News archive

June 2017

Walk-in camera obscura and giant pop-up book part of family fun at the University of Exeter

Children can enjoy exploring a walk-in camera obscura and a giant pop-up book at a free family day at the University of Exeter.

Public confused by climate change messages

Experts, charities, the media and government confuse the public by speaking “different languages” on climate change.

First archaeological survey of Exeter Cathedral Green for a generation to take place

The first full-scale archaeological survey of Exeter’s Cathedral Green is taking place as experts try to find out what secrets still lie beneath the ground in the ancient area.

Pollution ‘devastating’ China’s vital ecosystem, research shows

The startling extent to which man-made pollution is devastating China’s vital ecosystem’s ability to offset damaging carbon emissions has been revealed.

University of Exeter launches new degree to tackle construction skills gap

Exeter joins Laing O’Rouke and Hinkley Point C partners to deliver BEng Civil Engineering Site Management.

Universities of Exeter and Queensland cement new global impact partnership

The University of Exeter and The University of Queensland (UQ) have reinforced their relationship by cementing a new multi-million pound partnership designed to bolster their joint global research impact.

Older adults under-referred for mental health therapies

A large research study from the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter has revealed that older people are not being referred for mental health support nearly as frequently as their younger counterparts.

New website to help voters make General Election choice

Voters struggling to decide where to put their mark on the ballot paper in the General Election can get advice from a new website which allows them to compare promises made by politicians.

Students launch green phone-charging firm

An eco-friendly phone charging network is being launched by three engineering students from the University of Exeter.

‘Let some heritage sites go’, says academic

Some heritage sites cannot be preserved and should be allowed to decay, a new book argues.

Stand Up for Nature students win award

Two students at the University of Exeter have received an award for their conservation organisation, Stand Up for Nature.

Exeter hosts IPCC meeting on the 1.5°C Global Warming target

Some of the world’s leading climate scientists are gathering in Exeter for a high-profile event to examine the impact, significance and implications of global warming, in relation to the Paris Agreement 2015.

Exeter students discuss ‘Business of Brexit’ Grand Challenges

Students and staff heard about what philosopher and economist Adam Smith would have said about Brexit during an event held as part of this year’s University of Exeter Grand Challenges programme.

University of Exeter to showcase research at Royal Cornwall Show

Students and staff from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus will be at the Royal Cornwall Show again this year to showcase research taking place in Cornwall.

Motor-boat noise makes fish bad parents, leading to the death of their babies

Noise from motorboats is making fish become bad parents, and reducing the chance of their young surviving, research led by marine experts at the University of Exeter has shown.

Student a cappella group to hit right notes at Edinburgh Fringe Festival

A student a cappella group based at the University of Exeter is set to perform at the world’s largest arts festival.

Exeter retains strong position in influential league table

The University of Exeter has retained its strong position in the QS World University Rankings.

GW4 Alliance to unveil cutting-edge microscopy facility

A shared microscopy facility will lead to a better understanding of human health and disease at a molecular level.

Celebrating our Professional Service achievements

Thursday 22 June is the biggest night of the year for the University’s Professional Services.  

Cornwall cats needed for behaviour study

Where does your cat go when it leaves the house? What does it eat?

Late-nesting birds and bees face habitat threat

Bird and bumblebee species that nest late in the year are suffering more from the destruction of habitats, new research suggests.

Exeter engineering expert secures prestigious international award

A materials scientist from the University of Exeter has been bestowed with a prestigious international award.

Visiting virtual beach improves patient experiences during dental procedures.

Imagine walking along a South Devon beach on a lovely day. The waves are lapping on the shore, rabbits are scurrying in the undergrowth, and the bells of the local church are mingling with the calls of the seagulls.

Extraordinary travel journal sheds new light on pre-World War I Germany

An extraordinary travel journal discovered by a University of Exeter academic sheds new light on life in Europe before it was changed forever by World War I.

Climate change risk for animals living in prime conditions

Animals living in areas where conditions are ideal for their species have less chance of evolving to cope with climate change, new research suggests.

£2 million for Exeter Centre of Excellence in dementia care research

Alzheimer’s Society has announced today that it has committed almost £2million to the University of Exeter.

New technique could revolutionise manufacturing of vital safety equipment

An innovative new technique to use graphene to produce the ultimate photodetectors could revolutionise the manufacturing of vital safety equipment, such as radiation and smoke detection units.

Exeter’s world diabetes expert awarded CBE

A world-leading diabetes expert has been awarded the CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his work in revolutionising global diagnosis and treatment.

Ancient city found in Ethiopia sheds new light on country’s history

Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient, forgotten city in Ethiopia once thought to be the home of giants.

Secret of why jewel scarab beetles look like pure gold, explained by physicists

‘All that glitters is not gold’, finds research programme into way jewel beetles reflect light.

£800,000 to develop life-saving heel-prick test for babies with diabetes

Exeter’s world-leading diabetes experts have been awarded more than £800,000 to develop a test for babies with neonatal diabetes.

‘BEEHAVE’ project wins innovation award

A project which helps protect bees has won the 2017 BBSRC Innovator of the Year award for Social Impact.  

Volcanic eruptions triggered dawn of the dinosaurs, research shows

Huge pulses of volcanic activity are likely to have played a key role in triggering the end Triassic mass extinction, which set the scene for the rise and age of the dinosaurs, new research has found.

Hiding true self harms career and sense of belonging

Hiding your true self at work can damage your career and reduce your sense of belonging in the workplace, a new study suggests.

Exclusion from school can trigger long-term psychiatric illness

Excluding children from school may lead to long- term psychiatric problems and psychological distress, a study of thousands of children has shown.

Role aerosols play in climate change unlocked by spectacular Icelandic volcanic eruption

Cloud systems “well buffered” against aerosol changes in the atmosphere, research shows.

Top scientist to talk climate change at Glastonbury

Glastonbury festivalgoers can look forward to a heady mix of Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Katy Perry – and a lesson on climate change from a top scientist.

Ancient Devon community had a taste for exotic food and drink

Devon farmers who made their home in the same remote location for 1,200 years had a taste for exotic imported food and drink, archaeologists have found.

Drowsy dormice doze into decline

Britain’s population of hazel dormice has declined by more than 70%, new research shows.

Living Systems Institute a double winner at 2017 Michelmores Property Awards

The University of Exeter’s flagship Living Systems Institute (LSI) secured two accolades at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Two Exeter diabetes researchers recognised as “Rising Stars”

Two researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School have been recognised as rising stars in diabetes research.

Soapbox Science returns to Exeter

Ever wondered what happens in your brain when you eat chocolate? Or whether Nemo’s dad should’ve been less worried about finding his son and more concerned about ocean acidification?

One year on from the EU referendum, Brexit voters describe themselves as middle class, educated but dissatisfied with life

A year since the vote to leave the European Union, new research has found that Brexit voters are more likely to describe themselves as middle class, educated and fed up, rather than angry and working class.

Starting school young can put child wellbeing at risk

New research has shown that the youngest pupils in each school year group could be at risk.

Exeter’s teaching excellence officially recognised as ‘gold standard’

The University of Exeter’s commitment to providing world-class teaching has been recognised with the award of a “Gold” rating in the first national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.

A night of celebration for our Professional Services

The winners of this year's Professional Services Recognition Awards have been announced. 

Prize for ‘outstanding’ University of Exeter ecologist

A University of Exeter ecologist has won a prestigious prize for his outstanding achievements. 

Monitoring changes in wetland extent can help predict the rate of climate change

Monitoring changes to the amount of wetlands in regions where permafrost is thawing should be at the forefront of efforts to predict future rates of climate change, new research shows.

Ape expert joins War for the Planet of the Apes Q&A

A real-life primate expert joined stars of new film War for the Planet of the Apes for a Q&A with journalists.

Rare archaeological find could be the first time unique pottery seen in the South West

Archaeologists excavating a site where Iron Age, Roman, and early medieval communities lived for more than a thousand years have unearthed pottery believed to have never been seen before in the South West.

Aspirin reduces risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

Extensive study offers ‘definitive proof’ of improved outcomes in high-risk pregnancies.

Devon cohabiting couples needed to help researchers uncover the secret of finding life-long love

Devon cohabiting couples can help experts uncover the secret of finding life-long love by taking part in a University of Exeter research project.

Hydrogen peroxide protects plants against sun damage

Plants use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to control how their cells react to varying levels of light, new research shows.

Exeter historian scoops book of the year award

University of Exeter academic Dr Levi Roach has won a prestigious prize for his biography of Æthelred the Unready.