Research news
MSPs celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health
The Scottish Parliament is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health – praising its contribution to the development of public health policy.
Study to investigate energy challenges in Scottish town
A new study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand the everyday energy challenges facing one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas.
£2.2m for new study on the care of parents who use drugs
An innovative £2.2 million study will investigate the provision of treatment for parents who use drugs in the UK – in a bid to understand how they interact with health and social care services.
Research suggests benefits of conservation efforts may not yet be fully visible
The time it takes for species to respond to conservation measures – known as an ‘ecological time lag’ – could be partly masking any real progress that is being made, experts have warned.
Efforts to tackle tobacco harm explored by experts
The impact of the tobacco display ban on young people’s attitudes to smoking has been analysed by University of Stirling experts.
Stirling expert appointed as Research Director for Healthy Ageing Challenge
A leading University of Stirling academic has been appointed as Research Director for the Healthy Ageing Challenge delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
New Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities Director announced
The Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities (SGSAH) is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director, Professor Claire Squires.
Study reveals factors behind a resilient community
A new study has identified the key components of ‘community resilience’ – and experts believe their findings will help to develop and enhance responses to extreme events.
Stirling expert appointed to Scottish Sentencing Council
A University of Stirling criminologist has been appointed to the Scottish Sentencing Council.
New study on the impact of innovative feeds on salmon health
Scientists are testing whether oils from microalgae and genetically modified (GM) oilseed crops could provide beneficial omega-3 for salmon – and, in turn, boost levels in the human diet.
Pub profits largely unaffected by Scotland’s lower drink-drive limit
The lowering of the drink-drive limit in Scotland had little long-term financial impact on pubs – unlike some had predicted ahead of its introduction, according to new research.
New research finds that Shetland had its own ice sheet
A massive ice sheet covered Scotland’s Shetland Islands and the surrounding seafloor around 21,000 years ago – and rapidly collapsed about 19,000 years ago, a new study has found.
Lisbon Lions’ impact on Scotland’s Irish diaspora revealed
Celtic’s historic European Cup triumph in 1967 was a “defining moment” for the Irish diaspora in Scotland, according to a new study from the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh.
Romanian President honours University of Stirling scientist
A University of Stirling scientist has received a prestigious honour from the Romanian President in recognition of his research team’s environmental management efforts across Europe.
Project to enhance shrimp and fish health in Bangladesh
Experts at the University of Stirling are working with senior industry, government and scientific officials from Bangladesh in a bid to tackle a major issue in the aquaculture sector.
University of Stirling wins the UK’s highest academic honour
The University of Stirling’s world-leading Institute of Aquaculture is to receive the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
Intergenerational study planned following successful pilot
Experts at the University of Stirling are planning a major intergenerational study into the benefits of bringing together nursery-aged children and adults living with dementia.
Historic climate change on Mars might be detectable
Historical instances of extreme climate change on Mars could be detected through the measurement of subsurface temperatures, according to a new University of Stirling study.
Mind-expanding exhibition inspired by Stirling research
An art exhibition about the human mind – inspired by research involving the University of Stirling – has just opened at the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh.
Major new study to examine curriculum provision in Scottish secondary schools
The structure of the Scottish secondary school curriculum – and its impacts on the lives of pupils – will be examined by University of Stirling academics.
New Aquaculture PhDs under major new partnership
The University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) will benefit from a number of new PhD studentships after joining a major partnership funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
New £350,000 project to promote education in sport
Experts at the University of Stirling will research and promote education in sport as part of a new £350,000 collaboration with European partners.
New research to look at peer support around dementia
A new research project will evaluate peer support initiatives for people with a lived experience of dementia, with the aim of improving care in Scotland and across the UK.
Review finds suicidal children are “at risk of being overlooked”
The needs of suicidal children are at risk of being overlooked due to gaps in policy and inconsistencies in how the issue is approached globally, according to experts.
New boxing archive has a nice ring to it
Scotland’s proud boxing history is to be preserved in a new archive - housed at the University of Stirling - following a funding award by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Multi-million pound award for domestic abuse research
Researchers have received a multi-million pound grant to investigate innovative interventions to support children and young people impacted by domestic abuse.
Male dominance of discussions around steroid use may increase risk to women
Women who use steroids may be at “higher risk” because discussions around the issue are often dominated by men, new research has revealed.
Colonial settlers’ memories explored in new online course
The experiences of former European settlers of colonial Algeria will be the focus of a new online course launched by the University of Stirling.
Eating mussels three times a week boosts omega-3 levels
Eating mussels three times per week may bring about significant health benefits – such as reduced risk of cardiac arrest – thanks to their omega-3 fatty acid properties.
Stirling graduates’ documentary helps kick-off film festival
A film – made by University of Stirling graduates – exploring inclusion within the world of rugby will be screened on the opening night of an international film festival.
Farmed oysters able to protect themselves from acidification
Oysters bred for fast growth and disease resistance are able to adapt their shell growth to protect themselves from environmental acidification, according to new research.
£300k project explores role of feed strategies in parasite control
A new £300,000 study involving University of Stirling experts and a leading animal feed manufacturer is aiming to explore how certain feed ingredients can reduce infections in farmed fish.
Routine sparring in boxing can affect brain performance
Routine sparring in boxing can cause short-term impairments in brain-to-muscle communication and decreased memory performance, according to new research.
Informal approach key to tackling drinking in pregnancy
Health professionals should adopt a conversational approach and focus on building trust when discussing alcohol consumption with pregnant women, midwives have told researchers.
Stirling graduates make national television debut
University of Stirling graduates' documentary about a mixed martial artist is to air on the BBC Scotland channel tonight.
Banning trophy hunting can have a detrimental impact, experts say
Experts have outlined “compelling evidence” that suggests banning trophy hunting can negatively affect conservation – arguing that unregulated killings are far more prevalent in non-hunting zones.
Warnings on individual cigarettes could reduce smoking
Health warnings printed on individual cigarettes could play a key role in reducing smoking, according to new research from the University of Stirling.
‘Urgent action’ needed to clean up Scotland’s air further
Further action is required to support efforts to improve the quality of air in Scotland, an analysis led University of Stirling academics has found.
Older private renters face unique challenges
The UK’s growing number of older private renters face distinct challenges which could worsen the nation’s housing crisis, according to research led by the University of Stirling on behalf of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE).
Beaver reintroduction key to solving freshwater biodiversity crisis
Reintroducing beavers to their native habitat is an important step towards solving the freshwater biodiversity crisis, according to experts at the University of Stirling.
Inappropriate housing causing disabled people ‘physical and mental harm’
Leading housing experts are warning that disabled home-seekers are experiencing adverse emotional and mental distress due to a lack of suitable accommodation.
Arctic study to shed light on organisms key to the food chain
A research team – led by a University of Stirling expert – will set off on a scientific cruise to the Arctic Ocean this weekend in a bid to understand the behaviour of tiny organisms that are key to the food chain.
Half of young drinkers are unaware of health messages on alcohol packaging
Just half of 11-19 year old drinkers recall seeing health messages or warnings on alcohol packaging – despite being an important target market for this information, according to new research.
Salt rules linked to 9,900 cases of cardiovascular disease and 1,500 cancer cases
A relaxation of UK food industry regulation has been linked with 9,900 additional cases of cardiovascular disease, and 1,500 cases of stomach cancer.
Space mission explains lack of primitive meteorites found on Earth
A European lander delivered by a Japanese-led space mission – involving a University of Stirling scientist – has made an important discovery during its exploration of the primitive asteroid Ryugu.
Stirling academics awarded NHS research grant to tackle prescription opioid overdose
Substance use experts at the University of Stirling have been awarded a £30,000 research grant from NHS Fife to help reduce the risk of overdose in prescription opioid users.
Scotland’s energy future inquiry informed by University of Stirling expertise
A major inquiry into Scotland’s future energy requirements has benefited from input from a University of Stirling academic.
MSc student on track to boost cervical cancer screening attendance rates
A Stirling student is expecting to boost cervical cancer screening attendance rates in Iceland by at least 5% after launching an innovative project as part of her MSc course.
Looked after children in Scotland have faced ‘significant neglect and maltreatment’ before entering care
Almost 90% of children aged five and under - studied as part of a major new research project led by the University of Stirling - experienced abuse or neglect before entering care.
Innovative approach to tackling pesticide resistance evolution
A new £620,000 study led by the University of Stirling is taking a “revolutionary approach” in attempting to tackle resistance to pesticides in insects.