Read the latest Research News - Autumn 2011 now available for download in PDF format. For previous editions visit our archive.
Education expert wins influential doctoral studentship
The University of Exeter’s Professor of Education Wendy Robinson has won a prestigious doctoral studentship award from the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Exeter researchers awarded prestigious fellowships
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has today announced the recipients of its first ever Fellowships in Manufacturing.
Light pollution transforming insect communities
Street lighting is transforming communities of insects and other invertebrates, according to research by the University of Exeter.
The heart rules the head when we make financial decisions
Our ‘gut feelings’ influence our decisions, overriding ‘rational’ thought, when we are faced with financial offers that we deem to be unfair, according to a new study.
£30,000 award to South West sea-life scientist
HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) has presented a Whitley Award for inspirational conservation leadership to University of Exeter research fellow Joanna Alfaro Shigueto for her work to build a better future for Pacific coast wildlife and fishing communities.
Exeter professors win research prizes from the Royal Meteorological Society
Professor David Stephenson and Professor Jim Haywood in Mathematics at the University of Exeter have won prestigious research prizes from the Royal Meteorological Society.
University scientist joins international team to sequence butterfly genome
A University of Exeter scientist has joined a landmark effort to sequence the genome of a South American butterfly.
Universities showcase creativity and lift the lid on research for the local community
The University of Exeter and University College Falmouth will be showcasing creativity, originality and ground-breaking research in all sorts of ways for the local community and visitors to Falmouth to enjoy between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 19 May 2012.
First satellite tag study for manta rays reveals habits and hidden journeys of ocean giants
Using the latest satellite tracking technology, conservationists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the University of Exeter and the Government of Mexico have completed a ground-breaking study on a mysterious ocean giant: the manta ray.
Research reveals threats to ice sheet stability in West Antarctica
Threats to the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet have been revealed by new research involving the University of Exeter.
International research team unravels origin of devastating kiwifruit disease
An international research team including an Exeter scientist has used the latest DNA sequencing technology to trace a devastating pathogen back to its likely origin of China.
Exeter biologist rediscovers 'forgotten' 19th century illustrations
A unique collection of nineteenth century visual teaching aids belonging to the University of Exeter has been rediscovered after more than six decades.
Exeter scientist wins Rosenhain Medal
University of Exeter physicist Professor Steve Eichhorn has won the Rosenhain Medal in recognition of his distinguished achievement in materials science.
New graphene-based material could revolutionise electronics industry
The most transparent, lightweight and flexible material ever for conducting electricity has been invented by a team from the University of Exeter.
Birds cultivate decorative plants to attract mates
An international team of scientists has uncovered the first evidence of a non-human species cultivating plants for use other than as food.
Spin-out wins Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation
University of Exeter spin-out company Simpleware Ltd has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its new approach to converting 3D image data into high-quality computer models (CAD, Rapid Prototype, CFD and Finite Element models).
Green-glowing fish provides new insights into health impacts of pollution
Understanding the damage that pollution causes to both wildlife and human health is set to become much easier thanks to a new green-glowing zebrafish.
University researcher reaches finals of prestigious global competition
Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, from Lima (Peru) has been named as a finalist in one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife conservation competitions - the Whitley Awards.
Exhibition reveals South West's repair industries as threatened and thriving
An exhibition offering a unique insight into the business of repairing everyday objects opens at the University of Exeter on 11 April.
Business School awarded £1.5 million to research digital economy
A consortium of researchers, headed by the University of Exeter Business School has been awarded £1.5 million by the Research Council UK to undertake research into the digital economy.
800-year-old farmers could teach us how to protect the Amazon
In the face of mass deforestation of the Amazon, we could learn from its earliest inhabitants who managed their farmland sustainably.
University of Exeter announces spin out company for 3D chocolate printing
Following a huge amount of interest in the potential for personalised 3D chocolate, Dr Liang Hao from the University of Exeter has founded Choc Edge Ltd, a company which will develop and sell its unique 3D chocolate printers to the world.
Exeter to become catalyst for engaging research
The University of Exeter has been awarded £300,000 to become a centre of excellence for public engagement in research.
Local schools trial radical new approach to Easter story
Six local schools are changing the way in which Religious Education is taught, thanks to a pioneering new approach to learning developed by researchers from the University of Exeter’s Graduate School of Education.
Exeter team to adapt weather forecasting for Exoplanets
A University of Exeter team is adapting the UK Met Office’s weather and climate model to study the atmospheric properties of planets orbiting other stars.
New £3.6 million mood disorders research facility opens its doors
The South West region is set to benefit from a new £3.6 million building dedicated to researching treatments for mood disorders such as depression and Bipolar Disorder.
Marine Protected Areas are keeping turtles safe
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are providing sea turtles with an ideal habitat for foraging and may be keeping them safe from the threats of fishing.
Bilingual education works – if you do your homework
More schools should consider adopting bilingual education for part of their teaching, according to a language education expert from the University of Exeter.
Exeter professor contributes to national literacy debate
An academic from the University of Exeter’s Graduate School of Education has contributed to a national debate on how we can improve literacy among school children.
Aerial survey reveals Exmoor's rare peatlands as never seen before
An unmanned aircraft has captured hundreds of images of Exmoor’s peatlands, revealing the condition of this rare environment as never seen before.
University team to lead project to safeguard Ascension Island's wildlife
A University of Exeter team will deliver an ambitious programme to protect the unique flora and fauna of Ascension Island.
Discoveries boost region's reputation for environmental research
New discoveries from the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute will boost the region’s reputation for world-class research.
The tales top bosses tell to keep ahead of the game
Top bosses are expert storytellers who tell versions of the same four stories to keep ahead of the game, experts have found.
Over £5.7m to support groundbreaking research in Devon
Over £5.7 million will be invested in NHS Clinical Research Facilities to understand disease process and assist development of new treatments to benefit patients in Devon.
Ice Age mariners from Europe were among America's first people
Some of the earliest humans to inhabit America came from Europe according to a new book.
Stock market stereotypes undervalue female directors in the short-term
New research into how the stock market perceives the capabilities of female company directors finds that an initial negative response by investors is overturned in the longer term, once markets respond to corporate performance rather than stereotypes.
Graduate donation boosts University of Exeter Medical School investment to £33 million
An Exeter graduate who went on to found the world’s largest provider of clinical trials has donated £1 million to help the University of Exeter Medical School attract the brightest and best clinicians to Devon and Cornwall.
University partnership gives new hope to prisoners
Academics at the Marchmont Observatory, part of the University of Exeter’s Graduate School of Education are helping prisoners improve their employability skills.
First study to show that Bisphenol A exposure increases risk of future onset of heart disease
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a controversial chemical widely used in the plastics industry.
Health and Social Care Bill may compromise patient safety says Business School academic
A former NHS hospital Chief Executive and now senior academic at the University of Exeter Business School, has warned that patient safety may worsen if the Health and Social Care Bill is passed in its current form.
Operational Research seeks benefit for stroke victims
Researchers from the University of Exeter, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), are working with clinicians to reduce the time it takes from the start of a stroke to the administration of vital clot-busting drug treatment.
Centre for Sport Leisure and Tourism Research announces London showcase event
Researchers from the Centre for Sport Leisure and Tourism Research (CSLTR) will be showcasing their latest findings in a high profile event in London on Monday April 23 2012.
Redder ladybirds more deadly, say scientists
A ladybird’s colour indicates how well-fed and how toxic it is, according to an international team of scientists.
Exeter scientists illustrate plant communication in landmark BBC series
The University of Exeter has contributed to a new BBC Two series, by conducting an experiment that visualises communication between plants.
First plants caused ice ages
New research reveals how the arrival of the first plants 470 million years ago triggered a series of ice ages.
Review suggests differences in blood pressure between arms could indicate vascular risk
A systematic review and meta-analysis carried out by researchers at the University of Exeter Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), has found that differences in systolic blood pressure between arms could be a useful indicator of the likelihood of vascular risk and death.
Violins 'printed' in Exeter
The University of Exeter’s new Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) is set to make some noise in the classical music world by ‘printing’ two violins.
South West researchers awarded £4.2m to improve our understanding of life on Earth
A new partnership, announced by the Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, aims to establish the South West of England as a centre for international excellence in training for bioscience and food security research.
Exeter research highlights importance of Cornwall's food and drink industry
Research on the agriculture and food and drink of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly confirms just how vital these industries are to the area
Turtles’ mating habits protect against effects of climate change
The mating habits of marine turtle may help to protect them against the effects of climate change, according to new research led by the University of Exeter.
Exeter expert examines China on the Big Screen
The role of Chinese cinema in shaping China's image is being explored in a new project.
Gene research sheds light on timing of menopause
An international team of researchers has discovered 13 new regions of the genome associated with the timing of menopause.
Research reveals power of the subconscious on human fear
The human subconscious has a bigger impact than previously thought on how we respond to danger, according to research led by the University of Exeter.
What do sunsets look like from other planets?
A University of Exeter astrophysicist has shown what sunsets look like on planets outside our solar system.
University and Netmums join forces to tackle postnatal depression
The University of Exeter and parenting website Netmums are developing a new online therapy programme for postnatal depression.
Unlocking Cornwall's Bronze Age past
A modern day boat builder is being challenged to recreate the oldest boat ever found in western Europe, dating to around 2000 BC.
£20 million centre will advance disease treatment
The University of Exeter has announced plans to develop a £20 million interdisciplinary research centre to understand how cells operate and how diseases are caused.
Cefas and the University of Exeter sign strategic alliance
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the University of Exeter have sealed a strategic collaboration.
Predators hunt for a balanced diet
Predators select their prey in order to eat a nutritionally balanced diet and give themselves the best chance of producing healthy offspring.
Timely ends: telomere length in early life predicts lifespan
New research by a team from the Universities of Glasgow and Exeter shows that a good indicator of how long individuals will live can be obtained from early in life using the length of specialised pieces of DNA called telomeres.
Fit females make more daughters, mighty males get grandsons
Females influence the gender of their offspring so they inherit either their mother’s or grandfather’s qualities.
Research on transitional justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina wins major prize
University of Exeter politics lecturer Lara Nettelfield’s book, Courting Democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Hague Tribunal’s Impact in a Postwar State has won the prestigious Marshall Shulman book prize.
Academic shortlisted for major history award
University of Exeter historian Dr James Mark’s book: The Unfinished Revolution Making Sense of the Communist Past has been shortlisted for the prestigious Longman History Today prize.
University and Geological Survey join together in a critical alliance
In response to growing unease over supply of critical metals for high-tech manufacturing and green technologies, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the University of Exeter have agreed to join forces in a new initiative to improve research capability in this vital area.
What is the real meaning of Christmas?
There are thousands of stories in the Bible and a visual artist in Exeter is currently on a 30-year mission to paint the whole lot.
World-class biosciences building
Biologists can now visit any aquatic environment in the world, without leaving Exeter.
A study of corporate directing - 25 years on
Corporate directing in the UK has radically changed over the last 24 years yet some board conduct, such as the persistent under-representation of women on boards, has only changed marginally, a unique series of ESRC-funded studies reveals.
First Exeter Impact Awards – winners announced
During a glittering ceremony last night in the Great Hall, the winners of the inaugural University of Exeter Impact Awards were revealed.
Short walk cuts chocolate consumption in half
A 15-minute walk can cut snacking on chocolate at work by half, according to research by the University of Exeter.
Female fish choose attractive friends to avoid attention
Scientists have observed a strategy for females to avoid unwanted male attention: choosing more attractive friends.
Unique art-science experiment conducted in Cornwall and Iceland
A new book – Six Days in Iceland – is the result of collaboration between a poet and Geography staff and students at the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus.
Trauma drug first for civilian ambulance service
A drug currently used to reduce bleeding in operating theatres and in trauma in the armed forces is set to be used by a civilian ambulance service for the first time.
Research shows high food inflation mean poorest families hardest hit this Christmas
High food prices are driving overall inflation in the UK and hitting the pockets of the poorest in the country hardest over the Christmas period, research from the University of Exeter Business School and Nottingham University has shown.
Surgeons perform better with eye movement training
Surgeons can learn their skills more quickly if they are taught how to control their eye movements.
Exeter study inspires new brain injuries interest group
Research by a University of Exeter psychologist has inspired a group of charities and pressure groups to establish a new consortium, focused on the effects of brain injuries.
World-class professors will help Cornwall take centre stage for environmental research
A trio of renowned professors will move to Cornwall following an international hunt for academics of the highest calibre to establish the region as a world-leading centre for environmental research.
Limited options for meeting 2°C warming target, warn climate change experts
We will only achieve the target of limiting global warming to safe levels if carbon dioxide emissions begin to fall within the next two decades and eventually decrease to zero.
Training in 'concrete thinking' can be self-help treatment for depression
New research provides the first evidence that depression can be treated by only targeting an individual’s style of thinking through repeated mental exercises in an approach called cognitive bias modification.
Exeter Impact Awards shortlist announced
The shortlist for the inaugural Exeter Impact Awards has been announced.
Falmouth set to host wave energy test site
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) and The Crown Estate have signed a lease to create FabTest, a new wave energy ‘nursery’ test site in Falmouth Bay on the south coast of Cornwall.
Scientists defuse the Vietnam time bomb
A key mechanism by which a bacterial pathogen causes the deadly tropical disease melioidosis has been discovered by an international team, including a University of Exeter scientist.
Research shows 'weak evidence' for the benefit of exercise referral schemes
While it is acknowledged that physical activity promotion is a key public health message, a new study questions the effectiveness of current exercise referral schemes and whether improvements to existing schemes or better targeting should be sought.
Exeter psychologist pens one of UK’s top 25 management books
A book by University of Exeter psychologist Professor Alex Haslam has made it onto the shortlist for the coveted title of CMI Management Book of the Year.
UK scientists come together to help feed the 7 billion
The Universities of Exeter and Bristol, in partnership with Rothamsted Research have officially joined forces to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing humanity: how can we sustainably feed a growing population?
Clustered hurricanes reduce impact on ecosystems
New research has found that hurricane activity is 'clustered' rather than random, which has important long-term implications for coastal ecosystems and human population.
Global partnership for South West clinical trials
Clinical trials and research centres across the South West have come together to form a partnership with Quintiles, the world’s leading biopharmaceutical service organisation, to create the Peninsula Prime Site.
Exeter leads search for intelligent computer
The University of Exeter will lead the search for an intelligent computer when it hosts the 2011 Loebner Prize on Wednesday 19 October.
Students celebrate partnerships with Cornish businesses
Students and local businesses are celebrating how they are together helping further our understanding of Cornwall’s flora and fauna.
Low carbon project scoops national award
It was recently announced that the ‘Clear About Carbon’ project involving academics from the University of Exeter Business School is a joint winner of the 2011 European Social Fund (ESF) Sustainable Development Specialist Project Leader Awards.
Is chivalry the norm for insects?
The long-standing consensus of why insects stick together after mating has been turned on its head by scientists from the University of Exeter.
£19 million research centre on RD&E site receives go ahead
A £19 million research centre at the RD&E Wonford site has been given the green light by city planners.
New buildings will be safer in the heat thanks to climate change study
New buildings should be safer in hot weather, thanks to research led by the University of Exeter.
Could football give homeless men a health kick?
Playing street football two or three times a week could halve the risk of early death in homeless men.
Events celebrate shared experiences of place
A day of eclectic events will mark the culmination of a major project on how people relate to the places where they live, or have lived in the past and the journeys between them, real and imagined.
Study finds decline in dolphins around Cornish coast
The number of bottlenose dolphins around Cornwall’s coast could be declining according to a new study by the University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Blue of every hue
The compelling story of indigo, the world’s oldest, most magical and best-loved dye has been brought to life by an Honorary Research Fellow from the University of Exeter’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies.
Britain’s wildlife will benefit from better coastal structures
Plants and animals that live on Britain’s coasts could benefit from changes to the way coastal structures such as seawalls, breakwaters, rock armour and jetties are designed and built.
Visiting the past at Calstock Roman Fort
The opportunity for the public to learn more about Calstock Roman Fort in Cornwall will be possible on Saturday 8 and 15 October in the form of special open days.
‘Heat-proof’ eggs help turtles cope with hot beaches
Sea turtles face an uncertain future as a warming climate threatens to reduce their reproductive viability.
Exeter physicist advances early universe theory
Research by a University of Exeter astrophysicist has helped to explain how the first stars and galaxies formed.
Exeter celebrates 25 years of leading children’s health and exercise research
The University of Exeter is marking a quarter of a century of leading research into children’s health and wellbeing by hosting the world’s biggest and most prestigious paediatric exercise and health conference.
Exeter student sheds new light on social life of bats
Ecologists are getting a unique and unexpected insight into the private lives of bats thanks to a University of Exeter PhD student.
University invites businesses to the future of manufacturing
Businesses that are producing prototypes and developing products can now benefit from a pioneering £2.6 million facility at the University of Exeter.
Golding centenary celebrations in home county
The centenary of the birth of Cornwall’s most famous literary son, the author William Golding, will be marked by a major international conference at the University of Exeter’s Tremough Campus, Penryn 16 – 18 September.
Exeter academics contribute to local literary festival
A fashionable coastal town in Devon is hosting a literary festival from 16 – 18 September, to celebrate great literature, support and showcase new talent, and promote reading and writing.
Exeter academic explains chemical ‘risk list’
A University of Exeter academic has spoken about the many chemical elements we rely on that are at risk.
Inaugural awards seek student and staff nominations
Staff and students are being urged to submit their nominations for the first Exeter Impact Awards.
Counter terrorism research published
On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack, an expert in counter-terrorism from the University of Exeter has published a book Countering al Qaeda in London: Police and Muslims in Partnership.
Scientists simulate seashells’ structures
Scientists have successfully created synthetic crystals whose structures and properties mimic those of naturally-occurring biominerals such as seashells.
Pupils taught to love grammar get better results
Teaching grammar to pupils ‘playfully’ improves their writing capabilities substantially, groundbreaking University of Exeter research has shown.
Exeter leads the way in the history of medicine
The Oxford Handbook of The History of Medicine is the first large scale review of the field to be published in over twenty years.
Engineers find leaky pipes with Artificial Intelligence
University of Exeter engineers have pioneered new methods for detecting leaky pipes and identifying flood risks with technologies normally used for computer game graphics and Artificial Intelligence.
Re-emergence of salmon in the Thames ‘not from restocking’ say Exeter academics
The recent returns of Atlantic salmon in the Thames are more likely to be a result of fish straying from nearby rivers rather than a consequence of expensive restocking efforts, according to new research by the University of Exeter.
Top of class for primary teacher training
The University of Exeter is the best in the country for primary teacher training according to the Good Teacher Training Guide 2011.
Females choose mates for their personalities, study shows
Adventurous females choose mates with similar personalities, regardless of the male’s appearance and other assets, according to research led by the University of Exeter.
Education under the microscope at major international event
International education experts from 40 different countries will be meeting at the largest educational conference of its kind in Europe.
Creative industries in £16million funding boost
The University of Exeter is to play a key part in a new Knowledge Exchange Hub which has been established to boost the region’s creative economy.
International team to use Hubble Space Telescope to answer key astronomy questions
An international team of scientists led by the University of Exeter is aiming to answer some of the biggest questions facing astronomy today.
Research reveals how butterflies copy their neighbours to fool birds
The mystery of how a butterfly has changed its wing patterns to mimic neighbouring species and avoid being eaten by birds has been solved by a team of scientists.
Roman civilisation travelled further than history books tell us
A University of Exeter archaeologist’s research has uncovered the largest Roman settlement ever found in Devon.
Exeter scientists grow plants with friendly fungi
The lack of rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures in spring 2011 were predicted to hit harvests, leading to higher food prices.
Expert in Arabic Studies honoured by British Academy
Professor Dionisius A Agius of the University of Exeter’s Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy.
Exeter academic contributes to new TV series on Islam
A University of Exeter academic, who is an expert on Islam, has contributed to the new television series ‘The Life of Muhammad’ currently being broadcast on BBC Two.
Study shows small-scale fisheries’ impact on marine life
Small-scale fisheries could pose a more serious threat to marine life than previously thought.
Exeter student inspired by Polar explorer ancestry
University of Exeter student Rebecca Rixon has shared the first findings of her research on the Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet.
History of Science in the South West
The submarine telegraph cable is one of the iconic technologies of the 19th century.
University of Exeter receives additional Grand Challenges Explorations funding
The University of Exeter announced today that it will receive additional funding through Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
UK scientists tackle food security
The Universities of Exeter and Bristol, in partnership with Rothamsted Research are joining forces to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing humanity: how can we feed a growing population?
Decline in species shows climate change warnings not exaggerated
One in 10 species could face extinction by the year 2100 if current climate change impacts continue.
Invisibility cloak to be unveiled with new research
Becoming invisible with the swish of a cloak as in J K Rowling’s Harry Potter novels could soon be a reality with a £4.5 million research project.
Chocolate research shapes the future of gift shopping
Manufacturing and retail could get a boost from a newly-developed 3D chocolate printer.
Research reveals new secret weapon for Le Tour
Winning margins in the Tour de France can be tight – last year just 39 seconds separated the top two riders after more than 90 hours in the saddle.
Report reveals value of nature to UK economy
The University of Exeter has contributed to research that reveals that nature is worth billions of pounds to the UK economy.
South West shops support repair research
Shops from across the South West have helped a University of Exeter research team uncover the creativity and community spirit at the heart of the region’s small-scale repair industries.
Past environments and the sustainable future in Cornwall
Recent concerns about floods, drought, energy efficiency and sustainable land use have brought communities together to devise strategies to cope with environmental change.
Exeter study brings brain-like computing a step closer to reality
The development of ‘brain-like’ computers has taken a major step forward today with the publication of research led by the University of Exeter.
Exeter study reveals US turtles’ movements
A University of Exeter team has monitored the movements of an entire sub-population of marine turtles for the first time.
Student wins national prize for sea turtle study
A Cornwall Campus-based University of Exeter student has won a national prize for his research.
Climate change disasters could be predicted
Climate change disasters, such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, dieback of the Amazon rainforest or collapse of the Atlantic overturning circulation, could be predicted according to University of Exeter research.
‘Lost’ bats found breeding on Scilly
A University of Exeter biologist has discovered a ‘lost’ species of bat breeding on the Isles of Scilly.
New research discovers ‘unexpected’ innovation
New research by the University of Exeter Business School, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Knowledge Exchange Fellowship has uncovered some surprising new insights into innovation across the UK.
New research analyses role of border tax adjustments in climate change mitigation
A new study undertaken by researchers at the University of Exeter and the International Monetary Fund explores the interactions between climate change and international trade and, in particular, how they are best resolved.
Healthy planet, healthy people?
A major new research project will examine how policies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could impact human health, it has been announced today.
The novel in a time of climate change
The past five years have seen a significant increase in novels focusing on climate change.
The future of manufacturing comes to Exeter
A £2.6 million facility at the University of Exeter is set to become a leading centre for a manufacturing technique which could revolutionise the way things are made.
Is big better in farming?
Are small family farms essential to the character of Britain? This was one of the questions posed at a recent meeting of the Family Farmers Association (FFA), held at Westminster.
World Premiere made possible via unique partnership
In a time of financial austerity, leading to reduced investment in the Arts, the University of Exeter has taken an innovative approach to the challenge of getting experimental playwriting commissioned and performed on stage.
Shaping the future of global energy policy
A leading academic at the University of Exeter has played a central role in compiling a report which could be vital for global efforts to tackle climate change.
Looking on the bright side
Farming has a viable future in the South West according to a recent survey of the farming community at the Devon County Show.
Plath in Devon
Devon seen through words, writing and literature forms part of a project called WordQuest Devon involving the development of a series of free public lectures on literary themes.
Benefits of the natural environment investigated using virtual natural environments
The benefits of the natural environment can be investigated using virtual natural environments, sowing the seeds for the development of virtual solutions to some health problems.
Heritage at risk
Government spending cuts and rushed legislation within the cultural heritage sector are leading to a “devastating” loss of vital expertise, and to human activity that has the potential to “destroy” heritage irreparably, a new report by the British Academy has revealed.
Helping to protect giants of the ocean
Researchers at the University of Exeter are helping to find out more about basking sharks, one of the biggest marine visitors to UK waters, as part of ongoing conservation work.
Africa’s sea turtles need passports for protection
Research by experts at the University of Exeter has led to calls to create an international marine park to protect sea turtles.
University pond reveals hidden history of fungi
Researchers at the University of Exeter have uncovered a ‘missing link’ in the fungal tree of life after analysing samples taken from the university’s pond.
Music conflict and transformation
The role of music in conflict and post conflict scenarios in places such as Sarajevo or Sierra Leone will be explored at a sociology conference on the 9th and 10th May.
150 birthday celebrations for Indian poet and playwright
The 150th birthday of the renowned Indian poet, playwright, philosopher and artist Rabindranath Tagore is being marked through a programme of dance and theatre.
Honorary Fellowship recognises commitment to American Studies
A prestigious Honorary Fellowship has been awarded to University of Exeter Professor Helen Taylor for her sustained contribution to American Studies.
University academic lifts lid on iPhone tracking
A University of Exeter researcher has revealed how he discovered Apple iPhones and iPads are tracking every movement of their owners and storing it in a file on the device.
Evolutionary biologist honoured with Royal Society award
An expert in evolutionary biology at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus has been honoured with a prestigious award which recognises her outstanding research achievement and potential.
PhD student scoops prestigious European award
Einar Svansson, a University of Exeter Business School student, has won a prestigious European award for research he conducted about the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Crime and the rise of modern America
Nowhere celebrates its criminals like America. In books and on film, in fact and in fiction criminals sell.
Glaciers contributing to faster sea-level rise
Melting mountain glaciers are contributing to sea-level rise faster than at any time in the last 350 years, according to new research published in Nature Geoscience.
Caterpillars aren’t so bird brained after all
Caterpillars that masquerade as twigs to avoid becoming a bird’s dinner are actually using clever behavioural strategies to outwit their predators, according to a new study.
Climate experts join international health conference
Climate and health experts from the Met Office and the University of Exeter will be heading to Africa for a conference to help fight life-threatening diseases across the continent.
Transformation of Europe's Armed Forces
The transformation of Europe’s armed forces is the subject of a new book by Professor Anthony King from the University of Exeter.
Research shows not only the fittest survive
Darwin’s notion that only the fittest survive has been called into question by new research published in Nature.
A return to the Arctic for Exeter scientist
A scientist from the University of Exeter is preparing to brave sub-zero conditions as she returns to the Arctic to carry out research on how climate change is affecting the region.
Improving rugby for the next generation of grand slam winners
As the Six Nations comes to an end, a research project is under way to see how changing rugby’s rules at the junior level could help develop the next generation of grand slam winners.
Business School creates new network of international experts in tourism and well-being
The Business School Centre for Sport, Leisure and Tourism Research (CSLTR) recently held a two day event bringing together experts from around the world.
West Antarctic ice sheet ‘could be more stable than thought’
Whether global warming may cause the giant West Antarctic Ice Sheet to melt and raise sea-levels by several metres is one of the most contested debates in climate science.
Bible’s Buried Secrets
In a challenging three-part TV series on BBC 2 Dr Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Biblical Scholar and senior lecturer at the University of Exeter presents series of documentaries.
Research informs new government policy on hill farming
Funding of up to £26 million to support hill farmers and help some of England’s rural communities to thrive was unveiled by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, The Rt Hon Caroline Spelman.
Brazil continues to celebrate after Carnival
The popular world view of Brazil may be triggered by thoughts of spectacular Carnivals and skilled footballers, yet the country is also determined to be regarded as a major global power.
‘Stupid strategies’ could be best for the genes
Blindly copying what your parents did – no matter how stupid it may seem – could be the best strategy for the long-term success of your genes, according to research by the Universities of Exeter and Bristol.
Exeter research helps explain mystery of ocean sediment
New research by an international team of researchers has revealed the previously unidentified role that fish play in the production of sediments in the world's oceans.
University's magnificent seven research experts
Seven University of Exeter professors have been chosen as expert panel members for the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
£406,828 for research on performance archives
Researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Exeter have been awarded a £406,828 grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) for research into live art and performance archives.
New funds for cultural history project
Southall is a large suburb of west London which has been a place of migration for diasporic communities, most particularly those of South Asian origin.
University of Exeter academic leads €1 million research project on food prices
Professor Steve McCorriston from the University of Exeter Business School will be leading a €1 million research project on factors determining food prices throughout the EU.
Ants ecosystem role is ‘key’
Research by the University of Exeter has revealed that ants have a big impact on their local environment as a result of their activity as ‘ecosystem engineers’ and predators.
Opposites may attract, but they aren’t better parents
A study by experts at the University of Exeter has revealed that couples with similar personalities make much better parents than those with different dispositions – at least in the world of zebra finches.
The public sector of the future
The University of Exeter is involved in one of the largest comparative public administration research project ever undertaken.
How has the Bible shaped the environment?
On Monday 24 January the presentation of a research project which will address questions, like how might the Bible be positively engaged in reshaping Christian theology and ethics concerning the environment, will be given at the at the Chapter House, Exeter Cathedral.
Exeter academic honoured for role in advancement of science
Professor John Dupré, the Director of Egenis at the University of Exeter has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Researchers contribute to NICE revised decision on availability of Alzheimer’s drugs
A review of research evidence has played a pivotal role in the decision by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to extend the availability of donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine for Alzheimer’s disease.
More than 100 PhD funding awards for 2011 entry
The University of Exeter is offering more than 100 funding awards for PhD students to show its commitment to developing the next generation of researchers.
The sea, the sea
The University of Exeter is involved in the first major archaeological study focusing on the sea rather than a piece of land.
Epic journeys of turtles revealed
The epic ocean-spanning journeys of the gigantic leatherback turtle in the South Atlantic have been revealed for the first time thanks to groundbreaking research using satellite tracking.
