People using a road crossing

Strategic priority: engagement

"Partnering with key players to make a difference in our city, region, nation and the wider world, and harnessing the power of our global alumni network"

We are proud to be based in one of Scotland’s most ancient and historic cities. We owe our existence to visionaries in the Royal Burgh of Stirling who petitioned for us to be established here. Through this plan, we want to help our city and this region be healthier, wealthier and a better place to live.  

As well as our civic leadership role, as evidenced by our pivotal role in the City Region and Growth deals, we also have an important role to play in Scotland, helping it to deliver its ambitions to transform the economy, mitigate the impact of climate change, improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and raise education standards.

Globally, we have an international network of alumni working at the highest levels, and we deliver educational excellence through partner institutions and transnational education. We also play a vital part in global research networks, ensuring Scotland contributes to and benefits from advances in knowledge elsewhere in the world. We will further broaden those networks.

We will make a material difference to our city, region, nation and the wider world by being good global citizens; delivering ground-breaking research outcomes; and by producing graduates with skills that benefit society, and who can respond to the needs of a changing world. We will contribute to economic growth and help create a fairer, safer and more sustainable planet.

What the University will do: engagement

We will make a material difference to our city, region, nation and the wider world by being good global citizens; delivering ground-breaking research outcomes; and by producing graduates with skills that benefit society, and who can respond to the needs of a changing world. We will contribute to economic growth and help create a fairer, safer and more sustainable planet. Over the course of this plan the University will:

Deepen our global reach and engagement by expanding international partnerships, encourage student and staff mobility, and strengthen links with our global alumni networks.

Use our world-leading research in global and community resilience to deliver positive impact, making a difference by building partnerships with governments, academia, business and NGOs.

Deliver our Sustainability Plan, aligning our objectives with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals where appropriate, and helping drive our region's ambition to achieve net zero by 2040.

Develop shared objectives with industry and government partners to advance economic, educational, social and cultural development in Stirling, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and beyond, increasing the impact of our engagement with businesses.

Deepen the connections between the University and our local area, increasing the vibrancy of local life and spaces, and extending our impact and reach, to the benefit of our community.

Measures of success

By 2030 we will: 

  • Increase the number of high-impact partnerships with universities, organisations, governments and businesses to support economic, social and cultural development. 
  • Be seen as a leader in environmental change research, and an advocate for change, by reducing carbon emissions and delivering on our Sustainability Plan. 
  • Be at the heart of strong international networks in research, learning and teaching, and harness the power of our global alumni network.
SIM students in the library 760x470

The difference is... collaborations

As an outward-looking university with strong international partnerships, we provide our students with the opportunity to enjoy a global academic experience.  

Our partnership with the Singapore Institute of Management gives students the opportunity to study with us, either in Singapore or in Stirling, and the option to spend a semester overseas on the partner campus. As part of the programme, students graduate with a University of Stirling qualification.  

Beyond Singapore, our international partnerships enable students to study with us in many locations around the world – including in the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Study abroad opportunities are open to all our Stirling students, with more than 70 partner universities across four continents, while staff can also gain experience working overseas, as part of our global collaborations. 

By encouraging student and staff mobility, we enrich lives by enabling our people to explore the world, sample new cultures and build their international networks. 

Student Community Garden

The difference is… sustainability

As we face up to the challenges posed by climate change, we are taking decisive action and setting an example in how best to protect our planet. 

By working with partners, we have reduced carbon emissions by more than 40% since 2007 – and by 2040 we are committed to being carbon net zero. Through engagement with our community, we are changing the way we live, work and study, finding new ways to manage our campus, and moving towards greener energy sources. We are a signatory to the Sustainable Development Goals Accord and the Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges campaign.  

We are embedding sustainability in our teaching and collaborating with local organisations to promote sustainable travel, including bike share schemes and electric car charging points on campus. Our Students’ Union is saving around six tonnes of waste each year through recycling, and is encouraging students to get involved in a wide range of sustainable projects and initiatives, including our community garden.