News archive

December 2019

Academic Promotions 2019

Congratulations to our academic colleagues below who have achieved promotion in the last twelve months.

Humans closer to seeing though the eyes of animals

Humans are now closer to seeing through the eyes of animals, thanks to an innovative software framework developed by researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Exeter.

Scientists crack 60-year-old mystery of Sun’s magnetic waves

A ground-breaking new discovery of why the Sun’s magnetic waves strengthen and grow as they emerge from its surface could help to solve the mystery of how the corona of the Sun maintains its multi-million degree temperatures.

Coastal beauty of Devon and Cornwall shines in photo competition

The beauty of Devon and Cornwall’s coasts and seas has been celebrated with the Exeter Marine photo competition.

Experts find first archaeological evidence of Christianity in Bahrain

Experts have found the first archaeological evidence showing Christianity was practised in Bahrain, a discovery which sheds light on a missing part of the country’s history.

Global carbon emissions increase but rate has slowed

Global carbon emissions are set to grow more slowly in 2019, with a decline in coal burning offset by strong growth in natural gas and oil use worldwide.

Alcohol tolerance may have saved our ancestors from extinction

The ability to process alcohol may have saved humanity’s ancestors from extinction, a new book suggests.

Newly appointed Mireille Gillings Fellows will develop future women leaders in health science

The University of Exeter has appointed three Mireille Gillings Professorial Fellows in Health Innovation.

Lights on fishing nets save turtles and dolphins

Placing lights on fishing nets reduces the chances of sea turtles and dolphins being caught by accident, new research shows.

Higher education staff support new legal duty for universities to prevent and respond effectively to sexual violence and harassment, study shows

Higher education staff are in favour of new legal duties for universities to prevent and respond effectively to sexual violence and harassment on campus, according to a new study.

Major new arts project celebrates one of Britain’s most ‘unnatural’ and polluted rivers

A small, polluted British river will be celebrated through a major new arts project which aims to explore its complex natural ecology, industrial history and continuing impact of those who live near it.

Cornwall hosts ‘future foods’ event to explore sustainable bug production

Experts and stakeholders will gather at the Penryn Campus on Thursday 12 December to explore the potential for producing insects for food and animal feed in Cornwall.

£1.25 million boost puts Exeter at cutting-edge of genomics

A new, state-of-the-art genome sequencing platform will put Exeter on the cutting edge of research into the genomic basis of health and disease.

Pioneering research gives fresh insight into one of the pivotal building blocks of life

The quest to better understand how genomic information is read has taken a new step forward, thanks to pioneering new research.

Breakthrough in battle against invasive plants

Plants that can “bounce back” after disturbances like ploughing, flooding or drought are the most likely to be “invasive” if they’re moved to new parts of the world, scientists say.

University of Exeter signs Global Climate Letter and halts investments in fossil fuel companies

The University of Exeter is one of nearly 250 higher and further education institutions who have signed a Global Climate Letter which will be presented at COP25 in Madrid on Friday 6th December and on Thursday 12th December during a UN event on Climate Change Education. 

New Vice-Chancellor appointed for University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is pleased to announce that Professor Lisa Roberts will be taking up the post of Vice-Chancellor in September 2020 following the retirement of Professor Sir Steve Smith.

Killer whale grandmothers boost survival of calves

Post-menopausal killer whale grandmothers improve the chances of survival for their calves, new research has found.

Secrets of orangutan ‘language’ revealed

“Climb on me”, “climb on you” and “resume play” are among the requests wild orangutans make to each other, researchers say.

Researchers find new evidence that a fungus can be hard to find

A team of experts have discovered that a common fungus that infects humans can not only predict an imminent attack from the immune system, it will even change its appearance to hide from it.

PenARC researcher wins prestigious £200,000 Fellowship

A University of Exeter healthcare researcher has secured a prestigious £200,000 Post-Doctoral fellowship after a highly competitive selection process.

Close friends help macaques survive

Close friendships improve the survival chances of rhesus macaques, new research shows.

Brexit positions drive voter attention at least as much as party loyalties, study shows

Voters find information from politicians more “interesting” if they have the same views on Brexit – even if they don’t represent the party they normally support, a study shows.

It could take a century to hit the latest official university access targets

The Higher Education Policy Institute has published a new report on access to higher education which shows that, at the current rate of progress, it will take 96 years to hit the Office for Students’s targets for access to highly-selective universities.

Families ‘Diving home for Christmas’ come together for festive fun event

Families from across the South West were given a fascinating and inspirational insight into what it takes for scientists to be ‘diving home for Christmas’ during a special festive event.

USA Alzheimer’s research charity founder awarded honorary degree

A physician and scientist who founded both a national Alzheimer’s research non-profit in the USA and one of the country’s first Alzheimer’s disease clinics has received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter.

Top medical journal editor awarded honorary degree

The editor of the Lancet Neurology, the world’s leading publication in clinical neurology and brain health, has been awarded an honorary degree at the University of Exeter.

University of Exeter academic’s work named as “book of the year” by Time magazine

A poignant and timely story that addresses the current global refugee crisis, written by a University of Exeter academic, has been named as one of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year” by Time Magazine.

One of the great marathon runners of all time honoured by the University of Exeter

One of the great marathon runners of all time, Eliud Kipchoge, will be honoured at the University of Exeter's Winter Graduation ceremony this weekend.

Marathon star tells graduates: ‘No human is limited’

Marathon star Eliud Kipchoge has told University of Exeter graduates: “No human is limited”.

Magic Lanterns, Movement and Mental Wellbeing key themes for new Arts & Culture Fellowships

Magic lanterns, movement and mental wellbeing are among the key topics to be explored through between academics and artists.

Two Exeter papers in top 100 for global attention

Two academic papers from Exeter have made the top 100 most-discussed papers in the world this year.

Motor neurone disease linked to cholesterol imbalance in cells

Scientists have developed a new theory on the underlying cause of motor neurone disease, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis for patients and new treatments.

Edible insects: Mealworms on your menu?

Cricket brownies and “chocolate chirp cookies” were served at a meeting about the future of edible insects.

Researcher wins award for pet therapy board game aimed at care home staff

A researcher has won an award for a quirky approach to sharing knowledge on the benefits and challenges of pet therapy in care homes.

Hundreds of budding scientists gather for sixth annual Christmas Schools' Science Lectures Day

Schoolchildren were given a fascinating insight into some of the most captivating scientific discoveries and breakthroughs, at a special annual event.

Hospital action to reduce length of ward stay can be effective

Hospital-led efforts to reduce the amount of time older people spend on wards before being allowed home can be effective, reducing length of stay in hospital by more than three days in some areas.

Exeter joins Venice International University Consortium

Exeter has joined a prestigious international consortium comprising of 20 of some of the world’s leading universities, it has been announced.

MBE for inspiring Exeter professor dedicated to improving patient care

An active GP and professor of general practice and primary care at the University of Exeter Medical School has been honoured with an MBE in the New Year’s 2020 Honours List.

Members of University of Exeter community celebrating recognition in New Year’s Honours

Members of the University of Exeter community are celebrating their achievements being recognised in the New Year Honour’s list.