News archive

March 2017

New research could trigger revolution in computer electronics manufacturing

A pioneering new technique to produce cutting-edge, versatile microchips could revolutionize the speed, efficiency and capability of the next generation of computers.

Message from the Vice-Chancellor regarding recent events

Message from the Vice-Chancellor regarding recent events

Scientists reveal core genes involved in honey bee immunity

An international team of researchers has identified a core set of genes involved in the responses of honey bees to multiple diseases caused by viruses and parasites.

Caledonian forests threatened by climatic change

Efforts to conserve the remaining fragments of the great Forest of Caledon in Scotland may be doomed to fail unless a new strategy is rapidly adopted, new research suggests.

World expert in brain function adds to Exeter’s research excellence

A world expert in measuring brain function will give his first lecture at the University of Exeter.

Cabinet Minister gives talk to Business School class on leadership

University of Exeter Business School students learning about women and leadership were surprised by the sudden appearance of a female Cabinet minister in class this week.

Biggest ever archive of children’s writing created to help experts assess language skills

Experts will collect the most extensive archive to date of children’s school work as part of a major project seeking to track how the way they use language changes as they get older.

New Performing Arts Academy launched

Exeter College has launched a new Performing Arts Academy to support exceptional talent in the performing arts.

Exploring the economic value of trees’ social and environmental benefits

The social and environmental outputs of woodlands play a much broader role in the economy than is often recognised, according to a new Research Report by the University of Exeter for the Forestry Commission.

Virtual reality training for ‘safety-critical’ jobs

New virtual reality training could help prevent accidents in “safety-critical” industries like the NHS, aviation, the military and nuclear power.

Ancient peoples shaped Amazon rainforest

The Amazon rainforest was shaped by ancient people who lived there, new research reveals.

Islamic Society continue to believe and do good

Students from the Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union’s (FXU) Islamic Society have been performing acts of creative good, volunteering and fundraising as part of a national Believe and Do Good campaign.

Blueberry concentrate improves brain function in older people

Drinking concentrated blueberry juice improves brain function in older people, according to research by the University of Exeter.

Student volunteers help Exeter’s homeless by distributing excess campus food

Students from the University of Exeter are joining forces with a local charity by distributing unsold food to the city’s homeless community.

Exeter subjects ranked amongst the global best

Both science and humanities subjects at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, according to an influential global league table.

University of Exeter student wins prestigious CISI award

A student from the University of Exeter Business School has been named as a winner of the CISI 2017 Educational Trust Awards, the combined total of which is £17,500.

Stage set for brand new interactive theatre performance

The stage is set for children and adults alike to be given a fascinating insight into the brain and epilepsy, thanks to a brand new interactive theatre show.

Exeter Engages with Europe

The University of Exeter has undertaken a week of engagement work with institutions and supporters across the European continent.

Scientists develop calculators to help clinicians decide on best diabetes treatments

People with diabetes could benefit from digital ‘risk calculators’ in the future that help healthcare professionals prescribe the best combination of medicine for each person. 

Diabetes expert wins top international scientific award

A world expert in diabetes will deliver a lecture presented as the top international science award by Diabetes UK.

Project tackling barriers to Higher Education receives £500,000 funding boost

A pioneering new project which seeks to tackle potential barriers faced by students with vocational qualifications when they enter higher education, has received a significant funding boost.

Celebrating 10 years of European Research Council funding

The University of Exeter will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the European Research Council (ERC) with a celebratory public event at the Streatham Campus.

European funding launches Marine-i to provide support to marine businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Up to £6.8m of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been secured to develop marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Yachtsman to speak about ‘Mutiny’ adventure

A yachtsman who helped recreate an epic voyage for a new Channel 4 documentary will give a talk at the University of Exeter later this month.

Exeter celebrates 10th annual National Apprenticeships Week

Teams of experts from the University of Exeter helped organise a series of hands-on events and activities in Devon and Cornwall, to mark National Apprenticeships Week 2017.

Breeding oilseed rape varieties for pollinator-friendly traits

Amounts and sugar content of nectar vary between commercial varieties of oilseed rape (OSR) produced with different breeding systems, when tested in the glasshouse. 

More South West firms to use space technology and science thanks to new funding

Small businesses will be able to exploit the technology developed for space exploration thanks to a new project led by the University of Exeter funded by the UK Space Agency. 

Exeter’s commitment to safety on campus strengthened through funding boost

The University of Exeter’s commitment to student safety on campus has been further strengthened, thanks to a funding boost.

Artists invited to engage with University’s inspirational research

How do you link one of the University of Exeter’s many world-class research themes to an artistic vision or idea?

Devon’s beavers win top BBC Countryfile award

The remarkable story of Devon’s wild beavers goes on with the announcement that the Westcountry rodents have now won a top national award.

Soft coral species exhibit strikingly different patterns of connectivity around the British Isles

The evolution of land animals has been shaped by barriers such as oceans and mountains which have divided them and sent them down different genetic paths. 

Exeter scientist wins prestigious dementia prize

University of Exeter researcher Dr Katie Lunnon has won the Early Career Investigator of the Year Award at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2017.

School children unpick genetic baking riddle in University labs

Pupils from Westcountry schools used genetic processes commonly seen in TV crime dramas to help solve the mystery of who is sabotaging Devon’s very own Bake Off.

Extensive ice cap once covered sub-antarctic island of South Georgia

A new study reveals the sub-antarctic island of South Georgia – famous for its wildlife – was covered by a massive ice cap during the last ice age.

Student researcher wins prize at Houses of Parliament poster exhibition

A budding student researcher from the University of Exeter has secured third place at a prestigious poster exhibition of undergraduate research at the Houses of Parliament.

Impact of wobbly bridges and sky-scrapers on human health to be tested in government-funded research centre

The impact of vibrations from very tall buildings and wobbly bridges and floors on people’s health and wellbeing is to be researched in a new £7.2 million government-funded national research facility.

Tropical rainstorms and a wobbly rope bridge in the cloudy treetops at the Eden Project’s new Weather Maker

Visitors to the Eden Project can now trek across an aerial rope bridge, shelter from tropical rain and travel through clouds thanks to the opening of a thrilling new rainforest walkway.

Can online therapy reduce distress in dementia carers?

A new study is inviting people who care for someone with dementia to help investigate whether an online therapy can help carers cope with feeling of stress, anxiety or depression.

New Business Space at Exeter Science Park

A new University meeting space and hot-desking area has opened at Exeter Science Park.

The foundation of aquatic life can rapidly adapt to global warming, new research suggests

Important microscopic creatures which produce half of the oxygen in the atmosphere can rapidly adapt to global warming, new research suggests.

Former Cabinet Minister talks about Brexit challenges ahead

Economist and former cabinet minister Chris Huhne spoke about how businesses can plan for the challenges Brexit will bring during an event with University of Exeter staff and students.

Remarkable history of Exeter City FC seen in new exhibition

Rarely-seen pictures will tell the remarkable story of Exeter City FC at a new exhibition dedicated to the club’s unique history.

Republicans less likely to be critical about Obamacare when reminded about their own medical needs

US Republican voters are less likely to be critical about the performance of the controversial “Obamacare” health reforms when they are reminded about their own medical needs, new research shows.

Top social scientist boosts Exeter’s research excellence

One of the UK’s leading social scientists is joining the University of Exeter from her previous post as Chief Executive of the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC).

£2 million to improve rehabilitation of older people after hospital discharge

Researchers have received £2 million of funding to conduct a five year national study looking at how rehabilitation can be improved for older people with frailty following discharge from hospital.

Quality experience guaranteed for Event Exeter customers

Event Exeter, the University’s conference and event team, has become the first team within the University to be accredited with the internationally recognised ISO9001:2015 standard for Quality Assurance.

Vampire Night at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre

An acclaimed Professor of Gothic horror is to come to Exeter’s Northcott theatre to reveal how Dracula was based on medical evidence of ‘real’ vampires, before a performance of Dracula itself.

£25m fund could boost high-tech South West projects

Hi-tech South West businesses could be boosted by a new investment fund worth up to £25 million.

Community leaders attend opening of University of Exeter’s £1.2 million Master's Suite

The University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus marked the official opening of its new dedicated, state-of-the-art learning environment for Master's students with a special celebration.

Students pedal for nature at free outdoor cinema event on Cornish beach

Award-winning conservation films will be shown at a new bicycle-powered cinema on a beach in Cornwall, thanks to two University of Exeter students.

University of Exeter expert working to reform tax collection in Greece

A University of Exeter expert has been appointed to help the Greek authorities make the tax collection system more efficient and enhance tax compliance.

New tool will help GPs decide if patients under 50 have serious bowel condition

A new research-backed risk assessment tool will support GPs in identifying the symptoms of bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease in patients aged under 50.

Professor Andrew Thompson appointed Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council

Professor Andrew Thompson has been appointed Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) following a term as interim chief, Science Minister Jo Johnson has confirmed.

Dementia: The right to rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is as important for people with dementia as it is for people with physical disabilities, according to a leading dementia expert.

Edible bananas grown for the first time at the University of Exeter

Edible bananas have been grown for the first time by the talented gardeners at the University of Exeter.

University of Exeter make final preparations before defending national rugby title

The University of Exeter Men’s rugby team are making their final preparations ahead of defending their status as the best student team in the country.

Devon Hospitals Race Ahead to Hit Target on Women on Boards

Devon health trusts are setting the pace for representation of women at the top of the NHS. The local hospital trusts have hit the official target for women on NHS boards three years ahead of schedule.

Uncover Higher Education Programme launched

Over 300 visitors, made up of students from schools across Devon, Dorset and Cornwall in Year 9 and their parents/guardians attended a successful launch day for Uncover Higher Education (HE) Programme on Saturday 18 March 2017 on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

Exeter Bioscientist on exclusive list of top 50 entrepreneurs honoured at House of Commons

A Biosciences expert from the University of Exeter is celebrating after being honoured as one of an exclusive group of leading entrepreneurs, at a special ceremony at the House of Commons.

Pioneering project to start ‘small deposit’ mining revolution receives €7 million funding

A pioneering new project, designed to lead an ethical and sustainable international ‘mining revolution’, has received a multi-million pound funding boost.

Explore the fascinating creatures on Cornwall’s shores with free guided rockpooling session

Families can identify the fascinating creatures found on Cornwall’s shores with the help of a University of Exeter animal ecology expert as part of the Falmouth Spring Festival.

Communities to work with archaeologists to research history of Devon and Cornwall, thanks to National Lottery players

Communities in Devon and Cornwall will be able to research the history of Roman, Iron Age and medieval settlements in the region by helping experts on a major archaeological dig and associated surveys this year.

Weather forecasting technology used to predict where proteins anchor within human cells

Met Office technology used to study climate change is being used by scientists to predict the sorting and location of proteins in cells of the human body.

Cabinet Minister visits University - and gives students tips on how to become an MP

Cabinet Minister David Lidington visited the University of Exeter today and met academics who have given evidence to Parliament and students studying politics and history.

New ultrafast flexible and transparent memory devices could herald a new era of electronics

An innovative new technique to produce the quickest, smallest, highest-capacity memories for flexible and transparent applications could pave the way for a future golden age of electronics.