Latest news

Lord Myners’ legacy honoured with Cornish scholarship fund
Lord Myners, former Chancellor of the University of Exeter who sadly passed away in January 2022, has been honoured with a new scholarship that will support talented students from his native Cornwall for the next three years.

Philanthropic donation will help achieve a sustainable future for mining
Anglo American, one of the world’s leading mining companies, has made a transformational donation to support sustainable mining research and education at the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter.

Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre collaborates with Royal Bank of Canada Global Asset Management
The Royal Bank of Canada’s Global Asset Management business (RBC) will collaborate with the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre within University of Exeter Business School to support an innovative new research programme.

Gene discovery indicates motor neurone diseases caused by abnormal lipid processing in cells
A new genetic discovery adds weight to a theory that motor neurone degenerative diseases are caused by abnormal lipid (fat) processing pathways inside brain cells.

Alumni support to new Law100 Scholarship Fund
Law students from underrepresented backgrounds will be able to benefit from a new initiative to be launched by the University of Exeter and supported by Exeter alumni.

Inaugural Natural Sciences networking event
On Friday 18 March we held our first Natural Sciences alumni event, arranged in partnership with the NatSci student society, and ably organised by its Secretary, current NatSci student Elise Hobson.

Careers in Social Care, Science and Healthcare
On Thursday 31 March, five Biosciences and Psychology alumni came back to Exeter for a ‘Careers in Social Care, Science and Healthcare’ careers event.

Alumnus Justin Goad continues his support of students
Alumnus Justin Goad continues his support of students learning Arabic through the Alexandria Poetry Declamation Prize.

Virtual Masterclass delivered by alumna for BA Communications students
Flexible Combined Honours alumna Megan Hallinan delivered an incredibly insightful masterclass virtually to students on the University’s new BA Communications programme.

Alumni support the next generation of publishers and authors
After being postponed since 2020 due to COVID-19, we were finally able to hold our much anticipated ‘Working in Publishing and Writing’ event on campus this March. We were joined by three of our esteemed alumni who have all forged extremely successful careers within the Publishing and Writing world.

Alumni donations raise over £30,000 for cancer research at Exeter
Thanks to the generosity of our alumni community, research at Exeter is continuing to help people affected by cancer in the UK.

Alumni donations support student-led initiatives
Thanks to the generosity of donors each year, the Alumni Annual Fund is able to support a vast range of projects, from academic conferences to new sports kit, staging student plays to charity initiatives.

Success for Phil and Megan Drury Rugby Scholar, Christ Tshiunza
Second year BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences student and rugby scholar, Christ Tshiunza has enjoyed a significant amount of success in his rugby career this year.

The Sir Steve Smith Scholarships support students from disadvantaged backgrounds
A new scholarship scheme was set-up in honour of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith, who retired in August 2020. The programme supports six students to attend the University of Exeter each year and targets applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, progressing into undergraduate study at Exeter via one of our widening participation programmes.

2022 Volunteers of the Year named!
After a tough decision making process, the Alumni Volunteers of the Year for 2022 have been announced.

Alumnus gifts Medicine students £30 food delivery, to boost morale ahead of exams
Medicine students at the University of Exeter have been offered a £30 food delivery voucher to spend, thanks to a generous donation from an Exeter alumnus.

Thank you to our Medical School fundraisers!
Ryan Salmon and alumna Sarah Collard (Economics and Geography, 2008) have recently organised fundraising activity to support vital research at the University of Exeter Medical School, raising funds to support neonatal diabetes and cancer research respectively.

Dr Rebecca Flemming is the University of Exeter’s first A. G. Leventis Chair in Ancient Greek Scientific and Technological Thought
Dr Rebecca Flemming has been appointed as the first University of ExeterA. G. Leventis Chair in Ancient Greek Scientific and Technological Thought.

Lady Mireille Gillings to Open Neuroimaging Centre
Global business leader and philanthropist Lady Mireille Gillings, PhD, will officially open the cutting-edge new imaging centre which bears her name on International Women’s Day (March 8).

Can beetroot juice help keep our brains sharp in later life? New study investigates
An innovative clinical trial will investigate how drinking beetroot juice impacts brain function in older adults, via the bacteria that live in our mouths.

Alumni Annual Fund funding makes student projects a reality
A wide range of projects are supported by the Alumni Annual Fund every year which includes student societies and sport clubs such as the Exeter University Polo Club and the Exeter University Surf Club as well as projects like the Exefactor talent competition who all in the 2020-21 round recieved funding to help their projects.

£6 million-funded studies into Parkinson’s disease seek participants
People affected by Parkinson’s disease are being invited to take part in a series of cutting-edge trials enabled by nearly £6 million in funding to the University of Exeter.

Disney supports Exeter lobster conservation project
A programme to protect the Caribbean spiny lobster is being launched thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Disney Conservation Fund.

Exeter launches Green Futures Scholarships
Talented students from low-to-middle-income countries will study at the University of Exeter thanks to new Green Futures Scholarships.

Convex launches Seascape Survey Partnership with Blue Marine Foundation
Convex Group Limited (Convex) today announces a multi-million-dollar partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), a charity dedicated to restoring the ocean to health, and the University of Exeter and its foremost researchers, with the launch ofthe Convex Blue Carbon Seascape Survey.

Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation partner with University of Exeter in £2.3 million programme to support environmental leadership in Africa
A six-year programme to research land management and ecosystem resilience in Africa was initiated in October 2021 thanks to philanthropic support from the Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation.

Students interact with folk music artists thanks to Alumni Annual Fund support
Thousands of alumni and supporters of the University of Exeter help current students through generous donations to the Alumni Annual Fund, by giving gifts of time or money in order to enhance the student experience.

Housebuilder funds climate study into future of home construction
Vistry Group, a top five national housebuilder, is funding research at the University of Exeter to explore the impact of climate change on homes and housebuilding in the future.

Alumni support helps LGBTQ+ society reach more students
The student society LGBTQ+ and Law Exeter was founded in March 2019 to create a community of students (with a law or non-law background) who are interested in pursuing a legal career, supporting their journeys, and providing networking opportunities with other LGBTQ+ legal professionals.

University of Exeter recognised for “financial lifeline” support for students during coronavirus pandemic
The University of Exeter has been recognised for offering a financial lifeline and practical support for students facing hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic

New CPR manikin for the Exeter University First Aid Society thanks to alumni support
A wide range of projects are supported by the Alumni Annual Fund every year which includes student societies such as Exeter University First Aid Society who in the 2020-21 round received funding to purchase an advanced CPR manikin for their group.

Support for students impacted by COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected students in many ways including financially, emotionally and practically in terms of their learning. Our supporter community has provided support for impacted students in several ways through their generous donations. You can read about several of these stories online. Thank you for your support.

Alumni funding to support research in to the relationship between COVID-19 and ageing
PhD student, Merlin Davies (Medical Studies, 2020) is the recipient of a generous gift from an anonymous donor which has enabled his PhD looking at the relationship between COVID-19 and ageing to be fully funded.

Santander Universities UK support entrepreneurial talent
Alumnus Quinn Leatherbarrow-Stokes (Business Management with Industrial Experience, 2020) spent lockdown launching his own business QWERTY Beer Box, bringing together craft beers from local brewers in regional ‘best of’ collections to provide regionally focused independent craft beer experiences. The SETsquared Exeter Student Startup Team have provided advice and mentorship to Quinn, and he secured funding for his business through the generous support of Santander Universities UK.

Continued support for Widening Participation Scholarships
Alumnus Mark Waghorn (Law, 1988) established two scholarships in 2017, named after his parents, to support individuals coming from low income backgrounds to study at Exeter.

PhD students researching forest degradation and recovery are funded by the A.G. Leventis Foundation
Two complementary PhD studentships have been funded thank to donations from long-term University of Exeter supporters, The A.G. Leventis Foundation.

Alumni donate £20,000 to support students affected by the pandemic
In partnership with its alumni community, the University created the Success for All Fund, set up to support students experiencing unexpected financial challenges. Since March 2020 the University has provided financial support in the form of rent rebates, payments for IT equipment, travel bursaries and assistance for other unexpected bills. Over £1million has been disbursed amongst the student community.

2021 Volunteers of the Year named!
After a tough decision making process, the Alumni Volunteers of the Year for 2021 have been announced.

Students produce new EP thanks to Alumni Annual Fund support
A wide range of projects are supported by the Alumni Annual Fund every year which includes students societies such as the University of Exeter's award-winning, all-male a cappella group ‘Semi-Toned’ who in the 2020-21 round received funding to support the recording and release of their new EP: Infrared.

Alumnus supports some of China’s brightest students to study at Exeter
A new scholarship fund to support Chinese PhD students during their time at Exeter has been launched thanks to alumnus James Goulding, founder of investment management company LimeTree Capital Partners, which has offices across China.

Exeter Telethon breaks records with fundraising
The University of Exeter’s spring telethon has raised a record £226,513, an increase of more than £60,000 over the past highest total.

Alumnus treats Exeter Medicine students to £30 food delivery, to boost wellbeing during pandemic
Thanks to a generous donation from Exeter alumnus Mr David Higgins (Law 1990), all 913 Medicine (BMBS programme) students at the University of Exeter have been offered a £30 voucher to spend at one of three food retailers.

Exeter alumnus to help restore natural ecosystems as part of pioneering internship
A University of Exeter graduate will help restore natural ecosystems as part of a “rewilding” internship.

A. G. Leventis Foundation funds new Chair in Classics and Ancient History at the University of Exeter
Classics teaching and research at the University of Exeter will benefit for years to come, thanks to additional support from the A. G. Leventis Foundation.

University of Exeter students affected by coronavirus given £1 million in hardship and emergency funds
The University of Exeter has distributed £1m in hardship and emergency funding to students most significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Motion sensitivity research could benefit people with inner ear condition
Research into motion sensitivity could lead to improved rehabilitation programmes and an improvement in building designs for people with a rare inner ear condition that affects their balance

Exeter’s most successful philanthropy campaign comes to an end
The end of December 2020 marks the completion of the University of Exeter’s ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’ philanthropy campaign.

Alumni honour former Vice-Chancellor with permanent scholarship fund
A new scholarship scheme set-up in honour of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith, targeting applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, will support six students to attend the University of Exeter each year.

WWF and Exeter alumni join forces to protect natural habitat
A consortium of Exeter alumni have joined the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and the University of Exeter, in setting up a new PhD project to protect the Cerrado ecosystem in Brazil.

Philanthropy supports COVID-19 drug trial
A largescale global trial, designed to test the theory that the widely-used BCG vaccine could help protect against COVID-19 will soon recruit healthcare staff and care home workers in the UK.

Sir Steve backs first ever Giving Day
Former University of Exeter Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith, has supported the institution’s first ever Giving Day with a donation of £10,000 to the scholarship fund.

Exeter gears up for first ever Giving Day!
The University of Exeter is launching its first ever Giving Day on 22 September, 65 years since the institution was granted its Royal Charter by Her Majesty the Queen.

Alumni fund series of BAME scholarships
Four additional scholarships will be awarded to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students attending the University of Exeter this year, thanks to the support of Exeter alumni.

Westcountry medical graduates receive thank you hampers
Graduates in medicine-related subjects at the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth have received hampers thanking them for their work

Research into what helps couples to thrive used to teach teenagers about healthy relationships
Research showing the key features of healthy relationships will be used in schools around the country to help teenagers learn how to build healthy relationships of their own.

Next-generation triple antibody test for Covid-19 given green light by MHRA
University of Exeter scientists have developed a revolutionary new device that could allow health professionals to test patients’ antibody response to Covid-19 in as little as seven minutes.

2020 Volunteers of the Year named!
After a tough decision making process, the Alumni Volunteers of the Year for 2020 have been announced.

Dragon Capital Chair in Biodiversity Economics announced
Professor Ben Groom has been appointed Dragon Capital Chair in Biodiversity Economics at the University of Exeter.

New project explores perceptions of China
A new research project exploring how the West perceives China is to be launched at the University of Exeter.

New fundraising site launched to support COVID-19 work
Supporters of the University of Exeter can now support COVID-19 related projects across the institution via a dedicated fundraising website.

University of Exeter Startup Team launches COVID-19 Startup Support Fund
The University of Exeter’s Student Startup team has launched a new funding initiative, designed to support innovative projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alumni support helps students facing hardship during pandemic
The University of Exeter’s Emergency Assistance Fund, set-up to provide financial support to students facing hardship due to the coronavirus crisis, has double the funds thanks to long-term supporter Santander Universities and alumni donations.

Funding appeal launched for potential Covid-19 test
A funding appeal has been launched to help fast-track the development of a “pocket laboratory” that carries out quick, accurate and cost-effective blood tests that could revolutionise how health professionals track, trace and monitor the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19.

Fundraising campaign hits target one year early
£60 million raised to support students and research at Exeter

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.

$55,000 grant supports research into healthy oceans
A project to help more accurately measure the health of our oceans has been supported with a grant from the Simons Foundation.

Penryn Travel Bursary launched thanks to alumni
A new scheme to support prospective students attend open days on the Penryn Campus has been launched thanks to alumni donations.

Dedicate your Decade – develop through Alumni volunteering
Often with the start of a new year, and in this case a new decade, there is a time for reflection on the previous year/s, and setting plans and goals for the year ahead. If you’re looking for something achievable that makes a real difference why not give volunteering a go?