News archive

December 2016

Beach litter study finds rise in polystyrene foam, balloons and fishing nets

Researchers from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory have studied the findings from beach litter surveys carried out over a ten year period.

Former Exeter students plan Nigeria documentary

Two aspiring filmmakers are raising money for an ambitious wildlife documentary project in Nigeria.

Laser technique boosts aerial imaging of woodlands

A ground-breaking technique which allows green spaces to be mapped in 3D from an aircraft could boost biodiversity, aid human wellbeing and even help protect rainforests.

Exeter achieves first class award in sustainability league

The University of Exeter has been awarded a first-class score for environmental and ethical performance in the People & Planet 2016 university league table.

New mothers preoccupied with their problems can find it more difficult to respond to their babies

Mothers who have repetitive and self-focused negative thoughts about their own problems can have poorer-quality relationships with their babies, new research from the University of Exeter shows.

Exeter statistician wins prestigious 2016 Lloyd’s Science of Risk award

A rising research star from the University of Exeter has secured a coveted national award, for his innovative work on more accurately simulating natural hazards, such as windstorms and flooding.

Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain

Repeated dieting may lead to weight gain because the brain interprets the diets as short famines and urges the person to store more fat for future shortages, new research suggests.

Longest-living animal gives climate change clues

A study of the longest-living animal on Earth, the quahog clam, has demonstrated the vital role oceans play in the planet’s changing climate.

Semi-Toned crowned champions of national TV sing-off

Exeter’s all-male student a cappella group, Semi-toned, has won the BBC’s national TV singing competition The Choir, Gareth’s Best in Britain.

From English beavers to burrowing bees, NatureWatch is back

An English beaver and her young steal the spotlight in the latest captivating episode of NatureWatch, released today.

Exeter students reach final two in global competition

A team of students from the University of Exeter have reached the final knock-out round of an esteemed international competition, designed to help boost their career potential.

Exeter scoops celebrated award at “Oscars” of higher education

The University of Exeter’s position as being amongst the most innovative global institutions has been strengthened after winning a prestigious award at a high-profile ceremony, known as the ‘Oscars’ of higher education.

Exeter academic wins teaching award

A University of Exeter academic has won a prestigious teaching award from the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Consortium awarded £5.5 million to increase HE participation from disadvantaged backgrounds

The University of Exeter is part of a South-West consortium of universities and colleges that has won £5.5 million in funding to inspire young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education.

Commuter-led project to cut congestion set to move into second gear

The first stage of a commuter-driven initiative designed to help reduce traffic congestion has revealed some fascinating results, organisers have said.

Science behind lightning strikes right note in festive family event hosted at the University of Exeter

Families from across the South West were given a dazzling flash of inspiration and entertainment during a special festive treat, organised jointly by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the University of Exeter.

Exeter professor wins prestigious medal for international medical education service

An expert in medical education has been awarded the prestigious President’s International Medal.

Exeter research wins Elsevier Atlas prize

A University of Exeter research paper on using mobile phones to manage disease outbreaks has won a prestigious prize.

Ground-breaking production method could accelerate worldwide ‘graphene revolution’

Ground-breaking production method could accelerate worldwide ‘graphene revolution’

New public sector energy company announced for Devon

New public sector energy company announced for Devon.

Mysteries of Father Christmas ‘solved’ by relativity theory

The mystery of how Father Christmas can deliver presents to 700 million children in one night, fit down the chimney and arrive without being seen or heard has been ‘solved’ by a physicist.

CEO of Unilever helps mark the fifth birthday of the University of Exeter’s One Planet MBA

Experts and leaders of industry are celebrating the fifth birthday of a pioneering University of Exeter course which helps talented business professionals address the global challenges of our time.

Students sparkle at winter graduation ceremonies

More than one thousand students will celebrate their graduation across three special ceremonies at the University of Exeter this weekend.

University of Exeter recruiting for key degree apprentice programme

The University of Exeter is seeking the next generation of digital prodigies to join its pioneering degree apprentice programme.

University of Exeter Business School retains status as one of the world’s elite institutions

The University of Exeter Business School has retained its status as one of the world’s elite institutions.

TV singing champions Semi-Toned release charity Christmas single

The University of Exeter’s a cappella band Semi-Toned is topping their win of a nationwide singing competition by releasing a festive medley.

Enrichment activities to encourage children to study science, technology and mathematics have no impact on results

Enrichment activities to encourage pupils to study science and technology subjects have made no difference to their performance in mathematics exams, new research shows.

Internet data could boost conservation

Businesses routinely use internet data to learn about customers and increase profits – and similar techniques could be used to boost conservation.

Experts given £4m to tackle world’s most pressing health problems

Historians, literary scholars, social scientists and medical experts will work together to tackle some of the world’s most pressing public health issues as part of a new £4m research centre at the University of Exeter.

Male bumblebees leave home without looking back

Male bumblebees leave home and fly away without looking back, making no effort to remember the location of the nest, researchers at the University of Exeter have found.

Experts secure £5m to protect the South West’s natural capital

A partnership of three research institutions, led by the University of Exeter, has secured a £5m award to help protect the beautiful natural resources and the jobs dependent on them in the South West.

Exeter Provost takes pivotal role on Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) panel

Professor Janice Kay has been appointed to the key role of Deputy Chair of the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) panel, it has been announced.

Exeter’s University Challenge Team has been chosen

The University Challenge Team has been selected from over 400 applicants across our four campuses.

Exeter announces sponsorship of Cornwall School Games

The University of Exeter is to sponsor the Cornwall School Games for the next three years to enable more young people to be inspired by PE and school sport.

Teachers and support staff lack training to tackle “taboo” of self-harm in schools

The majority of teachers and support staff lack the time and training they need to support students who self-harm, according to a new report co-led by the University of Exeter.

Government plans to tackle gender pay only superficial, experts warn

New regulations requiring companies to report pay gaps between men and women are potentially “superficial” and will not necessarily tackle the complex reasons why females still have lower salaries.

Mass insect migrations in UK skies

As Britain voted for Brexit amid furious debate over migration, trillions of migrants were coming and going, unseen by all but the sharpest eyes.

Family squabbles over Christmas? Re-playing arguments in detail may be the best way to cope with them

Re-playing an argument in your head and recalling what happened in detail can be therapeutic and prevent you getting quarrels out of proportion, or becoming depressed and anxious as a result.

Ash dieback: Insect threat to fungus-resistant trees

Ash trees which can resist the killer dieback fungus may be more vulnerable to attacks by insects, according to new research.

Gut microorganisms affect our physiology

Researchers have found evidence that could shed new light on the complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in all our guts, and how they interact with our bodies.

People power stopped early attempts to ruin fun of the pub

Interfering politicians once tried to restrict drinkers to spending just an hour in the pub and to close locals at just 9pm, new research shows.

Queen awards Exeter academics in New Year’s Honours

Three outstanding academics at the University of Exeter have been recognised with prestigious awards in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

Professor Janice Kay Awarded CBE

The University of Exeter’s Provost, Professor Janice Kay, has been awarded a CBE for her services to higher education in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

MBE for inspiring physiotherapist and researcher

A Senior Research Fellow and physiotherapist at the University of Exeter Medical School has been honoured with an MBE in the New Year 2017 Honours List.