Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

New Stirling-led project to reflect on Billy Bremner’s career

The life and career of Scottish football legend Billy Bremner will be the focus of a new sports heritage project, led by the University of Stirling.

An image of a loch

Stirling welcomes international delegations

The University of Stirling welcomed two international delegations to campus last week, coinciding with the launch of Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC).

Clean Air Champion for Scotland

A University of Stirling lecturer has been appointed Regional Clean Air Champion for Scotland, to help develop solutions to air quality challenges as part of the UK’s Clean Air Programme.

Stirling town, castle and hills behind

Environmental recovery platform launches at COP

A pioneering environmental recovery project that will turn the Forth Valley into a living laboratory is being launched to an international audience today [November 9] at global climate summit COP26.

Drone shot of the Kincardine Bridge

Research project to promote tolerance by reshaping history education

A new research project led by a University of Stirling academic is to shake-up the way British history is taught to school children and presented to the public in order to promote tolerance.

Heritage museum

Targeted messaging required to tackle vaccine hesitancy, study finds

Decision-makers must deploy targeted public health messaging to tackle COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among groups where uptake is particularly low, according to new University of Stirling research.

Medical practitioner prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.

New video game puts players in the shoes of COP26 decision-makers

As world climate summit COP26 begins today, researchers at the University of Stirling have created a video game that puts players in the position of the world leaders gathering there.

Still from video game Power Up

Pandemic impact on senior charge nurses and midwives explored

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior charge nurses and midwives will be explored as part of a new University of Stirling study.

nurse

‘Stark’ figures reveal lack of diversity in Scottish history lessons

A new survey of Scottish teachers, released to coincide with Black History Month, has revealed only a minority of secondary schools feature Black history in lessons.

Stock photos of a classroom. A teacher stands in front of a whiteboard with students sitting at desks facing them.

COP26: University of Stirling experts to develop new research hub in Africa

A new multi-million-pound project involving University of Stirling scientists will create a research hub to explore climate-smart, conservation-led solutions for sustainable development in central Africa.

Gabonese Forest landscape

Experts recommend resistance training to improve frailty in older people

Resistance training in frail older adults is effective in delivering significant improvements in functional capacity and strength, according to a new study by the University of Stirling.

Older people using resistance training equipment

University of Stirling experts explore framing of alcohol harm

Experts at the University of Stirling are leading a new research project aiming to create a better informed, more balanced and compassionate national conversation around alcohol harm.

bottle of alcohol

New study reveals hundreds of alcohol references during high-profile televised rugby matches

Experts from the University of Stirling have warned that rugby supporters – including young children – are being subjected to alcohol advertising hundreds of times during televised matches.

New study reveals hundreds of alcohol references during high-profile televised rugby

Commission aims to put connectivity at the heart of inclusive growth

A new commission was formally launched today [27 September, 2021] to develop a coherent vision for transport and connectivity across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.

Internal bus shot of passengers

Experts to study secret doping of amateur athletes in East Germany

The doping of amateur athletes in the former state of East Germany is the focus of a new study involving experts from the University of Stirling and Aarhus University in Denmark.

Athletes running at a marathon

University showcases research tackling loneliness to MSP

A local MSP has heard how experts at the University of Stirling are tackling the issue of social isolation and loneliness through technology.

Hand holds up a deck of cards in a fan shape to camera

Researchers to explore effectiveness of support for trafficked children

The University of Stirling is launching a new research project to investigate the impact of support services on the recovery of children and young people trafficked in to the UK.

An image of a loch

Scotland's International Environment Centre is approved

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Regional Deal has taken a major step towards delivering for local communities after plans for Scotland’s International Environment Centre - to be based at the University of Stirling - were approved.

An image of a loch

New project seeks to sharpen up cleaner fish vaccinations

A team of UK researchers has received funding to optimise the formulation and delivery of a key vaccination given to protect ballan wrasse from disease, which could unlock the greater use of cleaner fish to control sea lice on salmon farms.

Ballan wrasse fish

Climate change risk tool to recognise impact on children for the first time

Researchers working with UNICEF have created the Climate Change Vulnerability Index to assess the impact of climate change on children for the first time.

Child Playing on Dry Parched Desert Land stock photo

How trees can help the UK reach Net Zero

University of Stirling researchers are part of a new £10.5m UK programme focussing on how trees can enable the UK to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Birch trees in evening light

New project to explore the creation of resilient habitats

Experts from the University of Stirling are part of a new consortium seeking to develop a new approach to defining success in ecological restoration

Ancient oaks in the New Forest

Could drug checking help prevent harms in Scotland?

A team of experts working in partnership with the University of Stirling is exploring how drug checking services could be developed for Scotland in order to reduce harms.

Pill packets

New tool to improve ‘cleaner fish’ welfare in salmon farming

Researchers at the University of Stirling have developed a new tool that fish farmers can use to improve the welfare of lumpfish – a species crucial to tackling the problem of sea lice in salmon.

Lumpfish

The risks and trade-offs of renting from a private landlord

People living in the private rented sector are forced to make hard choices in order to meet their basic needs, new research had revealed.

Rental agreement form with signing hand and pen.

New emergency finance tool for crisis scenarios

Fintech experts from the University of Stirling are building a new digital financial tool that will use blockchain to deliver emergency finance to groups of people during crises, such as COVID-19.

Binary digits in a chain

Scottish smoke-free vehicle legislation reduces pre-school asthma hospitalisations

Hospitalisations for asthma in pre-school children fell in Scotland in the two years following legislation that banned smoking in vehicles containing a child.

Image of driver's hand on wheel with cigarette

Stirling water monitoring experts support Black Sea regeneration

Experts from the University of Stirling will use satellite and sensor technology to support the regeneration of the Black Sea, as part of a new £7.7 million (€9m) research project.

Map of the Black Sea

Opioids research finds overdose risk factors

New research from the University of Stirling has identified potential major risk factors leading to overdose in patients taking prescription medication.

Bottle of prescription drugs with white pills falling out of it

Benefits of bridge on mental health focus of international conference

More than 400 delegates from across the world are gathering next week to discuss the benefits of bridge on mental health and wellbeing.

Playing cards spread out on a green felt background

Emerging invasive disease linked to raw freshwater fish, say Stirling experts

Experts from the University of Stirling have contributed to a new report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), warning of an emerging foodborne hazard in Southeast Asia.

Tilapia fish close up

Nature documentary changed attitudes towards marine mammal captivity

New research from the University of Stirling shows the power of nature documentaries to change public attitudes, and suggests zoos and aquaria must engage with debates around conservation and animal welfare.

Blackfish film poster

Museum partnership secures £1 million for Cold War research

The University of Stirling has secured a major funding grant in partnership with National Museums Scotland for a unique research project exploring how the Cold War features in museums.

An image of a loch

New heritage toolkit to improve community input in conservation

A new toolkit for heritage professionals is helping them understand and assess how people and communities value and relate to Scotland’s historic environment.

An image of a loch

Gamified research sheds new light on how to balance agriculture and conservation

Farmers are more likely to protect wildlife on their land if they trust their local communities and government, according to a new University of Stirling study.

elephants and goose

Arts project challenges stereotypes of ‘old age’

A new interactive theatre performance challenging the stigma and stereotypes associated with older age opens next month, as part of a major research project.

A screengrab of an online rehearsal on Zoom

Lockdown led to positive lifestyle changes in older people

The COVID-19 lockdown was a catalyst for many older people to embrace technology, reconnect with friends and build new relationships with neighbours, according to University of Stirling research.

Older man wearing a face mask

Stirling experts develop artificial intelligence to monitor water quality more effectively

Artificial intelligence that enhances remote monitoring of water bodies – highlighting quality shifts due to climate change or pollution – has been developed by researchers at the University of Stirling.

lake

New alcohol policy research network launched across UK and Ireland

A new network for alcohol policy researchers in the UK and Ireland has officially launched today, led by the University of Stirling’s Professor Niamh Fitzgerald and Trinity College Dublin’s Professor Joe Barry.

An image of a loch

Researchers work with acclaimed storytellers to help inspire youngsters to tackle waste

A new project led by the University of Stirling will harness the power of storytelling to help educate the next generation about waste in Scotland and encourage them to consider new ways of reducing, re-using and re-purposing, rather than just recycling or discarding household items and resources.

Digger at landfill site

Fiscal frameworks of UK devolved governments must be made more robust to future crises, experts say

Economic experts have warned that the fiscal frameworks of the UK’s devolved governments must be made more robust to future crises and better able to support COVID-19 recovery.

Pound coin lying on an economic graph.

Change in AstraZeneca UK regulation for under 30s did not impact vaccine intentions

New research from the University of Stirling shows that the change in UK regulation of the AstraZeneca vaccine – recommending an alternative for those under 30 – has had no effect on the general public’s intention to get vaccinated.

Medical practitioner prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.

Setting goals will make you a better saver, says Stirling study

Setting yourself goals is the key to successfully saving money, according to a new study from experts at the University of Stirling.

British Pound notes

Political archive appeals for election campaign material

The Scottish Political Archive, housed at the University of Stirling, is appealing to the public to help collect campaign materials connected to next month’s Scottish Parliament elections.

A sign for a polling station tied to a black metal fence with a brick building in the background

Study seeks to support migrant children during the pandemic

Exploring how COVID-19 has impacted separated migrant children in Scotland and how best to support them going forward, will be the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

An image of a loch

Study raises questions over coaches’ awareness of concussion protocols in youth football

A new study has raised questions over an apparent lack of awareness of concussion protocols among coaches in Scottish youth football.

Girl wearing a white football strip shapes up to kick a football.

AstraZeneca suspension did not impact vaccine intentions

New research from the University of Stirling has shown that the suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccination had no effect on the UK general public’s intention of getting the vaccination.

Vials of clear liquid marked with COVID-19 vaccine labels

A walk in the park: has the Covid-19 travel response opened the door to a new direction on climate policy?

New research has found that during the pandemic people in England and Scotland ditched the car, preferring to walk or cycle.

Busy street scene showing zebra crossings, pedestrians and bicycles

University of Stirling to develop new adult social care Centre

The University of Stirling is partnering with the University of Birmingham, as part of a broader consortium of key stakeholders from across the four nations of the UK, to develop a new Centre for adult social care.

An image of a loch

Stirling study to analyse attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines

One year on from the original UK coronavirus lockdown, a study led by the University of Stirling is under way to understand attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines.

Medical practitioner prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.