Research news
£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.
![Photograph of a river surrounding by green grass and mountains](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/november/River-TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
New exhibition kicks Stirling sporting hero back into spotlight
Raploch born footballer Billy Bremner remembered in new University exhibition
![Exhibition poster showing old photos of Billy Bremner as a young footballer and as a professional](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/november/Billy-Bremner---TB.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Pile of animal tusks for sale in the local shop in market in the Old town of Fenghuang, Hunan Province, China](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/november/Ivory-tB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Rear view of young gamer wearing gaming headphones with backlight and playing in computer video game on computer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/october/Videogame-TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Child drinks from a bottle of water](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/october/Heatwave-report-TB.jpg)
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.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![older person using tin opener](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/october/older-person-using-tin-opener-578x358.png)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/october/child-health-450x338-copy.jpg)
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.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/october/smoke-450338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/october/balhousie-450x338.jpg)
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.
![mussels](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/september/mussels-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Healthcare worker with senior woman using digital tablet at care home](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/september/iPad-in-care-home_TB_450x338.jpg)
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.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/september/child-450x338.jpg)
£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.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Two police officers from behind in a crowd](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/august/Stock-police-thumbnail.jpg)
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.
![Scots pine forest](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/august/scots-pine-thumbnail.jpg)
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.
![An elderly lady sitting in the dark](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/august/Thumbnail-vulnerable-older-person.jpg)
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.
![Liz Lynch at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, 1986](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/july/1986-Book-Liz-Lynch-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Mediterranean sea cucumber](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/july/sea-cuc-thumbnail.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/july/bottle-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Planning image of NATIH](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/july/NATIH-capture-thumbnail.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/july/alcohol-450338.jpg)
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.
![Snow pearlwort](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/june/Thumbnail-Snow-pearlwort-(Sagina-nivalis),-Ben-Lawers-NNR-by-Sarah-Watts(1).jpg)
‘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.
![Plastic waste](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/june/plastic-waste-thumbnail.jpg)
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.
![Military personnel standing in George Square Glasgow](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/june/SSAFA-TB_450x338.jpg)
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.
![Close up of a stethoscope and digital tablet with virtual electronic medical record of patient on interface.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/june/Health-TB.jpg)
‘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.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Abs Bubonic plague bacteria - 3d rendered image structure view on black background. Plague Infection concept.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/june/Plague-bacteria_TB_450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/june/healthvisitor-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Plastic waste on Scottish beach](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/may/Scottish-beach-plastic-stock-THUMBNAIL.jpg)
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.
![Person sitting on the floor surrounded by bills](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/may/COst-of-living-STOCK_TB_450x338.jpg)
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 head](/media/stirling/services/research/images/ref-2021-assets/REF-head-news-teaser-450x338-copy.png)
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.
![REF 2021 news teaser](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/may/REF-2021-news-teaser-450x338.png)
University of Stirling welcomes Norwegian heritage experts
The University of Stirling is to host some of the world’s leading experts on heritage as it strengthens its international ties to the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU).
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/05/DailyMileThumb.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/april/Wembley450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
University of Stirling to lead third research network hub in British Academy pilot
The British Academy has announced that the third and final hub of its Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Network – a two-year pilot programme for UK-based postdoctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences – will be in Scotland.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
Study reveals few infants taken into care in Scotland are placed with brothers and sister
Only one in five infants taken into care in Scotland who had older brothers or sisters were initially placed with them, according to a new study funded by Scottish Government which has been published today.
![Baby hand holds finger](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/april/baby-hand-holds-finger-450x338.jpg)
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](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/april/alcohol-450x338.jpg)
Building a buzz: robot bees to simulate pollination
Two scientists from the UK and the US have been jointly awarded £640,000 to build microrobots that simulate the buzzing of bees.
![Bee approaching flower](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/april/Bee-thumbnail.jpg)
Wild meat hunting and trade threatens global sustainability, researchers say
The hunting and trade of wild animals for meat is a threat to global sustainability that should be managed on the same scale as deforestation, say researchers.
![Wild meat for sale sign](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/march/wildmeat-thumbnail.png)
Net zero drive for the Scottish water sector
A new Scotland Hydro Nation initiative launching on World Water Day today, 22 March, aims to drive Scotland’s water sector to net zero and beyond by 2040.
![Hydro Nation Chair team standing by reservoir](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/march/HNC-thumbnail.png)
Study explores impact of singing and dancing on healthy ageing
Researchers at the University of Stirling are exploring how singing and dancing can support healthy ageing and improve mental wellbeing among care home residents.
![DanceSing lead a class.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2022/march/dancesing-450x338.jpg)
Flavoured cigarette use by children overlooked, study finds
The widespread use of menthol cigarettes in underage smokers has been overlooked according to new research from the University of Stirling and Cardiff University.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)