Research Uncovered lecture series begins

The Research Uncovered lecture series began this week after students nominated and voted the most inspiring pieces of research they have come across while studying at the University of Exeter.

The researchers who received the most votes will be presenting open lectures across this term. Monday night say Professor David Boughey from the Business School deliver the first of these lectures, “Adventurous Capitalists and the Forging of Multinational Enterprise“.

The next lecture will be Prof. Tim Harries from Astronomy on The Birth of Stars, 27th January 6pm – 8pm.

The lectures are open to all students as well as the local community with five lectures in the Alumni Auditorium, one in an Exeter community centre and one in Penryn.

Vice President for Academic Affairs, Alex Louch told Exeposé: “Research Uncovered is a celebration of the world-class research being produced by the outstanding academics at the University and represents the fantastic partnership that exists between staff, students and the Students’ Guild. We know that our students value their relationship with the research community at Exeter and the Guild is keen to bring students even closer to innovative research.

Research Uncovered offers students – as well as staff and local residents – the opportunity to connect with research in more depth or from disciplines other than their own. I am excited by the success of the scheme so far this year and I am looking forward to seeing the lecture series progress.”

The Research Uncovered lecture series is based on the success of the “FRUNI” (Free Range University) series across 2012/13. The initiative saw Exeter join with similar institutions across the UK to open the most inspirational research at the university to all.

During the FRUNI lecture series, 350 students submitted nominations or voted for the research that they found most exciting. The following five lectures received the most votes and were delivered to more than 1000 people in total.

To find out more about the lecture series and the lecture schedule, head to the Students’ Guild website.

Olivia Luder, Online Editor

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Medical School links ADHD and socio-economic deprivation

Image credit: University of Exeter

A recent study has shown links between social and economic status and childhood attention deficit disorder, known as ADHD, in the UK.

The study, led by the University of Exeter Medical School, carried out research on more than 19,500 children, all of whom come from different social and economic backgrounds. All born between 2000 and 2002, each child was analysed at nine months and the ages of three, five, seven and 11. Research is planned to continue into their adult years.

The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has published the finds. The study covers wide-ranging topics, including parenting, school choice, child behaviour and cognitive development and income.

Dr Ginny Russell, a member of the University of Exeter Medical School, has commented on the find of the study. She states that the results provide “strong evidence that ADHD is also associated with a disadvantaged social and economic background”.

Dr Russell further states that this research has been important as it has illustrated what causes ADHD. Furthermore, in studying the causes of the disorder, methods of prevention can be researched and analysed, allowing greater support and treatment for people suffering from ADHD.

Russell stated: “Some people believe that ADHD in children causes disadvantage to the economic situation of their family, but we found no evidence to support that theory. It’s important to discover more about the causes of this disorder so that we can look towards prevention, and so that we can target treatment and support effectively”.

A number of key factors have been identified which increase the chances of a child having ADHD. These include a child being born into families that sit below the poverty line in the UK and children with parents in social housing. Also mentioned is the increased likelihood of younger mothers having a child with ADHD compared to older mothers. The odds of having a child with the disorder are also increased if the child is born into a single parent household, rather than a household with two live-in parents.

Previous studies on the disorder have been conducted in Northern Europe, the United States and Australia. Overall this study has shown the link between ADHD and socio-economic status exists in the UK.

Beatrice Wood, News Team

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University of Exeter climbs to 8th in 2014 Times and Sunday Times rankings

Exeter has reached 8th place in this year’s joint Times and Sunday Times university league table. It rises from 10th place in the 2013 Times league table though has fallen from 7th place in the Sunday Times 2013 table.

It currently sits at 12th in The Guardian‘s 2014 university rankings and at 10th in The Independent‘s Complete University Guide.

According to the University of Exeter website, the newspapers cite 2013’s Sunday Times University of the Year award, along with entry to the Russell Group, as reasons for a 19% rise in applications to study at Exeter.

‘Consistently high levels of student satisfaction’ in recent years have also contributed to Exeter’s growing reputation as an established top-ten institution.

More to follow.

Groundbreaking research finds link between brain injuries and criminal activity

A REPORT led by a researcher from the University of Exeter has determined a link between brain injuries during childhood and an increased likelihood of criminal activity.

The findings of Psychology Professor Huw Williams, and a team of students from the Universities of Oxford, Cardiff and University College London, reveal that out of 200 males in custody, as many as 60 per cent say they are victims of head injuries.

Photo credits to Reigh LeBlanc

The research suggests that a head injury during youth may result in the brain ‘misfiring’ as it develops, which could result in impaired judgement and reduce control over impulses.

The research could influence the prosecution of criminals who have suffered a head injury. Professor Williams, who authored the report titled ‘Repairing Shattered Lives’, explained that currently during the prosecution process, it is rare than brain injury “is considered by criminal justice professionals when assessing the rehabilitative needs of an offender.”

The report claims that if pre-emptory measures were to be taken, crime could be reduced.

Professor Williams also commented: “The findings could ensure these kids are not marginalised and forgotten about.

“The report could keep them out of prison and reduce future crime and social cohesion.

“If we intervene early, we can offset those risks.

“The research can be used to influence practice and policy and reduce crime in the future.”

The discoveries are among a group of recent reports that identify the impact of brain injuries beyond the social effects, including a report by the Office of the Children’s Commission.

With the support of the Criminal Justice and Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group, the team hope that their advice will be “taken up strategically”.

 

By Crissy Ryan