Research Excellence

Academic researchers at Stirling conduct high quality research that is relevant to the economic and cultural needs of society. Much of our research is focused on improving the human condition, from dementia and patient experiences of cancer to the impact of alcohol marketing on teenagers and fish oils on autism.

Successes in these areas are not achieved in isolation, therefore collaboration and innovation remain our hallmarks. For example, researchers in economics, computing science and applied social science are collaborating on an assistive technology project to allow elderly people to stay in their own homes for longer.

Stirling is top in Scotland and ninth in the UK in the Research Success Rankings (Research Fortnight, 2007). The UK-wide 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirmed that Stirling is the leading Scottish research university in a number of areas, including Nursing & Midwifery, Sport, Education, and Film & Media.

Stirling's researchers make a major contribution to the University's economy and in 2008 generated £7.6 million of research grants and contracts within an overall knowledge exchange income of £25 million.

The University is focused on recruiting, supporting and developing highly-skilled and motivated researchers. In 2008, the University was the first in Scotland to launch the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

Commercial partnerships are of paramount importance, and our Research and Enterprise team are successfully promoting and pursuing knowledge transfer and commercialisation opportunities.