Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport news

Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport

Stirling graduate set to transform fencing in Scotland

A fencing coach and graduate of the University of Stirling is helping to transform the sport in Scotland.

Photo of Philip Carson taken at his fencing club

New project supports children and young people to access the mental health benefits of live music

New research identifies ways more children and young people in Scotland can experience the mental health and wellbeing benefits of live music.

Two violinists perform to a group of young people

Son of Santos legend hopes racism research will strike impact in Brazil

Donald Silva was born in Mexico, while his father – football star, Abel Veronico – continued his professional playing career. Abel had started his career in Rio, before joining the world-famous Santos Futebol Clube where he played alongside football legend Pelé.

Donald Silva stands on a football pitch holding up a football

New programme to put walking at the heart of Scottish secondary schools

A new project bringing together academics and young people to promote the benefits of walking is being developed thanks to new funding.

School pupils walk out of a school building

University kicks off new education partnership with Rangers

In the first collaboration of its kind in Scotland, Stirling has partnered with the Scottish Premiership football team to launch a new MPhil Performance Analysis course.

Ross Ireland, Andrew Smyth and Harry Sutherland photographed in their Rangers uniform

Safer consumption and drug checking facilities key to addressing drug harms in Edinburgh, study finds

Safer drug consumption facilities (SDCF) and drug checking could be key to addressing drug harms in the city of Edinburgh, according to University of Stirling experts in substance use.

Edinburgh at night

Tennis scholar takes singles and doubles titles at Australian Open

University of Stirling tennis star Anna McBride has claimed a second sweep at the Australian Open – after winning the women’s singles and doubles titles in its players with intellectual impairment (PWII) event.

Anna McBride in action on court at the Australian Open event

University of Stirling tennis star to defend titles at Australian Open

A University of Stirling tennis scholar will compete at the Australian Open this weekend – as she seeks to defend the two titles she won at last year’s event.

Anna McBride pictured at the PWII Women's Singles at the 2023 Australian Open.

E-cigarettes help pregnant smokers quit without risks to pregnancy

A new analysis of trial data on pregnant smokers, has found that the regular use of nicotine replacement products during pregnancy is not associated with adverse pregnancy events or poor pregnancy outcomes.

A pile of brightly coloured e-cigarettes scattered across a surface

A Doctoral project supporting academic capacity development in South Africa

The University of Stirling has partnered with four South African universities to enhance academic development and research at the country’s historically disadvantaged universities, including Nelson Mandela’s alma mater.

Group photo of the PhD candidates and staff from the partner universities

Researchers call for changes to tackle chronic pain in children

Health researchers at the University of Stirling are calling for an overhaul of services for children living with chronic pain.

An image of a loch

Symposium promotes ethical coaching practice

More than 100 sports professionals from across the UK took part in a special event promoting the importance of ethics in coaching, at the University of Stirling.

L to R_sportscotland lead manager, Ewen Cameron, Executive Director of Sport at Stirling,Cathy Gallagher, Keynote speaker Andy Abraham, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, Jayne Donaldson, and organiser Stephen Macdonald

Composer swaps the stage for career in nursing

A Stirling graduate is celebrating after a major career change saw her swapping the stage for ward rounds.

Suzie John poses in front of the stage at her graduation ceremony. She holds a graduation scroll and is wearing a green dress with graduation robes on top. There are flowers to her right hand side on the stage.

First paramedics to graduate from the University of Stirling

The first paramedics to study at the University of Stirling are set to celebrate their graduation this week.

Ida, Roisin, Drew and Matthew pose in graduation gowns next to an ambulance

Highland nurse to walk 200 miles to graduation

A Highland nurse is embarking on a 10-day solo trek to get to her graduation.

Helen Davies in hiking gear posing against a mountainous backdrop

Sports lecturer leads GB trampolinists at World Championships

A University of Stirling Sports lecturer is hoping to help Great Britain’s top trampolinists secure a spot at the Olympic Games this month.

Paul Greaves holds a Great Britain flag outstretched above his head outside the University's Sports Centre

Health experts to evaluate new fast-track cancer diagnosis scheme

University of Stirling health experts are to study the success of a new Cancer Research UK-funded scheme which aims to reduce cancer diagnosis waiting times in Scotland.

Blurred image of a hospital corridor

Dementia research wins diversity award

A University of Stirling research team investigating the impact of dementia on couples with a learning disability has been recognised with a top award.

The Stand by Me team on stage at the award ceremony

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.

People seated in a conference room watching a presentation

Study shows detrimental impact of Long Covid on the education and lives of children and young people

New research, led by the University of Stirling, is shining a spotlight on the profound effect Long Covid can have on children and young people’s school experience and wider lives.

A shot of a group of female and male teenagers standing in school uniforms next to red lockers. Their faces are not visible.

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.

Karen Mather of NHS Lanarkshire with Dr Rachel O'Donnell of the University of Stirling

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.

woman looking at camera

Research explores whether free Nicotine Replacement Therapy can 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.

Image of smoke in the home.

Pioneering wellbeing programme supports academy players through ups and downs of football

The first programme of its kind to support academy players at two professional football clubs in Scotland is seeking fresh funding after overwhelming success.

2.	From top, L to R: Wellbeing Coach Louis Kerr, Moira Greentree of Care Visions, Under-18s Kilmarnock players Josh and Logan, Allan Muirhead of Care Visions, Wellbeing Coach Louis Kerr and Kilmarnock Football Club’s Youth Ambassador, Charlie Adams., sitting in stands at Rugby Park

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.

Crowd clapping on the podium of the stadium

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.

Empty airplane cabin interior

Golfer Lorna McClymont wins Women’s Irish Open title

University of Stirling Golfer Lorna McClymont has won the Women’s Irish Open title

Golfer Lorna McClymont in action.

Innovative new workshops set to explore music, mental health and wellbeing

A new collaboration between Children in Scotland, Scottish Ensemble and the University of Stirling, is opening up opportunities for children and young people to experience a diverse range of live music.

Musicians pose with their instruments on a black background with white text advertising the workshops talking place in Inverness, Stirling and Glasgow

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.

Six healthcare experts and academics stood next to each other outside

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.

Wood logs and charcoal fire

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.

3D Render of Coronavirus.

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.

Close up image depicting an arrangement of metal beer cans in a row

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.

An image of a loch

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.

two children on smartphones

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.

Pregnant woman gives up smoking.

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.

danceSing initiative at Balhousie Care Home

Forth Valley set to benefit from landmark new health partnership

An ambitious landmark partnership between the University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and NHS Forth Valley has launched today – with the mission to improve patient care and treatments, and boost health research and staff learning across the region.

Forth Valley Health Partnership launch

University of Stirling celebrates Singapore graduates

The University of Stirling is today celebrating the graduation of students from its programmes delivered at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).

Singapore graduation 2022

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.

An image of a loch

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.

Young man speaking to counsellor.

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.

bottles of wine

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.

alcohol

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.

An image of a loch

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.

Health visitor visits family

University of Stirling and NHS Forth Valley triumph at UK student nursing awards

The University of Stirling and NHS Forth Valley have scooped two awards at the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards – recognising the success of their long-standing partnership in teaching and educating the next generation of nurses.

Catherine Watson, student nurse

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.

An image of a loch

Daily activity is route to a better memory as well as fitness for pupils

Schoolchildren who run or walk for 15 minutes during the school day are mentally and physically sharper than those who do not, according to a new study involving the University of Stirling.

Daily mile participants

Pressures on Euro 2020 hosts led to less effective COVID-19 measures, study finds

Measures designed to reduce transmission of COVID-19 at Euro 2020 matches may not have been as effective due to the multiple pressures faced by host cities, a new study has found.

Wembley Stadium

Youth advisory group launched as part of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan

Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) is launching a youth advisory group – supported by the University of Stirling – to inform and improve policy from the perspective of those with lived experience.

An image of a loch

Prominent health warnings on alcohol products make drinking “unappealing”, new study finds

Young adult drinkers are more likely to perceive alcohol products as “unappealing” and “socially unacceptable” if they display prominent health warnings, according to new research.

Person buying alcohol