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Politics news archive 2014-2023

SSIS research rated internationally excellent in latest national assessment

SSIS research has been rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the first assessment of the research quality of UK universities since 2008, the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Exploring the impact of TASERs in the UK

Social Scientists at the University of Exeter have called for a greater comparative analysis of the impact of TASERs used in law enforcement.  

Study finds that correcting myths about the flu vaccine may not be effective in promoting immunisation

New research in the journal Vaccine concludes that correcting myths about vaccines may not be the most effective approach to promoting immunisation among vaccine sceptics.

In focus: Careers with a Politics degree

Recent Politics alumni discuss what you can do with a Politics degree

Roundtable on Eurasian Integration brings together scholars and policy-makers in St Petersburg

On 31 May and 1 June, Dr David Lewis and Dr Catherine Owen organised and presented at an international roundtable entitled ‘Eurasian Integration and Public Administration’ as part of the annual Forum on Public Administration organised by the St Petersburg branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). 

Claudio Radaelli becomes Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

Congratulations Claudio!

The Italian national elections 2018: What is at stake?

Event Hosted by the Centre for European Governance

Dr Catherine Owen awarded certificate of Outstanding Academic Merit by the British Academy

Postdoctoral prize wininng research on welfare reform and civic participation in local governance in Russia and China

Research story: Battling Misinformation on Social Media in Ghana

Social media has rapidly become the primary means of political communication across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Stories from our graduates...

Will is a Public Policy Consultant with Cordis Bright. Will completed a BA Politics (2015)  and followed this with an MA in Conflict Security and Development (2016). 

New award for study of conflict in Holy Cities.

Professor Mick Dumper has been awarded a 3 year Major Research Fellowship by the Leverhulme Foundation to study how conflicts arise and are managed in holy cities in different parts of the world.

Changing politics in Portugal

Politics Professor Claudio Radaelli travelled to Portugal to present a major report on lawmaking to the Portuguese Parliament.

Sixth form students inspired at the Festival of Social Science – Secrets, Lies and Spies

Dr Owen Thomas of the Politics department used his own research on democracy and security to inform the design of an interactive day-long exercise, in which sixth form students considered an important social and political issue of contemporary times

Exeter academics participated in a workshop at Chatham House entitled ‘Islam, Secularism and Security in Central Asia and Beyond'.

The workshop was the first of two, the second of which is to be held in April 2015 in Washington DC, and is funded by a grant awarded to John Heathershaw through the British Council’s Bridging Voices Programme.

Exeter Politics Department played host to a UK Parliament 'talking day'.

The session brought together students from the University and from Exeter’s University of the 3rd Age (U3A) to discuss the importance of Parliament and voting for different generations.

Citizens’ take-over of Cornwall Council

On Saturday 1 November, a unique opportunity for Cornish people to take direct action by saying what the priorities for Cornwall should be is being made possible at County Hall, Truro.

Bulgarian elections given a platform in Exeter thanks to student involvement

A University of Exeter student enabled citizens and students from Bulgaria living in the South West to vote in the recent Bulgarian General Elections by creating a voting station in Exeter. 

Researcher Links Workshop in Kazakhstan organised by Centre for European Governance.

20 October 2014
Call for participants will follow soon. Grants available for early career researchers.

Launch of Defra’s Sustainable Intensification Research

A series of projects to investigate ways to increase farm productivity while reducing negative environmental impacts (sustainable intensification) will receive £4.5 million from Defra. 

Culture Secretary holds personal Question Time session with students

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport and Exeter graduate, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, returned to campus to discuss the top political issues with current students. 

The ESI on the BBC

The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)’s Politics contingent has been in demand on the BBC.

Jerusalem Unbound: a City in Conflict

A new book, Jerusalem Unbound, plots the history and examines the underlying factors that make a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians so difficult.

England's 2000 Rural White Paper: Town council activities and a survey of town clerks

What's left, what's been done and what next?  These were questions addressed by Dr Gordon Morris, an Associate of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, in his paper in the Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance

Ambition advantage for Abigail after active time at Exeter

A graduate from the University of Exeter is embarking on a career helping refugees, following her voluntary activity while studying. 

Succession planning on farms can lead to business growth

That was the theme of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers’ annual conference and general meeting on 27 June where Matt Lobley was a key speaker.

Exeter social scientists play leading role in major environmental assessment

Social scientists in Politics at the University of Exeter played leading roles in a major new assessment of UK environment resources

Exeter enjoys notable success in Guardian 2015 University Guide

The University of Exeter has enjoyed significant success in the latest Guardian University Guide, strengthening its position as one of the best universities in the country.

New ESRC grant to explore the 'Structure and Organisation of Government'.

4 June 2014
Professor Oliver James has been awarded a grant of some £320,000 by the ESRC to lead a new research project to analyse the political logic of government reorganisation in the UK.

Does brain structure determine your political views? Dr Darren Schreiber interviewed by Timandra Harkness for Personality Politics on BBC Radio 4.

Are our political views linked to the way are brains function? Dr Schreiber joined Timandra Harkness and other leading academics to investigate how our political views are linked to the way our brains function.

Family business growth pilot prompts vision for national research hub

A national Rural Family Business Research Hub is being proposed for the West Country. The intention is to provide training, research and knowledge exchange.

New award for study of conflict in Holy Cities.

Professor Mick Dumper has been awarded a 3 year Major Research Fellowship by the Leverhulme Foundation to study how conflicts arise and are managed in holy cities in different parts of the world.

Exmoor Society Spring Conference showcasing Exeter's research a success

In association with Exmoor Society Chairman, Rachel Thomas CBE, Keith Howe organised and chaired the Society's 2014 Spring Conference held on 13 April on the theme 'Discovering Exmoor: People and Place'.  

University welcomed its first Houses of Parliament Open Lecture as part of Politics Department 50th anniversary

The University was delighted to welcome its first ever Houses of Parliament Open Lecture given by Dr Mari Takayanagi on the 29 April. View the lecture here.

Changing politics in Portugal

Politics Professor Claudio Radaelli travelled to Portugal to present a major report on lawmaking to the Portuguese Parliament.

Sixth form students inspired at the Festival of Social Science – Secrets, Lies and Spies

Dr Owen Thomas of the Politics department used his own research on democracy and security to inform the design of an interactive day-long exercise, in which sixth form students considered an important social and political issue of contemporary times

Exeter academics participated in a workshop at Chatham House entitled ‘Islam, Secularism and Security in Central Asia and Beyond'.

The workshop was the first of two, the second of which is to be held in April 2015 in Washington DC, and is funded by a grant awarded to John Heathershaw through the British Council’s Bridging Voices Programme.

New report fights back against unfairness

Tackling issues of inequality in the city of Plymouth forms the basis of a new report, by the Plymouth Fairness Commission. 

Exeter Politics Department played host to a UK Parliament 'talking day'.

The session brought together students from the University and from Exeter’s University of the 3rd Age (U3A) to discuss the importance of Parliament and voting for different generations.

Citizens’ take-over of Cornwall Council

On Saturday 1 November, a unique opportunity for Cornish people to take direct action by saying what the priorities for Cornwall should be is being made possible at County Hall, Truro.

Graduate is new Secretary of State for Culture

Exeter graduate Sajid Javid MP has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Culture.

Bulgarian elections given a platform in Exeter thanks to student involvement

A University of Exeter student enabled citizens and students from Bulgaria living in the South West to vote in the recent Bulgarian General Elections by creating a voting station in Exeter. 

New research investigates the legal mechanisms available to democratic states to counter the threat of extremist political groups

Nicole Bolleyer has been awarded £8188 by  the British Academy’s Research Awards Committee for the BA/Leverhulme-funded project ‘Democratic Self-Defence Before and After 9/11: Anti-Extremist Measures in Established Common Law Democracies’. 

Researcher Links Workshop in Kazakhstan organised by Centre for European Governance.

20 October 2014
Call for participants will follow soon. Grants available for early career researchers.

Launch of Defra’s Sustainable Intensification Research

A series of projects to investigate ways to increase farm productivity while reducing negative environmental impacts (sustainable intensification) will receive £4.5 million from Defra. 

David Lewis speaks at Foreign and Commonwealth Office

7 March 2014
David Lewis spoke at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office seminar, ‘Afghanistan as a threat to Central Asia: myth or reality?

John Heathershaw speaks at inaugural meeting of All-Party Parliamentary Group on Tajikistan

1 April 2014
Heathershaw’s talk ‘Tajikistan’s economic prospects and problems: hydropower, aluminium production and electricity exports’m, addressed current developments in Tajikistan and particularly the country’s progress as a candidate member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Two funded PhD Studentships available in the Centre for Rural Policy Research

Studentships are available from September 2014

Agriculture: steps to sustainable livestock

With one in seven humans undernourished, and with the challenges of population growth and climate change, the need for efficient food production has never been greater. 

Culture Secretary holds personal Question Time session with students

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport and Exeter graduate, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, returned to campus to discuss the top political issues with current students. 

Politics academics have been giving lectures and participating in workshops.

20 March 2014
Members of the Politics department have spoken or will speak at a number of events over the coming months. Find out more.

Rural researchers to take the temperature of public opinion on UK environmental change

Social scientists at the University of Exeter are working with environmental policy makers to explore public views on the future management of UK ecosystems.

Jerusalem Unbound: a City in Conflict

A new book, Jerusalem Unbound, plots the history and examines the underlying factors that make a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians so difficult.

University launches Q Step programme

The University of Exeter is launching a pivotal new programme designed to improve quantitative social science training. 

England's 2000 Rural White Paper: Town council activities and a survey of town clerks

What's left, what's been done and what next?  These were questions addressed by Dr Gordon Morris, an Associate of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, in his paper in the Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance

Martin Shaw to work with the Centre of Advanced International Studies.

3 March 2014
We are delighted to confirm that Martin Shaw, historical sociologist of global politics, war and genocide, will work with the Centre of Advanced International Studies.

Ambition advantage for Abigail after active time at Exeter

A graduate from the University of Exeter is embarking on a career helping refugees, following her voluntary activity while studying. 

New grant to support the development of new research trends in the area of media and communications policy

11 February 2014
Politics doctoral student, Veronique Wavre, has been awarded a "Rapid Response Grant" by the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) with the support of the Media Program of the Open Society Foundations (OSF).

EC Should Encourage Transparency and Co-ordination, not Duplication & Liberalisation

9 January 2014
Professor Harcourt argues that the European Commission should encourage transparency and Co-ordination in media ownership on LSE's media blog

Have you recently successfully defended your PhD at Exeter? Are you looking for post-doc funding?

7 January 2014
Open Call for Proposals - Centre for Rural Policy Research Post-Doctoral Research Fund

Funded studentship: From research to behaviour change: contrasting models of farmer engagement in Agricultural Research

We are currently advertising an ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentship entitled From research to behaviour change: contrasting models of farmer engagement in Agricultural Research.  Ref: 1665

Funded studentship: The Local Politics of the Post-War Agricultural Transition in Devon

We are currently advertising an ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentship entitled The Local Politics of the Post-War Agricultural Transition in Devon.  Ref: 1664

Funded studentship: The Politics of Local Agricultural Policy in the era of sustainable intensification

We are currently advertising an ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentship entitled vThe Politics of Local Agricultural Policy in the era of sustainable intensification. Ref: 1666

Exeter scores high with Leverhulme Trust awards

Humanities and Social Sciences academics have been extremely successful in a recent announcement from the Leverhulme Trust, securing four Major Research Fellowships. 

Succession planning on farms can lead to business growth

That was the theme of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers’ annual conference and general meeting on 27 June where Matt Lobley was a key speaker.

Exeter social scientists play leading role in major environmental assessment

Social scientists in Politics at the University of Exeter played leading roles in a major new assessment of UK environment resources

Exeter enjoys notable success in Guardian 2015 University Guide

The University of Exeter has enjoyed significant success in the latest Guardian University Guide, strengthening its position as one of the best universities in the country.

New ESRC grant to explore the 'Structure and Organisation of Government'.

4 June 2014
Professor Oliver James has been awarded a grant of some £320,000 by the ESRC to lead a new research project to analyse the political logic of government reorganisation in the UK.

Does brain structure determine your political views? Dr Darren Schreiber interviewed by Timandra Harkness for Personality Politics on BBC Radio 4.

Are our political views linked to the way are brains function? Dr Schreiber joined Timandra Harkness and other leading academics to investigate how our political views are linked to the way our brains function.

Family business growth pilot prompts vision for national research hub

A national Rural Family Business Research Hub is being proposed for the West Country. The intention is to provide training, research and knowledge exchange.

Exmoor Society Spring Conference showcasing Exeter's research a success

In association with Exmoor Society Chairman, Rachel Thomas CBE, Keith Howe organised and chaired the Society's 2014 Spring Conference held on 13 April on the theme 'Discovering Exmoor: People and Place'.  

University welcomed its first Houses of Parliament Open Lecture as part of Politics Department 50th anniversary

The University was delighted to welcome its first ever Houses of Parliament Open Lecture given by Dr Mari Takayanagi on the 29 April. View the lecture here.

New report fights back against unfairness

Tackling issues of inequality in the city of Plymouth forms the basis of a new report, by the Plymouth Fairness Commission. 

Graduate is new Secretary of State for Culture

Exeter graduate Sajid Javid MP has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Culture.

New research investigates the legal mechanisms available to democratic states to counter the threat of extremist political groups

Nicole Bolleyer has been awarded £8188 by  the British Academy’s Research Awards Committee for the BA/Leverhulme-funded project ‘Democratic Self-Defence Before and After 9/11: Anti-Extremist Measures in Established Common Law Democracies’. 

David Lewis speaks at Foreign and Commonwealth Office

7 March 2014
David Lewis spoke at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office seminar, ‘Afghanistan as a threat to Central Asia: myth or reality?

John Heathershaw speaks at inaugural meeting of All-Party Parliamentary Group on Tajikistan

1 April 2014
Heathershaw’s talk ‘Tajikistan’s economic prospects and problems: hydropower, aluminium production and electricity exports’m, addressed current developments in Tajikistan and particularly the country’s progress as a candidate member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Two funded PhD Studentships available in the Centre for Rural Policy Research

Studentships are available from September 2014

Agriculture: steps to sustainable livestock

With one in seven humans undernourished, and with the challenges of population growth and climate change, the need for efficient food production has never been greater. 

Politics academics have been giving lectures and participating in workshops.

20 March 2014
Members of the Politics department have spoken or will speak at a number of events over the coming months. Find out more.

Rural researchers to take the temperature of public opinion on UK environmental change

Social scientists at the University of Exeter are working with environmental policy makers to explore public views on the future management of UK ecosystems.

University launches Q Step programme

The University of Exeter is launching a pivotal new programme designed to improve quantitative social science training. 

Martin Shaw to work with the Centre of Advanced International Studies.

3 March 2014
We are delighted to confirm that Martin Shaw, historical sociologist of global politics, war and genocide, will work with the Centre of Advanced International Studies.

New grant to support the development of new research trends in the area of media and communications policy

11 February 2014
Politics doctoral student, Veronique Wavre, has been awarded a "Rapid Response Grant" by the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) with the support of the Media Program of the Open Society Foundations (OSF).

EC Should Encourage Transparency and Co-ordination, not Duplication & Liberalisation

9 January 2014
Professor Harcourt argues that the European Commission should encourage transparency and Co-ordination in media ownership on LSE's media blog

Have you recently successfully defended your PhD at Exeter? Are you looking for post-doc funding?

7 January 2014
Open Call for Proposals - Centre for Rural Policy Research Post-Doctoral Research Fund

Funded studentship: From research to behaviour change: contrasting models of farmer engagement in Agricultural Research

We are currently advertising an ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentship entitled From research to behaviour change: contrasting models of farmer engagement in Agricultural Research.  Ref: 1665

Funded studentship: The Local Politics of the Post-War Agricultural Transition in Devon

We are currently advertising an ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentship entitled The Local Politics of the Post-War Agricultural Transition in Devon.  Ref: 1664

Funded studentship: The Politics of Local Agricultural Policy in the era of sustainable intensification

We are currently advertising an ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentship entitled vThe Politics of Local Agricultural Policy in the era of sustainable intensification. Ref: 1666

Exeter scores high with Leverhulme Trust awards

Humanities and Social Sciences academics have been extremely successful in a recent announcement from the Leverhulme Trust, securing four Major Research Fellowships. 

Politics student wins this year’s Hutton Prize for Excellence

The Hutton Prize for Excellence is awarded annually to a Politics, Business or Law undergraduate or postgraduate, and seeks to reward, encourage and inspire those who put ethical conduct and transparency at the forefront of government, business and the professions.

Public Service communications and government communication careers explained

Students at the University of Exeter had the opportunity to hear from the Executive Director for Government Communications, Mr Alex Aiken, at a talk on the theme of Public Service Communications. The role of government communications was explained and Mr Aiken took a range of questions from students who were keen to know more about current developments in Mr Aiken's Cabinet Office role.

Penryn Politics students learn about working in the third sector

“Careers that Make Society Work” is an event held frequently by the College of Social Sciences and International Studies. The umbrella title reflects the demand from students to learn about a broad range of career options in the third and public sectors. Previous events have focussed on Child Protection and Social Work and on Police and Probation. The latest “Careers that Make Society Work” panel discussion took place at the Penryn campus, University of Exeter, bringing together Politics, English and History students to hear about a variety of third sector jobs.

Strategy and Security experts address Select Committee over Defence Review

Experts from the University of Exeter will appear before the Defence Select Committee on Tuesday, November 24th to give specialist comment on the new Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).

Dr Amy McKay wins a multi-institutional Open Research Area grant funded by the ESRC, DFG, and NWO

Amy McKay is working with collaborators at Stuttgart University (Germany), University of Amsterdam (NL), and Rutgers University (US) on a €1.336 million grant to identify and explain the level of overlap among the preferred policy agendas of public citizens and interest groups and the actual policy agenda being pursued by national governments in the four nations.

New Leverhulme trust research fellowship to study conflict in holy cities.

Professor Mick Dumper has been awarded a 3 year Major Research Fellowship by the Leverhulme Trust to study why conflicts arise and how they are managed in holy cities in different parts of the world.

Politics Society off to Great Start

The Politics Society has got off to a great start this term, boasting record numbers of members and retaining our title as one of the biggest (and best) academic societies on campus.

The College of Social Sciences and International Studies Advocate Scheme

Would you like to earn money talking about your course and student life? Do you want flexible work?

Exeter enters global 100 for Social Sciences

The University of Exeter has strengthened its position as being among the very best universities in the world for Social Sciences.

Festival of Social Science: A fascinating insight into social science and its influence on our lives

Exeter academics will be demonstrating how our research is investigating the key issues in modern day life at a series of events.

New Leverhulme Research Project Grant to explore left-wing populism in an Age of Anti-Politics

Senior Lecturer, Dr Bice Maiguashca is co-investigator on this project with Dr Jonathan Dean, the PI, at University of Leeds. The project is due to run for 2 years from 1 September.

Social scientist wants to know what you think about on the throne

University of Exeter Politics lecturer Dr Joanie Willett is hosting a series of community discussions designed to collect information on what various members of the public think the British constitution should look like.

Manage family farms like football clubs to survive in tough world market

Exeter researcher Prof Lobley calls farmers to learn from football clubs

The ESI on the BBC

The Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI)’s Politics contingent has been in demand on the BBC.

New award to examine the constitutionalising practices of anarchist and anarchistic groups

Alex Prichard (Exeter) and Ruth Kinna (Loughborough) have been awarded £249,496 by the ESRC Transforming Social Science scheme for their project titled 'Anarchy as Constitutional Principle: Constitutionalising in anarchist politics'.

University hosts largest geography conference in Europe

Exeter researchers will join delegates from across Europe to present work at the Royal Geographical Society's Annual International Conference, which is taking place at the Streatham Campus. 

Politics professor speaks to Scottish parliament

Politics Professor Nicole Bolleyer was invited to give evidence to the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

Setting the agenda for the right to know

A human rights conference held at the Italian Parliament at the end of July heard from Professor Claudio Radaelli, head of the Centre for European Governance, and Laura Harth, a PhD student at Exeter

Postgraduate seminar series receives funding from ESRC and SWDTC

New funding will allow collaboration with both the University of Bath and University of Bristol over the academic year 2015/16.

Penryn Campus Politics student accepts national peacemaking award on behalf of FXU Islamic Society

Represented by University of Exeter Politics student Oussama Kardi, the FXU Islamic Society have won this year’s Jimmy Mizen Award.

Exeter alumnus earns Harvard Scholarship

Exeter alumnus Tom O’Bryan has been awarded a Kennedy Scholarship to study a Masters of Public Policy (MPP) at Harvard in 2015/16.

Former Exeter student has been named joint winner for the best UK PhD on the Middle East and North Africa.

Perla Issa, who completed her PhD at Exeter last year, has been named joint winner of the 2015 Leigh Douglas Memorial Award from the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (BRISMES), awarded annually to the best UK PhD on the Middle East and North Africa.

Report lays bare public priorities for the natural environment

Public views on the challenges facing policy and decision makers to manage the natural environment have been revealed in a major national public dialogue project.

History of Labour Party explored in new book

The current battle for the leadership of the Labour Party is in full swing with televised show downs between the candidates hitting the airwaves.

New project to lift the lid on internet governance at the international level

Alison Harcourt has been awarded £462,921 by the ESRC for a new project on International professional fora: a study of civil society organisation participation in internet governance

Briefing regulators and decision-makers in Italy

Professor Claudio Radaelli, director of the Centre for European Governance, last week provided a briefing session at the Italian think tank ASTRID, where participants included members of the Italian government.

College Hosts Student Engagement Awards

Students and staff from the College, Students’ Guild and FXU gathered to celebrate a fantastic year of student engagement initiatives within SSIS.

West Meets East in Policy Innovation

Politics Associate Professor Claire Dunlop recently helped organise the Social Innovation Research Conference (SIRC) at Fudan University in Shanghai.

New monograph, entitled 'Thomas Paine and the Idea of Human Rights' published by Cambridge University Press

'Thomas Paine and the Idea of Human Rights' by Robert Lamb, Associate Professor of Political Philosophy, guides students and researchers through Paine's essays and pamphlets demonstrating their theoretical complexity and political interest.

PhD student contributes to new TV programme on Churchill

A University of Exeter PhD student has contributed to a brand new TV programme about Sir Winston Churchill on the Discovery Channel. 

Success for SSIS at the Guild Teaching Awards!

The College of Social Sciences and International Studies had eight nominations and picked up two awards at the Students’ Guild Teaching Awards. Photo: Exeter Students' Guild

New guide a helping hand for young voters

A University of Exeter student has created an online resource to educate young people in the basics of British politics in the run-up to the General Election. 

Doctoral student, Jonathan Kamkhaji, has worked on a WB assignment in Botswana concerning regulatory reform and business climate.

The Centre has developed links with the World Bank over the years and produced scientific papers for their regulatory reform programmes – as evidenced by our REF-2014 submission.

Professor Doug Stokes discusses opportunities with the prestigious S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore

Professor Doug Stokes visited Dean Ralf Emmers and Professor Ang Cheng Guan at the prestigious S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore in April to discuss teaching and research relations between our two institutions.

Engaging the Public in Busting Euro-Myths

This public engagement event brought together Elisabeth Sweeney of the European Parliament’s Information Office and members of Exeter’s University of the 3rd Age (U3A) to explore situations where we wrongly believe that the European Union (EU) is responsible for initiatives that come from other places

Ecosystem Services: Taking the Next Step. Symposium, 1 June 2015. Programme now available

We are hosting a one-day Symposium on ‘Ecosystem Services: Taking the Next Step’ at the Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter on 1 June 2015. 

England's treasured landscapes to benefit from new partnership

A pioneering partnership is being launched to care for some of England’s most beautiful and vulnerable high ground. The Uplands Alliance (UA) brings together for the first time practitioners, researchers and policy makers with interests in the highest areas of land, including treasured landscapes of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Dartmoor.

CRPR in key roles as Defra Sustainable Intensification Research gathers pace

The Defra funded University of Exeter led Project 2 of the Sustainable Intensification Research Platform (SIP) reaches an important phase this week.

Seeking sanctuary:Refugee Week events

Encouraging people to take a positive look at asylum and celebrating the contributions of refugees in the UK forms the basis of Refugee Week.

Jerusalem Unbound nominated by Columbia University Press for book prize.

Columbia University Press has nominated Jerusalem Unbound: Geography, History and the Future of the Holy City (2014) authored by Professor Mick Dumper for the British-Kuwait Friendship Society Prize in Middle Eastern Studies of 2015.

Who cares about rural England's disadvantaged now?

This paper by CRPR Associate, Dr Gordon Morris, looks at the implications of the closure of the Commission for Rural Communities for disadvantaged people and places of rural England.

New teaching material to instruct undergraduates in the economics of animal health

In October 2014, at the second annual conference of the NEAT project held at Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Keith Howe presented new teaching material designed for instructing undergraduate students in veterinary sciences in the economics of animal health.

Exeter academics win grant to lead public policy workshops in Kazakhstan

Politics academics from the University of Exeter were involved in leading a three day political science workshop in partnership with Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Politics undergraduates involved in a simulation on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

The aim of the simulation is to work with real-life situations and to provide an opportunity for students to engage with and directly apply the materials they have learnt.

Outstanding REF Performance: Research in the Department of Politics has been either rated world-leading or internationally excellent

Across 56 departments submitted to Politics and International Studies, Exeter Politics ranks 5th nationally for 4* (world-leading) or 3* (internationally excellent) research

Exeter Professor keynote speaker at leading international conference

Politics Professor, Andrew Massey, will address the 6th annual conference of Asian Association for Public Administration (AAPA) this week, hosted by Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.

Engaging the public in busting Health and Safety myths

Dr Claire Dunlop hosted a public engagement event which brought together civil servants from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and members of Exeter’s University of the 3rd Age (U3A) to explore the roots of health and safety myths.

New ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Studentships available.

Apply now before the deadline of February 2015.

Study uncovers the reason behind health and safety myths

New research from the University of Exeter reveals some of the complex reasons why health and safety regulations are used incorrectly and blamed for over-the-top decisions. 

Experts secure £5m to protect the South West’s natural capital

A partnership of three research institutions, led by the University of Exeter, has secured a £5m award to help protect the beautiful natural resources and the jobs dependent on them in the South West.

Top Think Tank visits Exeter for Research Networking and Partnership Building

On Saturday 3 December, the University of Exeter welcomed a senior delegation from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Brexit Divisions III: Business and Trade after Brexit

Professor Alison Harcourt is taking part in an afternoon of debate and discussion, 'Brexit Divisions III: Business and Trade after Brexit' at the UCL European Institute

Having a say in the national conversation

An ESI academic is invited to tell Parliament what she thinks.

Alison Harcourt ran a large conference at the House of Commons.

This was the first of two conferences covering the Digital Single Market.

The Prince of Wales praises work of University of Exeter farming experts

The Prince of Wales has praised the work of University of Exeter experts to help support small family farms.

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.

Anarchy Rules! Exeter researcher to speak at conference opened by President of Iceland

Alex Prichard will be visiting Reykjavik for three days from the 18 - 20 October for a series of talks and discussions on the relevance of anarchist theory to contemporary politics.

Professor Doug Stokes examines rising non-Western states, global shifts in economic power, illiberal non-state actors and the deep seated political, social and racial problems in the US

Professor Stokes is working with City University's Inderjeet Parmar and Princeton's John Ikenberry on a new project entitled Ordering the World? Liberal Internationalism in Theory and Practice.

University of Exeter student success in international awards

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

New Nuffield award hopes to influence the future of British farming

Nuffield Farming is awarding University of Exeter academic, Professor Michael Winter, with a Scholarship to study for the first Nuffield Farming Lecture. 

Rural policy expert appointed as Government advisor

University of Exeter rural policy expert Professor Michael Winter OBE has been appointed as a Government advisor to help protect England’s natural environment.

Theresa May’s support highest among 'Bregretful' Conservatives

New Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her commitment to Brexit, but she is liked most by Conservative voters who regret voting to leave, a new survey suggests.

University of Exeter agricultural economist awarded honorary doctorate

A University of Exeter expert has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Royal Veterinary College for his outstanding contribution to promoting animal health and welfare.

Major study reveals steep decline in number of small family farms

A major new independent study commissioned by The Prince’s Countryside Fund into the future of small family farms across the UK, has revealed a steep decline in numbers since the beginning of the century.

Further improvements to recruitment, retention and training of Army Reserve Forces needed

Improvements to the way that Army Reserve Forces are trained and supported are needed if recruitment targets are to be met.

University of Exeter experts to provide crucial advice to farmers, government and communities

Senior politicians have welcomed work by University of Exeter academics to promote smart decision-making which will safeguard the environment.

New research shows South West farmers concerned by Brexit

Farmers have expressed concern about the unknown implications of Britain leaving the European Union, according to a new survey by experts at the University of Exeter.

University to chair EU referendum discussions

Experts from the University of Exeter are to host a special two-part discussion series about whether the UK should stay or leave the European Union.

Politics academic wins PADEMIA award for outstanding research on parliamentary democracy in Europe

Dr Sandra Kröger and her co-author Professor Richard Bellamy have been awarded the 2016 PADEMIA Research award for Outstanding Research on Parliamentary Democracy in Europe in the category journal article. 

ISIS propaganda collected in real time

University of Exeter experts will collect large amounts of propaganda put on the internet by Islamic State terrorists in real time to understand how it radicalises people.

Politics academic runs natural environment management workshop with Scottish decision makers

Dr Duncan Russel ran a workshop, with colleagues from the University of East Anglia and the James Hutton Institute, which brought together a range of representatives Scottish organisations responsible for managing the natural environment. 

Exeter’s Q-Step Centre launches video series to offer quantitative methods lessons in an accessible and innovative way

The video series comprises 9 videos where researchers talked through one of their seminar papers and explained the methods they used

Politics and International Relations Success at the Teaching Awards 2016

The University of Exeter’s best lecturers were recognised by students at the Teaching Awards 2016 on 28 April, and three academic staff in our Politics and International Relations department were recognised for their contribution to their students’ experience.

MPA student publishes op-ed article in the Jakarta Post

Arif Budy Pratama was inspired by the lecturers on the MPA programme and through his article is hoping to introduce an alternative to the government in shaping public policy in Indonesia. 

LEEP aims and activities: talks available

Members of LEEP gave an overview of the institute’s aims and activities to a packed audience of environmental economists, on Friday 18 March 2016, at envecon 2016, at the Royal Society, London.

Transatlantic link to help protect the environment

University of Exeter experts will collaborate with colleagues in the USA to work to protect our environment.

‘Ask the Experts’ about the EU referendum at the University of Exeter

Leading experts will be able to help people make an informed decision as they decide how to cast their vote in the UK’s referendum at an event in Exeter.

The viability of the UK small farm – a call for evidence

As part of research commissioned by The Prince's Countryside Fund we are holding workshops with interested parties and in advance of these workshops we are inviting the submission of written evidence.

New study to investigate impact of lobbying

Experts will investigate whether wealthy individuals and groups really do control political decisions as part of a new study.

Professor Matt Lobley awarded Associate membership of the Royal Agricultural Societies

Professor Lobley's award was for his very considerable contribution to the well being of the land based sector - particularly in the areas of retirement & succession planning.

Succession planning service launched to help farms stay in the family

Professor Matt Lobley joined a panel of farm succession planning experts to lead a debate, 'Playing the generation game', at NFU’s annual Conference in Birmingham.

University of Exeter environment expert appointed to advise the Government

A University of Exeter academic has been appointed as an advisor to help the Government develop and implement a new 25-year plan for the environment.

Simulation of the EU’s handling of the refugee crisis by undergraduate students in Politics and International Relations

The aim of simulations is to work with real-life situations and to provide an opportunity for students to engage with and directly apply the materials they have learnt.

Exeter alumnus in Foreign Affairs: Breaking Congo’s Glass Ceiling

Exeter and CSSIS alumnus Tom O’Bryan (2013) has published an article with Foreign Affairs magazine titled "Breaking Congo's Glass Ceiling: Gender Politics in the DRC."

Claudio Radaelli appointed to APSA Committee

Claudio Radaelli has been appointed to the committee for APSA's Excellence in Mentoring Award.

Media coverage focusing on slim majority of the Conservative Party influences voter perceptions

Voters who read media reports highlighting the slim Parliamentary majority of the Conservative Party are less likely to believe Prime Minister David Cameron can have an impact on their lives.

University of Exeter academic appointed to prestigious project ahead of EU referendum

A University of Exeter researcher has been appointed to be part of a group of leading academics who will provide expert analysis ahead of the forthcoming EU referendum.

Dan Stevens writes in the Washington Post

The guest post in the Monkey Cage, 'What do citizens fear most — for the world, the nation, themselves? The answers might surprise you.' is based on his recent publication in the British Journal of Political Science.

Changing the use of agricultural land could massively reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Making farmland more productive could bring about significant reductions in the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, University of Exeter research has found.

New ESRC Research Fellowship to explore the impact of a proposed UK Brexit from the EU on the UK Communications Industry

Alison Harcourt is a ESRC Senior Fellow on the UK in a Changing Europe project.

New tool allows farmers to compare their environmental impacts

Farmers can now compare their business’s impact on the environment using a new tool designed to help them operate in a more sustainable and productive way.

Experts advise government on 25-year environment plan

Degradation of the natural environment has to be reversed partly because it underpins economic growth and social wellbeing, experts say.

Reform “grossly unfair” farm subsidies, expert says

“Grossly unfair” farm subsidies should be replaced with a new system, a University of Exeter expert has told the government.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to University of Exeter academic

Anti-nuclear campaigners, including a University of Exeter academic, have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Generations come together to discuss Brexit and the UK’s future in Europe

On Thursday 29 June, an event which brought together retired/semi-retired citizens as well as secondary school aged children, ‘Brexit: A discussion of the UK’s future in Europe’, took place.

Expert on the legal regulation of parties appointed to international advisory body

Nicole Bolleyer, Professor of Comparative Politics, has been appointed for a four-year term to the Core Group of Experts on Political Parties of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) belonging to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Exeter Public Administration ranked 29th!

Exeter Public Administration ranked 29th globally in the 2017 Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects! 

Politics faculty make an impact at this year’s APSA

University of Exeter Politics faculty are contributing a total of 25 papers and sessions at the prestigious American Political Science Association (APSA) conference this year in San Francisco, California (31 Aug-3 Sept 2017).

New data experts graduate from the University of Exeter

The first of a new generation of social science students trained how to analyse vast amounts of data while completing degrees in politics or sociology have graduated from the University of Exeter.

Exeter workshop addresses ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ challenges and opportunities

Scholars from prestigious Chinese institutions including Tsinghua University have visited the University of Exeter for a discussion of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

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.

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.

New Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the University of Sydney

The MoU seeks to foster closer collaboration between Exeter’s Politics Department and the Sydney Democracy Network, an internationally influential network of researchers, activists, and policy makers. 

Research Session for the Regulatory Scrutiny Board of the Commission: A new format for engagement and co-production of knowledge

Professors Claire Dunlop and Claudio Radaelli brought together researchers from six European universities to present their most important inter-disciplinary findings and discuss challenging topics in the field of regulatory quality and EU law-making.

Exeter Politics has two of the most central political scientists in the world

Oliver James and Claudio Radaelli are amongst the top 20 most central political science authors in the world

The University of Exeter has co-organised a workshop on Populism at the prestigious Fudan University in China.

Exeter academics from both the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and the College of Humanities came together with their counterparts at Fudan.

Politics academics complete high profile visit to Korea.

The visit helped to reinforce and celebrate the excellent relationship that Exeter enjoys with the South Korean Government.

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.

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.

PhD studentships for September 2017 entry announced

We’re delighted to announce four PhD studentships supervised by LEEP colleagues, which are funded thanks to our links with external research partners, The John Oldacre Foundation, and our alumni.

Simulation of the EU’s handling of the refugee crisis by undergraduate students

The aim of the simulation is to work with real-life situations and to provide an opportunity for students to engage with and directly apply the materials they have learnt.

University of Exeter expert urges Government to implement new laws to protect the environment

Progress on the Government’s long term plan for the environment is too slow and politicians should act more quickly to safeguard our natural resources, a University of Exeter expert has said.

University of Exeter expert urges Government to implement new laws to protect the environment

Progress on the Government’s long term plan for the environment is too slow and politicians should act more quickly to safeguard our natural resources, a University of Exeter expert has said.

Inaugural Global Regulatory Impact Assessment Awards in cooperation with the World Bank

The World Bank Group announced the launch of their inaugural Global Regulatory Impact Assessment Awards a few days ago. This is a collaboration between World Bank and our Centre for European Governance. See their announcement here: http://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2016/12/20/the-2017-global-ria-award

LEEP academic involved in 'Food and the Circular Economy South West' workshops

The workshops will be explore the opportunities and challenges for SME food and drink processors, specifically bakery and dairy processors, in the South West in transitioning towards the circular economy (CE) – as well as evaluating the CE concept itself.

Reaction to the Publication of the Modernising Defence Programme – Dr David Blagden, Strategy and Security Institute, University of Exeter

The Ministry of Defence has finally published an outcomes report from its long-awaited Modernising Defence Programme (MDP). 

Like Greece, Brexit negotiations leave the UK a rule taker from the EU

Dr Athanassios GouglasLecturer in Politics and Public Policy at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK

Activating Party Membership – new report by Sam Power

New research provides practical guidance on how political organisations can recruit, activate and retain members

Dr Eva Thomann delivering Winter School Research Methods training at ECPR

Eva Thomann will be teaching two courses at the renowned winter school of methods and techniques of the European Consortium of Political Research (ECPR).

Lamprini Rori to lead research into Political Violence in Greece

Dr Rori has been awarded funding from the LSE Hellenic Observatory to lead a research project "Low-intensity violence in crisis-ridden Greece: evidence from the radical right and the radical left".

Young adults discuss consent and rape culture at Festival of Social Science event

As part of the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Festival of Social Science (FOSS), Lecturer in Politics, Dr Sarah Cooper, in collaboration with Professor Claire Dunlop and Dr Owen Thomas, hosted a public engagement event to explore the construction of consent in the courtroom. 

Dr Nils-Christian Bormann joins Editorial Board of International Interactions.

The journal is a leading interdisciplinary journal that publishes original empirical, analytic, and theoretical studies of conflict and political economy.

Voters would have forgiven Cameron for failing to hold an EU referendum, study shows

Many voters would have forgiven David Cameron if he had failed to deliver on his campaign promise to hold an EU referendum, a study suggests.

Politics research into the politicisation of ethnic identity on the eve of elections in Africa

Dr Elena Gadjanova recently delivered an invited paper at the Centre for African Studies, University of Edinburgh.

Exeter Politics Academic speaks to pupils about the EU’s relations with the Middle East and North Africa

Dr Irene Fernandez-Molina speaks to school pupils in Salisbury about the EU’s relations with the Middle East and North Africa.

University of Exeter expert contributes to Government’s bovine TB strategy review

A University of Exeter expert has contributed to the review of the Government’s 25 Year Bovine TB Strategy.

Political participation of the Greek diaspora: Exeter academic co-organises conference in Athens

Dr Lamprini Rori co-organised conference on the political participation of the Greek diaspora in national political affairs

Joe Foweraker delivers talks on Polity, Populism and Dysfunctional Public Policy

Professor Joe Foweraker, Honorary Professor at Exeter University, and Emeritus Fellow of St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, recently gave a series of talks to faculty and postgraduate students in Austin, Texas.

Exeter Public Policy and Administration academics present at a House of Lords Workshop

On 7 November Dr Sarah Cooper presented a paper at a House of Lords Workshop.

Arron Banks investigated over £8m given to the Brexit campaign – what can this even buy you?

Dr Sam Power, Lecturer in Politics at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK

Echo Chambers Persist in Climate Politics, Exeter Research Shows

Information sharing among climate elite changes over time but still highly polarised

Alison Harcourt becomes Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Alison Harcourt has been awarded the prestigious honour of becoming a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Dr Owen Thomas awarded grant to conduct research on London Bridge terrorist attack and the Grenfell Tower Fire Killings

Along with co-investigator Victoria Basham (Cardiff), Owen Thomas has been awarded a British Academy Small Grant, entitled A Tale of Two Cities? Elite and Everyday Narratives of Security and Responsibility in the Grenfell and London Bridge killings.

Innuendo alone can fuel conspiracy theories, research shows

Innuendo alone in news coverage can fuel belief in conspiracy theories, according to a new study.

College of Social Sciences and International Studies Alumni Engage with Exeter Scholars Students

On Wednesday 12 September, a panel of alumni from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies attended an Exeter Scholars event, answering questions posed by Year 13 students on this prestigious programme, followed by a networking session.

Experiencing extreme weather is not enough to convince climate change sceptics

Experiencing extreme weather is not enough to convince climate change sceptics that humans are damaging the environment, a new study shows.

Exeter PA Scholars participate at the European Group for Public Administration Annual Conference in Lausanne, Sept 2018

Exeter Public Administration Scholars participated in European Group for Public Administration’s (EGPA) 40th Annual Conference, which took place this year in Lausanne, 3-7 September, attended by over 500 participants from around the world.

Research partners join forces to develop a new sustainable way of managing tourism across four Biosphere Reserves in France and England

A cutting-edge project to increase the economic value of tourism while reducing its potential environmental impact is underway in the four Unesco Biosphere Reserves of the Channel region. Professors Matt Lobley and Michael Winter and Dr Tim Wilkinson will be representing the CRPR as a lead partner in this project.

ESCAS2019 Exeter: The Globality of Central Asia

European Society for Central Asian Society Conference 2019 to be hosted by Exeter.

Preventing Transnational Repression, Protecting Human Rights Ideas for the Future?

A workshop organised by the Exeter Central Asian Studies Network was held at Exeter University on 21 June 2018.

Exeter Central Asian Studies network joined by Muhiddin Kabiri at Chatham House

On the 20 June 2018 the Exeter Central Asian Studies network were delighted to be joined by Muhiddin Kabiri at the “Political Exiles and Transnational Repression in Central Asia and Beyond” workshop. 

British farmers could play a key role in helping to promote better public health

British farmers could find business opportunities and help promote better public health

Defence Spending and Power Projection: Signals to Key Allies in the Context of Brexit

Dr Catarina Thomson discusses her research on public attitudes to defence spending on the BBC

ESRC Workshop on Civil Society Participation in Internet Governance – 23rd May 2018, Brussels

Final workshop of the Project led by Professor Alison Harcourt, 'International Profession Fora: A study of civil society organisation participation in internet governance.

Faculty and Researchers to deliver bite-size food talks at the River Cottage Food Fair

Faculty and PhD researchers from the Centre for Rural Policy Research will take part in the Food for Thought Stage on Sunday 27 May as part of the River Cottage Food Fair

MPA with Applied Study students visit the UK Met Office

Students found out about the important work the Met Office’s International Development Team is doing around the world to provide information to improve planning to protect against natural disasters and extreme weather. 

CAIS (Centre for Advanced International Studies) organises a one-day event entitled “World Order(s) in Crisis?” bringing together some of the most prominent scholars in the discipline.

  

Master’s students from the Centre for Rural Policy Research visit Rothamsted Research world leading experimental research farm

As part of the Knowledge Exchange module, Master’s students went on a field trip to Rothamsted Research’s North Wyke Farm Platform near Okehampton.  

Alison Harcourt gives opening speech at Global Internet Governance Actors, Regulations, Transactions and Strategies conference

Alison’s talk considered new and crucial questions concerning internet governance in a context in which connectivity infrastructure is constantly expanding, and internet access is incessantly growing across countries, regions and socio-political contexts

Exeter to host Ninth Annual ECPR Summer School on Interest Group Politics

Book by 2 July 2018.

Dr Christopher Phillips, author of the acclaimed book ‘The Battle for Syria – International Rivalry in the Middle East’ visits Exeter

The Centre for Advanced International Studies (CAIS) recently hosted a talk by Dr Christopher Phillips

Exeter Students meet Foreign and Commonwealth Delegation

The University of Exeter welcomes a delegation from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office onto our Streatham Campus. 

Britain’s security experts want increased defence spending, new survey shows

Britain’s future military commanders and staff officers want the Government to increase defence spending, new research shows.

Exeter Students meet Foreign and Commonwealth Delegation

The University of Exeter welcomes a delegation from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office onto our Streatham Campus. 

Five Exeter academics awarded British Academy funding

Five University of Exeter academics have been awarded prestigious funding from the British Academy, the national body for the humanities and social sciences.

University of Exeter expert appointed to bovine tuberculosis strategy review

University of Exeter rural policy expert, Professor Michael Winter, has been appointed by the Defra Secretary of State, Michael Gove, to the Government’s bovine tuberculosis Strategy Review.

Innuendo and pointing suspicion in news coverage can fuel conspiracy theories, research shows

Innuendo and hinting at fake information in news coverage is enough to fuel belief in conspiracy theories, new research shows.

Strategy and Security Institute Celebrates New Partnership in Brazil

The Strategy and Security Institute (SSI) have entered into a new relationship with the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), one of Brazil’s foremost academic institutions

University of Exeter to play key role in £20 million Institute of Coding

University part of new consortium announced by Prime Minister to train next generation of digital specialists

Trump’s cut to funding for Palestinian refugees could lead to disaster

Professor Dumper writes in Guardian Opinion

New research unpacking extremist groups' "visual style"

A team of Exeter experts offer a new framework for the analysis of extremist groups' use of visual imagery in propaganda.

Social Media, Cyber Battalions, and Political Mobilisation in Ghana

A new research report by Elena Gadjanova (Exeter), Jason Reifler (Exeter), Gabrielle Lynch (Warwick) and Ghadafi Saibu (Bayreuth) provides an overview of the mixed impact of social media on politics in Ghana.

Higher earning “elite” political lobbyists overstate their own achievements, study shows

“Elite”, high-earning political lobbyists are more likely to overstate their achievements, a new study shows.

Conservative Party divisions contributed to the failure of Brexit negotiations, new study shows

Divisions in the Conservative Party allowed the European Union to set the agenda during Brexit negotiations, a new study shows.

Both Remainers and Leavers willing to let MPs disrupt the constitution to get the Brexit they want, survey shows

With Brexit once again in limbo, new research shows that Remainers and Leavers are both willing to disrupt Britain’s unwritten constitution to get the Brexit outcome they want.

Stephane Baele and Travis Coan co-edit new book exploring ISIS Propaganda

'ISIS Propaganda: A Full Spectrum Extremist Message' explores all facets of ISIS propaganda, enhancing our understanding of the group's history, messaging, and recruitment

Religion now plays an “explicit and institutionalised” role in US foreign policy-making, new research shows

Faith is increasingly used to advance the interests and values of the United States around the world, according to a new book by Dr Gregorio Bettiza from the University of Exeter.

Professor Claire Dunlop conferred as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

A University of Exeter expert has been made a fellow of the prestigious Academy of Social Sciences for her research on regulatory design and policy evaluation.

Catrionna McKinnon delivers a keynote lecture at the University of Bergen and writes on the ethical challenges of climate change

On 5 October, Catriona McKinnon delivered a keynote lecture at a conference on Climate Change and Asian Philosophy the University of Bergen. The title of the lecture was 'Geoengineering: Fantasies of Control'

Voters expect much more from political parties who win decisive election victories

Voters expect much more from politicians when the media describes them as having won a decisive electoral victory, research shows.

Proposals invited for ECPR joint session in Toulouse

Eva Thomann and colleagues warmly invite paper proposals for the workshop “Differentiated policy implementation in the European Union” at the ECPR joint sessions in Toulouse, 14-17 April 2020. 

Learn how to avoid fast fashion at Cornish events this month

Experts working to help find ways to stop Britain’s fast fashion addiction will share their findings at a new exhibition touring Cornwall this month.

Catherine Owen participates in the First Tsinghua Area Studies Forum

The conference, entitled Innovating New Approaches to Common Challenges in Asia, Africa and Latin America, took place from 10th-12th July 2019.

Eva Thomann joins the editorial team of Regulation & Governance.

Regulation & Governance serves as the leading, interdisciplinary platform for the study of regulation and governance

Politics academics participating in an EXPONet event at the Turing Institute in London

Dr Travis Coan, Dr Lorien Jasny and Professor Susan Banducci of the University of Exeter's Politics Department, along with Dr Hywell Williams (Computer Science) will be participating in an EXPONet event at the Turing Institute in London on July 22nd, entitled 'Measuring information exposure in dynamic and dependent networks'. 

Eva Thomann to Co-Chair Workshops at EGPA and ECPR, Sept 2019

Dr Thomann will be travelling to Wroclaw and Belfast. 

Eva Thomann awarded the IUPPA Best Book Award 2019

Dr Eva Thomann has been awarded the prestigious International Public Policy Association (IPPA) Award for Best Book in 2019 in Montreal.

New Directions in Agri-Environmental Governance - a workshop in Neuchâtel

On 28 and 29 May 2019, Professor Michael Winter OBE was one of the invited speakers at a workshop at the Institut d’Ethnologie in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

The Search for Deliberative Democracy in Asia – Exeter Contribute to High Profile Conference

The University of Exeter was represented by Dr Catherine Owen, a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, whose research compares the production of active citizenship in Russia and China

Guild Teaching Awards 2019

The College performed extremely well in the Guild Teaching Awards 2019.

What we know about how political parties use Facebook advertising – and what we don’t

Dr Sam Power, lecturer in politics at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK

Third Year Politics student presents her dissertation at the Politics Studies Association Undergraduate Conference

Jazzlyne, final year BA International Relations student, reflects on her experience presenting her undergraduate dissertation.

New electoral regulations must tackle “inequalities” caused by political advertising on Facebook

Regulators must find a way of monitoring and addressing the way political advertising on Facebook creates new types of inequalities for campaigners, experts have said.

Local elections: ‘disaster for local democracy’ as hundreds of seats go uncontested

Joanie Willet, lecturer in poltics at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK 

Michael Winter warns of the need to take care with the future of farming when designing new policies for post-Brexit rural land use

Government policies across the UK increasingly connect objectives for farming with the environment and broader natural capital approaches (e.g. 25 Year Environment Plan, Agriculture Bill). However, any discussion around natural capital and farming requires a farming system that improves or maintains natural capital against a backdrop of pressures such as environmental change, economic uncertainty and BREXIT.

Social Sciences Alumni Return for Q&A and Networking with Exeter Scholars Students

A panel of alumni from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies attended an Exeter Scholars event, answering questions posed by Year 12 students on this prestigious programme, followed by a round table networking session.

‘Greek Social Movements between Past and Present’ Conference, Co-convened by Rori Lamprini

On behalf of the University of Exeter, Dr Rori Lamprini is co-convening this international conference, 5-6 April 2019, Athens

Brexit is not a retreat into isolationism – survey suggests public remains committed to global security role

Jason Reifler, Professor of Political Science at the University of Exeter, writes for the Conversation UK

Penryn academics contribute to Environmental Audit Committee Report ‘Fixing Fashion: Clothing Consumption & Sustainability’

Led by Professor Clare Saunders with Dr Joanie Willett the research considers what is needed to facilitate behavioural change.  

Alison Harcourt takes part in debate over new media policy challenges for the EU

EU Talks: “New media policy challenges posed by the new content and distribution platforms: the EU at the crossroads”

Controversial science critics who turn into believers can sway others, research shows

People who experience their own “Road to Damascus” moment over hotly-debated scientific issues can then become key advocates on the subject, new research has shown.

EU funding failed to win hearts and minds and prevent Brexit vote

People in one of the poorest parts of the UK voted for Brexit despite being given billions of pounds of EU cash because they don’t feel the funding improved their lives, according to a new report.

Dr Sam Power gives evidence to All-Party Parliamentary Group on Electoral Campaigning Transparency

A new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Electoral Campaigning Transparency, originally formed by Fair Vote UK, Stephen Kinnock MP and the Electoral Reform Society took evidence on issues with regards to the transparency, deterrence and monitoring of electoral campaigns. 

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.

Academics in favour of universities refusing funding from nations connected to human rights concerns, survey shows

Academics are in favour of universities refusing funding from foreign organisations and individuals or nations linked with human rights concerns, a new survey of over 1,500 social scientists based in UK universities shows.

Launch of new neurodevelopmental and neurodiversity network

A new regional network between the GW4 universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter has launched which will focus on research into neurodiversity and conditions such as ADHD and autism

Online church services prove popular with rural congregations during pandemic, new study shows

Online church services have proved popular with rural communities during the pandemic, a new study shows.

Former rebel groups become more moderate after gaining political power in nations with democracy, research shows

Former rebel groups who transform into political parties have adopted a moderate stance after gaining power in more democratic political systems, a study shows.

Third of people want coronavirus lockdown rule-breakers to be jailed, survey shows

A third of people are in favour of prison sentences for those who break coronavirus lockdown rules, according to a major new survey.

New code of conduct calls for universities to do more to protect academic freedom in their international partnerships

UK higher education institutions should be more transparent about their international partnerships and more accountable to their staff and students in order to protect academic freedom, experts have said.

Fifth of people experiencing mental health issues due to coronavirus, major new survey shows

A fifth of people have reported experiencing mental health issues and a third of people are feeling isolated because of the coronavirus pandemic, a major new survey shows.

Third of people feel “angry” at prospect of the UK leaving the EU without a deal

A third of people feel “very angry” at the prospect of Britain leaving the EU without a deal, according to a major new survey which suggests people are resigned to the failure of Brexit talks.

A change at the top before elections boosts MP turnover across Europe, research shows

Appointing a new leader just before an election leads to a higher turnover of MPs after the poll, a study of political parties across Europe during the past 80 years shows.

A critical exchange on “The Politics of Precarity” now out in Contemporary Political Theory.

The exchange was introduced and coordinated by Andrew Schapp.

People prefer coronavirus contact tracing to be carried out by a combination of apps and humans, study shows

People prefer coronavirus contact tracing to be carried out by a combination of apps and humans, a new study shows.

Noam Chomsky in conversation on free speech with Exeter Professor

Linguist and philosopher, Noam Chomsky, will speak to Professor Robert Lamb from the University of Exeter, in a free online event.

Personal connections key to helping communities cope with devastating impact of climate change

Connections with friends and family are key to helping communities adapt to the devastating impact of climate change on their homes and livelihoods, a new study shows.

The brains of nonpartisans are different from those who register to vote with a party, major new study shows

The brains of people with no political allegiance are different from those who strongly support one party, major new research shows.

Professor Michael Dumper Publishes New Book

The book, titled "Power, Piety and People: the Politics of Holy Cities in the 21st Century" is out with Columbia University Press.

State of the art computational analysis used to track online extremist far-right European groups

State of the art computational analysis is being used to track the growth and influence of online extremist far-right groups in Europe as part of a major new study.

Extinction Rebellion’s activists more likely to be new to protesting, study shows

Extinction Rebellion supporters are more likely to be new to protesting than other environmental activists, a new study shows.

Public in France and Germany support a European military, security and defence policy, survey shows

People in France and Germany support building greater European military capacity and security and defence policy, a survey shows.

Book by Politics academic receives special mention of excellence

Gregorio Bettiza, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, received a Special Mention of Excellence for his book Finding Faith in Foreign Policy from the prestigious European Academy of Religion

Giving people “digital literacy” tips can help them spot dubious information online, study shows

Giving people “digital literacy” tips can help them identify dubious information online, a new study shows.

Former Foreign Secretary heads panel discussion

David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, is headlining an online panel discussion that is examining the impacts of COVID-19 on developing countries.

Appetite for fast fashion goes out of style when people learn about impact of mass-produced clothing, study shows

Learning in groups how to make, mend and modify clothing reduces the appetite for fast fashion, a new study shows.

Public relying on BBC news as source of information about coronavirus, analysis shows

News from the BBC about coronavirus has been shared significantly more on social media than articles from journalists in other organisations, new research suggests.

New study will show impact of coronavirus on Britain’s crucial food supply chains

The impact of coronavirus on Britain’s crucial food supply chains will be tracked as part of a new study which will show how the current crisis has affected the journey from farm to plate.

Voters across Europe perceive the EU as less democratic than it is, survey suggests

Large portions of voters across Europe misunderstand the workings of the European Union and think it is less democratic than it actually is, research suggests.

Public would obey major changes to antibiotic advice, research shows

The public would comply with major changes to medical advice – but would then be less likely to follow other new guidelines in the future, research shows.

CAIS launches blog on the global politics of COVID-19

Drs John Heathershaw and Brieg Powel lead the pandemipolitics.net initiative - a new blog where CAIS experts unpack the political dimension of the ongoing pandemic.

Experts to develop new ways of monitoring and tackling extreme right-wing online forums

University of Exeter experts will develop new ways to better monitor activity on extreme right-wing online forums linked with terrorism as part of a major new research project.

Exeter team receives a CREST award for research on far-right forums

Drs Stephane Baele, Lewys Brace and Travis Coan, based at Q-STEP and CAIS, conduct research on the far-right "Chan" forums.

University of Exeter new partner in £2.8million ESRC investment in social science methods training

University of Exeter experts will help to train academics from throughout the UK in cutting-edge research methods as part of a major new national initiative.

Exeter research highlighted by OUP

Two books written by Exeter political scientists feature in Oxford University Press' selection of key publications to read ahead of 2020 US elections.

Facebook “prominent gateway” to untrustworthy websites during 2016 US presidential election, study shows

Facebook was the most prominent gateway to untrustworthy websites during the 2016 US Presidential election, a new study shows.

Dr Sandra Kröger uses simulation to help undergraduate students understand the EU’s handling of the refugee crisis

I enjoyed that it felt like real life’, ‘it felt official and realistic’, ‘I really enjoyed the more practical way of learning’ were some of the comments by students

The Political Studies Association announces its new Chair and Vice Chair

Professor Claire Dunlop has been appointed as Vice Chair of Political Studies Association of the UK (PSA)

New CREST award given to Politics researchers

Drs Baele, Coan and Brace receive a CREST award to conduct research on the far-right online underworld.

The hidden costs of social media use in elections: A Ghana case study

Dr Elena Gadjanova, Assistant Professor of Politics at the University of Exeter, writes for The Conversation

People back coronavirus restrictions but think autumn local lockdowns were mismanaged by the Government, survey shows

There is widespread public support for coronavirus restrictions, but most people believe local lockdowns this autumn were mismanaged by the Government, a new survey shows.

Repair cafes and “20 minute neighbourhoods” should be used to revitalise Cornish high streets

New repair cafes where people can mend and modify clothing and creating “20 minute neighbourhoods” would help to revitalise Cornish high streets, a new report says.

Report: UK professions supporting ‘laundering of money & reputations’ of post-Soviet elite

Elite individuals from post-Soviet states are laundering their wealth and reputations in the UK, knowingly and willingly supported by a network of British professions, new research claims.

Long working hours and lone-working key factors leading to loneliness in farming, study shows

Long hours, working alone and a feeling of being undervalued and disconnected from the wider public are among the key factors which cause loneliness within the farming community, a major new study shows.

Major new study to map South West’s food supply aims to improve opportunities for producers, processors and procurers

A major new project to map the South West’s food supply chains will identify opportunities to improve the system for people, place and planet.

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. 

Online book launch

Online launch of Ross Carroll’s book on Uncivil Mirth: Ridicule in Enlightenment Britain, published by Princeton University Press

Two new problems of intergenerational justice

An online Workshop organised by the Centre for Political Thought.

Men, Conservative Party supporters and Brexit-backers more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons, study shows

Men, Conservative Party supporters and those who wanted Britain to leave the EU, are more likely to want to retain Britain's nuclear deterrent, a study shows.

New research by The Prince’s Countryside Fund highlights the importance of auction marts for the social, health, and wellbeing of their visitors

A new report commissioned by The Prince’s Countryside Fund, and carried out by researchers from the University of Exeter, highlights how auction marts tackle social isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of their users.

Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric has an impact on the public – but only among fans of populist politicians, study shows

Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric works – but only fans of populist politicians are convinced by hostile messages about charity abroad, a new study shows. Those who distrust populist politicians are significantly less susceptible to these messages.

Public opinion surveys on vaccine hesitancy can help predict where vaccine uptake is likely to be lower, study shows

Public opinion surveys could be used more widely to understand regional variation in vaccine hesitancy, experts have recommended.

Religious participation makes both old and young more likely to trust their neighbours and donate to charity, study shows

“Boomers” and “millennials” who go to church are more likely to trust their neighbours and donate to charity, according to a new study.

Urgent need to reform image of farming to prevent “disastrous” labour shortages, report warns

There is an urgent need to change the image of farming in order to prevent “disastrous” agriculture labour shortages, a new report warns.

People who falsely believe they are able to identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it, study shows

People who falsely believe they are able to identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it, a new study shows.

Tackling attempts by kleptocrats to launder reputations must be a priority for universities, report warns

Universities must make tackling attempts by kleptocrats to use higher education to launder reputations a greater priority, a new report warns.

Cornwall EU leave voters wanted to 'take back control' and express concern about immigration, new research shows

Leave voters in Cornwall wanted to exit the EU to “take back control” and express concern about immigration.

Global leaders’ personalities influenced their response to the coronavirus pandemic, study shows

The different personalities of global leaders have influenced their reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, a new study shows.

Extreme weather affecting UK agriculture – but adapting to changing climate a challenge for many farmers, study shows

Extreme weather is harming UK agriculture – but many farmers have not yet made adapting to the effects of the climate emergency a priority, a new study shows.

Growth of satire during “age of politeness” saw worries ridicule could lead to abuse, research shows

The explosion of satire in the Georgian period saw philosophers worry mockery could lead to abuse, research shows.

People in France, Germany, and Sweden split over the lifting of restrictions for vaccinated citizens, study shows

Coronavirus restrictions should be lifted for those vaccinated, 30 to 40 per cent of people in France, Germany and Sweden have said.

Positive uptake of the Big Farming Survey will define future support

RABI extends its thanks to the farming sector as the largest ever research project into the health and wellbeing of farming people throughout England and Wales concludes its first stage.

Majority of election officials concerned about low voter turnout, study shows

A majority of election administrators are concerned about low voter turnout, particularly in contests for Police and Crime Commissioners, a study shows.

Major new study will investigate causes of global persistent inequality in female electoral representation

A major new study will shed new light on why there are fewer female than male politicians around the world, and if sexism, discrimination and violence are to blame.

Exeter Student Project at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

A new student-centred project showcases its research on UNRWA - the largest agency of the UN system protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Making spaces on the high street for clothing repairs could transform “make do and mend” into the “hipster’s’ equivalent of a spa day”, experts say

Making space in high street shops for people to repair clothes could mend the damage caused by fast fashion and transform sewing into a wellbeing activity, experts say.

Religion played an important role in Britain voting to leave the EU in 2016, research shows

Faith played an “important and under-appreciated role” in the UK’s choice to leave Europe, with Anglicans more likely to back Brexit, a major new study shows.

Centre-right MEPs less cohesive on votes about EU fundamental values during Fidesz era, study shows

Centre-right MEPs voted less cohesively on issues about EU fundamental values when Fidesz was a member of the EPP group, a new study shows.

Far-right political parties are ambivalent rather than sceptical about Europe, analysis shows

Far right political parties have acted in an ambivalent rather than overtly sceptical way towards Europe, analysis shows.

Farmer mental health hit during Covid focus of new research

Farmers mental health and resilience and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic will be the focus of a major new research project.

People would prefer to vote online than by post in UK 2021 elections during pandemic, research shows

More people would prefer to vote online than by post during the bumper set of covid-disrupted local, mayoral and national elections this year, research shows.

Health and wellbeing benefits of walking on the South West Coast Path valued at over £75 million per year

Latest research has calculated health and wellbeing benefits of over £75 million for people walking Britain’s longest National Trail. 

ISIS and the Taliban use different strategies to appeal to women in English-language magazines, study shows

ISIS, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban use their English-language magazines to encourage women to support jihad in different ways, according to new research.

Take 15 minutes to complete the Big Farming Survey

RABI has launched the largest ever survey of farming people in England and Wales, with a target of achieving 26,000 responses. 

BAME parliamentary candidates not picked to fight ‘winnable seats’ in areas with less tolerance towards diversity, study suggests

Political parties are increasingly likely to avoid selecting ethnic minority candidates for ‘winnable’ constituencies at General Elections in areas where there are less tolerant attitudes toward diversity, study suggests.

The student society ‘Women in Politics’ host Professional panel with alumnae speakers

The panel consisted of four young women, 3 of whom are University of Exeter alumnae who had each undertaken different career paths and gave insight into their sector as well as their reasons for success.

Afghanistan: Past, Present, & Future

Round table event to give students exposure to different perspectives from people coming from different viewpoints and interact with each other.

Focus on.. Dr Hannah Bunting.

Hannah is an Associate Lecturer in Social Data Analysis and SMART Skills Co-ordinator at the Exeter Q-Step Centre.

New research highlights “significant gap” in evidence about effectiveness of relationship education programmes

Educators should have not have ‘high’ confidence in the quality of existing relationship education programmes because there is a lack of robust evaluation, experts have warned.

Politics Party for the retirement of Professors Mick Dumper and Iain Hampsher-Monk

The Politics Department threw a party for two long-serving members of the Department taking retirement

Chinese Communist Party zero-covid “volunteers” have suffered from stress and anxiety, study shows

“Volunteers” tasked with enforcing the Chinese Communist Party’s zero-covid policies have suffered from stress and anxiety, a new study shows.

New analysis shows “dire” supply and affordability gaps for housing in Cornwall

New analysis shows “dire” supply and affordability gaps for housing in Cornwall

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can take a lifetime, new research shows

New study shows that transitioning from military to civilian life can take a lifetime and support should be available even decades after leaving service.

Major new study shows 'concerning' levels of physical and mental health problems among farmers and agricultural workers

A major new study shows “concerning” levels of physical and mental health problems among farmers and agricultural workers.

Offering healthcare services at livestock marts will help to remove stigma about seeking help among agricultural community, study shows

Research shows that offering healthcare services in lifestock marts will help erode stigmas associated with mental health in the agricultural community

Major new study to show how Parliament can be better adapted for disabled politicians

A major new study will show how Parliament can be better adapted for politicians with physical and mental health difficulties.

Lack of public appreciation contributes to loneliness in farming, study shows

A lack of public appreciation for farmers and understanding of the work they do and the pressures they’re under contributes to feelings of loneliness, according to a new study.

Terrorism became more important issue for voters following Manchester bombing, study shows

Terrorism became a more important issue for voters during the 2017 General Election because of the Manchester bombing, a new study shows.

Beef farmers want to transition to net zero – but practical and financial barriers are standing in their way, report warns

Practical and financial barriers associated with reducing carbon footprints and capturing more carbon are standing in the way of beef farmers making the transition to net zero, a report warns.

Struggling to choose between Liz or Rishi? New website will help you make your pick

Voters struggling to understand what the Tory leader contest means for them can get help from a new website.

Government should enlist expertise of the private sector to fight kleptocracy, experts urge

Experts have urged the Government to enlist the expertise of the private sector to fight kleptocracy.

New study maps the influence of organised crime and the wealthy over Russian foreign policy

Russian foreign policy-making is often guided by elites, intermediaries, private companies, and organised crime groups rather than the national interest, a new study shows.

Humour used in English-language terrorist propaganda magazines to reinforce identity, study shows

Humour is used in English-language jihadi terrorist magazines to reinforce identity and help groups bond, research suggests.

Learning how clothes are made has a “transformative” effect on people’s relationship with fast fashion

Knowing more about how clothes were made can have a transformative effect on people’s relationship with fast fashion, a new study shows.

Metaphor and images should be used alongside traditional medical scales for patients to describe pain, study says

Patients should be able to use images and metaphors alongside traditional medical scales to describe their pain to doctors, a new study says.

Americans more likely than those in the UK to feel threatened by China’s development as a world power, survey shows

Americans were more likely than people living in the UK to feel threatened by China’s growth as a world power, a new survey shows.

Coronavirus pandemic has led to more “microworking” – study shows

The coronavirus pandemic has led to more people choosing to become “microworkers”, a new study shows.

Track which political parties represent your views with new online tool

A new online tool helps people to see how closely their views match with policies of political parties around the UK.

Efforts to take fake news and misinformation in Africa must take account of the continent’s unique “pavement media”, study shows

The spread of fake news through “pavement media” in Africa means the continent needs unique techniques to tackle the spread of misinformation, a new study says.

Academic Life and Interdisciplinarity: Learning from Experience

A two-day event for the retirement of Professor Iain Hampsher-Monk.

Recent reforms are not enough to tackle kleptocracy, new report examining complex web of Kazakhstan property ownership says

Experts have criticised inadequate legislation, failures by the National Crime Agency, and “flawed” legal judgements which led to the dismissal of a high-profile case against the relatives of Kazakhstan’s autocratic first president.

Help needed for major new study on labour shortages and skills crisis in the farming and horticultural industry

A major new study will shed light on the labour and skills shortages responsible for the staffing crisis in the farming and horticultural industry.

New targets could help public sector use more local food, according to new report

The public sector can strengthen local supply chains and help local producers access them.

 

Differentiated integration can foster fairer cooperation between EU nations but should be subject to constraints

Allowing European nations to integrate into the EU in flexible ways can foster fairer cooperation – but it should be subject to certain constraints, a new study argues.

Over two thirds of UK social scientists warn their academic freedom is under threat, new study shows

Academics have said their freedom is under threat with evidence suggesting one of the reasons for this concern is the effect of internationalisation including risks associated with the rising influence of authoritarian states such as China.

Covid tip of iceberg for farmer mental health, new research shows

Farmers’ mental health was already at a critical point prior to Covid-19, which widened existing cracks in support according to new research.

Fact checks on COVID-19 misperceptions are effective initially but do not stick over time

As the COVID-19 global epidemic persists, misinformation continues to circulate widely. Journalists and public health officials continue to struggle to debunk these false and misleading claims.

Experts warn of the increasing overmedicalisation of death, call for radical rethink of how society cares for dying people

Health and social systems around the world are failing to give appropriate, compassionate care to people who are dying and their families.

Trust in the UK Government, social norms, and privacy concern associated with uptake of NHS Covid-19 app, study shows

Uptake and continued use of the NHS Covid-19 app last year depended on people’s trust in the UK Government, their concern about privacy, and crucially whether other people in their social networks endorse it, a new study shows.

Talent in rural areas of Cornwall “wasted” because of poor public transport and lack of internet access, study warns

The skills of talented people in living in rural Cornwall are being wasted because of poor public transport and lack of internet access, a new study warns.

Female politicians help to diffuse polarisation, hostility and distrust, study shows

Nominating and electing more female politicians can help to diffuse polarisation and reduce levels of hostility and distrust across party lines, a study shows.

Have your say on Cornwall’s devolution deal at University of Exeter debate

People can learn more about plans for an elected mayor for Cornwall and greater political devolution for the area at a University of Exeter event.

Sir Vince Cable shares insights from government with politics students

Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable has shared insights from his unique years in government with University of Exeter politics students.

Most former SpAds become “shadow lobbyists” when they leave Whitehall, major new analysis shows

Most former SpAds become ‘shadow lobbyists’ when they leave Whitehall, major new analysis of the career paths of political special advisors shows.

O.B.E for University of Exeter expert helping to develop the UK’s Russia policy

A University of Exeter expert has been awarded O.B.E for his work to help develop UK Government policy towards Eastern Europe and Russia.

 

Incel activity online is evolving to become more extreme, study shows

Incel activity online is evolving to become more extreme as some of the online spaces hosting its violent and misogynistic content are shut down and new ones emerge, a new study shows.

Research finds public broadly favour taking action to stop spread of harmful misinformation online

The majority of people support robust action being taken to control the spread of harmful misinformation via social media, a major new study reveals.