News archive

October 2017

Sir Christopher Ondaatje extends support for cricket at Exeter with £100,000 donation

Excellence in cricket at the University of Exeter has been boosted further with the generosity of Sir Christopher Ondaatje CBE (Hon DLitt, 2003).

Unseen photos of movie stars revealed by Exeter's film museum

A unique collection of rarely seen photographs showing stars such as Judy Garland and Laurence Olivier making some of British Cinema’s most-loved films can be seen for the first time.

Head injury sufferers needed for study

Men who have suffered head injuries are being recruited for a new scientific study.

Students secure female mining scholarships at Camborne School of Mines

Two female students at the Camborne School of Mines have been awarded scholarships as they embark on a successful mining career.

Global experts seek to end damaging dementia psychosis cycle

A new research report calls for a change in approach in the treatment of psychosis in dementia, to find alternatives to highly damaging antipsychotics.

Experts to tour schools on education ‘roadshow’

The Roadshow will dispel myths about higher education, breaking down the barriers young people feel prevent them from progressing to higher education. 

Women can be just as daring and risky as men, new studies show

Macho pursuits dominate traditional risk assessments, reinforcing gender stereotypes

Healing molecule discovery could reduce limb amputations for diabetes patients

Scientists have discovered new insights into a molecule which is part of the body’s tissue repair system, in a finding which could help treat non-healing wounds and injuries, such as diabetic foot.

Cancer identification genetics project wins European Health Award

Identifying cancer links more quickly – genetics project wins European Health Award

Pheasant roadkill peaks in autumn and late winter

Chickens’ motives for crossing the road are often questioned – but pheasants should probably avoid it altogether, new research suggests

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid visits Penryn Campus

Key senior Government members visited the Penryn Campus to strengthen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities for Cornwall arising from Brexit.

University of Exeter a cappella groups take part in TV battle to win chance to record an album at Abbey Road

Semi-Toned and the Illuminations are taking part in a new Sky One programme to find the country’s best vocal group. (Image credit: Sky)

Food Exeter strategy promotes healthy, sustainable city

A new strategy has been published to promote sustainable and healthy food for all in Exeter.

Social Sciences placed amongst top 100 in THE global rankings

Exeter has been named as one of the top 100 places in the world to study a range of Social Sciences subjects, according to the latest influential rankings.

More than £1 million to identify genomic changes in schizophrenia

The Medical Research Council is awarding more than £1 million to the University of Exeter Medical School to continue their pioneering work into how and why schizophrenia develops. 

University alliance awarded £2m to train a new generation of freshwater leaders

Exeter is part of the UK’s first freshwater doctoral training programme to address the complex challenges facing freshwater sustainability.

‘Breaking 2’: Exeter scientists take the lead in Nike’s marathon mission

Exeter scientists and alumni spearheaded the science behind Nike’s moonshot to achieve the first sub two-hour marathon, ‘Breaking 2.’ 

Poet in residence at rubbish dumps publishes verse inspired by waste

A writer spent a year as a poet in residence at rubbish dumps braving vast flocks of seagulls – and their droppings – to uncover the “hideous” beauty” of landfill sites.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to University of Exeter academic

Anti-nuclear campaigners, including a University of Exeter academic, have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Amazonian farmers discovered the secret of domesticating wild rice 4,000 years ago

Amazonian farmers discovered how to manipulate wild rice so the plants could provide more food 4,000 years ago, archaeologists have discovered.

Phone ‘app’ invented by students helps clubbers beat queues

A new ‘app’ to help party-goers beat long queues for nightclubs has been developed by clubbing students at Exeter.

People with bipolar mood swings needed for research trial

People in Exeter and north, east and mid Devon who have bipolar or cyclothymic disorder are being recruited for a new scientific study.

Quorn protein on par with animal sources

Protein found in Quorn meat-free foods may be just as good for muscles as animal proteins, new research suggests

Reform “grossly unfair” farm subsidies, expert says

“Grossly unfair” farm subsidies should be replaced with a new system, a University of Exeter expert has told the government.

Creator of Exeter hip dies

A surgeon who played an integral role in creating an artificial implant that revolutionised hip replacements worldwide has died.

SETsquared partnership secures funding to grow small businesses

The SETsquared Partnership has secured a government award of £5 million to tackle the challenge of scaling up small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to innovate and grow.

Experts discuss public libraries at summit

The University of Exeter hosted a summit discuss how library services and other social enterprises and charities can better understand their social impact.

Astronomers uncover puzzling early stages of planet formation

The quest to discover how planets found in the far reaches of the universe are born has taken a new, crucial twist.

Fireworks, food and dancing to mark Diwali in Exeter

Spectacular fireworks, Indian food and dancing and the chance to dress up like a Bollywood star will be the highlights of the University of Exeter’s Diwali celebrations.

Experts advise government on 25-year environment plan

Degradation of the natural environment has to be reversed partly because it underpins economic growth and social wellbeing, experts say.

Public invited to interactive talk on dementia in Exeter

Members of the public are being invited to an interactive talk, to hear more about the personal experiences of those living with dementia, and the portrayal of the condition in the media.

Social media accounts promote skeletal images of women

Skeletal images of bodies featuring protruding bones and pencil-thin limbs are being shared and promoted on social media, new research shows. 

Exeter Professor wins international award for psychiatric genetics research

A genetics researcher has won a prestigious award from the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics (ISPG) for his work on diseases that affect the brain.

New study to develop teachers’ skills as creative writers

Experts will help teachers develop their own skills as creative writers so they can help boost children’s confidence in writing.

Medical students win Management & Leadership award

A group of Medical students have won a national award which celebrates Management and Leadership. 

University of Exeter hosts Mature Student Conference

The University of Exeter recently hosted a Mature Student Conference on the Streatham Campus attended by over 70 students

Stories of Britain’s forgotten role in Russia’s Civil War on display

The forgotten role of British soldiers who died fighting trying to stop the Red Army seizing control of Russia can be seen at a new exhibition.

University of Exeter Business School tops global ranking of ‘Better World’ MBA programmes

The University of Exeter Business School has the best MBA programme in the world devoted to environmental and social issues, according to a new league table.

Hundreds of books donated to academics trying to rebuild the University of Mosul

Hundreds of books from the University of Exeter will be sent to Iraq to help academics trying to rebuild the University of Mosul.

Lecturer transports Exeter primary school back to ancient Greece – to meet the original superheroes

Children at a primary school in Exeter were transported back to the ancient world this week and learnt how to write the name of their school in ancient Greek, thanks to a visiting lecturer from the University of Exeter.

Sports fans invited to share memories at new Exeter City FC group

A special social group designed to encourage men over 50 to come together and talk about sports and memorabilia has been launched in Exeter.

Physical inactivity and restless sleep exacerbate genetic risk of obesity

Low levels of physical activity and inefficient sleep patterns intensify the effects of genetic risk factors for obesity

Experts study the past and present in new state-of-the-art Digital Humanities Laboratory

Experts are using cutting-edge technologies to study the past and present in a new, state-of-the-art digital humanities laboratory.

Weak social ties a killer for male whales

Male killer whales are more likely to die if they are not at the centre of their social group, new research suggests

Student medics encouraged to try research

Aspiring doctors, dentists and vets are being encouraged to try their hands at research in a student-run journal.

€2 million project to explore links between oceans and human health

The European Union is investing €2 million (£1.78m) to coordinate research into the complex links between oceans and human health and wellbeing.

Sustainable seafood top of menu for new research group

A new research group will focus on how seafood can be safely and sustainably produced for the world’s growing population. 

Diversity and immigration increase productivity in microbial communities

Natural selection quickly turns a melting pot of microorganisms into a highly efficient community, new research shows

Tropical forest reserves slow down global warming

National parks and nature reserves in South America, Africa and Asia, created to protect wildlife, heritage sites and the territory of indigenous people, are reducing carbon emissions from tropical deforestation by a third, and so are slowing the rate of global warming, a new study shows.

Exeter graduate launches paddle board tracking app

A Geography graduate from the University of Exeter has launched a paddle sports brand based around an app that tracks journeys on the water and provides data on performance.

Tales and imagery of life with dementia captured on Exeter allotment

People whose lives have been affected by dementia have worked with well-known professional artists to create insightful images and poems that capture some of their experiences, to form a new book.

Divorce law in England and Wales increases conflict and suffering for separating couples and their children

Divorce law in England and Wales is incentivising people to exaggerate claims of ‘behaviour’ or adultery to get a quicker divorce, according to University of Exeter research.

The first witch’s cat was white and spotty – and called Satan

The black cat, now a crucial accessory for Halloween witches, was a relatively late development in the history of witchcraft, new research has found.

Climate change already damaging health of millions

Climate change is already a significant public health issue and a looming global health emergency, new research shows.