Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

Scottish Government must go further to restore peatlands in pursuit of net zero, study finds

Scotland’s natural capital advantage could be lost unless more ambitious peatland restoration targets are set, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

Peatland Scotland

Researchers publish key guidelines for internet regulation

A new set of guidelines on internet regulation - published by philosophers from the University of Stirling - are aiming to support policy makers to tackle the spread of fake news and protect democratic debate online.

Judge gavel lying on laptop keyboard

New project to examine how primary educators access research to inform teaching

A new major project to examine how primary teachers access and engage with literacy research to inform teaching is underway.

An image of a loch

Study explores self-management treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

University of Stirling researchers will explore the clinical and cost effectiveness of an innovative self-management programme designed to help improve the lives of women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic pain in women

New partnership to support net zero in Scotland

Enhanced environmental monitoring will support Scotland’s journey to net zero and beyond, thanks to a new partnership between the University of Stirling and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Prof Andrew Tyler and Michael Cranston water monitoring

Stirling housing expert leads major report on veterans’ homelessness

The findings of a new report – led by a University of Stirling expert on behalf of the Veterans’ Scotland Housing Group – will help tackle homelessness among former armed forces personnel.

Army boots close up in line on parade day

Study provides new insights into the effects of radiation from Chernobyl

Researchers at the University of Stirling have found that animals in lakes closest to the Chernobyl nuclear reactor have more genetic mutations than those from further away, giving new insight into the effect of radiation on wild species.

Microscopic image of Daphnia

The loo taboo: new study explores uptake of controversial technologies

Researchers have provided an important insight into the cultural taboo surrounding an innovative ‘green’ technology that enables users to transform their domestic toilet waste into biogas.

Early adopter family with their TLAD

University of Stirling joins network of Young European Research Universities

The University of Stirling has announced it is to join a prestigious network of European universities focusing on research collaboration.

An image of a loch

Research will be first to study LGBT+ experience of welfare system

In a world first, a major new research project is being launched to examine the experiences of LGBT+ people when accessing the benefits system in the UK.

UK coins spread across a table

Stirling scientist chosen to pilot Mars rover

A University of Stirling scientist has been chosen to join the team piloting the European Space Agency’s Mars rover when it launches next year, on its mission to find life on the Red Planet.

The ExoMars rover on Mars surface

New Digital Entrepreneur in Residence for Stirling Management School

The University of Stirling Management School (SMS) has appointed its first Digital Entrepreneur in Residence to help students and staff prepare for ‘Industry 4.0’.

Digital icons coming out of man's head

Study sheds new light on Bangladeshi prawn and shrimp industry

A new, large-scale study into prawn and shrimp production in southwest Bangladesh has found that the industry is crucial to public health and prosperity, whilst being climate-resilient, contrary to its reputation.

Community fish harvest Bangladesh

Alcohol policy measures could reduce ambulance callouts, study finds

New alcohol policy measures should be considered to reduce drink-related ambulance callouts, according to researchers studying data from Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambulance racing through town

New research hub to tackle ageing population challenges

A new multi-million-pound intergenerational research centre at the University of Stirling will provide pioneering solutions to the challenges posed by an ageing global population.

A group of older adults enjoying a work at the beach.

MND diary project aims to enhance future care and support

A new University of Stirling study is seeking to improve healthcare and support for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) by exploring coping and resilience in those living with the condition.

An image of a loch

Stirling research to transform record keeping in children’s homes

Researchers at the University of Stirling are set to transform record keeping in children’s homes after securing funding for a ground-breaking project.

An image of a loch

Study shows new potential of fish by-products

Fish farming by-products have the potential to increase the sustainability of aquaculture, and contribute to other sectors – such as food, diet supplements, animal feed and cosmetics, according to a new study.

European seabass swimming

ESRC awards £8.26m to new social care research centre

Experts from the University of Stirling are to play a leading role in a new ESRC research centre, which will tackle critical social and economic issues – from evolving policing, to social care and intergenerational inequality.

An image of a loch

Study finds edible fungi could support transition to net zero

An Honorary Professor from the University of Stirling has made a breakthrough in resolving a key conflict in the world’s quest for net zero – how to reconcile tree planting and food production.

Blue-coloured Lactarius indigo mushroom in leaves

Widening inequalities in children’s physical activity, research finds

Deprivation-based inequalities in physical activity between Scotland’s children were already growing before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.

An image of a loch

Stirling academics to lead international study on smart technology and consumer protection

Legal experts at the University of Stirling have launched a new study to ensure that consumer laws are as ‘smart’ as the emerging technologies that they regulate.

Person using virtual assistant and smart speaker at home

New Stirling-led project to reflect on Billy Bremner’s career

The life and career of Scottish football legend Billy Bremner will be the focus of a new sports heritage project, led by the University of Stirling.

An image of a loch

Stirling welcomes international delegations

The University of Stirling welcomed two international delegations to campus last week, coinciding with the launch of Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC).

Clean Air Champion for Scotland

A University of Stirling lecturer has been appointed Regional Clean Air Champion for Scotland, to help develop solutions to air quality challenges as part of the UK’s Clean Air Programme.

Stirling town, castle and hills behind

Environmental recovery platform launches at COP

A pioneering environmental recovery project that will turn the Forth Valley into a living laboratory is being launched to an international audience today [November 9] at global climate summit COP26.

Drone shot of the Kincardine Bridge

Research project to promote tolerance by reshaping history education

A new research project led by a University of Stirling academic is to shake-up the way British history is taught to school children and presented to the public in order to promote tolerance.

Heritage museum

Targeted messaging required to tackle vaccine hesitancy, study finds

Decision-makers must deploy targeted public health messaging to tackle COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among groups where uptake is particularly low, according to new University of Stirling research.

Medical practitioner prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.

New video game puts players in the shoes of COP26 decision-makers

As world climate summit COP26 begins today, researchers at the University of Stirling have created a video game that puts players in the position of the world leaders gathering there.

Still from video game Power Up

Pandemic impact on senior charge nurses and midwives explored

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior charge nurses and midwives will be explored as part of a new University of Stirling study.

nurse

‘Stark’ figures reveal lack of diversity in Scottish history lessons

A new survey of Scottish teachers, released to coincide with Black History Month, has revealed only a minority of secondary schools feature Black history in lessons.

Stock photos of a classroom. A teacher stands in front of a whiteboard with students sitting at desks facing them.

COP26: University of Stirling experts to develop new research hub in Africa

A new multi-million-pound project involving University of Stirling scientists will create a research hub to explore climate-smart, conservation-led solutions for sustainable development in central Africa.

Gabonese Forest landscape

Experts recommend resistance training to improve frailty in older people

Resistance training in frail older adults is effective in delivering significant improvements in functional capacity and strength, according to a new study by the University of Stirling.

Older people using resistance training equipment

University of Stirling experts explore framing of alcohol harm

Experts at the University of Stirling are leading a new research project aiming to create a better informed, more balanced and compassionate national conversation around alcohol harm.

bottle of alcohol

New study reveals hundreds of alcohol references during high-profile televised rugby matches

Experts from the University of Stirling have warned that rugby supporters – including young children – are being subjected to alcohol advertising hundreds of times during televised matches.

New study reveals hundreds of alcohol references during high-profile televised rugby

Commission aims to put connectivity at the heart of inclusive growth

A new commission was formally launched today [27 September, 2021] to develop a coherent vision for transport and connectivity across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

Internal bus shot of passengers

Experts to study secret doping of amateur athletes in East Germany

The doping of amateur athletes in the former state of East Germany is the focus of a new study involving experts from the University of Stirling and Aarhus University in Denmark.

Athletes running at a marathon

University showcases research tackling loneliness to MSP

A local MSP has heard how experts at the University of Stirling are tackling the issue of social isolation and loneliness through technology.

Hand holds up a deck of cards in a fan shape to camera

Researchers to explore effectiveness of support for trafficked children

The University of Stirling is launching a new research project to investigate the impact of support services on the recovery of children and young people trafficked in to the UK.

An image of a loch

Scotland's International Environment Centre is approved

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Regional Deal has taken a major step towards delivering for local communities after plans for Scotland’s International Environment Centre - to be based at the University of Stirling - were approved.

An image of a loch

New project seeks to sharpen up cleaner fish vaccinations

A team of UK researchers has received funding to optimise the formulation and delivery of a key vaccination given to protect ballan wrasse from disease, which could unlock the greater use of cleaner fish to control sea lice on salmon farms.

Ballan wrasse fish

Climate change risk tool to recognise impact on children for the first time

Researchers working with UNICEF have created the Climate Change Vulnerability Index to assess the impact of climate change on children for the first time.

Child Playing on Dry Parched Desert Land stock photo

How trees can help the UK reach Net Zero

University of Stirling researchers are part of a new £10.5m UK programme focussing on how trees can enable the UK to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Birch trees in evening light

New project to explore the creation of resilient habitats

Experts from the University of Stirling are part of a new consortium seeking to develop a new approach to defining success in ecological restoration

Ancient oaks in the New Forest

Could drug checking help prevent harms in Scotland?

A team of experts working in partnership with the University of Stirling is exploring how drug checking services could be developed for Scotland in order to reduce harms.

Pill packets

New tool to improve ‘cleaner fish’ welfare in salmon farming

Researchers at the University of Stirling have developed a new tool that fish farmers can use to improve the welfare of lumpfish – a species crucial to tackling the problem of sea lice in salmon.

Lumpfish

The risks and trade-offs of renting from a private landlord

People living in the private rented sector are forced to make hard choices in order to meet their basic needs, new research had revealed.

Rental agreement form with signing hand and pen.

New emergency finance tool for crisis scenarios

Fintech experts from the University of Stirling are building a new digital financial tool that will use blockchain to deliver emergency finance to groups of people during crises, such as COVID-19.

Binary digits in a chain

Scottish smoke-free vehicle legislation reduces pre-school asthma hospitalisations

Hospitalisations for asthma in pre-school children fell in Scotland in the two years following legislation that banned smoking in vehicles containing a child.

Image of driver's hand on wheel with cigarette

Stirling water monitoring experts support Black Sea regeneration

Experts from the University of Stirling will use satellite and sensor technology to support the regeneration of the Black Sea, as part of a new £7.7 million (€9m) research project.

Map of the Black Sea