Faculty of Social Sciences news
Stirling academic to help improve support for victims of crime
University of Stirling academic Dr Margaret Malloch has been appointed to a new Scottish Government taskforce which will improve support, advice and information for victims of crime.
![University of Stirling campus](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/campus-450x338.jpg)
Domestic abuse seminar series launched by University academics
A domestic abuse seminar series – marking the end of an international campaign challenging violence against women and girls – is being launched by the University of Stirling’s Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection.
![Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/jane-callaghan-450x338.jpg)
Experts highlight importance of research in tackling problem drug use
Experts from across the UK met to discuss the importance of research in tackling problem drug use, at a conference organised by the University of Stirling-hosted Drugs Research Network Scotland (DRNS).
![drawing](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/11/drugs-research-450x338.jpg)
University experts awarded £100k to evaluate domestic abuse programme
Academics from the University of Stirling have been awarded nearly £100,000 to evaluate a community project that aims to reduce acceptance of domestic violence.
![Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/jane-callaghan-450x338.jpg)
Digital design should embed ethical and political values
Digital developers should consider the ethical and political values of their users – rather than focusing solely on their needs – a University of Stirling-led report has said.
![young people sitting in a row looking at mobile phones](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/11/digital-design-450x338.jpg)
Inequalities between schools preparing pupils for university
Students from high attaining state schools are better prepared for the university application process than their peers in more deprived areas, new research by the University of Stirling has found.
![form with accepted stamp and pen](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/uni-application-450x338.jpg)
Hidden costs in education system impact on Scotland’s poorest families
Hidden costs in the education system – such as school trips and uniform - are impacting on children and families living in poverty, a report by Dr Morag Treanor, from the University of Stirling, has found.
![head shot of Morag Treanor](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/morag-treanor-450x338.jpg)
Dementia Studies course expands offer to Sri Lanka
The University of Stirling has expanded the range of its distance learning course in Dementia Studies to include a student from Sri Lanka for the first time - in addition to students from India and Bangladesh.
![louise mccabe](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/louise-mccabe-450x338.jpg)
Domestic abuse legislation should recognise children as victims
Children who experience domestic abuse should be recognised by law as victims and not merely as witnesses, University of Stirling child expert Professor Jane Callaghan has claimed.
![Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/jane-callaghan-450x338.jpg)
Housing experts call for a Commissioner for Ageing
A University of Stirling-led report has called for a Commissioner for Ageing in England and Scotland – similar to the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales – to ensure that people are able to age in the right place.
![head and shoulders shot of woman wearing glasses, off-white jacket and black top](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/10/vikki-mccall-450x338.jpg)
Experts address impact of austerity on children living in poverty
The impact of austerity measures on children – and work being done to mitigate this – will be addressed at the University of Stirling Taking action on child poverty conference to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week.
![young child sitting alone on a bench beside a road](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/children-living-in-poverty-450x338.jpg)
Impact of narrowing school curriculum on pupil outcomes
A narrowing of the curriculum in secondary schools could impact on student outcomes – particularly for those from deprived backgrounds - according to research carried out by academics at the University of Stirling.
![students in an exam](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/exam-image-450x338.jpg)
Looked after children wait years for adoption, new study finds
A University of Stirling-led study tracking the progress of 1,836 looked-after children, has found they can wait years to be adopted.
![Girl with red, curly hair eating a sandwich with man and woman in the background](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/looked-after-children-450x338.jpg)
Language education students spread their skills worldwide
Language education students from the University of Stirling are heading overseas this month as part of an international placement scheme.
![group of three students with arms around each other](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/tesol-students-450x338.jpg)
Don’t miss a trick with free bridge session
A free Bridge session is being offered to local residents, staff and students, as part of a University of Stirling research project into the health and well-being benefits of playing the card game.
![Head and shoulders shot of woman](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/professor-samantha-punch-450x338.jpg)
Innovative approach to repeat offending shows promise
The Aberdeen Problem-Solving Approach, which aims to reduce the use of custodial sentences and cut reoffending for persistent offenders, has the potential to be extended to other areas, after a new report published today said it “shows promise”.
![Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/09/dr-hannah-graham-450x338.jpg)
‘Generation rent’ suffer mental health issues
Being forced to live long-term in private rented housing is impacting negatively on young people’s mental health a new study, led by University of Stirling academic Dr Kim McKee, has found.
![Head shot of Dr Kim McKee](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/08/Dr-Kim-McKee-450-x-338.jpg)
Education experts team up with children’s mental health charity
Education experts from the University of Stirling team up with children’s mental health charity Place2Be to help future generations of teachers in Scotland support their students.
![Crying girl being comforted by woman](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/08/Childrens-mental-health-450x338.jpg)
Experts gather to discuss the ethical collection and use of student data
Data experts gather at the University of Stirling to discuss the ethics behind the collection and use of student data in higher education.
![Head shot of Dr Paul Prinsloo](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/08/Paul-Prinsloo-450-x-338.jpg)
Dementia workshops for carers and volunteers
Free workshops are being offered by the University of Stirling to carers and volunteers who provide support for people with dementia.
![Dementia workshops for carers and volunteers](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/08/thumbnail-450x338.jpg)
Stirling students celebrate first step in academic career
Students who passed Stirling’s Access to Degree Studies course move onto undergraduate study.
![Group of students standing on stairs](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/Access-to-Degree-Studies-students-450-x-338.jpg)
Education experts to run academic writing workshops in Brazil
Brazilian researchers will get academic writing tips from education experts at the University of Stirling.
![Head shot of Dr Maureen Michael and Dr Vander Viana](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/Dr-Maureen-Michael-and-Dr-Vander-Viana-450-x-338.jpg)
British Council recognition for Stirling student
Stirling student receives British Council recognition for dissertation
![Claire Philip in graduation robe](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/07/Claire-Philip-450-x-338.jpg)
University academic appointed as editor of leading education journal
Curriculum studies expert Professor Mark Priestley has been appointed as editor of a leading education journal.
![Head shot of Mark Priestley in front of book shelves](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/07/Professor-Mark-Priestley-450-x-338.jpg)
Stirling academic to help World Health Organisation promote personalised care for the elderly
A University of Stirling academic has been called upon to help the World Health Organisation (WHO) promote personalised care for older people in the Middle East and North Africa.
![Ian Philp and two female colleagues standing in front of poster](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/07/Ian-Philp-WHO-workshop-elderly-care-450x338.jpg)
University academics ‘bridge the gap’ with new card club
Academics at the University of Stirling are bridging the gap between generations - as well as the local community - by inviting people to join a new bridge club.
![Group of bridge players](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/07/ronan-valentine-bridge-club-450x338.jpg)
Children’s experiences of domestic violence and child marriage discussed
Children’s experiences of domestic violence and child marriage were explored in a Stirling academic’s inaugural lecture this week.
![An image of Professor Jane Callaghan](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/04/professor-jane-callaghan-450x338.jpg)
New study challenges myth that low-income parents and children suffer from a ‘poverty of aspiration’
Children from low-income families risk being failed by schools – because of the belief their parents lack ambition for them, a University of Stirling academic has claimed.
![An image of a child drawing](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/03/poverty-of-aspiration-450x338.jpg)
Expertise on public involvement in research shared by honorary professor
Ways to include the public in health service research have been outlined by a University of Stirling honorary professor.
![Dr Bernie Pauly](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/03/dr-bernie-pauly-450x338.jpg)
University experts attend Japan-UK dementia events in Tokyo
Experts from the University of Stirling are taking part in two Japan-UK Dementia events in Tokyo looking at the universal challenges of the condition.
![Lesley Palmer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/03/lesley-palmer-450x338.jpg)
Stirling academic calls on Government to provide more support for single parents
A University of Stirling academic has called on the Government to increase payments for unemployed single parents in order to bring about improvements in child wellbeing.
![Dr Morag Treanor](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/03/dr-morag-treanor-450x338.jpg)
Stirling poet honoured
A leading University of Stirling writer has been elected to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
![Professor Kathleen Jamie](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/03/kathleen-jamie-450x338.jpg)
Celebrities helped to lose 100 years between them in 21 days by Stirling academic
Eight celebrities have been taking part in a unique experiment designed by a University of Stirling academic to see if they can lose 100 years between them in 21 days.
![Dr Ian Philip](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/02/Ian-Philp.jpg)
University of Stirling academic to dispel ‘poverty of aspiration’ myth
The theory that parents’ low aspirations are to blame for their children’s lack of progress at school will be challenged by a University of Stirling academic.
![Dr Morag Treanor](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/02/morag-treanor-460x338.jpg)
Stirling team secures £1 million to study role of governing boards in Further Education
A team of researchers – led by the University of Stirling – has been awarded nearly £1 million from the Economic and Social Research Council to study governance in the Further Education (FE) sector.
![Professor Cate Wilson](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2018/02/professor-cate-wilson-450x338.jpg)
Equality award for Stirling academic
A University of Stirling academic has been recognised for her work in gender and disability equality.
![Kirstein Rummer](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/12/kirstein-rummer-450x338.jpg)
Pride does not come before a fall
Contrary to the old saying ‘pride comes before a fall’ the opposite appears to be true, according to a study published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.
![Michael Daly](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/12/michael-daly-450x338.jpg)
Hate crimes against LGBT+ people in deprived areas ignored
Hate crimes against LGBT+ residents in deprived neighbourhoods risk going unrecorded because housing associations rarely enquire about tenants’ sexual or gender identity, research has found.
![Peter Matthews](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/12/peter-matthews-450x338.jpg)
Novelist and the Macrobert’s first director to be honoured at Stirling graduation
A celebrated novelist and the first director of the Macrobert Arts Centre will receive honorary degrees at the University of Stirling’s winter graduation ceremonies this week.
![Students graduation](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/11/graduation-450x338.jpg)
Scotland’s lost earth-built heritage overlooked, study finds
A romanticised perception of Scotland’s historic buildings has left traditional earth-built homes - once inhabited by the majority of the population - underappreciated, according to University of Stirling academics.
![Dr Paul Adderley](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/11/paul-adderley-450x338.jpg)
Stirling academic lands senior Royal Society role
David Bell, Professor of Economics - who has been an RSE Fellow since 2002 - will serve on the RSE's Council during the 2017/2018 session, starting next April.
![Professor David Bell](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/11/professor-david-bell-450x338.jpg)
Stirling hosts national television summit
Top UK television experts have gathered at the University of Stirling to debate the future of factual programming.
![Focus on Scotland Lecturn Talk](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/10/focus-on-scotland-450x338.jpg)
Senior Swedish Government official visits campus
Students received a visit from a prominent alumnus when Sweden’s Deputy Finance Minister, Per Bolund, returned to the Stirling campus.
![Per Bolund, Sweden's Deputy Finance Minister](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/10/per-bolund-450x338.jpg)
New study into Celtic FC founder Brother Walfrid
The impact of Celtic Football Club founder Brother Walfrid on social, cultural and religious identities in Scotland will form part of a new £25,000 study by the University of Stirling.
![Michael Connolly is researching Brother Walfrid](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/10/michael-connolly-450x338.jpg)
University of Stirling celebrated at the Scottish Parliament
MSPs have congratulated the University of Stirling on its 50th anniversary during a special debate at the Scottish Parliament.
![Holyrood](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/09/holyrood-450x338.jpg)
Masters students apply teaching skills around the world
Language education students are swapping the University of Stirling campus for schools and universities around the world as part of an international placement programme.
![Dr Vander Viana (fourth from left) pictured alongside education students (L-R): Nguyen Duong Anh Minh, Stuart Milne, Yingying Wu, Puntavalee Svavasu, Peerapat Singlong, Bo Josefina Elisabeth Goldsmits and Marta Di Pierro](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/09/International-students-450x338.jpg)
Stirling academic wins at the Scottish Women’s Awards
A University of Stirling academic has received a top accolade at the Scottish Women’s Awards 2017.
![Carron Shankland](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/08/carron-shankland-450x338.jpg)
Hospital patients with dementia and other causes of confusion have worse outcomes, study finds
Hospital patients with dementia and other causes of confusion have longer stays and worse treatment outcomes than people without the condition, research led by the University of Stirling has found.
![Professor Emma Reynish](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/07/professor-emma-reynish-450x338.jpg)
Backing to boost dementia-friendly communities
A three-year project – involving the University of Stirling and local partners – to boost communities for people living with dementia has received major backing from the Life Changes Trust.
![Life changes graphic](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/07/lct-450x338.jpg)
British Council recognition for Stirling student's teaching dissertation
A University of Stirling student has received recognition from the British Council for his Masters dissertation.
![man in a blue shirt smiling standing in front of a lake](/media/stirling/news/news-centre/2017/07/rupert-tesol-450x338.jpg)