exeter

University researchers ranked among the most influential in the world

University researchers ranked among the most influential in the world

Scientists at the University of Exeter have been ranked among the most influential and respected in the world according to the latest edition of a global rankings programme. Twenty Exeter academics, and a further four who are affiliated to the University, were included in the Highly Cited ResearchersTM  2025 list, produced by Clarivate – marking them among the top 1% in the world by citations in their research field. Now in its 12th year, Highly Cited ResearchersTM  recognises…

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Shouting at gulls could stop food stealing

Shouting at gulls could stop food stealing

PA MediaResearchers found a recording of a man shouting was the most off-putting to gullsShouting at gulls makes them more likely to leave your food alone, research has revealed.University of Exeter researchers put a closed box of chips on the ground to attract herring gulls and watched the effect different recordings had on them.Once a gull approached, they played either a recording of a male voice shouting the words "no, stay away, that's my food", the same voice…

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Extra defence investment essential to maintain a durable defence culture, experts warn

Critical defence challenges mean the Government must invest in people so that they can develop the skills and knowledge to secure essential infrastructure from cyberattacks and sabotage, experts have warned. Critical national infrastructure is now at the frontline of a constant barrage of attempted cyberattacks and sabotage, blurring the lines of where the country’s defence ends and begins. The complex interweaving of contemporary networks and energy supplies means that a wide array of sites and systems could be…

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Tipping points experts set three challenges for COP30

Experts in “tipping points” have set three challenges for world leaders meeting at the COP30 climate summit. An international team of 160 researchers recently published the Global Tipping Points Report, which said the world faces a “new reality” due to escalating threats from Earth system tipping points. But positive tipping points are already driving rapid change towards zero emissions – and smart choices at COP30 can accelerate this vital progress. In a policy brief for COP30 and beyond,…

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Shouting at seagulls could stop them stealing your food

Shouting at seagulls makes them more likely to leave your food alone, research shows. University of Exeter researchers put a closed Tupperware box of chips on the ground to pique herring gulls’ interest. Once a gull approached, they played either a recording of a male voice shouting the words, “No, stay away, that’s my food”, the same voice speaking those words, or the ‘neutral’ birdsong of a robin.   They tested a total of 61 gulls across nine…

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Teen arrested after Exeter railway station assault

Teen arrested after Exeter railway station assault

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed in connection with a serious assault at a railway station.British Transport Police said a man in his 50s sustained multiple facial fractures following an assault at Polsloe Bridge Station, in Exeter, on 30 October.Officers have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.Police said a boy, from Exeter, had been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and had since been released on police bail while inquiries continued.…

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Licence review for Exeter’s Timepiece nightclub over spike claim

Licence review for Exeter’s Timepiece nightclub over spike claim

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCThe family of a young woman who allegedly had her drink spiked are applying for Timepiece in Exeter to have its licence reviewedA student who allegedly had her drink spiked in Freshers' Week is calling for a nightclub to have its licence reviewed.Documents set to be reviewed by Exeter City Council's licensing sub-committee said staff at Timepiece failed to call an ambulance and told the woman to move away from the club on 20 September.Staff…

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Traders say A382 closure in Newton Abbot has hampered sales

Traders say A382 closure in Newton Abbot has hampered sales

Plants GalorePlants Galore owner Tony Joyner said turnover at the Newton Abbot store had fallen by 34%Business owners said they have experienced a drop in sales since a two-year roadworks project started.The A382, which connects Newton Abbot to the A38, has been closed since September as part of Devon County Council's (DCC) scheme to improve safety, ease congestion and boost options for walkers and cyclists.Tony Joyner, owner of the Plants Galore garden centre just off the A382, said…

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South West falls silent for Armistice Day ceremonies

South West falls silent for Armistice Day ceremonies

BBCMembers of Torbay's Royal British Legion attended a ceremony in TorquayPeople across the South West fell silent at Armistice Day events held across the region.A two-minute silence was held across the UK at 11:00 GMT to commemorate the exact time of an agreement to end the fighting in World War One on 11 November 1918.Events in places including Penzance, Truro, Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay were held for people who wished to pay their respects.There were also commemorations made…

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Scientists find evolutionary explanation for “irrational” Dread Risk behaviour

The evolution of the so-called Dread Risk response has been explained by new scientific research. People often respond to low-probability, high-consequence events like terror attacks or nuclear accidents with a Dread Risk response. This intense fear of the perceived sources of dread leads to extreme avoidance behaviour, which often means that people expose themselves to higher risk of dying in more common incidents like traffic accidents. Scientists at the Universities of Exeter and Bristol have used a mathematical…

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Exeter to help UK school pupils learn about LGBT+ scientists 

University of Exeter experts have produced free educational resources championing the achievements of LGBT+ individuals working in maths and science for secondary schools and museums across the UK. The educational resources, which include posters, postcards, videos and class activities, have been produced in collaboration with the LGBT+ education charity Schools OUT for UK LGBT+ History Month in February 2026.  Schools OUT has been working for more than 50 years to combat prejudice and ‘usualise’ LGBT+ people, aiming through education…

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Exeter research into prostate cancer drug could help thousands and save the NHS millions

Research by the University of Exeter into the prostate cancer drug abiraterone has played a key role in the drug getting official recommendation, which could help thousands of people in the UK and save the NHS millions of pounds. The Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG) is a university-based research group at Exeter contracted to produce high-quality systematic reviews and economic analyses of health technologies for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), among others. NICE commissioned…

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