Faculty of Social Sciences news

Faculty of Social Sciences

Safer consumption and drug checking facilities key to addressing drug harms in Edinburgh, study finds

Safer drug consumption facilities (SDCF) and drug checking could be key to addressing drug harms in the city of Edinburgh, according to University of Stirling experts in substance use.

Edinburgh at night

Schoolgirls at the centre of new University of Stirling study into card game bridge are making history

Three schoolgirls who are part of a new University of Stirling-led research study into the game of bridge are promoting its educational benefits – and making history along the way.

three girls with playing cards

University of Stirling to promote better outcomes from water resources for Scottish businesses and communities

A team at the University of Stirling is embarking on an extensive study into how water resources in Scotland promote better outcomes for our economy, society and the environment, in a £5 million partnership project to last three years.

river with monument in background

Why grey matters for these academic researchers with a difference

Like many older people during the COVID pandemic, they were in search of company and mental stimulation. Then came a chance for this group of retirees to tackle something none of them had tried before – academic research.

older man on beach

Study lays out options for Scotland’s first drug checking services

An extensive study led by the University of Stirling has laid out options and key considerations for Scotland’s first drug checking services.

woman in lab

Age-friendly businesses could revitalise Britain's high streets

Older people could be the financial shot in the arm needed for Britain’s high street, according to research commissioned by the University of Stirling.

people in street outside shops

Teacher education imperative for climate change and sustainability education

Teacher education is imperative to equip young people to live in a climate altered future, a new report has claimed.

pupils and teacher in classroom

Scottish Borders Council works with University of Stirling on dementia-friendly care village

Members from Scottish Borders Council visited University of Stirling dementia design experts this week to explore options for the region’s new Tweedbank care village.

woman with VR headset on and man

Be part of the play in unique theatre event coming to Alloa

A unique theatre experience is coming to Alloa where the audience is invited to steer the play.

men and women on stage

Social science fest features theatre, displays and discussions for all ages

The University of Stirling is putting on a host of exciting events – all of them free – to spread the word about social science to the local community in Clackmannanshire.

people in wood

Art chronicles alcohol and homelessness study as researchers seek innovative way to share findings

A unique art event took place this week in Glasgow chronicling the findings of a research study into the effects of managed alcohol programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

artwork of men in pub

Curriculum making research centre first of its kind in the UK

A new research centre focusing on school curriculum making – the first of its kind in the UK - has opened at the University of Stirling.

Girl and boy at desk at school

MSPs unite to call for compassion and kindness as See Beyond campaign is debated in Parliament

In recognition of the impact on those left behind when someone they love dies because of alcohol and drugs, MSPs used a debate on See Beyond – See the Lives – Scotland in the Scottish Parliament this week to call for more compassion and support.

three people holding notice

The media can play its part in reducing stigma around substance use

The media can play its part in reducing stigma surrounding substance use, according to two University of Stirling academics.

person holding microphone

From carer to crusader - how this dementia expert is making a difference

When Sue Northrop signed up for a Masters in Dementia Studies at the University of Stirling, she was caring for her mother with dementia and finding a new role in life as a community activist. Nine years on, she fronts one of the most progressive dementia groups in the country.

Woman in front of building

Trafficked children face asylum ‘system trauma’, says University of Stirling research

Researchers at the University of Stirling exploring the long-term outcomes for trafficked children in Scotland have found that children face ‘system trauma’ connected to navigating the asylum, welfare and child protection systems.

child's hands at fence

Stirling graduate’s English school dream comes true

Marie-Anne N’Guessan came to the University of Stirling on a mission – a very specific one: to learn the skills to run her own school for underprivileged children.

Marie-Anne N’Guessan pictured on her graduation day.

Queen of Sweden and former Mars CEO honoured by University of Stirling

The Queen of Sweden and the former CEO of Mars have received honorary degrees from the University of Stirling.

Woman graduating

Stirling experts part of £22.5 million research endeavour into improving health and social care

Health and social care experts at the University of Stirling are taking part in a multi-million pound research endeavour that is expected to lead to major changes in the UK’s health and social care policies.

hands at desk

MSPs share 'pain and loss' of their parents' alcohol use as part of new campaign

Miles Briggs MSP has opened up for the first time about his father’s alcohol use, as, together with Monica Lennon MSP, he backs a campaign aimed at reducing the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs.

two men

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

Call for pubs to help make communities more dementia-friendly

The University of Stirling's Dementia Services Development Centre is calling for pubs to take part in dementia-friendly programme to improve lives in the community.

men in pub

From academic to lived experience: how the roles were reversed for this disability expert

When Professor Kirstein Rummery began researching disability and equality more than three decades ago, little did she know she would one day be living through the same challenges herself.

Woman in disability scooter

Expert on ageing appointed to influential government taskforce

An expert on ageing and older people at the University of Stirling has been appointed to an influential UK Government taskforce.

Image of Professor Judith Phillips

New campaign shares letters to loved ones lost to alcohol and drugs

‘Everyone knows someone’ is the message behind See Beyond - See the Lives - Scotland, a new campaign from academics and advocacy organisations that aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs.

A woman sitting with a photograph

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

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.

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

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

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

University of Stirling experts are behind call for improvements to policing technologies

A group of University of Stirling experts in criminology, sociology, law and management is behind a call for improvements to policing technologies in Scotland.

An image of the university campus

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

New research finds care home culture vital to boosting physical activity among older people

Physical activity needs to be embedded into the culture of care homes in Scotland, according to new research by the University of Stirling.

Care home residents exercising

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

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

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

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

Forth Valley set to benefit from landmark new health partnership

An ambitious landmark partnership between the University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and NHS Forth Valley has launched today – with the mission to improve patient care and treatments, and boost health research and staff learning across the region.

Forth Valley Health Partnership launch

Pioneering tool to support design of dementia friendly spaces

Experts from the University of Stirling have created a new tool to support families, businesses and professionals to make homes, premises and public places more accessible to an ageing population and those living with dementia.

Computer generated image of a generic entrance to a public building. It shows double glass doors, with windows either side and two planters containing green shrubs to either side of the door. The building is red and a green bench is pictured to the right hand side of the right hand planter

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

£2m research to study impact of place and stigma on older disabled adults

New research exploring the impact of stigma on fuelling inequalities experienced by UK disabled adults in later life has secured funding of £2m.

An image of a loch

Major report sets out recommendations for living well with dementia

A major forum into housing and dementia, co-chaired by a University of Stirling academic, has published a series of recommendations on living well with the condition.

Politicians and experts stand outside building holding-up living with dementia report

Dementia student honoured at the Palace of Westminster

An MSc Dementia Studies student, who balanced his studies with a full-time job as a care home manager while also raising thousands of pounds for charity, has been recognised with a prestigious award.

Naga Munchetty, Nicolas Kee Mew BCAv, Alison Bond, BCA Ambassador

New report reveals strength of holistic welfare service model for supporting veterans in Glasgow

A new report has been published examining the Social Return on Investment (SROI) generated by Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH) a partnership between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Glasgow City Council.

Military personnel standing in George Square Glasgow

Substance use experts tackle health inequalities among people released from prison

New research is set to explore how health services can better support people released from prison in a bid to reduce the numbers dying from substance use, overdose, and suicide.

Close up of a stethoscope and digital tablet with virtual electronic medical record of patient on interface.

‘Essay Mills’ Pose Serious Risk to Scottish Universities

Vulnerable students are turning to online ‘essay mills’ to purchase written work that they then pass off as their own, threatening academic integrity and exploitation, a new study has found.

An image of a loch

University of Stirling to lead third research network hub in British Academy pilot

The British Academy has announced that the third and final hub of its Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Network – a two-year pilot programme for UK-based postdoctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences – will be in Scotland.

An image of a loch

Study reveals few infants taken into care in Scotland are placed with brothers and sister

Only one in five infants taken into care in Scotland who had older brothers or sisters were initially placed with them, according to a new study funded by Scottish Government which has been published today.

Baby hand holds finger

The Scottish Pharmacy Alliance convenes to reduce drug deaths

Former Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce for Scotland Professor Catriona Matheson, University of Stirling and Managing Director of Pharmacy in Practice Johnathan Laird have partnered to convene the inaugural Scottish Pharmacy Alliance meeting to reduce drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland.

An image of a loch