Research news
Social science fest features theatre, displays and discussions for all ages
The University of Stirling is putting on a host of exciting events – all of them free – to spread the word about social science to the local community in Clackmannanshire.
Personal air pollution monitoring needed for people with asthma
Better air quality monitoring techniques are needed to assess the acute impacts of pollution on people with asthma, according to new research by the University of Stirling.
New data shows employee owned businesses deliver an 8-12% productivity boost
New research suggests the fast-growing UK employee ownership sector is markedly outperforming the UK’s national productivity trend whilst simultaneously contributing to employee wellbeing, fair pay, community resilience and commitment to net zero.
UK government misses the mark on shaping healthy urban policies
A large-scale review of two key UK policy areas reveals that health outcomes are largely missing when it comes to shaping our urban centres.
Funding boost for new tech to keep older people active
Exercise bingo, a virtual reality (VR) walking game and an online music and movement programme are hoping to boost the physical activity, health, and wellbeing of older people after receiving funding from the University of Stirling.
Visiting Scottish lochs and rivers improves mental health, study finds
Visiting inland freshwater spaces improves mental health, a new University of Stirling study has found.
Stirling scientists to develop new carbon negative food
A pioneering project led by University of Stirling scientists aims to develop a new carbon negative food source.
Curriculum making research centre first of its kind in the UK
A new research centre focusing on school curriculum making – the first of its kind in the UK - has opened at the University of Stirling.
New methodology addresses “contentious” student satisfaction surveys
Adopting a new methodology approach could address concerns about student satisfaction surveys, according to new research.
Understanding pandas’ body clocks could improve their welfare, Stirling study finds
Giant pandas living in zoos outside their native latitude range may not have optimal welfare if their body clocks are out of sync, new research by the University of Stirling has found.
University of Stirling research uses COVID-19 conspiracy theories to create tool against fake news
Experts at the University of Stirling have taken a deep dive into COVID-19 conspiracy theories in new research that aims to combat digital disinformation or ‘fake news’.
Study finds parkrunners more likely to return if route is near freshwater and woodland
A study by the University of Stirling has found first-time participants in parkruns are more likely to return if events are near to freshwater and woodland.
University of Stirling teams up with National Trust for Scotland to boost heritage research
The University of Stirling has formed a new partnership with the National Trust for Scotland to enhance research, teaching and learning.
Ukrainian academics draw on University of Stirling’s water quality expertise
A delegation of Ukrainian academics have travelled to the University of Stirling for a joint research project aimed at improving water quality in the war-torn country.
Free NRT programme aims to cut children’s exposure to second-hand smoke in the home
A new research study aiming to tackle the number of children breathing in second-hand smoke at home is launching in Lanarkshire.
Stirling professor receives one of the British Ecological Society’s highest honours
Katharine Abernethy, a Professor in Tropical Ecology at the University of Stirling, has received one of the British Ecological Society’s highest honours.
Research to probe impact of climate change and nitrogen pollution on soil
University of Stirling research to probe potentially catastrophic impact of climate change and nitrogen pollution on soil
The cheese paradox: study seeks to understand why vegetarians eat animal products
A new study by the University of Stirling has sought to understand why vegetarians consume non-meat animal products.
Stirling scientist measures emissions from ponds in Scotland for international study
Greenhouse gas emissions from ponds in Scotland have been measured by a University of Stirling scientist as part of a major new international study.
Stirling academic Professor Kate Hunt becomes Fellow of British Academy
University of Stirling health expert Professor Kate Hunt has been made a Fellow of the British Academy.
Scientists spending a penny to cut wastewater emissions
An experiment given the green light by University of Stirling experts could halve emissions from wastewater treatment facilities.
Trafficked children face asylum ‘system trauma’, says University of Stirling research
Researchers at the University of Stirling exploring the long-term outcomes for trafficked children in Scotland have found that children face ‘system trauma’ connected to navigating the asylum, welfare and child protection systems.
Speed dating study finds opposites don’t attract
Speed dating study co-authored by University of Stirling academic finds opposites don’t attract
New research sheds light on the UK branded content industry and need for advertising regulation
The UK Branded content industry, where advertising and media combine, is a fast-growing sector that needs better regulation, according to new research.
Research finds ‘extensive’ drug culture in football
Drug taking at football matches has superseded alcohol as a major safety concern, according to new research led by health and behaviour experts at the University of Stirling.
Britain’s highest trees discovered atop Scotland’s Munros by University of Stirling researcher
Trees are growing at record-breaking heights atop Scotland’s Munros, new research by the University of Stirling has found.
MSPs share 'pain and loss' of their parents' alcohol use as part of new campaign
Miles Briggs MSP has opened up for the first time about his father’s alcohol use, as, together with Monica Lennon MSP, he backs a campaign aimed at reducing the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs.
University of Stirling part of nationwide drive to address levelling up through research
The University of Stirling has successfully bid for funding in the first phase of a multi-million pound levelling up programme designed to benefit all four nations of the UK.
World leading health experts say aviation industry must act on cabin fumes as they launch new medical guidance
A group of world leading health and scientific experts are calling on the aviation industry to take action to protect passengers and aircrew from dangerous cabin fumes which they say have led to a new emerging disease.
Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic
Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic.
MSK event brings healthcare experts and academics together
On 21 April, the University of Stirling held an event where over 75 healthcare professionals attended to hear about the latest research and innovation into musculoskeletal conditions.
New high-tech lab is first of its kind in Scotland
New high-tech lab for the study of brain function across the lifespan is first of its kind in Scotland.
Adolescent girls in Bangladesh at risk of nutritional deficiency, study finds
New study finds adolescent girls in Bangladesh are at risk of nutritional deficiency even if they live in a seafood rich area.
Study looks to understand exposure to air pollution in informal settlements in Africa
Researchers looking at fuel use for cooking in Kenya and Malawi have found residents in the countries informal settlements are being exposed to worrying levels of pollution.
Stirling sports heritage experts to measure success of national football celebration
Sports heritage experts at the University of Stirling have been appointed to evaluate a major celebration of football in Scotland.
Stone of Destiny focus of new research project
A University of Stirling heritage expert has been awarded a prestigious grant to explore the contemporary meanings and values of the Stone of Destiny.
Celebration of forestry research will showcase work of PhD students
An inaugural celebration of forestry research will showcase the work of postgraduate students.
Stirling academic Professor Leigh Sparks named top retail influencer
University of Stirling academic Professor Leigh Sparks, an international expert in retail, has been named a top influencer in his field.
New comic shines a light on forgotten heroes of HIV/Aids activism
A new comic is telling the stories of forgotten HIV and AIDs campaigners who played a major role in tackling stigma and prejudice faced by sufferers in the 1980s.
We can learn from Scotland’s witch hunts to shape justice today, says criminology expert
We can learn valuable lessons from campaigns that highlight the injustices of Scotland’s witch hunts, says a criminology expert from the University of Stirling.
New study finds that microplastics can help dangerous bacteria survive on Scottish beaches
New research from the University of Stirling has found that dangerous bacteria are able to survive the journey from sewage treatment plants to beaches on microplastic pollution.
Primary school children spend less time outdoors, University study finds
Primary school children spend less time playing and learning outdoors, University study finds.
University working to monitor water quality in war-torn Ukraine
The University of Stirling is working with a Ukrainian university to monitor water quality in the war-torn country.
International research to tackle exclusion and inequalities faced by people living with dementia
An international project led by the University of Stirling is to investigate how people living with dementia can be better included in decisions taken in their communities.
Solutions to global water crisis sought in Scotland
Professor Andrew Tyler has spoken of the University’s work to mitigate the effects of climate change to mark the 30th anniversary of World Water Day.
Tool developed to identify girls at risk of nutritional deficiency
Professor Dave Little of the University’s world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture used the resource to discover that adolescent girls in Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable.
Health researchers launch ‘first’ Long Covid resource for patients and health care professionals
The first resource of its kind to support those living with Long Covid and the healthcare professionals involved in their care, has been launched by experts from the University of Stirling.
Growing mushrooms alongside trees could feed millions and mitigate effects of climate change, research finds
Growing edible mushrooms alongside trees can produce a valuable food source for millions of people while capturing carbon, mitigating the impact of climate change, a new study by University of Stirling scientists has found.
University of Stirling expert in substance use and inclusion health recognised by Academy of Social Sciences
One of the country’s leading experts in substance use and inclusion health, Professor Tessa Parkes, has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Agriculture needs fresh approach to tackle insect resistance to biopesticides, new analysis finds
A new way to manage insect pests' resistance to greener pesticides is needed, according to analysis by University of Stirling scientists.