Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

University signs Norwegian partnership

The University of Stirling is expanding its international partnerships after signing a new agreement with the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU).

University of Stirling Campus

Stirling and Gabonese experts lead research into impact of climate change on rainforest elephants

Experts from the University of Stirling, working closely with the Government of Gabon, have led an international study into the impact of climate change on Central Africa’s rainforests and the threat posed to elephant populations in the region.

A family of elephants in the rainforest

Forth Valley 5G hub to enhance major University project

A flagship 5G innovation hub to be created in the Forth Valley will enhance a new multi-million-pound environmental monitoring project led by the University of Stirling and BT Group.

stirling

Stirling expert informs new study on chimpanzee behaviour

A University of Stirling academic has informed a new international study researching chimpanzee behaviour and its implications for understanding the drivers of human evolution.

A chimpanzee stroking its chin while contemplating

Ground-breaking care system study awarded £0.5m

Researchers led by the University of Stirling have won a £500,000 award from the Nuffield Foundation and a philanthropic donor, to carry out the next stage of ground-breaking work intended to improve the lives of children who become "looked-after" by the care systems.

Two children holding hands

World-leading “living laboratory” for central Scotland

A state-of-the-art environmental monitoring system – the first of its kind – will be launched in central Scotland to enable businesses and organisations to make decisions based on real-time data.

stirling

Lockdown did not reduce “most harmful” type of air pollution in Scotland

The significant reduction in vehicle journeys during the COVID-19 lockdown did not reduce the level of toxic fine particles in Scotland’s air, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

COVID-19 quiet roads

New study on the literary and cultural lives of merchants in Early Modern Britain

A new University of Stirling study investigating the literary and cultural activities of merchants in Early Modern Britain could help inform present-day educational debates.

University of Stirling Campus

Professor Niamh Fitzgerald appointed Director of world-leading Institute

The University of Stirling has appointed Professor Niamh Fitzgerald as Director of its globally-recognised Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH).

An image of a loch

Care homes in England had greatest increase in excess deaths at height of the COVID-19 pandemic

Care homes in England experienced the highest increase in excess deaths at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to those in the rest of the UK, according to new research.

care home

Air in Scotland’s prisons 90% cleaner, due to smoke-free policy

Scotland’s smoke-free prisons policy is protecting the health of prison staff and those in custody – with the majority no longer exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, according to a new study.

prisons

Replicas are also ‘the real thing’ say researchers

Heritage specialists at the University of Stirling are calling on those who create, use and care for replicas to rethink their approaches after launching a new website to promote recognition of their authenticity, value and significance

University campus main building

Scotland should review workplace health and safety measures in light of pandemic, says expert

An occupational health expert is calling for a major review of workplace health and safety in Scotland following “failings” revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

office

Five studies launched into drug-related harms and deaths

Experts from the University of Stirling have launched five interdisciplinary research projects to address drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland.

drugs

Bees’ buzz is more powerful for pollination, than for defence or flight

Buzzing by bees during flower pollination is significantly more powerful than that used for defence or flight, according to a new study from experts at the University of Stirling.

Bee

Stirling expert part of team that has developed the world’s first “non-cuttable” material

A University of Stirling academic is part of a team that has developed the world’s first “non-cuttable” material – which could be used to make items such as bike locks, armour and security doors.

An image of a loch

New e-learning programme will enhance cancer care

An innovative e-learning programme developed by experts at the University of Stirling will educate and empower nurses to improve cancer care.

nursing

Scientists to test feasibility of novel protein in fish feed

Experts from the University of Stirling will investigate the feasibility of using a single-cell protein in salmon feed, as part of a ground-breaking carbon recycling project.

salmon farming

Tree planting does not always boost ecosystem carbon stocks, study finds

Planting huge numbers of trees to mitigate climate change is “not always the best strategy” – with some experimental sites in Scotland failing to increase carbon stocks, a new study has found.

trees

Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%

Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%

exercise bike

Arctic plants may not provide predicted carbon sequestration potential

The environmental benefits of taller, shrubbier tundra plants in the Arctic may be overstated, according to new research involving the University of Stirling.

arctic

Impact of shale gas “ignored” in England, new study finds

The UK Government and its advisory groups “marginalised or ignored” the environmental and public health ramifications of permitting shale gas extraction in England, according to new research.

shale gas

Stirling project could be key in tackling “snail fever”

Pioneering research involving the University of Stirling could play a vital role in reducing the prevalence of “snail fever” – a debilitating infection that affects more than 200 million people worldwide.

An image of a loch

New study to reveal how landlords can support tenants to create ‘homes’

A new study – led by the University of Stirling – will advise landlords on how they can support tenants in the private rented sector to make their leased property a ‘home’.

A rental sign outside a residential property

Health psychologist supporting new COVID-19 app design

A health psychologist at the University of Stirling is supporting the development of a new smartphone game designed to educate young people on COVID-19.

game

New toolkit launched to help deal with isolation

Experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new toolkit providing guidance on the role technology can play in combating feelings of isolation among older people.

An older person using technology

Major study to investigate COVID-19 impact on gamblers

A major new study has been launched to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted gambling behaviour, including among potentially ‘high risk’ groups.

gambling online

Aquaculture study findings shed light on lumpfish welfare

New research from aquaculture experts at the University of Stirling could help improve the welfare of farmed lumpfish – a species vital to tackling the problem of sea lice in salmon.

An image of a loch

Employers could face legal action over COVID-19 exposure, expert warns

Employers across the UK could face legal action from employees who return to work and contract the COVID-19 virus, a leading health and safety expert has warned.

workplace ppe

Stirling scientists report on animal welfare in aquaculture

Scientists at the University of Stirling have authored a new report providing guidance on identifying and strengthening best practices for animal welfare in aquaculture.

salmon cages

New report reveals impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol on small retailers

The Scottish Government’s minimum unit pricing policy has been implemented as intended by small retailers in Scotland, according to new research carried out by the University of Stirling.

alcohol

Stirling experts inform new study on world’s tropical forests

Extensive research on tropical forests in Central Africa – conducted by the University of Stirling over several decades – forms part of an important new paper published in a prestigious journal.

rainforest

COVID-19: Study considers the impact of ‘new’ home working arrangements on wellbeing

The impact of the unprecedented shift towards full-time home-based work (HBW), brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, is the focus of a major new University of Stirling study.

An image of a loch

COVID-19: Dying patients should receive visits, experts say

Families should be enabled to visit dying loved-ones – even during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a healthcare expert who has recently overcome her own life-threatening illness.

hospital visit

Even better than the real thing? The value of replicas at heritage sites

Two University of Stirling academics have co-authored a book looking at the value of replicas at heritage sites and in museums.

Iona Abbey and St John's Cross on Iona

Study considers the protection of vulnerable children during COVID-19

Protecting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people in Scotland, during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

coronavirus

Satellite technology to help tackle invasive aquatic weeds

Scientists will use satellites, drones and ground sensors in a bid to tackle the spread of invasive aquatic weeds – a serious problem that damages vital water and food resources in Asia and Africa.

invasive weeds

£800k study to look at link between fire and climate change

University of Stirling experts will lead a new £800,000 study investigating the behaviour of pyrogenic carbon – partly-burned plants left behind following fire – and its potential impact on climate change.

savannah

Eurovision voting points to more than just musical tastes

How people vote in the Eurovision Song Contest may tell us more than just the musical tastes of a nation - according to new research.

world map

New study examines lifting of pub and nightclub restrictions

A new University of Stirling study is seeking to understand how the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on licensed premises can be effectively managed to protect emergency services.

bar

Occupational hygiene expertise could help reduce risk of COVID-19 in workplace

Occupational hygienists could play an important role helping workers return to their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, a University of Stirling expert has said.

covid shop worker

Study to research impact of COVID-19 on people who use drugs

Understanding the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who use drugs in Scotland is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

drugs

Stirling projects to safeguard wellbeing of carers during pandemic

Three University of Stirling projects will play a key role in safeguarding carers and support workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – and assessing the impact the experience has on them.

carer

Sewage poses potential COVID-19 transmission risk, experts warn

Environmental biologists at the University of Stirling have warned that the potential spread of COVID-19 via sewage “must not be neglected” in the battle to protect human health.

drain

COVID-19 studies focus on Ambulance Service impact

A new University of Stirling study will assess the challenges faced by paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic – and consider how their decisions impact patients with the virus.

ambulance

COVID-19 study: Impact of social distancing on older adults

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social contact, loneliness, wellbeing and physical activity in older adults will be the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

social distancing

Inclusive aquaculture can improve the lives of poor farmers

Experts are calling for aquaculture business models to be more inclusive – and ultimately improve the lives – of poor smallholder farmers and others in the industry’s value chain.

aquaculture

University of Stirling to lead 10 projects on COVID-19 impact

The University of Stirling will conduct 10 major projects investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic after receiving almost £500,000 in funding from the Scottish Government.

coronavirus

The app allowing people to explore Scotland’s heritage during lockdown

A free smartphone app – created by a University of Stirling academic – is helping people to experience and explore Scotland’s coalmining heritage and the remnants of the industry during the current COVID-19 lockdown.

Coal banner

Stirling receives £1.2 million to study global sustainability

A new £1.2 million project – led by the University of Stirling – is aiming to “deliver critical step change” to help resolve conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

brazil dam