News archive
October 2021

Inspirational University of Exeter student nominated for Pride of Britain Award
An inspirational University of Exeter student has been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award after going on an epic “Tour de Full English” bike ride around the country in memory of his parents.

New cohort of Exeter academics secure prestigious Alan Turing Institute Fellowships
The next generation of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) experts from the University of Exeter have secured prestigious fellowships from The Alan Turing Institute, it has been announced.

JCEEI to play integral role in pioneering resilient infrastructure partnership
Experts from the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence (JCEEI) will play an integral role in a pioneering new partnership, designed to boost the UK’s infrastructure resilience to extreme climate and weather events.

‘Nurse Champi’ wins national BAME Apprenticeship Award
A student on the Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship programme is celebrating after winning an award at the BAME Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

University of Exeter puts climate emergency, healthcare and social justice at heart of new ten year strategy
The University of Exeter has today launched a new ten year strategy setting out how it will use the power of its education, research and partnerships to address the major challenges of our time – climate change, healthcare provision and social justice.

Patients with “red flag” cancer symptoms not referred for urgent investigation in 6 out of ten cases
Six out of ten patients who show common “alarm” symptoms for cancer are not referred for urgent investigation, a largescale new study has revealed.

Almost one-in-three people globally will still be mainly using polluting cooking fuels in 2030, research shows
Almost one-in-three people around the world will still be mainly using polluting cooking fuels and technologies– a major source of disease and environmental destruction and devastation – in 2030, new research warned.

Budding space enthusiasts can become "Exoplanet Explorers" in new online game
Aspiring astronomers and budding young space enthusiasts are set to be given a unique opportunity to hunt for distant planets far outside our solar system, thanks to a cutting-edge, interactive new online game.

Study shows emotional toll faced by police staff analysing child sex abuse images
Police staff who have to analyse and categorise images of child sexual abuse cope with the trauma associated with their work by developing informal ways to support each other, research shows.

Ancient Greek wisdom brought to COP26 to help improve climate change decision-making
Ancient Greek understanding of how people think will be available at the COP26 conference to help organisations make better decisions to tackle the global climate emergency.

Compassionate communities key to preventing domestic abuse
New research by the Wales Violence Prevention Unit and the University of Exeter indicates people are more likely to take action against domestic abuse and its warning signs if they feel connected to their community.

Festival of Compassion announced with aim of ‘making people feel better’
How can we make sure compassion is embedded in our lives, institutions and communities? In a week-long festival run by the University of Exeter this November, renowned experts will address this very question.

University of Exeter expert elected to the Royal Academy of Engineering
Professor Ruth Allen has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering - the highest honour available for a UK engineer, it has been announced.

Researchers unite with artist to shine a spotlight on UK’s unpaid carers
Large scale, hand-drawn animations of unpaid carers will be projected onto buildings in London and Exeter this month

Exeter-led team receives national funding to roll-out innovative rehab programme
Healthcare professionals will be trained to deliver an award-winning programme, led by the University of Exeter, which supports people with heart failure to undergo cardiac rehabilitation in their own homes, thanks to funding from NHS England.

Could outdoor experiences help people with schizophrenia or psychosis?
With World Mental Health Day on 10 October, researchers at University of Exeter are calling for participants to take part in two studies investigating whether outdoor experiences can help people with schizophrenia or psychosis.

Report calls for urgent action to address alarming lack of diversity in climate change decision making less than a month before COP26 begins
A new report has revealed extremely low levels of ethnically diverse and equal gender representation in the debate around tackling climate change in Bristol.

Climatic impacts of black carbon aerosols over South-East Atlantic underestimated, research shows
The full magnitude of the impact of smoke from seasonal fires in Central Africa is underestimated by some climate models over the South-East Atlantic, new research has shown.

Environmental Protection Scotland launches e-booklet for COP26 climate summit
An electronic pocket guide to the environment and sustainability has been launched today (11th Oct) with the COP26 climate change summit three weeks’ away.

Crucial benefits of vital moorland restoration works revealed
The crucial benefits of vital moorland restoration works; enhancing carbon storage, improving water storage and providing good quality water, have been revealed through a pioneering collaborative research project.

University of Exeter expert advises on Imperial War Museums’ ground-breaking new Second World War and Holocaust exhibition
A University of Exeter expert has helped to develop the Imperial War Museums’ ground-breaking new Second World War exhibition.

Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation partner with University of Exeter in £2.3 million programme to support environmental leadership in Africa
A six-year programme to research land management and ecosystem resilience in Africa was initiated in October 2021 thanks to philanthropic support from the Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation.

New book provides fresh insights on dramatic Star Wars battles
People can explore epic Star Wars battles in an innovative new way through an entertaining book which gives fresh insights on the famous films, animation, books, and comics

Devon's Climate Assembly shows the way to a net-zero future
The Devon Climate Assembly has developed and voted in support of a range of measures that if implemented would significantly cut carbon emissions across the county.

Climate denial and scientific discoveries 'emerged simultaneously'
Denial of climate science emerged simultaneously with key scientific discoveries about humanity's impact on our planet, according to a new book.

Rewilding efforts in England are “domesticated” and of a smaller scale compared to efforts in other nations, study argues
A unique “domesticated” form of English rewilding is now emerging, which is distinct from activities in other parts of the world where there are lower levels of human intervention, a new study argues.

Research brings scientists a step closer to harnessing viruses to fight antibiotic resistance
As antibiotics increasingly develop resistance, scientists have moved a step closer to harnessing viruses as an alternative form of therapy.

DNA reveals how ice ages affected African rainforests
Tree DNA has revealed how African rainforests responded to past climate change including ice ages, new research shows.

Leprosy confirmed in wild chimpanzees
Leprosy has been found in wild chimpanzees for the first time, a new study reveals.

Exeter breaks into world top 150 for Business and Economics
The University of Exeter has broken into the top 150 in the world for Business and Economics in an influential rankings.

Research on detecting cancer in primary care wins RCGP Research Paper of the Year award
University of Exeter have won the 2020 Research Paper of the Year for Clinical Research, awarded by the Royal College of General Practitioners, for their paper on detecting cancers in primary care.

Report highlights opportunities to mitigate climate change to promote human health
A new report involving an Exeter expert shows how action to mitigate climate chance could promote human health.

Despite the farming community facing significant mental and physical health challenges, more than 50 per cent remain optimistic about the future of their farm businesses
RABI’s Big Farming Survey results have revealed that despite the farming community facing significant mental and physical health challenges, more than 50% remain optimistic about the future of their farm businesses.

Green Flag awards recognise outstanding outdoor spaces on three campuses
Three University of Exeter campuses have won a coveted Green Flag Award, in recognition of the outstanding quality of their outdoor spaces.

University of Exeter signs agreement with city partners to drive economic and social change
The University of Exeter has signed a landmark Civic University Agreement with city partners – the first in the South-West – to improve opportunity, prosperity, wellbeing and the environment for local communities.

Portrayals of same-sex couples in Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice as “bromances” is a missed opportunity to challenge assumptions, study argues
Same-sex dancing partnerships on reality TV shows have downplayed sexual and romantic intimacy on the dancefloor in favour of portrayals of “bromances”, a study argues.

New University of Exeter foundation programmes to widen participation in maths, engineering and physical sciences
New University of Exeter foundation programmes will boost the numbers of young people from the South West and beyond studying maths, science and engineering so they are equipped to take on the jobs of the future.

Exeter student wins prestigious national award
A student at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national award, which recognises her as one of the ‘rising stars’ in the British space sector.

Tool to guide local health policy amid climate change shortlisted for COP26 Climate Challenge Cup
A simple tool to help organisations use the latest evidence to adapt to climate change in ways that benefit human health has been shortlisted for the international Climate Challenge Cup.

Visiting Lourdes results in a transcendent experience for two in five pilgrims, study finds
Two in five Pilgrims who visit Lourdes report having a transcendent experience, researchers have found.

Essay examines the history of petrochemicals and their impact on global geopolitics
All aspects of people’s lives are now bound to a “seemingly unlimited supply of cheap and readily disposable” petrochemicals, a new essay argues.

Few parents aware excessive praise is not good for children’s learning, new study shows
Few parents are aware praising children too much can harm their learning, a new study shows.

Experts to track impact of inspirational charity connecting old and young through reading
Education experts are working to pilot the impact of an inspirational charity which connects old and young through reading.

The mystery of horse domestication decoded at last - success of modern horses due to genetic changes which led to more docile behaviour and an improved back
Modern horses owe most of their success to genetic changes which led to more docile behaviour and an improved back, a new study shows.

University of Exeter joins Climate Heritage Network
The University of Exeter has joined the Climate Heritage Network (CHN).

Exeter student receives prestigious award from UK Prime Minister
An environmental campaigner and University of Exeter student has received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for her work on fighting the climate and ecological crisis.

Common antidepressant should no longer be used to treat people with dementia
A drug used to treat agitation in people with dementia is no more effective than a placebo.

App boosts Amazon tree project
A new app will help small-scale farmers grow trees and earn a living in deforested parts of the Amazon.

Net zero policies are ‘emperor’s new clothes’, academics warn
Net zero targets are a “fantasy” that often just protect “business as usual”, a leading expert in environment and sustainability has said.

Sights and sounds of one of the country’s most polluted rivers on display at COP26
The sights and sounds of one of the country’s most polluted rivers will be on display through poetry and films at the COP26 conference.

Greenhouse gas removal project to take centre stage at Exeter COP event
A unique project to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere will take centre stage at the University of Exeter Business School’s flagship event at COP26.

New SWIoT facility officially opens
A pioneering new facility, designed to revolutionise digital technology education for the next generation of highly skilled technicians and engineers, has been officially opened.

Celebrate Diwali with fireworks, food, and dancing at the University of Exeter
Everyone is invited to celebrate Diwali with fireworks, food, and dancing at a special event at the University of Exeter.

New art installations in empty Exeter shops address issues of mental health and social isolation during the pandemic
New art installations in empty Exeter shops portray the struggles with mental health and social isolation which have affected many during the pandemic.

'Trade-offs' between wellbeing and resilience
There can be "trade-offs" between increasing human wellbeing and improving the resilience of societies and ecosystems, researchers say.

Exeter ranked amongst world’s most prestigious universities in latest global league table
The University of Exeter has been recognised as one of the world’s top 200 most prestigious universities in an influential league table.

New HORIZON 2020 project aims to build an ecosystem for innovative climate change adaptation solutions
A pioneering new pan-European project, designed to develop systemic innovations for strengthening climate resilience and featuring experts from the University of Exeter, has been launched.

Scientists from Exeter and Bangkok to collaborate on a new project on floods and droughts in Thailand
The team of researchers from College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences have been awarded a new NERC grant under the COP26 Adaptation and Resilience theme.

Poetry by leading climate scientists and health professionals warns of “last chance” to act on climate crisis ahead of COP26
Leading health professionals and climate scientists are using poetry to warn of the catastrophic impact of the climate crisis and there is “one chance left” to act in the lead up to, during, and after COP26.

Billie Eilish, Rainn Wilson and Robert Irwin join Arctic Basecamp and University of Exeter to share an urgent message with world leaders ahead of COP26
Ahead of COP26, Billie Eilish, Rainn Wilson and a whole host of famous faces have joined forces with Arctic Basecamp and the University of Exeter to share urgent messages on climate change.

Reviews highlight consequences of failing to tackle climate change
A set of scientific reviews published today reinforces the urgent need for global action to reduce the impact of climate change on vital carbon sinks, our oceans and the Arctic.

Scientists and industry to discuss energy transformation at COP26
Leading researchers and representatives of the energy sector will meet at COP26 to discuss transforming the energy system to help deal with climate change.

Exeter scientists cycling to Glasgow for COP26
Two University of Exeter scientists are cycling to Glasgow for the COP26 UN climate change conference.