Faculty of Social Sciences news
Stirling child trafficking experts publish research
A team of experts from the University of Stirling commissioned by the Scottish Government to research the professional response to child trafficking in Scotland has published its research.
![Child's hand holding a white teddy bear](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/october/child-with-teddy_TB_450x338.jpg)
Stirling University scoops national equality awards
Two University of Stirling departments are celebrating their continued commitment to equality and inclusion after being awarded Athena SWAN bronze awards.
![Athena Swan Bronze Award logo](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/october/Athena-Swan-TB_450x338.png)
University of Stirling education experts complete exam review
A team of Stirling researchers led by education expert Professor Mark Priestley has completed an independent review into the handling of this year’s Scottish National Qualifications.
![A school hall laid out with blue chairs and single desks](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/october/Exam_TB_450x338.jpg)
Stirling expert appointed to Anti-Slavery Group
University of Stirling academic Dr Paul Rigby, has been appointed to provide expert advice to the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC).
![Social work lecturer Dr Paul Rigby](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/september/Paul-Rigby-TB-450x338.jpg)
Stirling celebrates first year of Housing course partnership
The University of Stirling is celebrating the first year of an innovative industry partnership formed to improve the employability of Housing Studies students.
![Row of modern, terraced homes with a tree-lined walk way in front](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/september/Housing_stockpickTB-450x338.jpg)
Stirling ageing expert awarded £600k for care home study
A University of Stirling academic has been awarded £600,000 from the National Institute for Health Research to improve end-of-life care in UK care homes.
![Elderly woman walks along hall using a walking frame](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/september/Care-home-pic450X338.jpg)
Stirling dementia design expertise recognised in World Report
Experts from the University of Stirling are playing a leading role in a global report looking at the progress of dementia-related design.
![](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/september/DEMENTIA-photoTB.jpg)
New book celebrates 30 years of dementia design architecture
An internationally renowned dementia centre is celebrating its three decades of dedication to improving the lives of those living with dementia through design, by launching a new architectural compendium.
![Two women sat next to each other. The younger one is showing the other elderly lady something in a book.](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/september/DSDC-Lesley-Palmer-TB.jpg)
Ground-breaking care system study awarded £0.5m
Researchers led by the University of Stirling have won a £500,000 award from the Nuffield Foundation and a philanthropic donor, to carry out the next stage of ground-breaking work intended to improve the lives of children who become "looked-after" by the care systems.
![Two children holding hands](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/september/Permanently-Progressing-TB_450x338.jpg)
Education professor to lead Scottish Government review into exam failings
A leading education expert from the University of Stirling is to lead an independent review in to the handling of this year’s Scottish school exam results.
![test](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/august/test-450x338.jpg)
Five studies launched into drug-related harms and deaths
Experts from the University of Stirling have launched five interdisciplinary research projects to address drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland.
![drugs](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/srugs-450338.jpg)
New study to reveal how landlords can support tenants to create ‘homes’
A new study – led by the University of Stirling – will advise landlords on how they can support tenants in the private rented sector to make their leased property a ‘home’.
![A rental sign outside a residential property](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/Private-rented-sector-450x338.jpg)
New toolkit launched to help deal with isolation
Experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new toolkit providing guidance on the role technology can play in combating feelings of isolation among older people.
![Older person using technology](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/june/Isolation-450x338.jpg)
Stirling’s Housing Studies course recognised for its world-class research and teaching
The University of Stirling’s Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies has been reaccredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
Study considers the protection of vulnerable children during COVID-19
Protecting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people in Scotland, during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.
![covid19](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/coronavirus-450x338.jpg)
Study to research impact of COVID-19 on people who use drugs
Understanding the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who use drugs in Scotland is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.
![drugs](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/srugs-450338.jpg)
Stirling projects to safeguard wellbeing of carers during pandemic
Three University of Stirling projects will play a key role in safeguarding carers and support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – and assessing the impact the experience has on them.
![carer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/may/carer-450x338.jpg)
Stirling expert’s potentially life-saving advice to COVID-19 social workers
A leading expert from the University of Stirling is providing potentially life-saving advice to social workers around the world as they tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
![face mask](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/april/facemask-450x338.jpg)
Stirling expert receives fellowship to conduct international research
A leading expert from the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling has received a renowned Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship.
![japanese woman](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/march/japan-450x338.jpg)
Funding boost to bridge the gap between play and study
A new research project led by the University of Stirling will highlight the benefits and skills gained from playing bridge.
![cards](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2020/february/cards-450x338.jpg)
Student teachers benefit from mental health training
Student teachers at the University of Stirling are continuing to benefit from an innovative pilot project designed to improve knowledge and understanding of their own and pupils’ mental health.
![Kathleen Forbes from Place2Be and student teacher Laura Burns](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/december/Place2Be-450x338.jpg)
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).
![Image of Professor Judith Phillips](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/december/Judith-UKRI-450x338.jpg)
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.
![flood](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/december/flood-450x338.jpg)
Stirling expert appointed to Scottish Sentencing Council
A University of Stirling criminologist has been appointed to the Scottish Sentencing Council.
![Hannah Graham](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/december/hannahgraham-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Cottrell building and the Wallace Monument](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/july/CampusShotTB450x338.jpg)
Charity champion James Jopling honoured in Inverness
ProjectScotland Director James Jopling was today (November 1) recognised for his services to the charity sector as he joined more than 100 students at their University of Stirling graduation.
![James Jopling, ProjectScotland Director](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/november/James-Jopling-450x338.jpg)
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.
![dementia](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/october/dementia-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Professor Jane Callaghan from the University of Stirling](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/october/Professor-Jane-Callaghan-450x338.jpg)
Researchers discuss evidence-based approaches to challenging poverty
The complex nature of poverty was the subject of discussion at a special event held at the University of Stirling. The event, bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners, marked the culmination of Challenge Poverty Week, which ran from 7 – 11 October.
![A woman holding an empty wallet](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/october/open-wallet-news-teaser-450x338.jpg)
Stirling students access a bright future
More than 40 students are starting degree courses this year after completing a University of Stirling access to higher education programme.
![Dr Dalene Swanson with the Access programme students and staff](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/october/Widening-Access-450x338.jpg)
Stirling student celebrated for work growing women’s football
A University of Stirling PhD student has received a prestigious national award in recognition of her volunteering work to help grow participation in women’s football.
![View of Dumyat behind Airthrey Loch](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/august/View-of-Dumyat-behind-Airthrey-Loch.jpg)
Stirling academic receives palliative care award in Australia
A University of Stirling academic has been recognised for her work in leading a team which developed and tested a new method for improving palliative care provision in Australia.
![Dr Liz Forbat with the INSPIRED clinical team](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/september/Liz-Forbat-award-pic-450x338.jpg)
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).
![Dr Kim McKee led the research](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/august/Dr-Kim-McKee-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Professor Isobel Anderson, Diane Theakstone, Julia Lawrence](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/august/isobel-anderson-diane-theakstone-julia-lawrence-450x338.jpg)
Stirling Professor appointed as Chair of new Drug Deaths Taskforce
The University of Stirling’s Professor Catriona Matheson has been announced as the new chair of a special taskforce set up to tackle the rising number of drug deaths in Scotland.
![Drugs and associated paraphenalia](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/july/Catriona-Matheson-drugs-TB-450x338.jpg)
Stirling Professor becomes first in Scotland to receive prestigious award for educational research
A University of Stirling Professor has become the first recipient from Scotland to be awarded the prestigious John Nisbet Fellowship.
![An image of a loch](/media/stirling/events/calendar-of-events/images/generic/university-campus-wallace-monument-450x338.jpg)
Stirling graduate overcomes the odds to complete course
A University of Stirling graduate, who was inspired to study following her husband’s dementia diagnosis, is celebrating her graduation today despite losing him to the condition during her studies.
![Student wearing graduation robes](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/july/Anupama-GadicherlaTB-450x338.jpg)
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.
![Strip of tablets in packaging](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/july/DrugsPacketTB450x338.jpg)
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.
![](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/june/PermanentlyProgressionTB450x338.jpg)
Death of a friend ‘impacts health for up to four years’
The death of a close friend can cause a major decline in physical health and psychological wellbeing – with the impact being felt for up to four years, research has revealed.
![Woman walking through graveyard holding flowers](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/may/GriefGraveyardPhotoTB450x338.jpg)
Stirling research supports new volunteering framework
A new framework aiming at getting people involved in volunteering – and developed with the support of University of Stirling research– has been launched by the Scottish Government.
![The word](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/april/VolunteerTB-450x338.jpg)
Feeling ‘at home’ improves health, say Stirling researchers
The ability to feel ‘at home’ has a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing, according to experts at the University of Stirling.
![](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/april/Housing-and-Health-TB-450x338.jpg)
Shadow Minister meets Stirling housing and ageing experts
Local MSP, Graham Simpson, visited the University of Stirling to hear how its housing and ageing research is helping to stimulate debate on some of Scotland’s long-term challenges.
![Graham Simpson](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/april/UoS-Graham-Simpson-Visit_450x338.jpg)
University showcases world-leading ageing and dementia research to UK Government Minister
A senior UK politician visited the University of Stirling today (Friday 22 March) to hear about its internationally renowned work on ageing and dementia.
![Lord Duncan](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/march/lord-duncan-visit-450x338.jpg)
World experts on dementia and design to gather in Stirling for major conference
The world’s leading experts on designing environments for people living with dementia are set to gather in Stirling for a major event looking at the latest developments in the sector.
![An image highlighting dementia](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/02/dementia-450x338.jpg)
Child welfare expert tells Holyrood committee smacking ban is “long overdue”
Child welfare expert tells Holyrood committee smacking ban is “long overdue”
![Jane Callaghan](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/march/Jane-callaghan-450x338.jpg)
Student teachers get Japanese taster in a bid to boost language learning
The University of Stirling hosted a Japanese for Beginners event for student teachers in a bid to encourage them to take foreign language skills in to the classroom.
![Teaching students and lecturers gathered around a table after language session](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/march/Japanese_for_beginners450x338.jpg)
Parliament praises University housing and ageing reports
Two University of Stirling-led reports looking at housing and ageing and the impact of housing support services on the quality of life of older people have been praised by the Scottish Parliament.
![Scottish Parliament](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/february/parliament-450x338.jpg)
Classic card game to bridge the gap between play and study
Researchers at the University of Stirling are using a classic card game to develop an academic discipline called the Sociology of Bridge.
![Professor Samantha Punch](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/january/Sam-Punch-450x338.jpg)
Scottish Minister learns about University's work on ageing and dementia
Scottish Government Minister for Older People, Christina McKelvie MSP, visited the University of Stirling to hear about its work on ageing and dementia.
![Four women in a row with hills behind](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2019/january/dementia-450x338.jpg)