Faculty of Social Sciences news

Faculty of Social Sciences

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.

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Stirling social worker launches network to support Ukrainian colleagues

A University of Stirling social worker has launched an international network to support social and community workers impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine flag flying against backdrop of blue sky

Stirling academic’s expertise helps form major new human trafficking guidelines

New guidance aiming to tackle and prevent human trafficking has been published by the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe), supported by the expertise of a University of Stirling social work lecturer.

Dr Paul Rigby profile photo

Stirling social scientists honoured by Academy

Two University of Stirling staff members have been announced as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.

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Academics launch review of digital tech programme tackling social isolation in care homes

A team of academics from the University of Stirling has been funded to study the success of a pioneering digital inclusion programme rolled out in care homes during the pandemic

Woman using smartphone in a care home

New project to examine how primary educators access research to inform teaching

A new major project to examine how primary teachers access and engage with literacy research to inform teaching is underway.

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Stirling housing expert leads major report on veterans’ homelessness

The findings of a new report – led by a University of Stirling expert on behalf of the Veterans’ Scotland Housing Group – will help tackle homelessness among former armed forces personnel.

Army boots close up in line on parade day

Research will be first to study LGBT+ experience of welfare system

In a world first, a major new research project is being launched to examine the experiences of LGBT+ people when accessing the benefits system in the UK.

UK coins spread across a table

New research hub to tackle ageing population challenges

A new multi-million-pound intergenerational research centre at the University of Stirling will provide pioneering solutions to the challenges posed by an ageing global population.

A group of older adults enjoying a work at the beach.

Stirling research to transform record keeping in children’s homes

Researchers at the University of Stirling are set to transform record keeping in children’s homes after securing funding for a ground-breaking project.

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ESRC awards £8.26m to new social care research centre

Experts from the University of Stirling are to play a leading role in a new ESRC research centre, which will tackle critical social and economic issues – from evolving policing, to social care and intergenerational inequality.

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‘Stark’ figures reveal lack of diversity in Scottish history lessons

A new survey of Scottish teachers, released to coincide with Black History Month, has revealed only a minority of secondary schools feature Black history in lessons.

Stock photos of a classroom. A teacher stands in front of a whiteboard with students sitting at desks facing them.

Stirling appoints new Dean to its Faculty of Social Sciences

The University of Stirling has appointed Professor Derek McGhee as Dean of its Faculty of Social Sciences.

Photograph shows Prof Derek McGhee. It is a head and shoulders shot, with Prof McGhee pictured outside and looking straight to camera. He has white hair and is wearing a grey suit, light coloured shirt and red tie

King and Queen of Sweden visit the University of Stirling’s dementia centre

The King and Queen of Sweden paid a royal visit to the University of Stirling today (Monday 4 October) to learn about its world-leading dementia research.

Swedish Royal Family and man in uniform walking towards camera

University showcases research tackling loneliness to MSP

A local MSP has heard how experts at the University of Stirling are tackling the issue of social isolation and loneliness through technology.

Hand holds up a deck of cards in a fan shape to camera

Researchers to explore effectiveness of support for trafficked children

The University of Stirling is launching a new research project to investigate the impact of support services on the recovery of children and young people trafficked in to the UK.

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Climate change risk tool to recognise impact on children for the first time

Researchers working with UNICEF have created the Climate Change Vulnerability Index to assess the impact of climate change on children for the first time.

Child Playing on Dry Parched Desert Land stock photo

Could drug checking help prevent harms in Scotland?

A team of experts working in partnership with the University of Stirling is exploring how drug checking services could be developed for Scotland in order to reduce harms.

Pill packets

The risks and trade-offs of renting from a private landlord

People living in the private rented sector are forced to make hard choices in order to meet their basic needs, new research had revealed.

Rental agreement form with signing hand and pen.

Senior professor receives prestigious award for ageing research

A University of Stirling senior academic has been bestowed an Outstanding Achievement Award by her peers in recognition of her significant and lasting contribution to the understanding of ageing.

New National Housing and Dementia Forum for Scotland

The University of Stirling and Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have welcomed the establishment of a National Housing and Dementia Forum by the Scottish Government, as a way to ensure that every person with dementia gets the support they need.

Lesley Palmer talks to an elderly lady

Opioids research finds overdose risk factors

New research from the University of Stirling has identified potential major risk factors leading to overdose in patients taking prescription medication.

Bottle of prescription drugs with white pills falling out of it

Benefits of bridge on mental health focus of international conference

More than 400 delegates from across the world are gathering next week to discuss the benefits of bridge on mental health and wellbeing.

Playing cards spread out on a green felt background

Mother and daughter celebrate graduating from University together

A mother and daughter are celebrating after graduating together from the University of Stirling.

Vicki and Hannah Lawlor wear university graduations gowns and pose next to the loch on Stirling's campus holding champagne glasses

Arts project challenges stereotypes of ‘old age’

A new interactive theatre performance challenging the stigma and stereotypes associated with older age opens next month, as part of a major research project.

A screengrab of an online rehearsal on Zoom

Researchers work with acclaimed storytellers to help inspire youngsters to tackle waste

A new project led by the University of Stirling will harness the power of storytelling to help educate the next generation about waste in Scotland and encourage them to consider new ways of reducing, re-using and re-purposing, rather than just recycling or discarding household items and resources.

Digger at landfill site

Study seeks to support migrant children during the pandemic

Exploring how COVID-19 has impacted separated migrant children in Scotland and how best to support them going forward, will be the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

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University of Stirling to develop new adult social care Centre

The University of Stirling is partnering with the University of Birmingham, as part of a broader consortium of key stakeholders from across the four nations of the UK, to develop a new Centre for adult social care.

Closeup shot of a young woman holding a senior man's hands in comfort

Stirling researchers to transform housing design for dementia

Experts at the University of Stirling are leading a major new research project – with the support of international partners including the dementia care foundation established by the Queen of Sweden - to create future-proof housing to meet the needs of the world’s ageing population.

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Stirling secures £1.6m to connect older people

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has been awarded £1.6m of funding to improve access to online resources for older people in a bid to boost health.

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New research to put COVID-19 local authority spending in the spotlight

The University of Stirling is launching major new research to investigate how local authority spending across the UK can deliver maximum benefit to communities in the wake of COVID-19.

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Professor recognised by prestigious Academy of Social Sciences

A University of Stirling professor has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of his excellent contribution to the sector.

Prof Adrian Blackridge looks straight to camera, smiling. The photo shows his head and shoulders only. He wears black, square glasses and the top of a white shirt and grey blazer can be seen.

New research to look at how home tech can support those living with dementia

Experts at the University of Stirling are launching a new research project to find out how technology can better support residents in retirement living schemes and those living with long-term conditions such as dementia.

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Landlords play vital role in helping tenants create a home, say experts

A new study from UK housing experts has found that landlords play a significant role in tenants’ ability to feel ‘at home’.

Photo of a row of 'to rent' signs

Research project to study the impact of COVID fear

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Stirling is launching a new study to consider how the fear of COVID-19 is impacting the lives of the over-50s, after receiving a major funding grant.

Elderly man wearing mask

New report highlights barriers to accessing housing for ex-Service personnel

New research published today [8th December] highlights the challenges Service leavers face accessing and sustaining housing after leaving the Armed Forces, despite improvements made in recent years.

Hand of person in military uniform holding a key up

Stirling ageing expert to speak at international ‘futures’ event

A leading expert in ageing from the University of Stirling is to give a talk to an international symposium exploring the needs, hopes and responsibilities of different age groups and our futures.

Melanie Lovatt

University of Stirling granted funding for three COVID-19 projects

The University of Stirling is set to contribute to the understanding of, and response to, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, with three new research projects.

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Stirling research on socio-environmental disasters receives £1m funding

A project seeking to support marginalised South African communities suffering from climate change-induced or exacerbated crises has been launched at the University of Stirling.

South Africa

University of Stirling launches study to support climate resilience policy in Rwanda

Experts at the University of Stirling have been awarded a share of £200,000 to support marginalised groups impacted by severe flooding and drought in Rwanda.

Rural flooding in Nkamira, North West Rwanda, Africa

New fellows join research partnership to mitigate climate-change related disasters in South Africa

Four new postdoctoral fellows have joined a research project partnership supporting marginalised communities in South Africa suffering from climate-change induced crises.

South African Township

Voluntary action and Covid-19 – new research will explore lessons learnt and recommendations for UK recovery

Experts from across academia and the voluntary sector are to carry out a major research project into the role of voluntary action in the Covid-19 pandemic – exploring the challenges, what worked well and making recommendations to inform planning for future crises.

Delivery guy with protective mask and gloves delivering groceries during lockdown and pandemic.

Stirling housing student scoops top award

A University of Stirling housing student has received a prestigious award after wowing industry judges with her work on housing law and policy.

Head and shoulders photo of Housing student and prize winner Caitlin Kane

Stirling child trafficking experts publish research

A team of experts from the University of Stirling commissioned by the Scottish Government to research the professional response to child trafficking in Scotland has published its research.

Child's hand holding a white teddy bear

Stirling University scoops national equality awards

Two University of Stirling departments are celebrating their continued commitment to equality and inclusion after being awarded Athena SWAN bronze awards.

Athena Swan Bronze Award logo

University of Stirling education experts complete exam review

A team of Stirling researchers led by education expert Professor Mark Priestley has completed an independent review into the handling of this year’s Scottish National Qualifications.

A school hall laid out with blue chairs and single desks

Stirling expert appointed to Anti-Slavery Group

University of Stirling academic Dr Paul Rigby, has been appointed to provide expert advice to the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC).

Social work lecturer Dr Paul Rigby

Stirling celebrates first year of Housing course partnership

The University of Stirling is celebrating the first year of an innovative industry partnership formed to improve the employability of Housing Studies students.

Row of modern, terraced homes with a tree-lined walk way in front

Stirling ageing expert awarded £600k for care home study

A University of Stirling academic has been awarded £600,000 from the National Institute for Health Research to improve end-of-life care in UK care homes.

Elderly woman walks along hall using a walking frame

Stirling dementia design expertise recognised in World Report

Experts from the University of Stirling are playing a leading role in a global report looking at the progress of dementia-related design.