News archive

March 2016

Water engineering students present research to industry specialists

Water engineering students from the University of Exeter are participating in a special event designed to highlight some of their world-changing research projects.

New research helps solve the riddle of the ocean carbon conundrum

About a quarter of the carbon dioxide we release each year into the atmosphere ends up in the ocean, but how it happens is still not fully understood.

£1.5 million to train tomorrow’s scientists and engineers

The Government is investing £1.5 million in the University of Exeter, to train the next generation of innovators in physical science subjects.

Plankton faeces could move plastic pollution to the ocean depths

Plastic waste could find its way deep into the ocean through the faeces of plankton, new research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory shows.

New vaccine could save thousands of lives

Work led by University of Exeter experts could help to protect thousands of people from an often fatal disease found in most tropical regions.

Intense competition for reproduction results in violent mass evictions

Intense levels of reproductive competition trigger violent evictions of male and female banded mongooses from their family groups, University of Exeter researchers have found.

Dementia: “illness” label can lower mood

People who perceive dementia symptoms as an illness feel more negative than those who see it as an inevitable part of getting older, a new study indicates.

The overlooked commotion of particle motion in the ocean

Most aquatic species sense sound via particle motion, yet few studies on underwater acoustic ecology have included measurements of particle motion.

University of Exeter hosts extreme weather festival

BBC presenter Dr Helen Czerski and Met Office Chief Scientist Professor Dame Julia Slingo will be among the world-leading climate change experts speaking at a family-friendly festival at the University of Exeter this weekend.  

Beetles assert dominance by being a lover not a fighter, new research shows

Beetles that demonstrate same-sex sexual behaviour may be asserting dominance over rival males without having to resort to fighting, a new study has shown.

New link between the University of Exeter and local community

Academics from the University of Exeter and lifelong learners from the local community are celebrating a new agreement which will help them work more closely together.

Exeter physicist takes research to Parliament

A University of Exeter researcher has been selected from thousands of competitors to present his research to MPs and expert judges at the House of Parliament, on Monday March 7.

VIP event celebrates South Cloisters opening

Healthcare and research leaders gathered to celebrate the official opening of a £10.5 million new facility that is fostering excellence in clinical research and education.

'Global Conversation' takes key issue of protecting oceans to Hong Kong

The latest research on the importance of marine biodiversity to global issues will be shared by leading experts from the University of Exeter at a special event in Hong Kong.

Tributes paid to former University of Exeter Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor

Tributes have been paid to the former Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Professor Paul Webley, CBE, who has passed away aged 62.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust announces £750,000 investment in Exeter-based research centre

A pioneering new strategic research centre, that will aid health professionals design exercise plans to improve the everyday lives of young people with cystic fibrosis, has been launched.

Medical student scoops Women in Science prize

A medical student who has embraced a wide range of roles is celebrating winning the University of Exeter Medical School’s Quintiles Women in Science Award ahead of International Women’s Day.

University expertise key in “treasure” inquest

University of Exeter expertise has helped uncover the origins of treasure found by a metal detector on Devon farmland.

Short man or overweight woman? Your size could make you poorer

Scientists at the University of Exeter have found the most robust evidence yet that simply being a shorter man or a more overweight woman leads to lower chances in life, including a lower income.

Real-life aliens extremely efficient at turning their hosts into new parasites

The way parasitoid wasps feed may be gruesome, but it is an extremely efficient way to exploit prey, University of Exeter research has found.

Exeter astronomer gets best ever view of aging star

An astronomer from the University of Exeter has had the sharpest ever view of a dusty disc around an aging star 4,000 light years away which could signal a new generation of planets.

Self-harming youngsters put at risk by ‘cycle of shame’

Young people who self-harm only seek emergency hospital care as a last resort due to a deep sense of shame and unworthiness, a study at the University of Exeter has found.  

Global farming practices must change, say climate change researchers

Human activities such as farming have caused the world’s plants, animals and microbes to contribute to global warming, a major international study co- authored by a University of Exeter professor has found.

New European University rankings strengthen Exeter’s reputation

A prestigious new European ranking has placed the University of Exeter at number 38, further cementing the institution’s global reputation for excellence.

Award success for pioneering diabetes research

Two University of Exeter Medical School scientists have won prestigious awards from the national charity Diabetes UK.

School children solve genetic riddle

Children from Devon, Dorset and Somerset got hands-on in University laboratories as they used genetic processes commonly seen in TV crime dramas to help solve a mystery.

All welcome for family-friendly University fun day

Join the University of Exeter for a free family fun day as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, and try your hand at a range of activities ranging from tennis tasters to hands-on experiments.

Exeter wins slice of £1.7 million to boost careers in Engineering

The University of Exeter has been awarded a slice of £1.7m Government funding to increase the supply of new engineers.

New study to tackle piracy issues caused by growing use of 3D printers

University of Exeter experts will work to develop a solution to the growing problem of piracy caused by the increasing use of 3D printers.

Trainee surgeon completes University’s first MD research degree

A joint project between the University of Exeter Medical School and Physics department has awarded its first Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unique images kept for future generations

Valuable and irreplaceable historic images will now be conserved in the UK thanks to a major European heritage project run at the University of Exeter.

First ever University-wide Module Fair

Students will be able to discover learning opportunities across all University of Exeter colleges for the first time at an event this week.

House of Commons showcase for University of Exeter dementia research

University of Exeter research which can help people living with early-stage dementia to manage their everyday lives and remain independent will be showcased by politicians at the House of Commons.

Pregnant mother’s weight, glucose and blood pressure affect baby’s size

Being overweight or obese in pregnancy causes babies to be born larger, according to new research.

UK Government recognises world-leading strengths of GW4-led consortium

A GW4-led consortium of businesses and organisations from across South West England and South East Wales has been selected to take part in the first wave of the Department for Business.

Female animals look drab to avoid sexual harassment, study shows

A new explanation for why female animals are usually less colourful and decorated than their male counterparts has been suggested by scientists from the University of Exeter – it could be to avoid sexual harassment.

Lord Myners of Truro takes up role as University Chancellor

A former Government Minister who has led some of the UK’s best known businesses is to take up post as Chancellor at the University of Exeter.

‘Intelligent’ robotic boat piloted by Exeter researchers makes maiden voyage

Researchers from the University of Exeter will be launching a boat with its own intelligence off the Scottish coast this week to test their pioneering software design that could revolutionise data collection at sea.

New study to investigate impact of lobbying

Experts will investigate whether wealthy individuals and groups really do control political decisions as part of a new study.

Risk of multiple tipping points should be triggering urgent global action on climate change

To avoid multiple climate tipping points, policy makers need to act now to stop global CO2 emissions by 2050.

Exeter subjects ranked amongst very best in the world

The University of Exeter’s status as one of the best academic institutions in the world has been confirmed by new global subject rankings.

Genomics award establishes Exeter as UK leader

The University of Exeter has been named as the latest site to deliver Health Education England’s Masters programme in Genomic Medicine.

Personality traits can be revealed by movement, study shows

A pioneering new study has revealed how an individual’s movement can give a unique insight into their inherent personality traits.

Changes to environment helps protect young pheasants

Making changes to the early lives of young pheasants can help prevent them dying needlessly, University of Exeter researchers have found.

Green light stops sea turtle deaths

Illuminating fishing nets is a cost-effective means of dramatically reducing the number of sea turtles getting caught and dying unnecessarily.

‘Ask the Experts’ about the EU referendum at the University of Exeter

Leading experts will be able to help people make an informed decision as they decide how to cast their vote in the UK’s referendum at an event in Exeter.

University rugby team scoops national title

The University of Exeter Men’s rugby team is officially the best student team in the UK, after winning the British University and College Sports (BUCS) Championship at Twickenham last night.

Exeter-Eden garden exhibit opens

An exciting research initiative culminates at the Eden Project this week, with the opening of a new exhibit in the attraction’s outdoor gardens.

Student represents Medical School in Vienna

A University of Exeter Medical School student has presented his research at a prestigious event in Vienna.

Exeter mathematicians recognised as rising stars of research

Two rising research stars at the University of Exeter have been awarded prestigious fellowships from the Medical Research Council (MRC).