Latest news

Exeter Scientist secures prestigious astronomy award
Dr Oliver Allanson from the University of Exeter has been recognised by the Royal Astronomical Society for early career achievements in astronomy.

Exeter research in Carbon Brief’s top media papers of 2022
University of Exeter research features in Carbon Brief’s list of the most talked-about climate papers of 2022.

Reliable planning tool for the emissions path to achieving the Paris temperature goal
Researchers have developed a new method for the successive calculation of the emission reductions which are necessary for achieving temperature targets, such as the 2°C goal.

Dieback of the Amazon rainforest under climate change in the latest Earth System Models
Dieback of the Amazon rainforest has long been touted as a possible climate tipping point, even though only a small minority of Earth System Models were projecting dieback.

Exeter experts react to COP27
Researchers from the University of Exeter have given their views on the COP27 climate change conference.

Exeter researchers recognised in global rankings
Twenty-one researchers from the University of Exeter have been recognised as leading experts in Clarivate’s annual highly cited researchers list.

No sign of decrease in global CO2 emissions
Global carbon emissions in 2022 remain at record levels – with no sign of the decrease that is urgently needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, according to the Global Carbon Project science team.

Key breakthrough links changes in length-of-day with climate prediction
Scientists have made a key breakthrough in the quest to accurately predict fluctuations in the rotation of the Earth and so the length of the day - potentially opening up new predictions for the effects of climate change.

University of Exeter cements successful partnership with Exeter Mathematics School and Exeter College
The University of Exeter, Exeter Mathematics School and Exeter College recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding and joined together to continue their support for pupils from across the South West to secure places at the very best universities in the country.

Exeter scientist's book shortlisted for Royal Society prize
A book about climate change science and denial has been shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize.

Cloud study demystifies impact of aerosols
Aerosol particles in the atmosphere have a bigger impact on cloud cover than previously thought.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

£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 21st century.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New research studies “domino effects” and synchrony in brain activity
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the quest to understand the intricate processes that occur in the brain during seizures that are the key symptom of epilepsy.

Improved model estimates impact of ozone on soy crops
The impact of ozone on soybean production can be predicted more accurately thanks to improvements to a computer modelling system.

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.

Ongoing sudden stratospheric warming could increase risk of snow over coming weeks
A pioneering new study helps shed light on the chances of extreme cold, and potentially snow in the UK in the next fortnight.

Joint Centre of Excellence in Environmental Intelligence hosts inaugural event
The key challenges, priorities and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues will be showcased at a special event this week.

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.

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.


University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult combine to industrialise academic medicines research
Today (November 12th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.
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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.

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.

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.


Global carbon emissions increase but rate has slowed
Global carbon emissions are set to grow more slowly in 2019, with a decline in coal burning offset by strong growth in natural gas and oil use worldwide.

University experts feature in prestigious ranking of world’s most influential scientists
Leading climate, environment and health academics from the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the world’s most influential researchers, according to a prestigious new ranking.

Climate change could drive British crop farming north and west
Unchecked climate change could drive Britain’s crop growing north and west, leaving the east and south east unable to support crop growing, new research suggests

Exeter expert receives prestigious Turing AI Fellowship
A leading applied mathematician at the University of Exeter has been awarded a prestigious AI Fellowship from UK Research and Innovation, it has been announced.

Exeter climate expert plays pivotal role in stark IPCC report
A world-leading climate scientist from the University of Exeter has played a pivotal role in the latest Special Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Rising research star receives prestigious ERC funding award
A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.

Best ever A-level results from pupils at pioneering specialist mathematics school
Pupils at a pioneering specialist mathematics school which provides “life-changing” opportunities have achieved some of the best A-level results in the country.

Arctic sea-ice loss has “minimal influence” on severe cold winter weather, research shows
The dramatic loss of Arctic sea ice through climate change has only a “minimal influence” on severe cold winter weather across Asia and North America, new research has shown.

Maths experts receive prestigious fellowships
Two leading mathematicians from the University of Exeter have been selected to receive prestigious international fellowships.

More sensitive climates are more variable climates, research shows
A decade without any global warming is more likely to happen if the climate is more sensitive to carbon dioxide emissions, new research has revealed.
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Astronomers help wage war on cancer
Techniques developed by astronomers could help in the fight against breast and skin cancer.

Exeter hosts joint Data Science workshop with Fudan
The University of Exeter and Fudan University have underpinned their long-standing relationship by co-hosting a special event.

University declares an environment and climate emergency
Exeter has declared an environment and climate emergency to support those calling for urgent action and show commitment to leading the change required.

Exeter climate scientist secures distinguished international award
A world-leading climate scientist from the University of Exeter has been honoured with a prestigious international science award.

Exeter climate change experts feature in major new documentary
World-leading climate change experts from the University of Exeter will give a fascinating insight into the impacts of global warming when they appear on a hard-hitting BBC documentary.

Fudan-Exeter relationship expands into Artificial Intelligence
Key representatives from Exeter travelled to Fudan University’s School of Data Science to develop a series of new initiatives

Uncertain projections help to reveal the truth about future climate change
A new study by a team of scientists from the US and the UK explains how differing climate model projections can be used collectively to reduce uncertainties in future climate change.

UK wild newt species free from flesh-eating fungus for now…
Wildlife conservation charity urges private amphibian traders to prevent Bsal fungus from infecting wild populations

Ice-free Arctic summers could happen on earlier side of predictions
The Arctic Ocean could become ice-free in the summer in the next 20 years due to a natural, long-term warming phase in the tropical Pacific that adds to human-caused warming, according to a new study.

Exeter receives major funding boost to train next generation of Artificial Intelligence leaders
The University of Exeter has received a major funding boost to lead pioneering new research into using Artificial Intelligence to increase society’s resilience to changes in our environment.

Exeter leads research into impacts of flooding and drought in South East Asia
Experts from the University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS) will spearhead two pioneering new research projects that aim to boost local resilience to the devastating effects of natural disasters across South East Asia.

Multi-million pound funding boost to develop virtual testing for next generation of lightweight aircraft structures
A groundbreaking new research project, designed to develop the next generation of lightweight aircraft structures, has received a multi-million pound funding boost.

Near-term climate prediction ‘coming of age’, study shows
The quest for climate scientists to be able to bridge the gap between shorter-term seasonal forecasts and long-term climate projections is ‘coming of age’, a study shows.

Climate model uncertainties ripe to be squeezed
The latest climate models and observations offer unprecedented opportunities to reduce the remaining uncertainties in future climate change, according to a new study.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leading climate scientist wins prestigious award
A leading climate scientist has received a prestigious international award

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.

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.

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.

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.