Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

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.

‘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.

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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.

Historic photo taken during the original excavations in 1886. The image is black and white and shoes figures appearing to dig in the distance, and others on horseback

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.

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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

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.

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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

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

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.

Illustrated head depicting research

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.

Depictions of Stirling research

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).

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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.

School children running in the playground

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

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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

Dance Sing lead a class.

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.

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Better understanding of seafood sales messaging could improve global trade

Ahead of the first global seafood trade show of the year, research sheds new light on differences in seafood marketing messages between different regions of the world.

Seafood trade show Brussels

Calls to extend programme which supports people with alcohol problems in Glasgow’s Deep End Practices

A new study shows the effectiveness of specialist addictions nurses in general practices in the most disadvantaged areas of Glasgow in treating alcohol problems.

Stethoscope sits on top of a laptop keyboard in a GP's office

Green light for major aquaculture research facility at University of Stirling

A £17m world-class research and innovation facility at the University of Stirling has moved a step closer, after the ambitious plans were approved by Stirling Council.

national institute of aquaculture

Stirling social scientists honoured by Academy

Two University of Stirling staff members have been announced as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.

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Academics launch review of digital tech programme tackling social isolation in care homes

A team of academics from the University of Stirling has been funded to study the success of a pioneering digital inclusion programme rolled out in care homes during the pandemic

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Environmental benefits of whale strandings are being overlooked in coastal regulations, study finds

The environmental benefits of stranded whale and dolphin carcasses are being undermined by coastal regulations which require remains to be quickly disposed of, a new study has found.

Whale bones on a beach in Orkney

Scottish Government must go further to restore peatlands in pursuit of net zero, study finds

Scotland’s natural capital advantage could be lost unless more ambitious peatland restoration targets are set, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

Peatland Scotland

Researchers publish key guidelines for internet regulation

A new set of guidelines on internet regulation - published by philosophers from the University of Stirling - are aiming to support policy makers to tackle the spread of fake news and protect democratic debate online.

Judge gavel lying on laptop keyboard

New project to examine how primary educators access research to inform teaching

A new major project to examine how primary teachers access and engage with literacy research to inform teaching is underway.

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Study explores self-management treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

University of Stirling researchers will explore the clinical and cost effectiveness of an innovative self-management programme designed to help improve the lives of women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic pain in women

New partnership to support net zero in Scotland

Enhanced environmental monitoring will support Scotland’s journey to net zero and beyond, thanks to a new partnership between the University of Stirling and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Prof Andrew Tyler and Michael Cranston water monitoring

Stirling housing expert leads major report on veterans’ homelessness

The findings of a new report – led by a University of Stirling expert on behalf of the Veterans’ Scotland Housing Group – will help tackle homelessness among former armed forces personnel.

Army boots close up in line on parade day

Study provides new insights into the effects of radiation from Chernobyl

Researchers at the University of Stirling have found that animals in lakes closest to the Chernobyl nuclear reactor have more genetic mutations than those from further away, giving new insight into the effect of radiation on wild species.

Microscopic image of Daphnia

The loo taboo: new study explores uptake of controversial technologies

Researchers have provided an important insight into the cultural taboo surrounding an innovative ‘green’ technology that enables users to transform their domestic toilet waste into biogas.

Early adopter family with their TLAD

University of Stirling joins network of Young European Research Universities

The University of Stirling has announced it is to join a prestigious network of European universities focusing on research collaboration.

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Research will be first to study LGBT+ experience of welfare system

In a world first, a major new research project is being launched to examine the experiences of LGBT+ people when accessing the benefits system in the UK.

UK coins spread across a table

Stirling scientist chosen to pilot Mars rover

A University of Stirling scientist has been chosen to join the team piloting the European Space Agency’s Mars rover when it launches next year, on its mission to find life on the Red Planet.

The ExoMars rover on Mars surface

New Digital Entrepreneur in Residence for Stirling Management School

The University of Stirling Management School (SMS) has appointed its first Digital Entrepreneur in Residence to help students and staff prepare for ‘Industry 4.0’.

Digital icons coming out of man's head

Study sheds new light on Bangladeshi prawn and shrimp industry

A new, large-scale study into prawn and shrimp production in southwest Bangladesh has found that the industry is crucial to public health and prosperity, whilst being climate-resilient, contrary to its reputation.

Community fish harvest Bangladesh

Alcohol policy measures could reduce ambulance callouts, study finds

New alcohol policy measures should be considered to reduce drink-related ambulance callouts, according to researchers studying data from Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambulance racing through town

New research hub to tackle ageing population challenges

A new multi-million-pound intergenerational research centre at the University of Stirling will provide pioneering solutions to the challenges posed by an ageing global population.

A group of older adults enjoying a work at the beach.

MND diary project aims to enhance future care and support

A new University of Stirling study is seeking to improve healthcare and support for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) by exploring coping and resilience in those living with the condition.

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Stirling research to transform record keeping in children’s homes

Researchers at the University of Stirling are set to transform record keeping in children’s homes after securing funding for a ground-breaking project.

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Study shows new potential of fish by-products

Fish farming by-products have the potential to increase the sustainability of aquaculture, and contribute to other sectors – such as food, diet supplements, animal feed and cosmetics, according to a new study.

European seabass swimming

ESRC awards £8.26m to new social care research centre

Experts from the University of Stirling are to play a leading role in a new ESRC research centre, which will tackle critical social and economic issues – from evolving policing, to social care and intergenerational inequality.

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Study finds edible fungi could support transition to net zero

An Honorary Professor from the University of Stirling has made a breakthrough in resolving a key conflict in the world’s quest for net zero – how to reconcile tree planting and food production.

Blue-coloured Lactarius indigo mushroom in leaves

Widening inequalities in children’s physical activity, research finds

Deprivation-based inequalities in physical activity between Scotland’s children were already growing before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.

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Stirling academics to lead international study on smart technology and consumer protection

Legal experts at the University of Stirling have launched a new study to ensure that consumer laws are as ‘smart’ as the emerging technologies that they regulate.

Person using virtual assistant and smart speaker at home