Global news
African Heritage Sites threatened by coastal flooding and erosion as sea-level rise accelerates
Important heritage sites on the African coast classed as having “outstanding and universal value” are threatened by flooding and erosion because of the climate emergency, a new study warns.
Gabon provides blueprint for protecting oceans
Gabon's network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) provides a blueprint that could be used in many other countries, experts say.
New research sheds light on dramatic criminal trials of authors in 17th century France
A major new study has explored the dramatic criminal trials of authors accused of subversion in 17th century France.
Forest emissions scheme makes “tiny” contribution to Indonesia’s Paris targets
More than 70 million tons of carbon were prevented from being released into the atmosphere under a deforestation emissions reduction scheme in Indonesia – but researchers point out this is only 3 per cent of the total required by Indonesia’s Nationally Defined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
University of Exeter ranked as 46th most international in the world
The University of Exeter has been ranked as the 46th most international university in the world, based on data from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Business School marks ‘bold collaboration’ to improve tax systems in Africa
Improving Africa’s tax systems is the goal of a newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Exeter Business School’s Tax Administration Research Centre (TARC) and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).
University of Exeter opens regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The University of Exeter has announced the opening of a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to support overseas students.
Meat eating causes 75,000 Chinese deaths a year through air pollution
Dietary shifts towards eating more meat causes 75,000 premature deaths a year in China through air pollution, a study shows.
University of Exeter strengthens relationship with University of British Columbia Okanagan
The University of Exeter and The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus (UBCO) have signed a Statement of Cooperation to further strengthen the relationship between the institutions and encourage cooperation in the areas of academic exchange, education, and research.
Exeter to play pivotal role in new research into sustainable mineral production in the Philippines
The University of Exeter has helped secure more than £3 million in funding to lead pioneering new research into sustainable mineral production in the Philippines.
Decay on show in 'living' museum exhibit
A new exhibit in Copenhagen explores what happens when museum objects are allowed to change and decay.
Earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in the rates of landslides in Nepal
Earthquakes and extreme rainfall can lead to a six-fold increase in the rates of rainfall-triggered landslides occurring during Nepal’s monsoon season, according to new research.
Global carbon emissions rebound close to pre-Covid levels
Global carbon emissions in 2021 are set to rebound close to pre-Covid levels, according to the Global Carbon Project.
Urgent need for EU and NATO to be better prepared for legal threats, new study shows
There is an urgent need for EU and NATO members to be better prepared against threats in the legal domain, a new study warns.
Remarkable artwork depicting famine in Britain and India will help people reflect on modern day food insecurity and climate crisis
Remarkable new artwork depicting famine in Britain and India will be on show for the first time to allow communities to reflect on today’s food and environmental crisis.
App boosts Amazon tree project
A new app will help small-scale farmers grow trees and earn a living in deforested parts of the Amazon.
Visiting Lourdes results in a transcendent experience for two in five pilgrims, study finds
Two in five Pilgrims who visit Lourdes report having a transcendent experience, researchers have found.
DNA reveals how ice ages affected African rainforests
Tree DNA has revealed how African rainforests responded to past climate change including ice ages, new research shows.
Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation partner with University of Exeter in £2.3 million programme to support environmental leadership in Africa
A six-year programme to research land management and ecosystem resilience in Africa was initiated in October 2021 thanks to philanthropic support from the Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation.
Climatic impacts of black carbon aerosols over South-East Atlantic underestimated, research shows
The full magnitude of the impact of smoke from seasonal fires in Central Africa is underestimated by some climate models over the South-East Atlantic, new research has shown.
Ancient Greek wisdom brought to COP26 to help improve climate change decision-making
Ancient Greek understanding of how people think will be available at the COP26 conference to help organisations make better decisions to tackle the global climate emergency.
Exeter forms new partnership with UC Berkeley’s SCET’s Global Innovation Collider programme
The University of Exeter has entered into a pivotal new partnership with the University of California, Berkeley Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET), to hone and develop the entrepreneurial and innovational talents of students.
Exeter in global top 100 for psychology
The University of Exeter has ranked in the top 100 in the world for psychology in the latest influential rankings.
How climate change could impact algae in the global ocean
Global warming is likely to cause abrupt changes to important algal communities because of shifting biodiversity "break point" boundaries in the ocean, according to new research.
Roads have far-reaching impact on chimpanzees
Roads have a negative impact on chimpanzee populations that can extend for more than 17 km, new research shows.
Rapid increase in global light pollution
Global light pollution has increased by at least 49% over 25 years, new research shows.
Impact of citizen-led forensic efforts to find the “disappeared” in Latin America analysed as part of major new study
The impact of grassroots forensic practices led by families trying to find the “disappeared” in Latin America will be analysed as part of a major new study.
First academic research paper co-published on Instagram shows legacy of one of Algeria’s most influential modern artists
The first research to be simultaneously co-published in an academic journal and on Instagram shows the lasting legacy of one of Algeria’s most influential modern artists.
Scientists identify five new plant species in Bolivia
Scientists have identified five new plant species in the Bolivian Andes.
Pioneering research about the impact of multilingualism around the globe showcased at University of Exeter event
Experts showcased their pioneering research about the impact of multilingualism around the globe at a University of Exeter event.
Experts discover camp used by 10,000 Roman soldiers sent to conquer Northwest Iberia
Pioneering technology has helped experts find a lost camp built and used by thousands of Roman soldiers sent to conquer Northwest Iberia.
Exeter Humanities Leads on New Activities in Venice
‘I’ve totally loved my time in Venice and I’m honestly jealous of everyone who will be going next year as I’ll miss it so much!’
Borneo's women helping to replenish rainforests
A women’s community group is helping to rejuvenate previously deforested areas of Borneo peatlands, with training provided as part of a collaboration between the University of Exeter and Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF).
Research project receives €6M to boost greener consumer products in Europe using innovative biotechnology
A pioneering, pan-European research project, designed to boost greener industrial processes for more sustainable daily consumer products like cosmetics or foods, has been launched.
Plastic in Galapagos seawater, beaches and animals
Plastic pollution has been found in seawater, on beaches and inside marine animals at the Galapagos Islands.
Choir recitals to make virtual return to Exeter Cathedral in cross-Channel collaboration
Virtual reality devices at heritage sites in France and the UK have been adapted so tourists can ‘visit’ an attraction in lockdown – and in the case of Exeter Cathedral even listen to the choir sing.
Mediterranean turtles recovering at different rates
Numbers of two Mediterranean turtle species have risen in the last three decades – but in Cyprus the recoveries are happening at different rates, new research shows.
Exeter students embark on virtual study abroad internship
University of Exeter students are soon to take part in a virtual internship with universities in Canada, proving that interest in overseas experiences remains high despite COVID-19.
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.
Warming of 3°C could cause major jump in Antarctic ice melt
Global warming of 3°C could lead to a major jump in melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, according to a new study.
Exeter research team help shape digitalisation of European water networks
Two of the University of Exeter’s foremost experts on hydroinformatics have played significant roles in pivotal new European policy documents, calling for the digitalisation of the water industry.
Brazilian Amazon released more carbon than it stored in 2010s
The Brazilian Amazon rainforest released more carbon than it stored over the last decade – with degradation a bigger cause than deforestation – according to new research.
Rock glaciers will slow Himalayan ice melt
Some Himalayan glaciers are more resilient to global warming than previously predicted, new research suggests.
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.
European rules to protect consumers using digital services such as social media need “significant changes”, experts warn
European laws protecting consumers using digital services such as social media and search engines need “significant changes”, experts have warned.
Monkeys made more friends after hurricane
Monkeys formed more friendships and became more tolerant of each other after their island was devastated by a hurricane, new research shows.
University of Exeter joins Europe’s largest astronomy network
The University of Exeter is joining Europe’s largest, ground-based astronomy collaborative network, it has been announced.
Carbon uptake in regrowing Amazon forest threatened by climate and human disturbance
Large areas of forests regrowing in the Amazon to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are being limited by climate and human activity.
Major new study shows ancient international trading routes between Exeter and Europe
Cutting-edge scientific techniques used to study ancient artefacts found in Exeter have revealed more about the ancient international trading routes between the city and Europe.
“Stark warning”: Combating ecosystem collapse from the tropics to the Antarctic
Eminent scientists warn that key ecosystems around Australia and Antarctica are collapsing, and propose a three-step framework to combat irreversible global damage
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.
Ancient Amazonian farmers fortified valuable land they had spent years making fertile to protect it from conflict
Ancient Amazonian communities fortified valuable land they had spent years making fertile to protect it from conflict, excavations show.
Exeter research receives global recognition
Research conducted by University of Exeter experts has been recognised among the most shared and discussed of 2020.
“Attitude of gratitude” keeps older people in Japan feeling hopeful as they age, study shows
Older people in Japan have an “attitude of gratitude” which keeps them feeling hopeful despite the challenges of aging, a new study says.
Pioneering research unravels hidden origins of Eastern Asia’s ‘land of milk and honey’
A study has revealed for the first time the ancient origins of one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
Statement of support from the University of Exeter on the importance of languages
The University of Exeter is delighted to endorse and support the international call to action recently released by the British Academy and partners under the title The Importance of Languages in Global Context.
Explore Spanish and South American history and culture in new virtual film festival
People can explore the history and culture of Spain and South America as part of a new virtual film festival.
Ivory Coast creates first Marine Protected Area
Ivory Coast has announced the creation of its first Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Access to nature important for mental health during Covid lockdowns
People in European countries with the strictest COVID-19 lockdown policies were more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to an international study investigating the impact of disconnecting from nature.
Leading researchers receive prestigious ERC funding awards
Two of the University of Exeter’s most respected researchers have received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
Peatland preservation vital to climate
Preserving the world's peatlands – and the vast carbon stores they contain – is vital to limiting climate change, researchers say.
Experts, politicians, charity leaders and activists join forces to discuss impact of religion and culture on the lives of people with disabilities in Namibia
Experts, politicians, charity leaders and activists met to discuss the impact of religion and culture on the lives of people with disabilities in Namibia.
Newly discovered ancient villages laid out like a clock face are further proof of human impact on the Amazon
Ancient Amazonian villages laid out like a clock face have been discovered by experts, thanks to technology that allows them to see below the rainforest canopy.
'Message in a bottle' tracks plastic pollution
Electronic tags released in the Ganges river show plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometres in just a few months.
Exeter Diabetes Professor wins Belgian’s top scientific prize from country’s queen
Andrew Hattersley, Professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Exeter, has won the Baillet Latour Health Prize 2020
Public can explore hundreds of new prehistoric, Roman and medieval archaeological sites identified through aerial reconnaissance
The public can explore hundreds of new prehistoric, Roman and medieval sites discovered in Romania by archaeologists using aerial reconnaissance.
Newly discovered Amazon rock art show the rainforest’s earliest inhabitants living with giant Ice Age animals
Amazonian rock art newly discovered by researchers provides further proof the rainforest’s earliest inhabitants lived alongside now-extinct giant Ice Age animals.
Waste fishing gear threatens Ganges wildlife
Waste fishing gear in the River Ganges poses a threat to wildlife including otters, turtles and dolphins, new research shows.
Plant evolves to become less visible to humans
A plant used in traditional Chinese medicine has evolved to become less visible to humans, new research shows.
Exeter experts recognised as being among world’s most influential scientists
Leading academics from the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the world’s most influential researchers, according to a prestigious new ranking.
Pacific project will build a circular economy to target plastic pollution
Scientists aim to tackle plastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands and wider Eastern Pacific in a major project based on cooperation with local researchers and communities.
New app allows people to explore some of Europe’s most historic cities from their own homes
People can step back in time to Renaissance Italy or Elizabethan England as part of a new app which allows people to take exciting tours of some of Europe’s most historic cities from their own homes.
Scientists unravel how and why Amazon trees die
A huge new study has unravelled what factors control tree mortality rates in Amazon forests and helps to explain why tree mortality is increasing across the Amazon basin.
Water engineering expert launches new £10 million European water systems project
A University of Exeter academic is set to receive a share of £10 million pounds of funding for a six-year European research project, looking at designing the next generation of intelligent urban drinking water systems.
'Remarkable' project wins Newton Prize award
A "remarkable" project that aims to bring safe and reliable energy to informal settlements in South Africa has won the Chair's Prize in the 2020 Newton Fund awards.
Project to investigate Southeast Asia plastic pollution
Researchers have launched an ambitious project to discover the impacts of plastic pollution in the oceans of Southeast Asia – and how the problem might be tackled.
New project to find Europe’s green technology metals
A new four-year project ‘GREENPEG’ has received a grant of €8.3 million from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme to develop new techniques to explore for pegmatite rocks containing lithium and other green technology metals.
Australian carp virus plan 'dead in the water'
Plans to release a virus to reduce numbers of invasive Common Carp in Australia are unlikely to work and should be dropped, researchers say.
COVID sparks volunteering boost
Researchers working on a project across four European countries have seen a "significant rise" in volunteering and community action during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pioneering collaborative research project helps enhance understanding of climate tipping points
Mathematicians from the University of Exeter will play a pivotal role in a new collaborative research project to help enhance our understanding of climate tipping points.
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.
Galapagos guides to 'barcode' wildlife
Galapagos tourist guides are being retrained to catalogue the islands' famous biodiversity.
Earliest humans stayed at the Americas ‘oldest hotel’ in Mexican cave
A cave in a remote part of Mexico was visited by humans around 30,000 years ago – 15,000 years earlier than people were previously thought to have reached the Americas.
New soap opera, comic and apps being used to tackle kidnappings in Mexico
A new soap opera, comic and app are the latest weapons being used to tackle the epidemic of kidnappings in Mexico.
Air pollution in China fell 48% due to economic impact of COVID-19 policies
Air pollution in China, as measured by levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fell by 48% during lockdown, as a result of the economic fall-out from policies implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a study has found.
Palm trees most abundant in tropical forests in the Americas
Palm trees are more than five times more numerous in tropical forests in the Americas than in comparable Asian and African forests, a new study shows.
Project to enhance climate hazard resilience and related disease prevention in Africa receives funding boost
Experts from the University of Exeter will lead a pioneering project to design digital innovations to help communities across Africa become more resilient to climate hazards and prevent outbreaks of associated diseases.
Exeter in global top five for research on green space and public health
The University of Exeter has leapt into the top five institutions in the world for research output on the links between green space and public health.
‘Gatekeepers’ of biodiversity hotspots facing COVID crisis
Impoverished communities and diverse ecosystems in Colombia are under threat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers say.
Innovation by ancient farmers adds to biodiversity of the Amazon, study shows
Innovation by ancient farmers to improve soil fertility continues to have an impact on the biodiversity of the Amazon, a major new study shows.
Half of the world’s population exposed to increasing air pollution, study shows
Half of the world’s population is exposed to increasing air pollution, new research has shown.
Exeter joins new European initiative to turn wastewater into valuable resource
Experts from the University of Exeter will play a crucial role in a new pan-European initiative to develop new techniques to turn wastewater into a valuable resource.
Genetics could help diagnose diabetes in Indians, study shows
A new way of using genetics to diagnose diabetes could pave the way for better diagnosis and treatment in Indians, new research has concluded.
New project explores perceptions of China
A new research project exploring how the West perceives China is to be launched at the University of Exeter.
Early African Muslims had a halal – and cosmopolitan diet - discovery of thousands of ancient animal bones shows
Early Muslim communities in Africa ate a cosmopolitan diet as the region became a trading centre for luxury goods, the discovery of thousands of ancient animal bones has shown.
COVID-19 crisis causes 17% drop in global carbon emissions
The COVID-19 global lockdown has had an “extreme” effect on daily carbon emissions, but it is unlikely to last – according to a new analysis by an international team of scientists.
New test identifies lobster hybrids
Scientists have developed a test that can identify hybrids resulting from crossbreeding between European and American lobsters.
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.
Traumatised communities reflecting on loss of war meant many didn’t celebrate on VE day
It is remembered as a time when seemingly everyone in Britain lined the streets to mark the end of six years of conflict around the world – but in reality the trauma of war meant many people didn’t celebrate on Victory in Europe Day.
University of Exeter health and housing project to combat isolation during lockdown
A project that links technology and housing to improve health and wellbeing in Cornwall is developing a guide to using online devices to reduce feelings of isolation during COVID-19 lockdown.
Pivotal new project aims to promote and implement green domestic heating
A pivotal new project, involving Renewable Energy experts from the University of Exeter, has been launched to pioneer new initiatives for greener home heating.
University of Exeter help diversify farming of the future
The University of Exeter Business School is working with more than 40 other institutions as part of a major EU-funded project worth nearly 10 million euros.
University of Exeter celebrates European partnerships, research and education
Friday 8 May 2020 is the 75th anniversary of VE Day, a time of reflection and remembrance, and the following day is Europe Day, when many will celebrate the hard won peace and unity following the Second World War.
‘Near-unlivable’ heat for one-third of humans within 50 years if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut
Areas of the planet home to one-third of humans will become as hot as the hottest parts of the Sahara within 50 years, unless greenhouse gas emissions fall, according to research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
‘Ethnic spaces’ make minority US students feel at home
“Ethnic spaces” at US universities make students from underrepresented minority groups feel a greater sense of belonging and engagement with their university, new research suggests.
Stunning scroll paintings and graphic art show shared history of famine in India and Britain
Beautifully illustrated scrolls and graphic art storytelling traditions will help communities to reflect on shared histories of famine in India and Britain and cope with today’s environmental changes.
University of Exeter expert elected to prestigious American Academy of Arts & Sciences
A University of Exeter expert has been elected to one of the world’s most prestigious academic organisations.
Earliest humans in the Amazon created thousands of “forest islands” as they tamed wild plants for food, study shows
The earliest human inhabitants of the Amazon created thousands of artificial forest islands as they tamed wild plants to grow food, a new study shows.
Vexing Nemo: motorboat noise makes clownfish stressed and aggressive
Hormonal changes caused by motorboat noise cause clownfish to hide, skip meals and attack their neighbours – putting damselfish in distress.
Ocean changes almost starved life of oxygen
Chemical changes in the oceans more than 800 million years ago almost destroyed the oxygen-rich atmosphere that paved the way for complex life on Earth, new research suggests.
World-leading plastics research team collect Queen’s Anniversary prize
Prince Charles has awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education to a team at the University of Exeter.
Exeter launches Master in Public Health to develop future global leaders
A new Master in Public Health programme is launching at the University of Exeter, to nurture future global leaders with skills around complexity, leadership and decision-making.
Fundraising campaign hits target one year early
£60 million raised to support students and research at Exeter
£1.2 million USA grant to investigate psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease
Funding expected to total £1.2 million ($1,566,874) over four years from the USA’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help Exeter academics advance understanding about the underlying biological mechanisms leading to some people with Alzheimer’s disease developing psychosis.
Climate scientist receives prestigious ERC funding award
One of the University of Exeter’s most talented climate researchers has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
Exeter-based tech company named in global top 10 VR experiences of 2019
A virtual reality simulation developed near Exeter has made a global list of top 10 VR experiences for 2019.
Experts discover camp used by 10,000 Roman soldiers sent to conquer Northwest Iberia
Pioneering technology has helped experts find a lost camp built and used by thousands of Roman soldiers sent to conquer Northwest Iberia.