Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

University of Stirling part of nationwide drive to address levelling up through research

The University of Stirling has successfully bid for funding in the first phase of a multi-million pound levelling up programme designed to benefit all four nations of the UK.

hands at desk

World leading health experts say aviation industry must act on cabin fumes as they launch new medical guidance

A group of world leading health and scientific experts are calling on the aviation industry to take action to protect passengers and aircrew from dangerous cabin fumes which they say have led to a new emerging disease.

Empty airplane cabin interior

Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic

Stirling scientist to lead investigation into climate change unknowns in the Arctic.

Trees and tall shrubs in Swedish Arctic, near Abisko.

MSK event brings healthcare experts and academics together

On 21 April, the University of Stirling held an event where over 75 healthcare professionals attended to hear about the latest research and innovation into musculoskeletal conditions.

Six healthcare experts and academics stood next to each other outside

New high-tech lab is first of its kind in Scotland

New high-tech lab for the study of brain function across the lifespan is first of its kind in Scotland.

Fiadh Robertson, age 4, wears mobile electroencepholography (EEG) equipment at University of Stirling's Lifespan Lab, the first of its kind in Scotland.

Adolescent girls in Bangladesh at risk of nutritional deficiency, study finds

New study finds adolescent girls in Bangladesh are at risk of nutritional deficiency even if they live in a seafood rich area.

Woman in Bangladesh cooking tilapias

Study looks to understand exposure to air pollution in informal settlements in Africa

Researchers looking at fuel use for cooking in Kenya and Malawi have found residents in the countries informal settlements are being exposed to worrying levels of pollution.

Wood logs and charcoal fire

Stirling sports heritage experts to measure success of national football celebration

Sports heritage experts at the University of Stirling have been appointed to evaluate a major celebration of football in Scotland.

Richard Haynes and Karen Fraser standing on a football pitch with stadium seating in the background. Richard holds a football and Karen holds a large board advertising the

Stone of Destiny focus of new research project

A University of Stirling heritage expert has been awarded a prestigious grant to explore the contemporary meanings and values of the Stone of Destiny.

Stone of Destiny created by the artist George Wyllie. It is a portable, concrete breeze-block stone, featuring an aluminium handle and the word ‘Destiny’ on one side

Celebration of forestry research will showcase work of PhD students

An inaugural celebration of forestry research will showcase the work of postgraduate students.

Sarah Watts collecting montane willow cuttings for propagation

Stirling academic Professor Leigh Sparks named top retail influencer

University of Stirling academic Professor Leigh Sparks, an international expert in retail, has been named a top influencer in his field.

men in shirt leaning on banister in front of windows

New comic shines a light on forgotten heroes of HIV/Aids activism

A new comic is telling the stories of forgotten HIV and AIDs campaigners who played a major role in tackling stigma and prejudice faced by sufferers in the 1980s.

The front cover of the comic. A black and white cartoon of campaigners holding placards.

We can learn from Scotland’s witch hunts to shape justice today, says criminology expert

We can learn valuable lessons from campaigns that highlight the injustices of Scotland’s witch hunts, says a criminology expert from the University of Stirling.

street in Edinburgh

New study finds that microplastics can help dangerous bacteria survive on Scottish beaches

New research from the University of Stirling has found that dangerous bacteria are able to survive the journey from sewage treatment plants to beaches on microplastic pollution.

Microplastics under a magnifying glass.

Primary school children spend less time outdoors, University study finds

Primary school children spend less time playing and learning outdoors, University study finds.

Young children learning in woodlands.

University working to monitor water quality in war-torn Ukraine

The University of Stirling is working with a Ukrainian university to monitor water quality in the war-torn country.

Andrew Tyler

International research to tackle exclusion and inequalities faced by people living with dementia

An international project led by the University of Stirling is to investigate how people living with dementia can be better included in decisions taken in their communities.

older people and young person talking

Solutions to global water crisis sought in Scotland

Professor Andrew Tyler has spoken of the University’s work to mitigate the effects of climate change to mark the 30th anniversary of World Water Day.

Andrew Tyler

Tool developed to identify girls at risk of nutritional deficiency

Professor Dave Little of the University’s world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture used the resource to discover that adolescent girls in Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable.

Airthrey Loch with the Wallace Monument visible. Leaves from a tree are coming into the frame.

Health researchers launch ‘first’ Long Covid resource for patients and health care professionals

The first resource of its kind to support those living with Long Covid and the healthcare professionals involved in their care, has been launched by experts from the University of Stirling.

3D Render of Coronavirus.

Growing mushrooms alongside trees could feed millions and mitigate effects of climate change, research finds

Growing edible mushrooms alongside trees can produce a valuable food source for millions of people while capturing carbon, mitigating the impact of climate change, a new study by University of Stirling scientists has found.

Professor Alistair Jump, Professor Paul Thomas

University of Stirling expert in substance use and inclusion health recognised by Academy of Social Sciences

One of the country’s leading experts in substance use and inclusion health, Professor Tessa Parkes, has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Professor

Agriculture needs fresh approach to tackle insect resistance to biopesticides, new analysis finds

A new way to manage insect pests' resistance to greener pesticides is needed, according to analysis by University of Stirling scientists.

Insect pest amid leaves

Social science researchers at the University of Stirling will “hit the ground running” after major £1.25m funding boost

The University of Stirling has received a major funding boost that will have a major impact on social sciences research.

Student/researcher at computer

Climate change concerns increasingly reduce natural gas support

The public’s concerns about climate change could reduce support for natural gas as an alternative fuel source, research suggests.

Child Playing on Dry Parched Desert Land stock photo

Call for Stirling locals to take part in Wallace Monument research

Researchers at the University of Stirling are looking for frequent visitors to the The National Wallace Monument to take part in a tourism study.

An image of a loch

Piecing together Scotland’s religious past with shards of glass

Two Scottish researchers are attempting to piece together part of Scotland’s religious past by combining hi-tech science with historical knowledge.

A coloured photograph of Elgin Cathedral showing a large arched glass-less window

University of Stirling ageing experts share pioneering work with Scotland Office minister

Experts in ageing, dementia and housing at the University of Stirling shared their pioneering research and ambitious plans with UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord during a visit to campus today.

Lord Offord on tour of Dementia Centre

Reduced subject choice under Curriculum for Excellence is affecting opportunities and outcomes for Scotland’s young people, research finds

Curriculum narrowing and a reduced choice of school subjects under the Curriculum for Excellence are affecting outcomes for Scotland’s young people, according to a new study from the University of Stirling.

University of Stirling campus

Research raises concerns over relationship between major US research institution and the alcohol industry

A new study has uncovered extensive interactions between one of the world’s leading funders of alcohol research and alcohol industry groups, sparking concern about the industry’s influence on science and public health policy.

Close up image depicting an arrangement of metal beer cans in a row

Heritage experts to study responses to protecting Ukraine's cultural heritage and monuments

A new international project is to explore how cultural heritage, monuments and the professionals involved in their safeguarding, can be better protected during times of war.

An image of a loch

MSPs learn of “frontline research” in dementia on visit to University of Stirling

Two Scottish MSPs with interests in housing, equality and older people have visited the University of Stirling to learn about its advances in improving the lives of people living with dementia.

Group of people posing outdoors in front of trees

Diversifying fish species and sources provide a flexible pathway to food and nutrition security

Scientists from the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture and WorldFish publish findings from their latest study on pond polyculture.

A woman photographed on the banks of a river with a bucket of fish

Burns’ influence on working class English writers revealed after the discovery of ‘lost’ works

The influence of Robert Burns saw poets in the north of England writing verse in Scots, say researchers who have uncovered a host of ‘lost’ literary works penned by industrial workers in the 19th Century.

Black and white portrait drawing of Scottish Bard Robert Burns

Cancer greater cause for concern than COVID for over 50s

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Stirling found chronic health conditions are a greater cause for concern than COVID-19 and that older people feel safer from catching COVID-19 in healthcare settings than in other places in the community.

Older person wears a mask and is gazing out of a window

£2m water quality project to protect river ecosystems

New research led by the University of Stirling is to explore how pollution and climate change are impacting freshwater ecosystems for the first time.

Photograph of a river surrounding by green grass and mountains

Funding announced for major aquaculture project in Thailand and Vietnam

The University of Stirling has secured major funding to improve the welfare of farmed fish in Thailand and Vietnam, with the aim of enhancing the quality of fish for human consumption.

An image of a loch

New exhibition kicks Stirling sporting hero back into spotlight

Raploch born footballer Billy Bremner remembered in new University exhibition

Exhibition poster showing old photos of Billy Bremner as a young footballer and as a professional

Privatisation in the UK has cost lives, research suggests

The UK’s privatisation of public services has led to an increase in the number of health and safety disasters which have caused multiple fatalities, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

An image of a loch

New research explains dramatic reduction of ivory trade in Japan

With implications for global wildlife trade, research from the University of Stirling and National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan has shown how Japan, once the largest consumer country of ivory, stopped being a destination for the product.

Pile of animal tusks for sale in the local shop in market in the Old town of Fenghuang, Hunan Province, China

Video games project aims to awake ‘sleeping giant’ industry in Scotland

University of Stirling experts are setting out key recommendations to boost Scotland’s videogame industry.

Rear view of young gamer wearing gaming headphones with backlight and playing in computer video game on computer

Heatwaves to impact almost every child on earth by 2050: UNICEF report

New research from UNICEF, supported by experts at the University of Stirling, has estimated that by 2050, every child in the world is expected to be exposed to worsening heatwaves.

Child drinks from a bottle of water

Collaborative project to educate communities on air quality

Air quality experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new collaborative project to help communities understand how they contribute to air pollution in their local area.

An image of a loch

Low-tech gadgets have biggest impact for older people, research finds

New research undertaken by housing and ageing experts at the University of Stirling has found that introducing low tech gadgets to retirement living schemes has a major impact on health and well-being.

older person using tin opener

Pandemic has worsened global childhood physical inactivity crisis – and Scotland is no exception

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated shortfalls in children’s physical activity around the world, including in Scotland, according to a new study involving the University of Stirling.

two children on smartphones

Voucher scheme highly effective at helping stop smoking in pregnancy, study finds

A high street voucher scheme is highly effective in helping women stop smoking during pregnancy, according to new research involving the University of Stirling.

Pregnant woman gives up smoking.

Research shows music and movement hits right note with care home residents

A pilot study by the University of Stirling has found that music and movement can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of care home residents – and could lead to similar activities being rolled out on a wider scale.

danceSing initiative at Balhousie Care Home

Moving mussels: new insights into shellfish farming

Researchers have identified how mussel larvae move – giving mussel and other shellfish farmers important insights into where and how to grow them.

mussels

Evaluation finds extension of distress intervention during pandemic was a success

A ground-breaking mental health programme which supports people in distress was successfully extended during the pandemic, according to a new evaluation led by the University of Stirling.

An image of a loch

Tech project succeeds in connecting care home residents during pandemic

A pioneering project introducing iPads to care homes during the pandemic had a significant impact on social isolation, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

Healthcare worker with senior woman using digital tablet at care home