Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

Professor appointed to REF pilot panel

Professor Rachel Norman will work on indicators to be used to assess People Culture and Environment

Airthrey Loch University of Stirling

Research finds chair-based activities more physical than we thought

Elite-level bridge uses body and mind interconnectedly, says the study.

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“Community catapult” launch in Clackmannanshire will help build diversity and opportunity

The initiative is part of £10 million project to create stronger communities UK-wide.

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Campaign to end stigma around drug and alcohol deaths receives Scottish Government funding

Researchers will run a series of roadshows in Scotland to further raise awareness among the public.

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Stirling academics appointed to REF pilot research panels

Professor Iain Docherty and Professor Jayne Donaldson will participate

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Fear, stigma and exclusion prevail for LGBT+ welfare claimants, study finds

Fear of discrimination means LGBT+ people can delay claiming benefits.

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University of Stirling expert behind landmark UN declaration on artificial intelligence

Honorary Professor Markus Krebsz developed the principles on artificial intelligence embedded products.

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University of Stirling film event highlights issues in perfume industry

Stirling academics and BBC filmmakers discussed issues of modern slavery in global supply chains.

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Former First Minister to lead Black Sea regeneration group

Former First Minister and University of Stirling Chancellor to lead Black Sea regeneration group

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Endangered mountain trees making a comeback in Scotland, study shows

Endangered mountain trees and shrubs are making a comeback in Scotland, a study has shown.

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Stirling expert contributes to overhaul of sports concussion guidance

A neuropsychologist at the University of Stirling has played a key role in an overhaul of the Scottish Sports Concussion Guidance

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New research uncovers growing wave of legal challenges to climate action

A new study, led by Professor Annalisa Savaresi at the University of Stirling, has revealed a surge in legal challenges associated with climate policies and projects.

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Only 1 in 10 children meet global health guidelines, researchers discover

New research has found only 14% of children aged three- to four-years -old are getting adequate physical activity, sleep and time away from screens.

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Film screening and Q&A will highlight the perfume industry’s dark secret

The University of Stirling and the BBC are teaming up for an exclusive event which will lift the lid on child labour linked to the perfume industry.

perfume bottle and child

University of Stirling academics take social science festival to three Scottish cities

Ten free public events will take place across central Scotland as part of this year's Festival of Social Science from the University of Stirling.

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Game playing can help reduce stigma around ageing, say researchers

"Serious games" can help overcome the stigma that still exists around ageing, according to Stirling researchers.

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Stirling is first Scottish University to win £4m Leverhulme Award

The University of Stirling’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a £3.98m Leverhulme International Professorship grant from the Leverhulme Trust – becoming the first Scottish institution to receive the prestigious award.

Pathfoot Building, University of Stirling

Football club’s performance can influence students’ choice of university, research finds

Students can be swayed by the performance of English Premier League football clubs when choosing a university, according to new research.

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Scotland’s most vulnerable children taking years to be placed in permanent homes

Scotland’s care system is taking years to find many of the country's most vulnerable children permanent homes – and too many of them have no contact with their siblings, according to new research.

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Stirling academic joins political thinkers to debate Scottish independence

University of Stirling lecturer Dr Tom Montgomery is among some of Scotland’s top political thinkers who will take part in a conference this month on Scottish independence.

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Meet Jessica Piasecki: the Olympian and researcher putting a focus on female physiology

Originally from Manchester, Jessica Piasecki was a talented hockey player before emerging as a cross-country star and representing her country for the first time in the sport at the age of 16.

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Skin cell discovery could help Atlantic salmon fend off sea lice

Skin cell discovery could help Atlantic salmon fend off sea lice

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University of Stirling appoints two new Deputy Principals

The University of Stirling has appointed two new Deputy Principals

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Study of cancer patients finds need for mental health support

A study of cancer patients has found a need for mental health support

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Stirling researchers to study how babies use sense of smell to successfully breastfeed

Psychologists at the University of Stirling are to study how newborn babies use their sense of smell to successfully breastfeed in a new project that could improve breastfeeding rates worldwide.

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Improved conditions needed if Scotland is to achieve a more circular economy, research finds

Systemic changes are needed if Scotland’s businesses are to accelerate the growth of circularity in Scotland, says new research.

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University of Stirling encourages ‘homes for life’ as it hosts Scottish Housing Day

University of Stirling encourages ‘homes for life’ as it hosts Scottish Housing Day 2024.

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Online archives provide ‘family albums’ for children in care

Researchers at the University of Stirling have come up with a way to preserve the childhood memories of people in care – through accessible online archives.

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Stirling in global top 100 for contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Stirling in global top 100 for contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

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Research explores measures to reduce alcohol harms without impacting pubs and restaurants

Higher prices in shops and tighter restrictions on online alcohol sales could help to reduce rising alcohol harms whilst minimising impact on hospitality businesses, according to a new study.

Beer taps in a pub

Silicon Valley isn’t the start-up utopia we thought, research finds

The highly regarded hub of technology and innovation can breed inequality and sameness among budding entrepreneurs, finds new research.

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Lesbian, gay and bisexual population face housing inequalities, study finds

Britain's lesbian, gay and bisexual population experience inequalities in accessing housing, according to a study led by the University of Stirling.

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Water quality data buoy to be floated at Gartmorn Dam

Water quality data buoy to be floated at Gartmorn Dam

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Cash incentives drive weight loss in men

A major UK study led by health experts at the University of Stirling has found that offering financial incentives is effective in helping men to lose weight.

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Stirling’s AI experts to join multi-million pound project

Artificial intelligence experts at the University of Stirling will play a key role in a project supported by £12m in new funding

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University of Stirling joins top 6% after earning prestigious business accreditation

The University of Stirling has earned a prestigious AACSB accreditation, in recognition of its excellence in business education.

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Study sheds new light on cross-species virus spillovers that can cause pandemics

A study led by the University of Stirling jointly with the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shed new light on cross-species virus spillovers that can cause pandemics.

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First study of its kind finds voucher scheme helps new mums to stay smoke-free

A high street voucher scheme has been shown to be helpful in supporting new mothers, who stopped smoking during their pregnancy, to maintain abstinence from smoking in their first year postpartum.

A mother cradles a baby

UK work policies not fit for people living with Long Covid

New research has found current sickness absence and return to work policies in the workplace are unfit for purpose for those living with Long Covid.

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Research identifies microorganisms that may be essential to the survival of coral reefs

A study led by a researcher at the University of Stirling has identified microscopic organisms which may be crucial to the survival of coral reefs.

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Study highlights true cost of employment for convenience retailers

Research, published this week by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, has shed light on the impact of rising staff costs on the convenience retail sector in Scotland.

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Early Career Researcher Network poised for nationwide rollout after successful pilot phase

Following a successful three-year pilot phase, during which almost 4,000 researchers have signed up, the British Academy's Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) is poised for a nationwide rollout over the coming 18 months.

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New study could reduce risk of social isolation for older people with hearing loss

New study could reduce risk of social isolation for older people with hearing loss and lead to more targeted interventions

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New project supports children and young people to access the mental health benefits of live music

New research identifies ways more children and young people in Scotland can experience the mental health and wellbeing benefits of live music.

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Wild fish consumption can balance nutrient retention in farmed fish, research finds

Wild fish consumption can balance nutrient retention in farmed fish, research finds

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New research deepens our understanding of pescetarians

University of Stirling research has deepened our understanding of pescetarians

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Son of Santos legend hopes racism research will strike impact in Brazil

Donald Silva was born in Mexico, while his father – football star, Abel Veronico – continued his professional playing career. Abel had started his career in Rio, before joining the world-famous Santos Futebol Clube where he played alongside football legend Pelé.

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Research reveals new insights into marine plastic pollution

University of Stirling research reveals new insights into marine plastic pollution

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Safer consumption and drug checking facilities key to addressing drug harms in Edinburgh, study finds

Safer drug consumption facilities (SDCF) and drug checking could be key to addressing drug harms in the city of Edinburgh, according to University of Stirling experts in substance use.

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Schoolgirls at the centre of new University of Stirling study into card game bridge are making history

Three schoolgirls who are part of a new University of Stirling-led research study into the game of bridge are promoting its educational benefits – and making history along the way.

three girls with playing cards