Our research

Mathematics at the University of Exeter is one of the UK’s foremost centres of research in the field. Our research addresses a range of topics in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics. We run innovative research-led masters and postgraduate research programmes and have strong links to the Environment and Sustainability Institute and the Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications.

As a world-leading research centre, we combine ground-breaking studies and the pursuit of knowledge with high-quality teaching and excellent academic support. We provide an environment where world-class research in mathematics is informed by the latest theoretical developments and applications of communal importance.

Our reputation for high quality research ensures we recruit research staff with an excellent track record, those who have been engaged in internationally innovative research.
We are one of only three UK universities to enjoy an academic partnership with the Met Office, based in Exeter, which promotes exchange of staff, research programmes and both formal and informal links.

Our activities are based at the Streatham Campus in Exeter and at our Cornwall Campus, near Falmouth, which is home to our new £30 million Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) which includes a major mathematics research group.

Research groupContact
Centre for Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics (CGAFD)
Research activity in applied mathematics, theoretical geophysics and astrophysics, and numerical modelling relevant to weather, climate and extrasolar planets.		 Professor John Thuburn
Centre for Systems, Dynamics and Control
A focus for interdisciplinary research on the modelling of complex systems, dynamical systems, control theory and their applications, especially for systems biology. 		 Professor Peter Ashwin
Exeter Climate Systems (XCS)
The application of mathematics and statistics to key challenges facing weather and climate science, and link to the university's work on climate change and sustainable futures.		 Professor David Stephenson
Mathematics and the Environment
Research in Cornwall develops mathematics with applications to environmental and ecological challenges - mathematics for a “Living Planet”. We work closely with the Environment and Sustainability Institute, and with the Centre for Ecology and Conservation and the European Centre for Environment and Human Health.		 Professor Stuart Townley
Pure Mathematics
Pure Mathematics research at Exeter is mostly concerned with Number Theory, Arithmetic and Algebraic Geometry and related areas.		 Professor Andreas Langer

Mathematics Research Institute

Our Mathematics Research Institute coordinates a number of different, innovative programmes, training and projects between research groups.

There is a strong research culture in the department, which is reflected in our regular seminars and visits from internationally renowned scholars. These are run over the course of the academic year, cover a wide range of topics and provide students and academics from across the University with a platform to meet and discuss the latest topics in mathematics.

An MPhil/ PhD in Mathematics at the University of Exeter offers an exciting opportunity to work with dynamic, internationally leading researchers at the cutting-edge of research, within a close-knit and supportive environment. Find out more about our research programmes.

Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications (ExIStA)

We support Statistics across the university and within the region via the Exeter Initiative for Statistics and its Applications.

For more information or any enquiries please contact Professor Keke Zhang or Professor Peter Ashwin.