Research news
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.
![Loch Voil](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/october/LochVoil450338.jpg)
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.
![Professor Paul Thomas](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/october/UoS-Truffle-Hunting-450338.jpg)
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.
![Girl and boy at desk at school](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-thumbnail-image-Curriculum-Making-Research-Centre.jpg)
New methodology addresses “contentious” student satisfaction surveys
Adopting a new methodology approach could address concerns about student satisfaction surveys, according to new research.
![students sitting in library](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-thumbnail-image-student-satisfaction-survey-study.jpg)
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.
![A panda](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/september/Panda450338.jpg)
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’.
![Person holding phone on computer](/media/stirling/news/COVID-conspiracy-story-pic-thumbnail.jpg)
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 parkrun](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/september/UniversityofStirlingparkrun260823450338.jpg)
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.
![National Trust for Scotland and University of Stirling experts visit the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/august/NTS-UofStir-photo_TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Ukrainian students and academics at the University of Stirling](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/august/UkraineTwinningMain450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/august/TB_L-to-R_Karen-Mather-NHS-Lanarkshire-and-Dr-Rachel-O'Donnell-ISMH-UofStirling.jpg)
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.
![Woman standing outside](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-Kate-Abernethy-thumbnail.jpg)
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 Alps](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/july/AlpsArthurBroadbent450338.jpg)
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.
![Person eating cheese](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/july/CheeseParadoxiStock450x338.jpg)
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.
![Dr Alan Law using sampling kit at the University of Stirling campus](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/july/DrAlanLawusingsamplingkitattheUniversityofStirlingcampus450338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/Kate-4-thumbnail.jpg)
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.
![Dr Xavier Alexis Walter, a senior researcher in water and wastewater management in a circular economy at The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, feeding his experiment.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/july/AlexisWalterTheJamesHuttonInstitute450x338.jpg)
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.
![child's hands at fence](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-thumbnail-image-child-trafficking-pic.jpg)
Speed dating study finds opposites don’t attract
Speed dating study co-authored by University of Stirling academic finds opposites don’t attract
![Two people speed dating](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/july/450x338SpeedDatingiStock-1172977625.jpg)
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.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/Football-crowd-stock-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Sitka Spruce on Ben Vorlich](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/SitkaSpruceBenVorlich450x338.jpg)
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.
![two men](/media/stirling/news/450x338-thumbnail-image-Miles-Briggs-with-his-father.jpg)
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.
![hands at desk](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-thumbnail-levelling-up.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/Aircraft-cabin_Stock-image_450x338.jpg)
Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic
Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic.
![Trees and tall shrubs in Swedish Arctic, near Abisko.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/abisko-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/msk-event-2023-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Fiadh Robertson, age 4, wears mobile electroencepholography (EEG) equipment at University of Stirling's Lifespan Lab, the first of its kind in Scotland.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/3-Dr-Line-Caes-works-with-Fiadh-Robertson,-age-4,-who-is-wearing-mobile-electroencepholography-(EEG)-equipment-at-University-of-Stirling's-Lifespan-Lab,-the-first-of-its-kind-in-Scotland-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Woman in Bangladesh cooking tilapias](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/2-Woman-cooking-tilapias-caught-as-a-bycatch-from-shrimp-farming-in-Bangladesh.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/Wood-fire_TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Richard Haynes and Karen Fraser standing on a football pitch with stadium seating in the background. Richard holds a football and Karen holds a large board advertising the](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/Richard-Haynes-and-Karen-Fraser_TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Stone of Destiny created by the artist George Wyllie. It is a portable, concrete breeze-block stone, featuring an aluminium handle and the word ‘Destiny’ on one side](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/George-Wyllie-stone-of-Destiny_450x338_TB.jpg)
Celebration of forestry research will showcase work of PhD students
An inaugural celebration of forestry research will showcase the work of postgraduate students.
![Sarah Watts collecting montane willow cuttings for propagation](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/Sarah-Watts-450x338.jpg)
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.
![men in shirt leaning on banister in front of windows](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/06/professor-leigh-sparks-450x338.jpg)
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.
![The front cover of the comic. A black and white cartoon of campaigners holding placards.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/AIDS-COMIC---TB---450-x338.jpg)
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.
![street in Edinburgh](/media/stirling/news/Edinburgh-Castlehill-near-where-witches-were-burned-at-stake-resized-thumbnail.jpg)
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.
![Microplastics under a magnifying glass.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/micro-450x338.jpg)
Primary school children spend less time outdoors, University study finds
Primary school children spend less time playing and learning outdoors, University study finds.
![Young children learning in woodlands.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/april/450x338-Young-children-learning-in-woodlands.-Credit-Lorne-Gill_NatureScot.jpg)
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.
![Andrew Tyler](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/march/450x338-Professor-Andrew-Tyler-1.-Credit-Jeff-Holmes.jpg)
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.
![older people and young person talking](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-thumbnail-ageing-and-exlusion-photo.jpg)
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.
![Andrew Tyler](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/march/450x338-Professor-Andrew-Tyler-1.-Credit-Jeff-Holmes.jpg)
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.
![3D Render of Coronavirus.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/march/Long-Covid_TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Professor Alistair Jump, Professor Paul Thomas](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/450x338-(l-r)-Professor-Alistair-Jump,-Professor-Paul-Thomas.jpg)
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.
![Professor](/media/stirling/news/450x338-Tessa-Parkes.jpg)
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.
![Insect pest amid leaves](/media/stirling/news/450x338-image-of-insect-pest-supplied-by-University-of-Stirling.-Please-credit-Rose-McKeon-.jpg)
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.
![Student/researcher at computer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/450x338-student-and-researcher-thumbnail-image.jpg)
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.
![Child Playing on Dry Parched Desert Land stock photo](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2021/august/Climate-Change-UNICEF-TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![A coloured photograph of Elgin Cathedral showing a large arched glass-less window](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/january/Elgin-Cathedral-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Lord Offord on tour of Dementia Centre](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2023/UoS-Lord-Offord-Visit_08-web-size-thumbnail.jpg)