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University of Exeter


Perception of fraud as a “victimless” offense can weaken police investigations, study shows

A new study by Dr. Rasha Kassem and Professor Umut Turksen found that police officers perceive fraud as low-harm and low-priority, leading to weakened investigations and limited victim support. The researchers advocated for targeted training, investment in cyber and financial forensics, and cultural change within police organisations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPolicing An International Journal·TypeSurvey·DateOct 23, 2025

EU ambiguity on Western Sahara frozen conflict is a “glaring source” of vulnerability for Sahrawis, study shows

A new study by Dr Irene Fernández-Molina from the University of Exeter reveals that EU legal ambiguity on the Western Sahara conflict is a significant disadvantage for the Polisario Front and its Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The study highlights how lawfare has been successfully used to challenge these ambiguities, leading to accu...

Duty solicitor generational mismatch risks eroding trust in the criminal justice system, study warns

A new study found that the growing age imbalance in the duty solicitor scheme risks eroding trust in the criminal justice system. The study warns of a looming generational crisis due to the financial burden of self-funding Solicitors Qualifying Examination fees, which is deterring younger solicitors from entering the profession.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of the Legal Profession·TypeSurvey·DateOct 16, 2025

“Cocktails” of common pharmaceuticals in our waterways may promote antibiotic resistance

New research reveals that mixtures of commonly used medications in the environment can increase the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Laboratory tests showed that combining these medications with ciprofloxacin led to an increased selection for genes that confer resistance, highlighting a potential threat to human health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalISME Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Oil rig study reveals vital role of tiny hoverflies

A study of migratory hoverflies on an oil rig in the North Sea revealed that they can transport pollen over great distances, potentially linking plant populations across Europe. The hoverflies carried pollen from up to 14 different plant species, highlighting their importance in agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateSep 18, 2025

Loneliness is bad for health and wealth in the UK

A study by the University of Exeter found that loneliness is associated with increased healthcare costs, mental distress, and poor physical and mental functioning. Younger adults and older adults are particularly affected, with a U-shaped relationship between age and cost of loneliness observed.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS One·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 3, 2025

International community must reverse cuts to Rohingya humanitarian aid, study says

A new study says the international community must reverse cuts to Rohingya humanitarian aid and work with Dhaka authorities to improve conditions in refugee camps. The research emphasizes that both options – returning to Myanmar or remaining in camps – amount to social death, highlighting the urgent need for action.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThird World Quarterly·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 7, 2025

VR nature scenes reduce sensitivity to pain – especially for those who feel present during the experience

A study by the University of Exeter found that immersive VR nature scenes can reduce symptoms of long-term pain. Participants who felt more present during the experience experienced the strongest effects. The study suggests that nature scenes delivered using VR can help change how pain signals are transmitted in the brain and spinal cord.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2025

Staunch Anglican support for the Tory party acting as “buffer” against increasing political volatility, study shows

A new study by Dr. Ekaterina Kolpinskaya found that Anglicans are disproportionately stable in their affective and electoral support for the Conservative Party, acting as a 'pocket of resistance' to changes in partisan politics. This suggests that religion continues to be socially and politically influential in modern Britain.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalParliamentary Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateJul 21, 2025

Group work and discussion help to build student confidence using maths in science lessons, study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter found that group work and discussion help students build confidence when using maths in science lessons. Researchers identified four different ways students approach maths problems, including those with science-dominant thinking and others who focus on equations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2025

Green transition will boost UK productivity

New research from the University of Exeter and Manchester finds that the UK's low-carbon transition will boost productivity across the economy as businesses gain from cheaper power and transport. The study warns that this effect depends on energy companies passing on cost savings to consumers, not keeping them as profits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalClimate Policy·DateJul 2, 2025

Arctic peatlands expanding as climate warms

Research finds Arctic peatlands expanding due to warming climate, with 16 sites showing strong evidence of expansion. Peatlands store about 600 billion tons of carbon, and their expansion could slow climate change but also poses risks if temperatures continue to rise.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 19, 2025