Research news
Social science researchers at the University of Stirling will “hit the ground running” after major £1.25m funding boost
The University of Stirling has received a major funding boost that will have a major impact on social sciences research.
Climate change concerns increasingly reduce natural gas support
The public’s concerns about climate change could reduce support for natural gas as an alternative fuel source, research suggests.
Call for Stirling locals to take part in Wallace Monument research
Researchers at the University of Stirling are looking for frequent visitors to the The National Wallace Monument to take part in a tourism study.
Piecing together Scotland’s religious past with shards of glass
Two Scottish researchers are attempting to piece together part of Scotland’s religious past by combining hi-tech science with historical knowledge.
University of Stirling ageing experts share pioneering work with Scotland Office minister
Experts in ageing, dementia and housing at the University of Stirling shared their pioneering research and ambitious plans with UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord during a visit to campus today.
Reduced subject choice under Curriculum for Excellence is affecting opportunities and outcomes for Scotland’s young people, research finds
Curriculum narrowing and a reduced choice of school subjects under the Curriculum for Excellence are affecting outcomes for Scotland’s young people, according to a new study from the University of Stirling.
Research raises concerns over relationship between major US research institution and the alcohol industry
A new study has uncovered extensive interactions between one of the world’s leading funders of alcohol research and alcohol industry groups, sparking concern about the industry’s influence on science and public health policy.
Heritage experts to study responses to protecting Ukraine's cultural heritage and monuments
A new international project is to explore how cultural heritage, monuments and the professionals involved in their safeguarding, can be better protected during times of war.
MSPs learn of “frontline research” in dementia on visit to University of Stirling
Two Scottish MSPs with interests in housing, equality and older people have visited the University of Stirling to learn about its advances in improving the lives of people living with dementia.
Diversifying fish species and sources provide a flexible pathway to food and nutrition security
Scientists from the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture and WorldFish publish findings from their latest study on pond polyculture.
Burns’ influence on working class English writers revealed after the discovery of ‘lost’ works
The influence of Robert Burns saw poets in the north of England writing verse in Scots, say researchers who have uncovered a host of ‘lost’ literary works penned by industrial workers in the 19th Century.
Cancer greater cause for concern than COVID for over 50s
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Stirling found chronic health conditions are a greater cause for concern than COVID-19 and that older people feel safer from catching COVID-19 in healthcare settings than in other places in the community.
£2m water quality project to protect river ecosystems
New research led by the University of Stirling is to explore how pollution and climate change are impacting freshwater ecosystems for the first time.
Funding announced for major aquaculture project in Thailand and Vietnam
The University of Stirling has secured major funding to improve the welfare of farmed fish in Thailand and Vietnam, with the aim of enhancing the quality of fish for human consumption.
New exhibition kicks Stirling sporting hero back into spotlight
Raploch born footballer Billy Bremner remembered in new University exhibition
Privatisation in the UK has cost lives, research suggests
The UK’s privatisation of public services has led to an increase in the number of health and safety disasters which have caused multiple fatalities, according to new research from the University of Stirling.
New research explains dramatic reduction of ivory trade in Japan
With implications for global wildlife trade, research from the University of Stirling and National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan has shown how Japan, once the largest consumer country of ivory, stopped being a destination for the product.
Video games project aims to awake ‘sleeping giant’ industry in Scotland
University of Stirling experts are setting out key recommendations to boost Scotland’s videogame industry.
Heatwaves to impact almost every child on earth by 2050: UNICEF report
New research from UNICEF, supported by experts at the University of Stirling, has estimated that by 2050, every child in the world is expected to be exposed to worsening heatwaves.
Collaborative project to educate communities on air quality
Air quality experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new collaborative project to help communities understand how they contribute to air pollution in their local area.
Low-tech gadgets have biggest impact for older people, research finds
New research undertaken by housing and ageing experts at the University of Stirling has found that introducing low tech gadgets to retirement living schemes has a major impact on health and well-being.
Pandemic has worsened global childhood physical inactivity crisis – and Scotland is no exception
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated shortfalls in children’s physical activity around the world, including in Scotland, according to a new study involving the University of Stirling.
Voucher scheme highly effective at helping stop smoking in pregnancy, study finds
A high street voucher scheme is highly effective in helping women stop smoking during pregnancy, according to new research involving the University of Stirling.
Research shows music and movement hits right note with care home residents
A pilot study by the University of Stirling has found that music and movement can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of care home residents – and could lead to similar activities being rolled out on a wider scale.
Moving mussels: new insights into shellfish farming
Researchers have identified how mussel larvae move – giving mussel and other shellfish farmers important insights into where and how to grow them.
Evaluation finds extension of distress intervention during pandemic was a success
A ground-breaking mental health programme which supports people in distress was successfully extended during the pandemic, according to a new evaluation led by the University of Stirling.
Tech project succeeds in connecting care home residents during pandemic
A pioneering project introducing iPads to care homes during the pandemic had a significant impact on social isolation, according to experts at the University of Stirling.
One in four children referred to mental health services in Scotland have suicidal thoughts or behaviours, study suggests
A quarter of children referred to mental health services in Scotland have been thinking about or attempted suicide – and face a postcode lottery as to whether they will be assessed or treated, a new study suggests.
£2m research to study impact of place and stigma on older disabled adults
New research exploring the impact of stigma on fuelling inequalities experienced by UK disabled adults in later life has secured funding of £2m.
Lessons for Police Scotland in introduction of body cameras
There is widespread public support for Scottish police to wear body cameras when attending incidents, but certain pitfalls must be avoided, new research highlights.
Monocultures or mixed species? Surprising research shows how forests cope with drought
Monocultures of some of the UK’s most economically important conifers may be more resilient to spring drought than mixed species forests, new research has shown.
Study reveals negative experience of family caregivers during the pandemic
Family caregivers in the UK were marginalised during the pandemic, and vulnerable older people were let down by the health system, a new study has found.
New exhibition celebrates Scotland’s Commonwealth Games heroes
A new exhibition curated by University of Stirling experts to celebrate Scotland’s historic sporting heroes is set to open in Birmingham as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
How the humble sea cucumber could transform fish farming
Help to solve one of the world’s most pressing dilemmas - how to feed our growing population whilst protecting the planet – may be at hand from a surprising ally – the sea cucumber.
Study reveals impact of alcohol packaging on young people
New research from the University of Stirling has highlighted the significant impact that alcohol packaging has on capturing the attention of, and creating appeal amongst, young people.
New sustainable aquaculture investment for Stirling
An ambitious new aquaculture research and innovation facility at the University of Stirling has received a further one million pounds of investment.
Most stakeholders support review of alcohol laws at UK football stadia but concerns persist, new study finds
Easing legal restrictions around the sale and consumption of alcohol at UK football stadia could deliver public safety and financial benefits, but is not without risks, according to key stakeholders interviewed as part of a new University of Stirling study.
On the ‘elevator to extinction’: arctic-alpine plants endangered in Scottish Highlands
Rare arctic-alpine plants are being driven higher up Scotland’s mountains by climate change and will soon become extinct if we don’t intervene, new research from the University of Stirling has found.
‘Hitch-hiking’ viruses can survive on microplastics in freshwater, new study finds
Scientists have proven for the first time that viruses can survive and remain infectious by binding themselves to plastics in freshwater – raising concerns about the potential impact on human health.
New report reveals strength of holistic welfare service model for supporting veterans in Glasgow
A new report has been published examining the Social Return on Investment (SROI) generated by Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH) a partnership between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Glasgow City Council.
Substance use experts tackle health inequalities among people released from prison
New research is set to explore how health services can better support people released from prison in a bid to reduce the numbers dying from substance use, overdose, and suicide.
‘Essay Mills’ Pose Serious Risk to Scottish Universities
Vulnerable students are turning to online ‘essay mills’ to purchase written work that they then pass off as their own, threatening academic integrity and exploitation, a new study has found.
675-year-old mystery ends after researchers discover the origins of the Black Death
A team of researchers has ended a more than six-and-a-half-century mystery, after discovering the origins of the Black Death for the first time.
Study to explore impact of distress intervention on suicide
A new study is seeking to understand how a ground-breaking intervention designed to support people in distress has impacted suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviour, and self-harm.
Health visiting study seeks to learn lessons from pandemic
A new £265,000 study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected health visiting services across the UK, with a view to improving them in the future.
Stirling-led evaluation recommends roll out of distress intervention across Scotland
A ground-breaking mental health programme designed to support people in distress has been recommended for roll out across Scotland, following a University of Stirling-led evaluation.
Harmful bacteria survive on wet wipes washed up on beaches, study finds
Harmful bacteria on sewage-associated plastic waste washed up on beaches can survive long enough to pose a risk to human health, new research has found.
Human Rights expert calls for law change to protect the most vulnerable from cost-of-living crisis
A leading human rights lawyer is calling for a change in the law in order to allow those suffering from fuel, food or housing inadequacies to hold the government to account.
REF 2021: University of Stirling is top five in Scotland for research impact
The University of Stirling has been ranked top five in Scotland and top 50 in the UK for the impact of its research, according to new analysis from Times Higher Education.
REF 2021: University of Stirling research is making a difference globally
University of Stirling research is making a tangible difference across the globe – with new analysis recognising that 87% is of the highest standard, having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society.