Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

£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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Dr Catherine Mills

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.

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Self-paced exercise may be key to improving children’s attention, memory and wellbeing

Outdoor classroom breaks involving 15 minutes of self-paced exercise may improve children’s attention, memory and wellbeing, according to new research.

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Stirling academic offers glimpse into the future of tropical forests

A University of Stirling academic has played a key role in an international research project into what the future may hold for the world’s tropical forests, and how that data can shape governments’ policies.

Dr Daisy Dent, of the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Stirling expert’s potentially life-saving advice to COVID-19 social workers

A leading expert from the University of Stirling is providing potentially life-saving advice to social workers around the world as they tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Stirling expert receives fellowship to conduct international research 

A leading expert from the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling has received a renowned Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship. 

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System forecasts global warming of lakes globally

A new study – part of a wider project led by the University of Stirling – will enable scientists to predict future warming of the world’s lakes due to climate change.

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Parliamentary reception highlights University’s role in empowering communities

The role of research in empowering communities to become resilient as the world’s population ages was the focus of the University of Stirling’s presence at a Scottish Parliament reception.

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Sports fans exposed to high levels of alcohol sponsorship

Football and rugby supporters in Scotland are consistently exposed to high levels of alcohol sponsorship, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

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City Deal signing: Major step forward for University-led projects

Two landmark projects led by the University of Stirling have today taken a major step forward – following the signing of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

City Deal Signing

Experts welcome heading ban for under-11s – but insist more needs to be done

Experts from the University of Stirling have welcomed news that heading footballs will no longer form part of training sessions for under-11s in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Alan Shearer

Funding boost to bridge the gap between play and study

A new research project led by the University of Stirling will highlight the benefits and skills gained from playing bridge.

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MSPs celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health

The Scottish Parliament is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health – praising its contribution to the development of public health policy.

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Study to investigate energy challenges in Scottish town

A new study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand the everyday energy challenges facing one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas.

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£2.2m for new study on the care of parents who use drugs

An innovative £2.2 million study will investigate the provision of treatment for parents who use drugs in the UK – in a bid to understand how they interact with health and social care services.

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Research suggests benefits of conservation efforts may not yet be fully visible

The time it takes for species to respond to conservation measures – known as an ‘ecological time lag’ – could be partly masking any real progress that is being made, experts have warned.

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Efforts to tackle tobacco harm explored by experts

The impact of the tobacco display ban on young people’s attitudes to smoking has been analysed by University of Stirling experts.

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Stirling expert appointed as Research Director for Healthy Ageing Challenge

A leading University of Stirling academic has been appointed as Research Director for the Healthy Ageing Challenge delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

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New Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities Director announced

The Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities (SGSAH) is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Director, Professor Claire Squires.

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Study reveals factors behind a resilient community

A new study has identified the key components of ‘community resilience’ – and experts believe their findings will help to develop and enhance responses to extreme events.

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Stirling expert appointed to Scottish Sentencing Council

A University of Stirling criminologist has been appointed to the Scottish Sentencing Council.

Hannah Graham

New study on the impact of innovative feeds on salmon health

Scientists are testing whether oils from microalgae and genetically modified (GM) oilseed crops could provide beneficial omega-3 for salmon – and, in turn, boost levels in the human diet.

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Pub profits largely unaffected by Scotland’s lower drink-drive limit

The lowering of the drink-drive limit in Scotland had little long-term financial impact on pubs – unlike some had predicted ahead of its introduction, according to new research.

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New research finds that Shetland had its own ice sheet

A massive ice sheet covered Scotland’s Shetland Islands and the surrounding seafloor around 21,000 years ago – and rapidly collapsed about 19,000 years ago, a new study has found.

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Lisbon Lions’ impact on Scotland’s Irish diaspora revealed

Celtic’s historic European Cup triumph in 1967 was a “defining moment” for the Irish diaspora in Scotland, according to a new study from the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh.

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Romanian President honours University of Stirling scientist

A University of Stirling scientist has received a prestigious honour from the Romanian President in recognition of his research team’s environmental management efforts across Europe.

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Project to enhance shrimp and fish health in Bangladesh

Experts at the University of Stirling are working with senior industry, government and scientific officials from Bangladesh in a bid to tackle a major issue in the aquaculture sector.

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University of Stirling wins the UK’s highest academic honour

The University of Stirling’s world-leading Institute of Aquaculture is to receive the UK’s most prestigious academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

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Intergenerational study planned following successful pilot

Experts at the University of Stirling are planning a major intergenerational study into the benefits of bringing together nursery-aged children and adults living with dementia.

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Historic climate change on Mars might be detectable

Historical instances of extreme climate change on Mars could be detected through the measurement of subsurface temperatures, according to a new University of Stirling study.

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Mind-expanding exhibition inspired by Stirling research

An art exhibition about the human mind – inspired by research involving the University of Stirling – has just opened at the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh.

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Major new study to examine curriculum provision in Scottish secondary schools

The structure of the Scottish secondary school curriculum – and its impacts on the lives of pupils – will be examined by University of Stirling academics.

Cottrell building and the Wallace Monument

New Aquaculture PhDs under major new partnership

The University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) will benefit from a number of new PhD studentships after joining a major partnership funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Cottrell building and the Wallace Monument

New £350,000 project to promote education in sport

Experts at the University of Stirling will research and promote education in sport as part of a new £350,000 collaboration with European partners.

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New research to look at peer support around dementia

A new research project will evaluate peer support initiatives for people with a lived experience of dementia, with the aim of improving care in Scotland and across the UK.

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Review finds suicidal children are “at risk of being overlooked”

The needs of suicidal children are at risk of being overlooked due to gaps in policy and inconsistencies in how the issue is approached globally, according to experts.

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New boxing archive has a nice ring to it

Scotland’s proud boxing history is to be preserved in a new archive - housed at the University of Stirling - following a funding award by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Scottish boxer Hugh Riley training on board the SS Tamora en route to the 1950 Games in Auckland, New Zealand

Multi-million pound award for domestic abuse research

Researchers have received a multi-million pound grant to investigate innovative interventions to support children and young people impacted by domestic abuse.

Professor Jane Callaghan from the University of Stirling

Male dominance of discussions around steroid use may increase risk to women

Women who use steroids may be at “higher risk” because discussions around the issue are often dominated by men, new research has revealed.

University of Stirling campus