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

Exeter experts lead free online course on metals in the Green Revolution

Experts from the University of Exeter are leading an innovative, free online course to explore the pivotal role that critical raw materials can play in sustainable, green technology.

Climate change increases the risk of wildfires confirms new review

Human-induced climate change promotes the conditions on which wildfires depend, increasing their likelihood - according to a review of research on global climate change and wildfire risk published today.

New technique to study molecules and materials on quantum simulator discovered

A new technique to study the properties of molecules and materials on a quantum simulator has been discovered.

Cutting road transport pollution could help plants grow

Cutting emissions of particular gases could improve conditions for plants, allowing them to grow faster and capture more carbon, new research suggests.

Research into ecosystem-based solutions to climate change receives philanthropic support

A project exploring how carbon capture and storage can help limit global warming to a 1.5°C temperature rise has received philanthropic funding from American organisation, One Earth.

Ceremony marks handover of Exeter’s new VSimulators facility

Distinguished guests have gathered to participate in a special ceremony, to mark the handover of a new building that will house the University of Exeter’s pioneering VSimulators experimental facility.

South American volcano shows potential signs of instability, research shows

One of South America’s most prominent volcanoes is producing early signals of potential instability, new research has shown.

Jet stream not getting ‘wavier’ despite Arctic warming

Rapid Arctic warming has not led to a “wavier” jet stream around the mid-latitudes in recent decades, pioneering new research has shown.

CSM sports team students enjoy double celebration at historic 'Bottle Match'

Students raise more than £4,500 for charity, before reclaiming historic trophy.

Exeter subjects ranked amongst the world’s best, according to influential league table

Subjects across the Arts and Sciences at the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the very best worldwide, in the latest influential global league table.

Exeter appoints Professor Zhongdong Wang as Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for CEMPS

Professor Zhongdong Wang has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean at the University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

Exeter’s Ocean Technology Group selected to receive Scottish Government support for Floating Offshore Wind innovation

An engineering research team at the University of Exeter’s Offshore Renewable Energy Group will carry out research into innovative mooring systems for floating offshore wind energy applications.

Rising research star at Exeter secures prestigious Biochemical Society award

A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national award, it has been announced.

Engineering Director of SC Group, Steve Austen, appointed Associate Honorary Professor

One of the UK’s foremost mechanical engineers, Steve Austen, has been appointed as an Associate Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter.

Jim Sibson of Babcock International Group Appointed as Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter has appointed Jim Sibson as an Honorary Associate Professor.

‘Tequila’ powered biofuels could be used for transport fuel and hand sanitizer, research shows

The agave plant - which is used to make tequila – could be the key ingredient to unlocking a new way of producing environmentally-friendly transport fuel and hand sanitizer, new research has found.

University donates PPE to frontline COVID-19 workers in Exeter and Truro

Academics and technical staff at the University of Exeter have united to send thousands of items of protective equipment to the frontline

University of Exeter Degree Apprentices nominated for South West Apprentice of the Year

Two University of Exeter Degree Apprentices have been nominated for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Apprentice of the Year award.

University of Exeter spin-out company secures investment for sustainable mining

A spin-out company focussed on driving environmental sustainability in the mining and raw materials sector, founded by experts from the University of Exeter, has secured investment to help develop the business.

Research to study health impact of air pollution on individuals

A crucial new project, designed to reveal the potentially devastating health impacts of air pollution on individuals, depending on their local environment, has received significant funding.

Research project to evaluate impact of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions receives substantial funding

A new project to predict the spread of COVID-19, and evaluate the impact of quarantine restrictions, has received a substantial research grant.

Consortium awarded £3.7m to develop postgraduate conversion courses in AI and data science

A consortium featuring the University of Exeter has been awarded £3.7m in funding to develop a suite of postgraduate conversion courses in AI and data science.

Exeter appoints BMT’s Jake Rigby as Honorary Associate Professor

The University of Exeter has appointed Jake Rigby, Research and Development lead at one of the world’s leading engineering, science and technology consultancy firms BMT, as an Honorary Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering.

University of Exeter leads “rapid response” data analysis to aid NHS during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers from the University of Exeter and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC), in partnership with the NHS, have developed a crucial new tool to ensure health trusts maintain sufficient levels of life-saving equipment and bed spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exeter postgraduate researcher is Hospiscare Hero

A University of Exeter postgraduate researcher and teaching assistant has made an extraordinary donation of 3000 facemasks to help Hospiscare doctors and nurses in Devon provide compassionate end of life care during the coronavirus crisis.

Exeter experts win #EUvsVirus hackathon with pioneering solution to fight coronavirus outbreaks

A pan-European interdisciplinary team won a prestigious international competition, to develop pioneering new solutions to aid the recovery from pandemics such as COVID-19.

University volunteers help build thousands of face shields for local NHS workers

Volunteers from the University of Exeter have teamed up with the local community to build thousands of disposable face shields, to help protect frontline NHS workers during the COVID-19 epidemic.

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.

Eavesdropping on single molecules with light by replaying the chatter

Scientists have pioneered a new technique to expose hidden biochemical pathways involving single molecules at the nanoscale.

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.

Coronavirus is a ‘sliding doors’ moment. What we do now could change Earth’s trajectory

Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, Chair in Mathematical Modelling of Climate Systems at the University of Exeter, contributes to this article for The Conversation

Partnership receives funding boost to develop AI to meet equipment supply and demand in Covid-19 pandemic

A partnership between the University of Exeter and Applegate has secured a significant funding boost to help develop new, cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technology to help match supply and demand for vital health equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Celebrating Prestigious Athena SWAN Awards

Two prestigious Athena SWAN awards have just been granted to three University of Exeter departments to recognise their commitment to gender equality.

Exeter receives £1.2 million grant for pioneering new research hub

The University of Exeter has been awarded a grant of more than £1 million to create a new research hub to boost diagnosing and managing some of the world’s most debilitating long-term health conditions and antimicrobial infections.

Marine-i event highlights new wave of opportunities in Floating Offshore Wind

Over 100 marine tech businesses joined a Marine-i online event on the plans for deployment of industrial scale Floating Wind turbines in the Celtic Sea and to explore the supply chain opportunities that this will bring.

Exeter plays pivotal role in developing UK’s first fully electric-powered domestic ferry

The University of Exeter will play a pivotal role in a pioneering project designed to develop the UK’s first fully electric-powered domestic ferry.

Exeter one of eight UK green energy innovators to secure major collaboration to supply world’s fastest growing offshore and renewable energy markets

The University of Exeter is part of a pivotal new research partnership to develop the next generation of marine renewables.

Presence of airborne dust could signify increased habitability of distant planets, research shows

Scientists have expanded our understanding of potentially habitable planets orbiting distant stars by including a critical climate component – the presence of airborne dust.

Warm springs increase risk of severe summer droughts

Warm and sunny springs – like the one just seen in the UK – can create conditions that pave the way for severe summer droughts, a new study has shown.

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.

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.

UK leads green revolution in defence and off-highway transport

The University of Exeter and Supacat pioneer ‘off-road’ electric and ‘optionally manned’ autonomous vehicle

Researchers pioneer new production method for heterostructure devices

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a pioneering production method for heterostructure devices, based on 2D materials such as graphene.

Awards for Exeter climate scientists

Two Exeter climate scientists have received prestigious awards from the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS).

Exeter researcher in Women’s Engineering Society top 50 list

A University of Exeter researcher has been named as one of the Women’s Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering: Sustainability.

Exeter project to develop new energy-saving windows and facades given £1.65 million funding boost

A pioneering new project to develop revolutionary new energy saving windows and facades has received a significant funding boost.

First measurement of spin-orbit alignment on planet Beta Pictoris b

Astronomers have made the first measurement of spin-orbit alignment for a distant ‘super-Jupiter’ planet.

Marine-i will stage a special online event on 6th July titled: “Celtic Sea Floating Offshore Wind – An Industrial Response to Supply Chain Opportunity”.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is designed to help the marine tech sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation.

University of Exeter’s 3D printers help to produce thousands of items of PPE for key workers

The University of Exeter’s 3D printers have been used as part of a city-wide effort to produce thousands of items of PPE for key workers.

New technique in which drugs make bacteria glow could help fight antibiotic resistance

A new technique could help reduce antibiotic prescribing by predicting which drugs could be effective in fighting bacteria within minutes.

Thermophones offer new route to radically simplify array design, research shows

Scientists have pioneered a new technique to produce arrays of sound produced entirely by heat.

New breakthrough in ‘spintronics’ could boost high speed data technology

Scientists have made a pivotal breakthrough in the important, emerging field of spintronics – which could lead to a new high speed energy efficient data technology.

University of Exeter student project with Babcock International proves huge success

An innovative collaboration between the University of Exeter and Babcock International, designed to give students unparalleled industry experience, has proved a resounding success.

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.

Coconut confusion reveals consumer conundrum

Coconut oil production may be more damaging to the environment than palm oil, researchers say.

University of Exeter collaboration shortlisted for prestigious national KTP ‘Best of the Best’ Awards

A ground-breaking collaboration, between experts from the University of Exeter and Supacat Ltd, to spearhead a green revolution in defence and off-highway transport has been short-listed for a prestigious national award.

Innovative Cornish project creates landscape art - with a twist

Cornish residents have played an integral role in a breath-taking new project that has given an unusual twist to the traditional way of creating landscape paintings.

Business consultant launches confidence course for women in science

Business consultant and author Sadie Sharp is working with 100 scientists, the majority female, to help them build their confidence in a male-dominated sector.

Exeter partnership to pioneer use of data science and AI to solve global environmental challenges

A new initiative designed to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges has been announced.

Exeter Astrophysics expert awarded prestigious international prize

Professor Isabelle Baraffe, a leading expert in astrophysics research, has been awarded a prestigious international science prize.

Surface clean-up technology won't solve ocean plastic problem

Clean-up devices that collect waste from the ocean surface won't solve the plastic pollution problem, a new study shows.

'Outstanding' Exeter staff awarded teaching fellowships

Two "outstanding" University of Exeter staff have won prestigious National Teaching Fellowships.

Machine learning research may help find new tungsten deposits in SW England

Geologists have developed a machine learning technique that highlights the potential for further deposits of the critical metal tungsten in SW England.

Boost for South West’s floating offshore wind ambitions

Plans to build floating windfarms in the Celtic Sea to generate clean power and create thousands of green jobs have taken a major step forward after being shortlisted by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Rising Engineering research star receives 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 experts receive prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering award for work to tackle COVID-19

Experts from the University of Exeter’s Centre for Water Systems (CWS), have received a prestigious award for their exceptional engineering achievements in tackling COVID-19.

Recent global warming trends are inconsistent with very high climate sensitivity

Research published this week in Earth System Dynamics reports that the most sensitive climate models overestimate global warming during the last 50 years.

Exeter physicist earns prestigious fellowship

A University of Exeter physicist has earned a University Research Fellowship (URF) from the Royal Society.

Exeter experts organise global Artificial Intelligence summit to tackle pandemics

A global summit which aims to boost effective collaboration between experts working in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being organised by academics at the University of Exeter.

Scientists discover a warped disc “torn apart by stars” in a triple Tatooine-like system

Pioneering new research has revealed the first direct evidence that groups of stars can tear apart their planet-forming disc, leaving it warped and with tilted rings.

Pioneering new Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence announce leadership team

The Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence has appointed its inaugural leadership team.

Scientists unravel 66 million years of climate history from ocean sediments

Pioneering new analysis of deep-sea sediments has revealed the climatic changes over the last 66 million years of Earth’s history - which can be studied like a ‘colourful barcode’.

Marine-i supports development of innovative platform for floating offshore wind construction

A platform designed to aid in the building and launching of floating wind turbines is being researched and tested with support from Marine-i.

Physicists “trick” photons into behaving like electrons using a “synthetic” magnetic field

Scientists have discovered an elegant way of manipulating light using a “synthetic” Lorentz force — which in nature is responsible for many fascinating phenomena including the Aurora Borealis.

Physics’ BioSpec team successfully host the 4th Annual Meeting of the EU COST Action BioBrillouin network.

On the 9-11 September 2020, the BioSpec team at Exeter hosted the 4th Annual Meeting of the EU COST Action BioBrillouin (CA16124, 2017-2021),

Climate pledges ‘like tackling COVID-19 without social distancing’

Current global pledges to tackle climate change are the equivalent of declaring a pandemic without a plan for social distancing, researchers say.

University of Exeter spin-out Neuronostics win prestigious national award

An innovative University of Exeter spin-out company, which uses sophisticated mathematical modelling to help develop treatment plans for patients with epilepsy, has won a prestigious national award.

Geologists solve puzzle that could predict valuable rare earth element deposits

Pioneering new research has helped geologists solve a long-standing puzzle that could help pinpoint new, untapped concentrations of some the most valuable rare earth deposits.

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.

Professor Roy Sambles awarded knighthood in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Professor Roy Sambles FRS has received a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, announced today.

New app could help schools and colleges stay open amidst Covid-19 infections

The University of Exeter, working with Petroc College and the Association of Colleges and supported by City and Guilds, have produced an online tool for forecasting the spread of Covid-19 in colleges and helping to keep buildings open for as many students as possible.

UK’s first fully electric powered sea-going ferry revealed

The UK’s first fully electric powered sea-going ferry, designed and developed by consortium of engineering experts and businesses including the University of Exeter, has been revealed.

Astronomy expert secure prestigious national fellowship

One of the University of Exeter’s most prominent astrophysics experts has received a prestigious national fellowship, it has been announced.

Scientists develop algorithm to help relieve pressure on the NHS

New research suggests an algorithm could be used to help optimise the sharing of healthcare resources during the Covid-19 pandemic, preventing NHS intensive care units (ICU) from becoming overwhelmed.

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.

Natural Science summer projects lead to family scheme, student handbook and more

This summer, thirty students from the Natural Sciences cohort volunteered to work and contribute to a variety of projects. These projects aimed to create useful resources and information for the returning and incoming students, as well as maintaining Natural Science’s sense of community by keeping people connected over the very unusual summer months.

Leading climate scientist wins prestigious award

A world-leading climate scientist from the University of Exeter has received a prestigious award in recognition of his pioneering and innovative research.

Innovative Exeter student-led projects secure double award success

Two innovative student-led projects, to create a washing machine filter that breaks down plastic microfibres and bring sustainable biofuel to remote communities in Africa, have secured a double success in a prestigious national competition.

Malaria parasites adapt to survive the dry season, research shows

The main parasite that causes malaria can alter its gene expression to survive undetected in the human blood stream, new research has shown.

Warming of 2°C would release billions of tonnes of soil carbon

Global warming of 2°C would lead to about 230 billion tonnes of carbon being released from the world's soil, new research suggests.

New scheme to boost Devon’s recovery and cut carbon emissions

The University of Exeter will play a pivotal part in a new project, which will use Artificial Intelligence to boost Devon’s economic recovery and help the environment.

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.

New technique could revolutionise accuracy and ease detection of biomechanical alterations of cells and tissues

Scientists have developed an optical elastography technique that could revolutionise the accuracy and ease to which health professionals can detect biomechanical alterations of cells and tissues.

VSimulators technology to develop footwear for active older people

A project that will use cutting-edge technology to develop safe and comfortable footwear for active older people has received a grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Pioneering new Circular Economy Centre in Technology Metals announced

The University of Exeter will lead a pioneering new research centre, designed to revolutionize how crucial metals are extracted, used and reused in clean and digital technologies across the UK.

University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult combine to industrialise academic medicines research

Today (November 12^th 2020) the University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) announce their strategic partnership to accelerate medicines Research & Development (R&D), creating value for the sector and enhancing translational skills.

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.

Bacteria and 3D printers could help restore coral reefs

A team of University of Exeter students are using genetically engineered bacteria to produce a material that could help repair degraded coral reefs.

Pioneering Renewable Energy project shortlisted for prestigious award

A pioneering project involving the University of Exeter, which is seeking to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy leads has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Renewable Energy expert to pioneer new station-keeping systems for marine renewable energy devices (MRE).

A leading Renewable Energy expert from the University of Exeter has received a prestigious visiting scientist funding, to develop new station-keeping systems for marine renewable energy devices (MRE).

The Exeter hip: 50 years of making healthcare better

An innovative hip stem developed in Exeter 50 years ago today has now been implanted in more than two million patients across the globe

Solar Walls could power green transport of the future

Build Solar has won funding to explore whether their technology could be used extensively across UK rail networks in order to harvest solar energy at scale.

Professor Zhongdong Wang named 2021 IEEE Fellow

Professor Zhongdong Wang has been named a Fellow by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Innovative Renewable Energy project secures double award success

An innovative project involving the University of Exeter, which is seeking to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy leads, secured two awards at a recent ceremony.

Mapping global impacts for all vegetable oils key to sustainability

A lack of data on the environmental and social impacts of vegetable oil crops stands in the way of informed discussions about their relative sustainability, according to a new study by members of the IUCN’s Palm Oil Task Force.

Research develops new theoretical approach to manipulate light

The quest to discover pioneering new ways in which to manipulate how light travels through electromagnetic materials has taken a new, unusual twist.

ERC-funded project to explore the origin of diversity in star and planetary systems

One of the University of Exeter’s most distinguished astrophysics researchers has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.

Stargazers given once in-a-lifetime opportunity to see ‘Great Conjunction’ of Saturn and Jupiter

Budding astronomers will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a truly special celestial event in the run-in to Christmas.

Marine-i helps Falco Drone Technologies get ready for lift off

Support from Marine-i is enabling Falco Drone Technologies to develop a pioneering new drone which could play a vital role in the inspection and maintenance of floating offshore wind installations. A prototype of their innovative design will commence trials in summer 2021.

COVID lockdown causes record drop in CO2 emissions for 2020

The global COVID-19 lockdowns caused fossil carbon dioxide emissions to decline by an estimated 2.4 billion tonnes in 2020 – a record drop according to researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA), University of Exeter and the Global Carbon Project.