News archive

October 2016

University of Exeter student success in international awards

University of Exeter students have been successful in an academic competition referred to as the “junior Nobel Prize”.

Student secures first female mining scholarship at Camborne School of Mines

A student at the world-famous Camborne School of Mines has been awarded a valuable scholarship, as she embarks on her first steps towards forging a successful mining career.

Large animals, such as the imperious African elephant, most vulnerable to impact of human expansion

Some of the most iconic giants of the animal kingdom, such as the imperious African elephant and the majestic lion, are most vulnerable to the detrimental impact of human expansion.

Experts embark on project to save the world from “bananageddon”

Experts are hoping to stop the UK’s favourite fruit, the banana, from disappearing from our shops.

The Age of the Beard: magnificent examples of 19th-century facial hair on display

A photographic display of magnificent examples of 19th-century facial hair and a special version of the pantomime Bluebeard are part of a new exhibition.

Silver celebration: National award recognises commitment to equality

The University of Exeter’s Mathematics and Computer Science departments’ commitment to gender equality have been recognised through a prestigious national award scheme.

Scientists search for regional accents in cod

Fish may have regional accents and use slightly different “chatter” in different parts of the world.

Libraries Unlimited and University of Exeter secure £200,000 Arts Council England research grant

A two-year research project to understand the impact of libraries on local communities in Devon has been awarded a £200,000 grant from Arts Council England (ACE).

Non-smoking planet: clues for tipping from vicious to virtuous behaviour identified

A new analysis shows that social norms can cross tipping points faster if new behaviour is difficult for others to ignore. 

University pedals to victory in national cycle challenge

Intrepid staff from the University of Exeter have pedal-powered their way to victory in a national competition designed to encourage people to cycle, whether that be for fun, exercise or to work.

Exeter hosts first European medical assessment conference

Experts in medical education from across the world will gather in Exeter this month, to discuss how to ensure assessments in training produce safe, responsible doctors.

Primary School children enjoy the Schools Tennis Festival

On Tuesday 11 October, the University of Exeter Tennis Centre hosted the latest Schools Tennis Festival, for over 170 children from four local primary schools.

University sees huge rise in research funding

The University of Exeter has more than doubled the amount of research funding it receives from Research Councils UK (RCUK), bucking the trend for falling government investment in research in the university sector.

Genetic discovery helps explain Irish giant folklore

Scientists at the University of Exeter Medical School were part of genetics research which could help explain the legend of giants in Irish folklore.

Students launch new health research journal

Students at the University of Exeter Medical School have joined forces with their peers from the universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Plymouth to launch a new journal that showcases original research.

'Global Conversation' takes key issue of cyberwarfare to Washington DC

The latest research on cybersecurity, an issue high on the agenda for both sides in the current US Presidential election campaign, will be shared by a leading expert from the University of Exeter at a special event in Washington DC, USA.

Generosity increases dramatically if people are asked to donate tomorrow’s bonus or inheritance cheque

People will donate between a half and a third more to charity if they are expecting a bonus or windfall but don’t yet have the cash in their hand, according to research by the University of Exeter’s Business school.

Exeter expert starts a “mindfulness revolution” in Kenyan prison

A University of Exeter academic is helping to rehabilitate prisoners in high security Kenyan jails by teaching them to practice mindfulness.

University of Exeter to play host to a festival of stories

Michael Morpurgo, Meg Rosoff and David Almond are among the top authors taking part in Exeter’s festival of writing for and by young people during October half term.

Exeter's Silver Gilt Award at the National RHS Britain in Bloom Finals

Stunning public spaces at the University of Exeter and the city have been given a Silver Gilt Medal at the RHS Britain in Bloom national awards.

Violent wind collision zone between two stars seen for the first time

The tumultuous region between two stars has been revealed for the first time, thanks to state of the art infrared imaging techniques.

'Global Conversation' takes key issue of the future of mining to Vancouver

Solutions to the challenges facing the global mining sector will be shared by a leading expert from the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines at a special event in Vancouver, Canada.

Scientists find link between tropical storms and decline of river deltas

A change in the patterns of tropical storms is threatening the future of the Mekong River delta in Vietnam, indicating a similar risk to other deltas around the world, new research shows.

Exeter wins £1.5m funding for world-leading initiative to advance health research

The University of Exeter has been awarded £1.5 million by Wellcome to enable translation of findings from its world-leading research programmes into improvements in human health on a global scale.

Climate Change Impairs the Survival Instincts of Fish and Can Make Them Swim Towards Predators

Fish farms may hold key to studying the impact of rising CO2 on marine life, and if fish could adapt to climate change.

University key catalyst of economic growth, says Exeter Chancellor

Universities will be the "powerhouses" of economic growth in the South West, predicted Lord Myners, Chancellor of Exeter University at a business summit on Friday.

Cornwall Mining Alliance launched

A new group which brings together Cornwall’s mining expertise has been launched in an event at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.

Prestigious prize enables scholar to tell the story of English Romanticism

A University of Exeter academic has won a prestigious prize which will allow her to write a major cultural history of the emergence of English Romanticism.

Wanted: Hedgehogs, Dead or Alive

The public have been urged to help solve the mystery of why one of Britain’s best-loved animals, the hedgehog, is in decline.

No evidence climate change boosts coffee plant disease

Fears that climate change is promoting a fungal disease which can devastate coffee crops may be unfounded, research by the University of Exeter suggests.

Celebrate Diwali at the University of Exeter

Fireworks, henna tattoos and delicious food are among the fun activities on offer at the University of Exeter’s annual Diwali celebrations this month.

New Exeter Clinical Trials Unit boost to health research

The University of Exeter’s new dedicated unit to facilitate and conduct clinical trials in health research will officially launch next month.

Take advantage of evolution in malaria fight, scientists say

Scientists could harness the power of evolution to stop mosquitoes spreading malaria, according to new research by the University of Exeter and the University of California, Berkeley.

It’s pumpkin season at the Exeter Community Garden

Students, staff, alumni and local residents have been working together to grow and harvest a pumpkin patch, just in time for Halloween.

New warning over spread of ash dieback

The ash dieback fungus could spread more quickly and affect more trees than previously expected, according to research at the University of Exeter.

Iceland's crowd sourced constitution, the anarchist take

The disconnect between voters and politicians has been cited as the cause of many current challenges in modern politics, from Brexit to the growth in support for extremist views around Europe.

Dracula was based on medical reports of ‘real’ vampires

Vampires, immortalised in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, were born out of real-life accounts of vampires gathered by doctors and surgeons, academic research has revealed.

Medical students raise the awareness of pathology through event

Two Medical students at the University of Exeter Medical School will bring National Pathology Week 2016 to Exeter through a series of events to engage everyone from clinicians to children.