Research news
Alaskan expedition helps unravel history of invasive plant
An Alaskan expedition and large-scale study led by a University of Stirling scientist has tracked the origin of an invasive plant population in the UK, tracing it back to the remote Aleutian Islands.
£200k investment will “super-charge” research capacity at University of Stirling
The University of Stirling is to significantly upgrade the technology supporting its Archives and Special Collections after receiving a major funding award.
New £200k study to explore fuel choices in East and Central Africa
A new £200,000 study – led by the University of Stirling – is seeking to understand the fuel choices of those living in East and Central African communities in a bid to improve health.
Stirling researchers to transform housing design for dementia
Experts at the University of Stirling are leading a major new research project – with the support of international partners including the dementia care foundation established by the Queen of Sweden - to create future-proof housing to meet the needs of the world’s ageing population.
Stirling secures £1.6m to connect older people
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has been awarded £1.6m of funding to improve access to online resources for older people in a bid to boost health.
New £296k study launched to better support long-COVID patients
A new study co-led by the University of Stirling will explore rehabilitation options for people suffering from long-COVID and recommend how best to maximise recovery and quality of life.
Young drinkers believe prominent health warnings on alcohol could boost risk awareness
Introducing prominent health warnings on alcohol products could be effective in increasing awareness of the potential harms of drinking, according to a new study involving young adult drinkers.
New network to explore ways to help reduce smoking in the home
A multidisciplinary team of experts is seeking to understand how best to support people to create a smoke-free home, given the health risks particularly to pregnant women, babies and children.
Study reveals impact of lockdown on the gambling habits of sports bettors
Around one in six sports bettors started a new form of gambling during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, and one in three placed bets more frequently, according to a new study.
Visiting water bodies worth £700bn to economies, study finds
Europeans spend more than £700 billion (€800 bn) a year on recreational visits to water bodies – but perceived poor water quality costs almost £90bn (€100 bn) in lost visits, a new study has found.
New research to put COVID-19 local authority spending in the spotlight
The University of Stirling is launching major new research to investigate how local authority spending across the UK can deliver maximum benefit to communities in the wake of COVID-19.
Researchers explore ‘face blindness’ in children
Researchers have launched a new study into a little-known phenomenon which prevents people from recognising members of their own immediate family or sometimes even their own reflection.
New study to improve mental health of farmers and crofters
Experts will explore the best interventions to help support the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s farming and crofting communities, as part of a new study.
Scientists able to predict epidemic size and evolution in ‘world-first’
Scientists at the University of Stirling have been able to unpick what determines the size and evolution of disease in a first-of-its-kind study.
New study questions whether pubs can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission risks
A new first-of-its-kind study has questioned whether pub operators can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission – after researchers observed risks arising in licensed premises last summer.
University welcomes investment in marine aquaculture through Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal
A new package of investment for Scotland’s aquaculture sector – to be delivered through a partnership that includes the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture – has been welcomed by researchers.
New law network to tackle academic and professional silos
A University of Stirling law professor is launching an innovative new body to bring together and promote all sectors of the profession in Scotland.
New research to look at how home tech can support those living with dementia
Experts at the University of Stirling are launching a new research project to find out how technology can better support residents in retirement living schemes and those living with long-term conditions such as dementia.
New project explores how live music can boost young people’s mental health
A new multi-partner research project – involving the University of Stirling – will examine the impact of live music experiences on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Review group chaired by Stirling expert publishes towns report
An independent review – led by a leading retail expert at the University of Stirling – has outlined recommendations to support greener, healthier, fairer and inclusive towns and town centres.
Study into children’s short, emergency admissions to hospital
Experts are exploring a rise in the number of short, unplanned admissions of children to hospital – and are appealing for parents to share their experiences as part of the study.
Landlords play vital role in helping tenants create a home, say experts
A new study from UK housing experts has found that landlords play a significant role in tenants’ ability to feel ‘at home’.
£375k study launched to explore experiences of ‘long COVID’
A new £375,000 study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand the lived experiences and support needs of people suffering from the long-term effects of COVID-19.
New research reveals the resilience of Scots pine trees to drought
The effect of extreme drought on Scots pine trees has been examined as part of a University of Stirling study, which could have implications for climate change efforts across the world.
Research project to study the impact of COVID fear
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Stirling is launching a new study to consider how the fear of COVID-19 is impacting the lives of the over-50s, after receiving a major funding grant.
Research uncovers secrets of historic Dunfermline Abbey ahead of 200th anniversary
A unique research project has uncovered evidence of the original layout of the choir of Scotland’s historic Dunfermline Abbey – home of the final resting place of Robert the Bruce – for the first time.
Bees versus flies – which flex their muscles most?
New research by experts at the University of Stirling has debunked existing assumptions about why hoverflies use different techniques for pollination than those used by bees.
Stirling leads project to support international aquaculture research
Experts from the University of Stirling will deliver a new project that will further enhance the European aquaculture sector’s access to innovative and world-class scientific research.
University of Stirling appointed as host of Scotland’s Hydro Nation Chair
The University of Stirling will host and lead a £3.5m initiative to make Scotland a global leader in water research.
New report highlights barriers to accessing housing for ex-Service personnel
New research published today [8th December] highlights the challenges Service leavers face accessing and sustaining housing after leaving the Armed Forces, despite improvements made in recent years.
Stirling ageing expert to speak at international ‘futures’ event
A leading expert in ageing from the University of Stirling is to give a talk to an international symposium exploring the needs, hopes and responsibilities of different age groups and our futures.
Stirling research evaluates effectiveness of conservation efforts
New research from the University of Stirling into the effectiveness of international conservation projects could help to save endangered species from extinction.
Stirling research on socio-environmental disasters receives £1m funding
A project seeking to support marginalised South African communities suffering from climate change-induced or exacerbated crises has been launched at the University of Stirling.
University of Stirling launches study to support climate resilience policy in Rwanda
Experts at the University of Stirling have been awarded a share of £200,000 to support marginalised groups impacted by severe flooding and drought in Rwanda.
New study reveals impact of face masks on person identification
Research by experts at the University of Stirling has revealed the impact that the increased wearing of face masks may be having on people’s ability to recognise each other.
£3.85m Stirling-led study to tackle impact of plastic pollution in Africa
A new £3.85 million study – led by the University of Stirling – is aiming to understand the public health risks and environmental impact of plastic pollution in developing countries.
Aquaculture sustainability can be improved through collaboration with agriculture, experts say
A collaborative approach with the agriculture sector – specifically around plant biotechnology – is key to the sustainability of aquaculture, according to experts.
Scotland players must shut out the importance of Euro play-off to succeed, says top psychologist
Scotland players must focus on their own individual performances rather than become distracted by the significance of tonight’s Euro 2020 play-off final if they are to triumph, according to a top sports psychologist.
New fellows join research partnership to mitigate climate-change related disasters in South Africa
Four new postdoctoral fellows have joined a research project partnership supporting marginalised communities in South Africa suffering from climate-change induced crises.
Social distancing is increasing loneliness in older adults
Social distancing introduced in response to COVID-19 is increasing feelings of loneliness in Scotland’s older population and impacting their wellbeing, according to a new University of Stirling study.
Voluntary action and Covid-19 – new research will explore lessons learnt and recommendations for UK recovery
Experts from across academia and the voluntary sector are to carry out a major research project into the role of voluntary action in the Covid-19 pandemic – exploring the challenges, what worked well and making recommendations to inform planning for future crises.
New £1.1m study to assess impact of bar/club opening hours on emergency services
A new £1.1 million study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand recent changes in opening hours for bars and nightclubs, and how these changes impact on health, crime levels, and emergency services in Scotland.
University signs Researcher Development Concordat
The University of Stirling has become a signatory of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
Stirling academic’s research plays part in new opera
Research by a University of Stirling academic has underpinned one of the first performances to be live streamed from the Royal Opera House.
Stirling researchers to uncover Scotland’s hidden reading history
Experts at the University of Stirling have been awarded £1m for a unique project aiming to uncover the history of reading in Scotland from 1750 to 1830.
Stirling academic wins prestigious global award
A University of Stirling academic has received a prestigious international award in recognition of their research, which has benefits for animal welfare and sustainable food production.
Bumblebee reproduction at heightened risk from radiation
New research by experts at the University of Stirling has revealed the reproduction rates of bumblebees living in radiation-contaminated areas, such as Chernobyl, are more severely impacted than previously thought.
Stirling expert part of international team combatting marine plastic pollution
A University of Stirling expert will lead a project researching the sources, impacts, and degradation of microplastics, as part of an international collaboration to combat marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia.
Stirling child trafficking experts publish research
A team of experts from the University of Stirling commissioned by the Scottish Government to research the professional response to child trafficking in Scotland has published its research.
Stirling philosopher recognised with £1m of UK government support
A University of Stirling academic has been recognised as a rising star of research after being awarded more than £1m for an innovative new project.