Articles | College of Engineering, Mathematics <br />and Physical Sciences

Cloud study demystifies impact of aerosols

Aerosol particles in the atmosphere have a bigger impact on cloud cover than previously thought.

Scientists unravel mystery behind formation of first quasars in the early universe

The quest to unravel the mystery behind the formation of the first quasars in the early universe has taken a significant step forward.

University of Exeter expert plays crucial role in new UK Critical Minerals Strategy

An expert from the University of Exeter has played an important role to secure the supply chain of critical minerals.

Inspirational Exeter student ‘defies the odds’ to win Student Social Mobility Award

A University of Exeter graduate has been awarded a Student Social Mobility Award.

Exeter undergraduate publishes a paper in quantum physics

Undergraduate student Amelia Toghill, a third-year physics student at Exeter, has published a scientific paper following an internship in the summer of 2021.

Pivotal report identifies vision for tackling engineering research challenges

A pivotal new report has delivered a long-term vision for how engineering research will help to tackle some of the world’s key challenges.

Celebrated Marine Renewable Energy conference held at Penryn Campus

Some of the UK’s leading marine renewable energy experts have gathered at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus to boost floating wind, wave and tidal energy development.

New 3D model will help guide exploration for rare earth element deposits in alkaline igneous systems

Scientists from the University of Exeter and the British Geological Survey (BGS), alongside a team of institutions across Europe, have developed a new 3D geological model designed to guide exploration for rare earth elements (REE), which are critical for development of renewable energy and transport.

Success at Summer Bottle Match

The University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines (CSM) have retained the famous varsity bottle at a hugely successful Bottle Match in London, rescheduled from 2021.

Breakthrough in quest to control light to evolve next generation of quantum sensing and computing

Scientists have made a pivotal new breakthrough in the quest to control light to evolve the next generation of quantum sensing and computing.

Celebrate winners of the PRISM Exeter's Queer Science Competition 2022 at special Pride Month event

Young people will be honoured for their work to highlight the achievements and impact of LGBTQ+ scientists, engineers and mathematicians at a special Pride Month event.

Researchers develop the world's first ultra-fast photonic computing processor using polarisation

New research uses multiple polarisation channels to carry out parallel processing – enhancing computing density by several orders over conventional electronic chips.

Free Soapbox Science talks in Exeter

Fish on painkillers, the power of tiny shrimps and late-night snacking by bumblebees are just some of the subjects on offer at this year's Soapbox Science in Exeter.

No "echo chambers" in Reddit climate debate

Climate change debates on Reddit don't happen in polarised "echo chambers", new research suggests.

Peer visits University of Exeter to see state-of-the-art Offshore Energy Research

The Royal Society’s annual Pairing Scheme brings together scientists and policymakers to let research inform policy-making and policy questions shape the research.

Pioneering research facility receives funding boost to achieve net zero

A pioneering new research facility, designed to solve some of the most pressing global environmental challenges of our time, has received a near £1 million funding boost to achieve “Net Zero” status.

Exeter researcher elected Fellow of Royal Society

A leading University of Exeter climate scientist has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Renewable Energy expert delivers international seminar

A leading Renewable Energy expert has completed a one year international research initiative, designed to develop new station-keeping systems for marine renewable energy devices (MRE).

Marine-i helps National Lobster Hatchery to develop an innovation to improve lobster stocks

Marine-i is supporting the National Lobster Hatchery to develop a new kind of larval rearing vessel.

Cut emissions "starting now" – Global Carbon Project experts

The Global Carbon Project has published its full analysis for 2021, reinforcing the need for rapid emissions cuts.

Lighting Up Artificial Neural Networks

A team of international scientists have performed difficult machine learning computations using a nano-scale device, named an “optomemristor”.

Deep Digital Cornwall opens state-of-the-art visualisation suite and data hub

On 5th May 2022, the Deep Digital Cornwall project officially opens the doors to its brand-new, state-of-the-art 3D and 4D visualisation suite and data hub.

Scientists solve key exoplanet questions through Hubble observations

The quest to solve some of the most crucial mysteries surrounding the atmospheres of planets far outsider the solar system has taken a significant step forward

Landmark new technology to improve efficiency of sewer system surveys

A new AI tool is set to improve the efficiency of surveying sewerage systems and has the potential to benefit the entire water industry.

Major research effort to save future of European peatlands

A five-year, £3.7m research project involving scientists from the UK and across Europe will assess the risk that climate change poses to peatlands, and improve methods of managing these important ecosystems.

Exeter partners with National Grid on innovation projects to help deliver Net Zero

The University of Exeter is part of a pivotal new partnership that will help decarbonise the electricity system in Great Britain and accelerate progress towards Net Zero.

Exeter Scientist joins parliamentarian in 2022 Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Professor Philipp Thies, from the University of Exeter, was one of a select group of UK Researchers and Scientists in took in new territory, namely the UK Parliament in Westminster.

Community carbon calculator now covers whole of Britain

An online tool that lets communities calculate their carbon footprint has been improved and expanded to cover the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.

Pivotal technique harnesses cutting-edge AI capabilities to model and map the natural environment

Scientists have developed a pioneering new technique that harnesses the cutting-edge capabilities of AI to model and map the natural environment in intricate detail.

New toolkit aids discovery of mineral deposits crucial to ‘green economy’ transition.

Scientists have developed a new toolkit for the discovery of mineral deposits crucial to our transition to a ‘green economy’.

Increasing frequency of El Niño events expected by 2040

Global weather fluctuations called El Niño events are likely to become more frequent by 2040, a new study shows.

LEAF status for all Exeter labs

All eligible laboratories at the University of Exeter have now achieved Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) accreditation.

Hubble detects exotic water cycle and metal clouds in a hot Jupiter exoplanet atmosphere

Scientists have explored the nightside hemisphere of an enormous planet, far outside our solar system for the first time – revealing metal clouds and rain made of liquid gems.

Exeter biologists investigate smallest propeller on earth

University of Exeter scientists have discovered new information about the tiny propellers used by single-cell organisms called archaea.

Ground-breaking project advances wastewater grit removal technology

Hydro International and the University of Exeter have completed a ground-breaking two-year research project to optimise the performance of the company’s advanced wastewater grit removal technology.

Exeter expert secures place among world's "most inspiring" engineers

One of the University of Exeter’s most eminent and distinguished engineers has been celebrated as being amongst the world’s most influential academics in his field.

New competition encourages students to share stories of inspiring LGBTQ+ scientists

A new competition is challenging school, college and university students around Exeter to discover and share the stories of lesser known LGBTQ+ scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and medics.

Exeter secures significant grant to revolutionise wireless and computing technologies

The University of Exeter has received a £1.8 million research grant for a collaboration with the National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center for Metamaterials (CfM)

Exeter researcher co-authors new book on photonic structures

Dr Sébastien R. Mouchet, from the University of Exeter, has co-authored a new book about biological photonic devices.

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.

Mystery behind formation of surface ice-shapes on Pluto unravelled

Scientists have unravelled a fascinating new insight into how the landscape of the dwarf-planet Pluto has formed.

Revolutionising 3D imaging with an endoscope the width of a human hair

Scientists have developed a new form of endoscope, just a hair’s width in diameter, that could transform 3D imaging for a wide range of applications from industrial inspection to environmental monitoring, and eventually make medical imaging less uncomfortable for patients.

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.

Quest to deliver ultra-fast and energy efficient magnetic recording moves step closer

The quest to deliver ultra-fast and energy efficient magnetic recording could be a step closer to fruition, due to pioneering new research on all-optical switching of magnetization.

High-profile event showcases pivotal role Environmental Intelligence plays on road to ‘net-zero’

The pivotal role that Environmental Intelligence will play in delivering the UK’s ‘net zero’ ambitions will be showcased in a high-profile special event, later this month.

Physicists exploit space and time symmetries to control quantum materials

Physicists from Exeter and Trondheim have developed a theory describing how space reflection and time reversal symmetries can be exploited, allowing for greater control of transport and correlations within quantum materials

Exeter expert awarded prestigious Institute of Physics medal

Professor Frank Vollmer, from the University of Exeter, has been awarded the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Medal by the Institute of Physics.

Rising research star secures prestigious IoP award

One of the University of Exeter’s rising research stars has received a prestigious award from the Institute of Physics.

Rainfall in the Arctic may soon be more common than snowfall

More rain than snow will fall in the Arctic – and this transition will occur decades earlier than previously predicted, a new study reports.

Exeter Data Science expert secures prestigious Downing Street Research Fellowship

A data science expert from the University of Exeter has secured a prestigious new Fellowship, designed to help shape Government policy.

Environmental Intelligence commitment at COP26

The Met Office and the University of Exeter have signed a landmark collaboration agreement at COP26, formally committing to further grow the work of the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence.

Physicists reveal non-reciprocal flow around the quantum world

Physicists from Exeter and Zaragoza have created a theory describing how non-reciprocity can be induced at the quantum level, paving the way for non-reciprocal transport in the next generation of nanotechnology

Exeter academics on list of top researchers

Twenty-two University of Exeter academics have been named on an annual list of highly cited researchers.

Exeter researchers give COP26 verdict

University of Exeter researchers have given their views on the COP26 climate change conference.

High-impact climate events: Better adaptation through earlier prediction

The prediction of high-impact climate phenomena can be substantially improved by a new mathematical approach that analyses the connectivity and patterns between geographical locations, scientists say in a new publication.

Tech-based health and exercise programmes less beneficial for users with low socio-economic status, study shows

Technology-based health and exercise programmes and apps, designed to offer a convenient and accessible way to boost physical activity, are dramatically less beneficial for users with low socio-economic status, a study has shown.

Exeter plays pivotal role in new digital hub

The University of Exeter will play a pivotal role in a pioneering new digital hub, designed to help organisations respond to the climate and environment emergency, and improve public health.

Exeter conducts crucial testing for next generation of sub-sea cable protection

Renewable Energy experts at the University of Exeter have carried out crucial testing for the next generation of sub-sea cable protection equipment.

£2.5 million investment in 35 new PhD studentships

The University of Exeter is investing £2. 5 million in preparing the next generation of researchers to tackle some of the biggest global issues of the 21^st century.

Tidal stream power can aid drive for net-zero and generate 11% of UK’s electricity demand, study shows

Tidal stream power has the potential to deliver 11% of the UK’s current annual electricity and play a significant role in the government’s drive for net-zero, 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.

New HORIZON 2020 project aims to build an ecosystem for innovative climate change adaptation solutions

A pioneering new pan-European project, designed to develop systemic innovations for strengthening climate resilience and featuring experts from the University of Exeter, has been launched.

Scientists from Exeter and Bangkok to collaborate on a new project on floods and droughts in Thailand

The team of researchers from College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences have been awarded a new NERC grant under the COP26 Adaptation and Resilience theme.

Reviews highlight consequences of failing to tackle climate change

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

Exeter student wins prestigious national award

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

New University of Exeter foundation programmes to widen participation in maths, engineering and physical sciences

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

Climate denial and scientific discoveries 'emerged simultaneously'

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

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.

University of Exeter expert elected to the Royal Academy of Engineering

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

Budding space enthusiasts can become "Exoplanet Explorers" in new online game

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

Almost one-in-three people globally will still be mainly using polluting cooking fuels in 2030, research shows

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

New cohort of Exeter academics secure prestigious Alan Turing Institute Fellowships

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

JCEEI to play integral role in pioneering resilient infrastructure partnership

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

Exeter researcher secures prestigious national Fellowship to pioneer new generation of solar panels

A Renewable Energy Expert from the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national fellowship to pioneer new research to create ultra-compact and lightweight solar panel technology.

Limiting the impacts of technology materials for the low carbon transition

Researchers have demonstrated how a detailed ‘cradle to grave’ evaluation at the outset of new metal mining explorations can greatly mitigate against negative environmental impacts.

Rising research star secures prestigious Fellowship

One of the University of Exeter’s rising research stars has been awarded a prestigious Engineering Research Fellowship, it has been announced.

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 'canary craftivists' call for climate action

Staff and students from the University of Exeter have joined a national campaign to sew yellow canaries as a symbol of the climate crisis.

‘Tipping points’ in Earth’s system triggered rapid climate change 55 million years ago, research shows

Scientists have uncovered a fascinating new insight into what caused one of the most rapid and dramatic instances of climate change in the history of the Earth.

Landmark CFC ban gave planet fighting chance against global warming, research shows

Without the global CFC ban we would already be facing the reality of a ‘scorched earth’, according to researchers measuring the impact of the Montreal Protocol.

Major Atlantic Ocean current system may be approaching critical threshold, research shows

A major current of the Atlantic Ocean – which acts like a global-scaled conveyor belt and includes the Gulf Stream - may have been losing stability over the last century, research has shown.

Multi-million project will shape the future of sustainable aviation

A ground-breaking new research project, designed to help develop the world’s first AI air traffic control system, has received a multi-million pound funding boost.

Reaching the PEEK in Additive Manufacturing

The Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) at the University of Exeter has recently worked with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and Thales UK, to showcase how Additive Manufacturing (AM) can be used with high performance polymers such as PEEK, to produce production parts for high value applications.

Imaging at the tip of a needle

Scientists have developed a new technique that could revolutionise medical imaging procedures using light.

A biological blueprint for tough colour.

The unique mechanical and optical properties found in the exoskeleton of a humble Asian beetle has the potential to offer a fascinating new insight into how to develop new, effective bio-inspired technologies.

Mystery behind the “Great Dimming” of the Betelgeuse star solved

The quest to discover what lay behind the “great dimming” of the aging star Betelgeuse, normally one of the brightest stars on the night sky, has taken a new, fascinating twist.

Testing of innovative mooring component holds promise for Floating Wind Technologies

The University of Exeter Offshore Renewable Energy Group and Intelligent Moorings Ltd have successfully completed the demonstration testing of an innovative hydraulic nonlinear mooring system.

Star’s death will play a mean pinball with rhythmic planets

Four planets locked in a perfect rhythm around a nearby star are destined to be pinballed around their solar system when their sun eventually dies, according to a new study that peers into its future.

Boost for Hydrogen Industry in the Marine sector

A pioneering new research and testing facility, designed to drive the replacement of fossil fuels with hydrogen in the marine and boating sector, is set to be launched in Cornwall.

Exeter scientists receive the Water-Oscar award

A pan-European research team has won a prestigious award at a recent ceremony, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the water industry’, for their project that developed new solutions to aid the recovery from pandemics such as COVID-19.

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.

Robots with T-ray technology to spot and remove cancer tumours in £8 million project

New technology that will marry probes that can detect cancer tumours through the skin with high-precision robotic surgery is to be developed for use in hospital settings for the first time.

Marine-i supports innovative application of space data for renewable energy

Marine-i has agreed to support a pioneering new approach to using space data to support the development of renewable energy sites, such as floating offshore wind. This new system could help reduce the risks and costs associated with these developments.

Exeter scientist appointed as NERC Constructing a Digital Environment Senior Expert

Prof Albert Chen at the Centre for Water Systems (CWS) has been appointed as a UK Senior Expert in the NERC Digital Environment Expert Network, as a part of NERC/UKRI Constructing a Digital Environment (CDE) Programme.

University of Exeter student awarded grant to study exoplanet climates

University of Exeter astrophysics student Mei Ting Mak has been awarded one of this year’s prestigious grants from the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.

Computer Science student wins top prize at automotive tech competition

A student at the University of Exeter has become national champion of a university automotive technology competition.

Exeter scientists awarded funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance

Three academics from the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute have received half a million pounds funding to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Scientists have developed a new “key-hole surgery” technique to extract metals from the earth - which could revolutionise the future of metal mining

A team of international researchers, including Dr Rich Crane from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, have developed a new method to extract metals, such as copper, from their parent ore body.

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.

Exeter expert secures prestigious Amazon Research Award

A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious international research award.

Global network brings together researchers to uncover laws of thermodynamics at the nanoscale

Theoretical Physicists at the University of Exeter initiated and have led a major scientific network, bringing together researchers in Europe and the world, to uncover the laws of thermodynamics at the nanoscale.

The science of spin - older stars rotate faster than expected

Stars spin faster than expected as they age, according to a new study - which uses asteroseismology to shed new light on this emerging theory

UK’s top five most influential climate scientists from University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is home to the UK’s top five most influential climate scientists - the only UK climate scientists to secure places in the global top 21 - according to a prestigious new list.

Exeter ranked 63rd in the world in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

The University of Exeter’s commitment to sustainability and tackling inequality on the global stage has been recognised in the latest influential rankings.

Climate 'tipping points' need not be the end of the world

The disastrous consequences of climate "tipping points" could be averted if global warming was reversed quickly enough, new research suggests.

University of Exeter and Exeter College partner on a new validated Degree Apprenticeship in Data Science

From September 2021, apprentices studying the Level 6 Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship at Exeter College will be able to gain a University of Exeter undergraduate degree in Data Science.

Marine-i supports pioneering marine renewable energy project for the Isles of Scilly

Marine-i has agreed to support a year-long research programme to identify the potential for wave, tidal and floating wind technologies to be deployed around the Isles of Scilly. It is expected that this will lead to long-term economic, societal and environmental benefits for the communities living on the islands.

Breaking Moore’s Law: New photonic computing project aims to speed up artificial intelligence computing power to petascale processing levels

The EU’s new 5.8 million Euro project using light to provide the ultrafast computing rates needed by artificial intelligence (AI) kicked off on 31 March.

Research breakthrough in understanding how neural systems process and store information

A team of scientists from the University of Exeter and the University of Auckland have made a breakthrough in the quest to better understand how neural systems are able to process and store information.

Neuronostics close oversubscribed seed funding round

Neuronostics, an award-winning SME, has successfully secured £300K for the ongoing development of its revolutionary clinical decision support systems.

The Crown Estate decision will accelerate FLOW development in the Celtic Sea, says Marine-i

The Marine-i Project has voiced its strong support for this week’s decision by The Crown Estate, which has announced that it is commencing work to design and deliver a new leasing opportunity for early commercial-scale floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

Natural Sciences students’ research published in prestigious journal

A collaborative research project by team of undergraduate students from the University of Exeter’s Natural Sciences department has been published in a prestigious academic journal.

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.

Online tool measures community carbon footprint

Communities can measure their carbon footprint using a new online tool.

Pioneering study gives new insight into formation of copper deposits

A groundbreaking study has given new insights into how copper deposit-forming fluids are transported naturally from their source deep underground towards the Earth’s surface.

Variant B.1.1.7 of COVID-19 associated with a significantly higher mortality rate, research shows

The highly infectious variant of COVID-19 discovered in Kent, which swept across the UK last year before spreading worldwide, is between 30 and 100 per cent more deadly than previous strains, new analysis has shown.

Exeter subject success in influential league rankings

The University of Exeter’s subjects from across disciplines have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, according to the latest influential global league table.

Tenfold increase in CO2 emissions cuts needed to stem climate emergency

New research shows 64 countries cut their fossil CO2 emissions during 2016-2019, but the rate of reduction needs to increase tenfold to meet the Paris Agreement aims to tackle climate change.

Exeter Professor selected for EPSRC’s Strategic Advisory Network

One of the University of Exeter’s foremost experts in using Mathematics in Biomedicine and Healthcare has been selected to join a prestigious national advisory group.

Transmission risk of COVID-19 from sewage spills into rivers can now be quickly quantified

Scientists have identified that the COVID-19 virus could be transmitted through faecal contaminated river water.

Research shows how single celled algae rotate as they swim towards the light

Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in the quest to understand how single-cell green algae are able to keep track of the light as they swim.

£4 million Deep Digital Cornwall project launched to unlock underground environment

The underground environment is the subject of a major new £4 million project launched to create a world-leading cluster of research-intensive digital businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

CSM experts play lead role in pioneering UNESCO Lecture Series

Geologists from the Camborne School of Mines are taking part in a high-profile lecture series, designed to highlight the pivotal role Earth materials such as minerals can play in developing a sustainable global society.

Marine-i helps Morek pioneer new approach to seafastening

Marine-i research expertise has enabled Morek Engineering to create innovative software to streamline the development of seafastening designs for the offshore renewables market.

University of Exeter partnership develops novel algorithms with the power to transform the use of quantum computers

Dr Oleksandr Kyriienko, lead of the University of Exeter’s Quantum Dynamics, Optics, and Simulation group (QuDOS) is working in close partnership with Dutch start-up Qu & Co to develop quantum software with the potential to transform the way we use the huge power of quantum computers in industry.