News archive 2018
Pioneering new technique could boost understanding of causes of heart disease
The complex and mysterious mechanisms that drive communication and reactions within human cells could be on the verge of being unravelled, due to a pioneering new technique.
Research and expertise showcased at College's Christmas Lectures
Hundreds of GCSE and A-Level pupils from across Devon and Cornwall joined staff and students for the CEMPS Christmas Lectures, at the end of last term.
Future Climate Change Revealed by Current Climate Variations
Uncertainty surrounding the extent of future climate change could be dramatically reduced by studying year-on-year global temperature fluctuations, new research has shown.
Data Science at Exeter receives substantial funding boost
The University of Exeter has received a substantial funding boost to help cement its position as one of the UK’s leading centres for data science.
Exeter receives EPSRC grant to revolutionise detection and treatment of life-threatening illnesses
The University of Exeter has received a multi-million pound research grant to lead pioneering new research to develop vastly more accurate procedures to detect, identify and treat life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.
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
Quest to advance towards next generation of computing takes quantum leap
The quest to understand a variety of intriguing phenomena that may advance progress towards the next generation of computing has taken a quantum leap.
New study looking for lithium ‘fingerprint’ from space
Camborne School of Mines is part of a pioneering study to discover it's possible to detect a lithium ‘fingerprint’ from space.
Physics and Astronomy department awarded IOP 'Juno Champion' status
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has been named a champion of gender equality as part of the Institute of Physics' Project Juno initiative.
Camborne School of Mines and the GTK of Finland create a new partnership
The Camborne School of Mines has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK).
Exeter secures £2 million funding to train tomorrow’s scientists and engineers
The Government is investing more than £2 million in the University of Exeter to train the next generation of innovators in physical science subjects, it has been announced.
Hubble Probes Atmospheres of Exoplanets in TRAPPIST-1 Habitable Zone
Scientists have made the first steps towards understanding what makes up the atmospheres of several Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting the red dwarf star TRAPPIST-1.
CSM return to world’s largest mining trade event
CSM return to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Convention in 2018.
Research offers new insight into workings of building blocks of life
Pioneering new research could offer a fascinating new insight into how genomic information is read.
Lecturer from Camborne School of Mines secures prestigious award
Dr Hannah Hughes, a Lecturer in Exploration and Mining Geology, has been awarded the William Smith Fund for 2018 from the Geological Society of London.
Exeter Mathematics School ranked amongst the best in the country
Exeter Mathematics School has been named as one of the best places in the country to study A-levels after students scored record exam results.
New ranking puts Exeter subjects amongst the very best worldwide
Both science and humanities subjects at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, in the latest influential global league table.
Exoplanet atmosphere observed in more detail than ever before
An international team of scientists has used the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to study the atmosphere of the hot exoplanet WASP-39b.
University of Exeter’s FAME project, led by Prof Fayyaz Memon, wins India-UK Water Quality award
A pioneering project designed to develop new and affordable treatments for complex emerging contaminants has secured a prestigious award.
Renewable Energy Students Visit Parliament
Renewable Energy Engineering students from the University of Exeter met with three Government ministers as part of a special fact-finding trip to the House of Commons.
Camborne School of Mines Trust funds more than £200,000 of scholarships
The Camborne School of Mines Trust has generously bestowed more than £200,000 to support students embarking on the first steps towards forging a successful mining career.
Camborne School of Mines students to host 40th International Mining Games
The next generation of miners are making final preparations ahead of the International Mining Games, to be held in Cornwall.
Exeter scientists pay tribute to Stephen Hawking
Scientists from the University of Exeter have paid tribute to Professor Stephen Hawking, who has died.
Extreme cold winter weather conditions, such as ‘Beast from the East’, can be linked to solar cycle
Periods of extreme cold winter weather and perilous snowfall could be linked to the solar cycle, pioneering new research has shown.
Forum to address future world water challenges
UK’s largest consortium of water researchers will welcome business, NGO and government leaders to discuss water security
Exeter gets two Entrepreneurs in Residence
The University of Exeter now has two Entrepreneurs in Residence, appointed as part of a new Royal Society scheme.
When sound waves do the twist – backwards!
Scientists have demonstrated for the first time how ‘twisted’ sound waves from a rotating source can produce negative frequencies - akin to turning back time.
Exeter experts sing praises of glorious mud
Mud provides precious habitats, a buffer against rising sea levels and a host of other benefits, according to two University of Exeter researchers.
Fossil study sheds light on ancient butterfly wing colours
Pioneering new research has given an illuminating new insight into the metallic, iridescent colours found on the earliest known ancestors of moths and butterflies, which habited the earth almost 200 million years ago.
New Medicine student common room opened
A new common room for Medicine students has been opened at the Research, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) building.
Scientists create innovative new ‘green’ concrete using graphene
A new greener, stronger and more durable concrete that is made using the wonder-material graphene could revolutionise the construction industry.
Research gives new ray of hope for solar fuel
The quest to develop the ‘Holy Grail’ of affordable, viable and environmentally-friendly fuels using sunlight has taken an exciting new twist.
Stunning virtual tour of exoplanets takes its one millionth ‘passenger’.
One million budding astronomers and space enthusiasts have taken a magical tour to explore the exotic worlds orbiting distant stars, through a stunning virtual reality documentary.
Pioneering new Renewable Energy facility opens on Penryn Campus
A pioneering new renewable energy teaching and research centre has officially opened on the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
Nine out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air, new data shows
International team, led by Professor Gavin Shaddick of the University of Exeter produce new estimates of global air quality.
Helium detected in Exoplanet atmosphere for the first time
Astronomers have detected helium in the atmosphere of a planet that orbits a star far beyond our solar system for the very first time.
Shadow of a clear sky - astronomers find an exoplanet atmosphere free of clouds
Scientists have detected an exoplanet atmosphere that is free of clouds, marking a pivotal breakthrough in the quest for greater understanding
Research sheds new light on understanding Pacific Trade Winds
Pioneering research has given a fascinating new insight into why the Pacific Trade Winds have seen “unprecedented strengthening” over recent decades.
Invisible barrier on ocean surface can reduce carbon uptake
An invisible layer of biological compounds on the sea surface reduces the rate at which carbon dioxide gas moves between the atmosphere and the oceans, scientists have reported.
£25 million South West Institute of Technology plan reaches funding bid final
A multimillion pound bid to revolutionise digital technology education across the South West has reached the final phase
Scholarship programme established in honour of Mining alumnus
Richard Osman (MSc Mining Geology, 1999), a graduate of the Camborne School of Mines (CSM), has been honoured posthumously by friends and former colleagues who have set up a scholarship scheme at his alma mater.
Pioneering mooring rope deployed at a cutting-edge wave energy device
A sophisticated new type of mooring rope has been successfully deployed at a cutting-edge wave energy device.
Water security crisis requires ‘urgent action’
Major forum to address ‘biggest danger facing the world over next decade’
WaveSub successfully installed at FaBTest
UK wave technology development company Marine Power Systems (MPS) has successfully installed its prototype WaveSub.
Engineers of the future present their projects to industry experts
Engineering students at the University of Exeter presented on a range of innovative projects
Leading climate scientist wins prestigious award
A leading climate scientist has received a prestigious international award
Future coders start intensive training at the University of Exeter
The next generation of computer coders have started intensive training as part of a new summer school at the University of Exeter.
Exeter subjects ranked in the world top 100
A wide range of subjects at the University of Exeter have been ranked amongst the world’s best, according to an influential international league table.
Scientists use ‘funnel-vision’ to pioneer cheap and efficient solar energy
Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that could unlock new methods of making solar energy more efficient.
Exeter part of £5million programme to maintain UK’s status as global leader in offshore renewables
The University of Exeter is part of national consortium awarded £5million to bring together a network of academic,
New research show blueprint for El Niño diversity
A pivotal new research study has isolated the key mechanisms that cause El Niño events to differ amongst each other.
Student satisfaction at Exeter amongst best in Russell Group in NSS 2018
Students rate teaching quality and learning experience at Exeter amongst the highest in the Russell Group universities, according to the latest results from the NSS 2018.
Rising stars of research at Exeter receive prestigious European Research Council funding
Three rising research stars at the University of Exeter have received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
University Campaign raises more than £1 million for School of Mines
More than £1 million has been donated to the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) this year, through the University of Exeter’s ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’ fundraising Campaign.
Nature holds key to nurturing green water treatment facilities
The quest to develop greener and more affordable methods to treat wastewater has taken a new, innovative twist.
Exeter student through to Women in Property national Awards final
Sally Kerr, a second year Civil and Environment Engineering student, has made it to the national finals of the Women in Property Awards.
Forests crucial for limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees
Trying to tackle climate change by replacing forests with crops for bioenergy power stations could increase the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Exeter professor conferred as Honorary Fellow of Institute of Physics
Professor Roy Sambles has been made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics – the highest honour the organisation can confer.
Exeter maths expert's cryptic conundrums feature in new puzzle book
A selection of cryptic conundrums and bamboozling brainteasers, designed by a maths expert from Exeter, are set to test the mental agility of the nation’s puzzle masters.
State-of-the-art mining technology set to inspire next minerals processing engineers
Newly acquired state-of-the-art equipment will help The Camborne School of Mines (CSM) to dig up the next generation of talented minerals process engineers.
Women scientists take to their soapboxes in Exeter city centre
Soapbox Science, an event that brings science to the public and showcases female scientists, returns to Exeter Saturday 29 September.
University of Exeter celebrates Europe’s wild rivers
The University of Exeter, the National Trust, Agile Rabbit and South West Water are joining forces for a special event in Lyme Regis about Europe’s last wild rivers.
Miniature magnetic swimming devices to revolutionise diagnostics and drug delivery
Scientists have created miniature magnetic swimming devices – which mimic the appearance of sperm cells – that could revolutionise disease treatment by swimming drugs to specific areas of the body.
Victrex and University of Exeter partnership to progress additive manufacturing to the next level
The University of Exeter is part of a multi-million pound partnership with Victrex.
Warmer springs can reduce summer plant productivity
Warmer springs are leading to substantially reduced plant productivity across the Northern hemisphere in the later months of the year, a new study has revealed.
New half-light half-matter particles may hold the key to a computing revolution
Scientists have discovered new particles that could lie at the heart of a future technological revolution based on photonic circuitry, leading to superfast, light-based computing.
Engineering expert secures prestigious RAEng Industrial Fellowship
An Engineering expert from the University of Exeter has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship to help pioneer better and more reliable flight control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Stunning virtual tour of exoplanets wins prestigious award
A stunning virtual reality documentary that allows budding astronomers and space enthusiasts to explore the exotic worlds orbiting distant stars has been honoured with a special pan-European award.
Exeter academics secure prestigious Alan Turing Institute Fellowships
Prestigious fellowships from The Alan Turing Institute will help nurture the next generation of data science research excellence at Exeter.
Exeter launches new undergraduate programmes in Data Science
The University of Exeter has launched a range of Data Science programmes for undergraduates that will teach students the integral skills required to be a part of the digital revolution.
Students from across the UK and Republic of Ireland attend STFC Introductory Solar System Plasmas Summer School
The University of Exeter ran a successful solar system plasmas residential summer school at Exeter over the week of 26th to 31st of August 2018, which was attended by postgraduate students from 17 different institutes across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Exeter alumnus supports research internships
Five additional undergraduate students in Natural Sciences will be able to benefit from research internships, thanks to a further donation from Exeter alumnus Mick Jackson (BSc & PhD Chemical Engineering, 1979, 1984).
Students find way to make oxygen on Mars
University of Exeter students have found a way to produce oxygen on Mars, earning a gold medal at a prestigious competition.
Exeter Maths School named Sunday Times Sixth Form College of the Year
Exeter Mathematics School has been named as The Sunday Times Sixth Form College of the Year.
Climate change could lead to threefold increase in storms that bring flooding to Europe and North America, research shows
Powerful storms that cause extreme weather conditions such as flooding across Europe and North America could increase threefold by the end of the 21st century.
Exeter experts among world’s most influential scientists, according to new ranking
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.
Graphene unlocks new potential for ‘smart textiles’
The quest to create affordable, durable and mass-produced ‘smart textiles’ has been given fresh impetus through the use of the wonder material Graphene.
Exeter student awarded Undergraduate Achievement Grant
A University of Exeter student has been awarded an Undergraduate Achievement Grant for her commitment to engineering.
Helium exoplanet inflated like a balloon, research shows
Astronomers have discovered a distant planet with an abundance of helium in its atmosphere, which has swollen to resemble an inflated balloon.
Exeter Recognised in UK’s Top Breakthroughs List for Revolutionary Hip Replacement
The Exeter Hip has been listed as one of the UK’s 100 best breakthroughs for its life-changing impact on nearly two million lives across half a century.
A win for Build Solar at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards
Build Solar, an innovative spin-out company from the University of Exeter, lead the way at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards with a win in the "Innovation - Tomorrow's Contribution to Sustainability" category for their impressive new product Solar Squared, a multifunctional glass brick.
Crucial environmental research receives major funding boost
Pioneering new research on major environmental issues, led by scientists from the University of Exeter, have received a major funding boost, it has been announced.
Research sheds new light on what drove last, long-term global climate shift
The quest to discover what drove the last, long-term global climate shift on Earth, which took place around a million years ago, has taken a new, revealing twist.
Newly discovered adolescent star seen undergoing ‘growth spurt’
Astronomers have discovered a young star undergoing a rare growth spurt – giving a fascinating glimpse into the development of these distant stellar objects.
Lifeboat engineering and science enthrals at festive family event hosted at the University of Exeter
Families from across the South West were immersed in fun, facts and physics about lifeboats and the incredible work carried out by the men and women of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) during a special festive treat, organised jointly by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the University of Exeter.
Pollutants from wild fires affect crop and vegetation growth hundreds of kilometres from impact zone, research shows
The startling extent to which violent wild fires, similar to those that ravaged large swathes of California recently, affect forests and crops way beyond the boundaries of the blaze has been revealed.
College hosts its 5th annual Christmas Lectures
On 19th December 2018 the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences hosted their 5th annual Christmas Lectures, arranged by Professor Pete Vukusic, Dr Gihan Marasingha, Dr Alice Mills and Vicky Glazer.