Exeter Uni News

Exeter experts give COP30 verdict

University of Exeter experts have given their verdict after the conclusion of the COP30 climate conference. The University played a significant role at COP30, which was held in Belem, Brazil. The conference ended with news that a key deal called the “Global Mutirão” had been agreed – but with no pathway on fossil fuel cuts. Here’s what Exeter experts have to say: Dr James Dyke, Assistant Director of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute, said: “COP30 comes 10 years after COP21’s…

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New research confirms HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer

Two new Cochrane reviews show strong and consistent evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus. Girls vaccinated before the age of 16 were found to be 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer. The reviews also confirm that HPV vaccines are only likely to cause minor, transient side effects such as a sore arm. The reviews were supported by…

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Experts hail Cornwall as the ‘Engine Room’ of PM’s new Critical Minerals Strategy 

The UK’s new Critical Minerals Strategy must make domestic extraction, refining, and recycling pillars of sovereign capability, experts have urged. The plan should define critical minerals as key to a broader political-economic reset that can underpin jobs and local growth, a new report by the University of Exeter’s Critical Minerals Challenge Centre, says.  Members of the UKRI-funded research hub – based at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in the critical minerals hotbed of Cornwall, a world-leading reserve…

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From G20 to Penryn: Experts hail Cornwall as the ‘Engine Room’ of PM’s new Critical Minerals Strategy 

The UK’s new Critical Minerals Strategy must make domestic extraction, refining, and recycling pillars of sovereign capability, experts have urged. The plan, which will be launched at the G20 summit in South Africa by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, should define critical minerals as key to a broader political-economic reset that can underpin jobs and local growth, a new report by the University of Exeter’s Critical Minerals Challenge Centre, says.  Members of the UKRI-funded research hub – based…

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Scientists discover new type of lion roar, which could help protect the iconic big cats

A new study has found African lions produce not one, but two distinct types of roars – a discovery set to transform wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts. Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a previously unclassified “intermediary roar” alongside the famous full-throated roar. The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, used artificial intelligence to automatically differentiate between lion roars for the first time. This new approach had a 95.4 per cent accuracy and significantly reduced human…

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Post Office cases cast doubt on the “golden thread” of British justice, study says

The “golden thread” of British justice – the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty – has been exposed by the Post Office Scandal as more deeply tarnished than previously thought, a new study shows. A birds-eye view of the criminal justice system provided to researchers from UCL and the University of Exeter by former subpostmasters (SPMs) suggests innocent until proven guilty was rarely taken seriously enough by any part of the criminal justice system that SPMs…

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Exeter ranked fourth in the world for commitment to Health and Wellbeing

The University of Exeter is among the top four higher education institutions in the world for the way it prioritises the health and wellbeing of its students and our broader society. The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, released this week, places Exeter first in the UK in this field, as part of its overall assessment of the top universities most committed to tackling environmental and social sustainability challenges. Exeter was ranked 20th in the world (8th in…

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‘Worms in space’ experiment aims to investigate the biological effects of spaceflight

Universities of Exeter and Leicester collaborate on mission to send nematode worms to the International Space Station A crew of tiny worms will be heading on a mission to the International Space Station in 2026 that will help scientists understand how humans can travel through space safely, using a Leicester-built space pod. The experiment is based upon a concept and early development by the University of Exeter over more than 8 years A team of scientists and engineers…

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Fifty not out: University commemorates half-century partnership with US College

An international partnership between the University of Exeter and a prestigious Liberal Arts college in the United States of America is celebrating 50 years of overseas study. For the past five decades, students at Kenyon College in Ohio have taken the opportunity to spend a year with Exeter’s Department of English and Creative Writing, immersing themselves in the history, heritage and culture of Devon. To commemorate the milestone, the two institutions have unveiled a new Master’s Progression Agreement…

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New military focus on “leaving well” and strengthening social connections should be core part of defence strategy

A new military focus on “leaving well” as well as serving well is essential for the health of veterans, society and defence, experts have said. Researchers have made a powerful plea for more to be done to ensure armed forces leavers go on to play a valued role in organisations, companies and their communities. They have called for a focus on identity and social connectedness to be recognised as core parts of defence strategy, with investment in evidence-based…

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Exeter researchers meet MPs to give insight on ways to tackle climate change and pollution

Researchers from the University of Exeter met with Members of Parliament in Westminster to present their latest insights on pollution in our water systems and unique ways to fight climate change. As part of Evidence Week in Parliament, research teams from Exeter made policy recommendations and highlighted the need to review current policies considering the latest available evidence. Evidence Week is a unique annual meeting that brings together the public, parliamentarians and researchers from across the UK to…

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City isolation and not size may drive violence in Africa

There is an assumption that larger cities are inherently more violent than smaller ones, but this is not always the case. A new study of African cities has found the level of isolation could play a more crucial role in determining violence. The research is led by Complexity Science Hub (CSH) in Vienna with support from the University of Exeter and published in Nature Communications. The study found the 10 per cent of biggest cities in Africa (216…

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