Our work on Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Research uncovers growing wave of legal challenges to climate action

In 2024 research led by Professor Annalisa Savaresi at the University of Stirling uncovers a growing wave of legal challenges to climate action, a phenomenon the authors term “just transition litigation.” As governments and industries accelerate the shift to low-carbon futures, the study highlights how communities and individuals are increasingly turning to the courts to question whether climate policies are fair and inclusive.

The research reveals that while climate action is essential, it can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, workers, and farmers. Legal cases - like the Sámi people’s successful challenge to wind farms on traditional herding lands - illustrate how litigation is being used to protect rights and demand justice in the face of rapid environmental change.

This work contributes to SDG 16 by promoting accountability and fairness in climate governance. It calls for better tracking of these legal disputes and urges policymakers to consider the social impacts of climate policies to ensure a just transition for all.

Safeguarders project

Published in the 2023/24 academic year, Emergent Findings and Key Themes from the Safeguarders research project explores how Safeguarders in Scotland interpret and carry out their role in the Children’s Hearing system. Through interviews with ten Safeguarders, the study reveals that they are not simply neutral observers but active participants who engage with families, professionals, and children to shape decisions about care and protection. Their work often involves navigating complex issues such as delays, risk, and uncertainty, while making recommendations that carry significant influence.

The research highlights the importance of professional identity, values, and support networks in shaping Safeguarder practice. It also points to areas where further support - particularly around diversity and risk analysis - could enhance their effectiveness.

This project contributes to SDG 16 by promoting fair, inclusive, and accountable child protection processes. It underscores the vital role Safeguarders play in ensuring children’s rights are upheld within Scotland’s justice system.

University lecturer joins debate on Scottish politics

Published in the 2023-24 academic year research by Dr Tom Montgomery of the University of Stirling examines the evolving state of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the broader independence movement ten years after the 2014 referendum. Presented at a major conference in Glasgow in 2024 alongside leading political thinkers, Dr Montgomery’s findings challenge the idea that scandal alone explains the SNP’s current challenges. Instead, his study suggests that the party has been able to govern with limited scrutiny, raising important questions about political accountability and democratic oversight.

The research marks a critical moment for reflection on Scotland’s political future, as the independence campaign reaches a crossroads. Dr Montgomery’s work, developed in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, contributes to ongoing debates about governance, representation, and the role of political institutions in shaping national identity.

This project supports SDG 16 by encouraging open dialogue and critical analysis of political systems. It highlights the importance of transparency and informed debate in strengthening democratic institutions.

Promoting peace and justice through global engagement

The University of Stirling’s Global Engagement Strategy 2024–2030 (PDF link), published in 2024, reflects a deep commitment to the values of sanctuary and global inequalities, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through ethical and reciprocal international partnerships, Stirling fosters transparency, mutual respect and shared benefit. The strategy champions inclusive global learning community and advancing its sanctuary agenda. Governance structures ensure responsible risk management and uphold institutional integrity. By embedding intercultural understanding across teaching, research and collaboration, Stirling empowers students and staff to contribute to a fairer world. This approach strengthens the university’s role as a globally connected institution that values diversity, equity and justice.

Sanctuary scholarship scheme

Since 2023, the University of Stirling has offered Sanctuary Scholarships to support students seeking asylum or living in the UK on humanitarian grounds. Available for access courses and taught postgraduate programmes, these scholarships include a full tuition fee waiver and additional support for essential study costs - up to £2,000 for access programmes and £3,000 for postgraduate courses. Applicants must already be in the UK, have applied to Stirling, and hold an eligible immigration status (e.g. asylum seeker, refugee, humanitarian protection).

Modern slavery

An update to the Modern Slavery Statement was provided in 2024. The University maintained a proactive stance against modern slavery in its procurement practices during 2023/24 by enforcing minimum standards, applying fit-for-purpose specifications, and managing contracts responsibly. Procurement managers assessed supply chains for risk and implemented mitigation measures where needed, while the use of APUC’s Supply Chain Management tool and Ecovadis monitoring platform supported supplier accountability. Awareness of modern slavery issues was promoted across the University community, and no suppliers were found in breach of the Modern Slavery Act during the reporting period.