other partners adopted a series of measures to enhance program management, as outlined in a new paper by the University of California San Francisco, led by the University of Exeter’s Professor of Leadership, Jonathan Gosling. 

World Dementia Envoy opens Exeter health innovation hub

An award-winning centre which is cementing Exeter’s global reputation for health innovation has been officially opened by the World Dementia Envoy, Dennis Gillings, CBE, PhD.

Building world-leading research communities

The first GW4 Alliance projects to receive funding to build research communities focused on tackling some of the world’s grand challenges, have been unveiled.

Cornish myths inspire new children's book produced by student-led university press

Did You Know There Are Dragons in Cornwall? Is the title of a new children’s book recently published by Penryn Press a brand new publishing house created by students from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

New approach to writing changes policy and practice

A decade of research into the development of writing in school-aged children at the University of Exeter has shaped classroom practice in the teaching of writing and informed national and international policy. 

Exeter students scoop top enterprise start-up awards

University of Exeter students behind two enterprising start-up businesses have received top awards from the SETsquared partnership.

University celebrates Universities Week with range of activities

The University of Exeter is featuring in a UK-wide campaign this week to highlight the value and importance of universities to our everyday lives.

Centenary celebrations of Brazil versus Exeter City FC

With the World Cup kicking off in Brazil, a special website and programme of events are being created to commemorate the historic match between the hosts and Exeter City Football Club 100 years ago. 

'War Song' a resounding success

A spectacular concert showcasing musical talent at the University of Exeter has raised around £1,000 for Help for Heroes. 

Earth’s breathable atmosphere a result of continents taking control of the carbon cycle, study suggests

Scientists investigating one of the greatest riddles of the Earth’s past may have discovered a mechanism to help determine how oxygen levels in the atmosphere expanded to allow life to evolve.

Exeter competition encourages students to kick-start a renewables revolution

A team of intrepid teenagers is celebrating after winning a national competition designed to help kick-start a renewables revolution - using nothing but basic household objects.

Mobile phones negatively affect male fertility, new study suggests

Men who keep a mobile phone in their trouser pocket could be inadvertently damaging their chances of becoming a father, according to a new study led by the University of Exeter.

SEB President's Medal for Exeter researcher

Early Career Researcher Dr George Littlejohn has won the Society of Experimental Biology President's Medal, for Education & Public Affairs.

Scientists unravel the genetic secrets of nature’s master of mimicry

Scientists investigating how one of the greatest shape shifters in the natural world is able to trick predators to avoid being eaten have identified the gene behind the fascinating feat.

Exeter academic wins most prestigious award for Higher Education teaching

A major education award that celebrates outstanding impact on the student learning experience and educational institutions has been awarded to a University of Exeter academic.

Students' Guild Awards winners revealed

Students gathered with special guests from the Students' Guild and University of Exeter to celebrate the 2014 Students' Guild Awards.

Arctic warming linked to fewer European and US cold weather extremes, new study shows

Climate change is unlikely to lead to more days of extreme cold, similar to those that gripped the USA in a deep freeze last winter, new research has shown.

Exeter 6th in UK for most cited researchers says new global ranking

Eight University of Exeter academics feature in an authoritative new list of the most highly cited researchers, published this week by Thompson Reuters. This places Exeter 6th in the UK.

University of Exeter strengthening Humanities links with China

A delegation of 12 academics from the English and Modern Languages departments will be travelling with Professor Nick Kaye to China from 18-26 June 2014.

Exeter students become "Global Citizens" in Grand Challenges

Students participate in unique Exeter programme

Facial injuries and surgical advances exhibition

Soldiers in World War One with serious facial injuries are the catalyst for a research project and a new exhibition.

Engineering student in pole position to work at Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One team

A student from the University of Exeter is on track to become the next star of Formula One engineering, after being short-listed for a prestigious worldwide competition.

Imagining the suburbs research event and book launch

The suburbs spread far and wide beyond city boundaries yet are rarely celebrated as places of cultural interest or excitement. 

Recreational football reduces high blood pressure in mature women

The World Cup in Brazil may be attracting a global armchair audience of millions, but new research has shown that playing football could help lower blood pressure in women aged 35-50.

WW1 soldier poet and composer Ivor Gurney shines bright at the BBC Proms

Archival research brings to light previously unheard, as well as rarely performed chamber, orchestral and choral works by World War One soldier, poet and composer Ivor Gurney.

Penryn Campus peloton make final preparations for school maths tour with a difference

A team of intrepid experts are preparing to set the wheels in motion in their quest to bring maths to life for Cornish schoolchildren.

Exeter hosts record breaking Big Bang science and engineering fair

Budding scientists from across the South West region will experience their very own ‘Big Bang’ moment at a special fair hosted by the University of Exeter.

Exeter social scientists play leading role in major environmental assessment

Social scientists in Politics at the University of Exeter played leading roles in a major new assessment of UK environment resources

UK business incubator named number one in Europe

SETsquared has been ranked as the top university business incubator in Europe and second best in the world. 

University outlets achieve Bronze Food for Life standard

Four University outlets are now serving Bronze Food for Life Catering Mark meals, with a guarantee that meals are freshly prepared, healthy, ethical and environmentally sustainable.

Biosciences student receives Fulbright scholarship

Will George a student from Biosciences has received a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to study at Kansas State University on one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programmes operating world-wide.

Cornwall academic awarded medal for scientific contribution

Professor David Hosken from the Penryn Campus has been awarded a prestigious prize from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in recognition of outstanding scientific merit.