Faculty of Social Sciences news

Faculty of Social Sciences

New book celebrates 30 years of dementia design architecture

An internationally renowned dementia centre is celebrating its three decades of dedication to improving the lives of those living with dementia through design, by launching a new architectural compendium.

Two women sat next to each other. The younger one is showing the other elderly lady something in a book.

Ground-breaking care system study awarded £0.5m

Researchers led by the University of Stirling have won a £500,000 award from the Nuffield Foundation and a philanthropic donor, to carry out the next stage of ground-breaking work intended to improve the lives of children who become "looked-after" by the care systems.

Two children holding hands

Education professor to lead Scottish Government review into exam failings

A leading education expert from the University of Stirling is to lead an independent review in to the handling of this year’s Scottish school exam results.

test

Five studies launched into drug-related harms and deaths

Experts from the University of Stirling have launched five interdisciplinary research projects to address drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland.

drugs

New study to reveal how landlords can support tenants to create ‘homes’

A new study – led by the University of Stirling – will advise landlords on how they can support tenants in the private rented sector to make their leased property a ‘home’.

A rental sign outside a residential property

New toolkit launched to help deal with isolation

Experts from the University of Stirling have launched a new toolkit providing guidance on the role technology can play in combating feelings of isolation among older people.

Older person using technology

Stirling’s Housing Studies course recognised for its world-class research and teaching

The University of Stirling’s Masters/Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies has been reaccredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

An image of a loch

Study considers the protection of vulnerable children during COVID-19

Protecting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people in Scotland, during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the focus of a new University of Stirling study.

covid19

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.

drugs

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.

carer

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.

face mask

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. 

japanese woman

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.

cards

Student teachers benefit from mental health training

Student teachers at the University of Stirling are continuing to benefit from an innovative pilot project designed to improve knowledge and understanding of their own and pupils’ mental health.

Kathleen Forbes from Place2Be and student teacher Laura Burns

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).

Image of Professor Judith Phillips

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

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

Charity champion James Jopling honoured in Inverness

ProjectScotland Director James Jopling was today (November 1) recognised for his services to the charity sector as he joined more than 100 students at their University of Stirling graduation.

James Jopling, ProjectScotland Director

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.

dementia

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

Researchers discuss evidence-based approaches to challenging poverty

The complex nature of poverty was the subject of discussion at a special event held at the University of Stirling. The event, bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners, marked the culmination of Challenge Poverty Week, which ran from 7 – 11 October.

A woman holding an empty wallet

Stirling students access a bright future

More than 40 students are starting degree courses this year after completing a University of Stirling access to higher education programme.

Dr Dalene Swanson with the Access programme students and staff

Stirling student celebrated for work growing women’s football

A University of Stirling PhD student has received a prestigious national award in recognition of her volunteering work to help grow participation in women’s football.

View of Dumyat behind Airthrey Loch

Stirling academic receives palliative care award in Australia

A University of Stirling academic has been recognised for her work in leading a team which developed and tested a new method for improving palliative care provision in Australia.

Dr Liz Forbat with the INSPIRED clinical team

Older private renters face unique challenges

The UK’s growing number of older private renters face distinct challenges which could worsen the nation’s housing crisis, according to research led by the University of Stirling on behalf of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE).

Dr Kim McKee led the research

Inappropriate housing causing disabled people ‘physical and mental harm’

Leading housing experts are warning that disabled home-seekers are experiencing adverse emotional and mental distress due to a lack of suitable accommodation.

Professor Isobel Anderson, Diane Theakstone, Julia Lawrence

Stirling Professor appointed as Chair of new Drug Deaths Taskforce

The University of Stirling’s Professor Catriona Matheson has been announced as the new chair of a special taskforce set up to tackle the rising number of drug deaths in Scotland.

Drugs and associated paraphenalia

Stirling Professor becomes first in Scotland to receive prestigious award for educational research

A University of Stirling Professor has become the first recipient from Scotland to be awarded the prestigious John Nisbet Fellowship.

An image of a loch

Stirling graduate overcomes the odds to complete course

A University of Stirling graduate, who was inspired to study following her husband’s dementia diagnosis, is celebrating her graduation today despite losing him to the condition during her studies.

Student wearing graduation robes

Stirling academics awarded NHS research grant to tackle prescription opioid overdose

Substance use experts at the University of Stirling have been awarded a £30,000 research grant from NHS Fife to help reduce the risk of overdose in prescription opioid users.

Strip of tablets in packaging

Looked after children in Scotland have faced ‘significant neglect and maltreatment’ before entering care

Almost 90% of children aged five and under - studied as part of a major new research project led by the University of Stirling - experienced abuse or neglect before entering care.

Death of a friend ‘impacts health for up to four years’

The death of a close friend can cause a major decline in physical health and psychological wellbeing – with the impact being felt for up to four years, research has revealed.

Woman walking through graveyard holding flowers

Stirling research supports new volunteering framework

A new framework aiming at getting people involved in volunteering – and developed with the support of University of Stirling research– has been launched by the Scottish Government.

The word

Feeling ‘at home’ improves health, say Stirling researchers

The ability to feel ‘at home’ has a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

Shadow Minister meets Stirling housing and ageing experts

Local MSP, Graham Simpson, visited the University of Stirling to hear how its housing and ageing research is helping to stimulate debate on some of Scotland’s long-term challenges.

Graham Simpson

University showcases world-leading ageing and dementia research to UK Government Minister

A senior UK politician visited the University of Stirling today (Friday 22 March) to hear about its internationally renowned work on ageing and dementia.

Lord Duncan

World experts on dementia and design to gather in Stirling for major conference

The world’s leading experts on designing environments for people living with dementia are set to gather in Stirling for a major event looking at the latest developments in the sector.

An image highlighting dementia

Child welfare expert tells Holyrood committee smacking ban is “long overdue”

Child welfare expert tells Holyrood committee smacking ban is “long overdue”

Jane Callaghan

Student teachers get Japanese taster in a bid to boost language learning

The University of Stirling hosted a Japanese for Beginners event for student teachers in a bid to encourage them to take foreign language skills in to the classroom.

Teaching students and lecturers gathered around a table after language session

Parliament praises University housing and ageing reports

Two University of Stirling-led reports looking at housing and ageing and the impact of housing support services on the quality of life of older people have been praised by the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish Parliament

Classic card game to bridge the gap between play and study

Researchers at the University of Stirling are using a classic card game to develop an academic discipline called the Sociology of Bridge.

Professor Samantha Punch

Scottish Minister learns about University's work on ageing and dementia

Scottish Government Minister for Older People, Christina McKelvie MSP, visited the University of Stirling to hear about its work on ageing and dementia.

Four women in a row with hills behind

Stirling academic to help improve support for victims of crime

University of Stirling academic Dr Margaret Malloch has been appointed to a new Scottish Government taskforce which will improve support, advice and information for victims of crime.

University of Stirling campus

Domestic abuse seminar series launched by University academics

A domestic abuse seminar series – marking the end of an international campaign challenging violence against women and girls – is being launched by the University of Stirling’s Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection.

Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top

Experts highlight importance of research in tackling problem drug use

Experts from across the UK met to discuss the importance of research in tackling problem drug use, at a conference organised by the University of Stirling-hosted Drugs Research Network Scotland (DRNS).

drawing

University experts awarded £100k to evaluate domestic abuse programme

Academics from the University of Stirling have been awarded nearly £100,000 to evaluate a community project that aims to reduce acceptance of domestic violence.

Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top

Digital design should embed ethical and political values

Digital developers should consider the ethical and political values of their users – rather than focusing solely on their needs – a University of Stirling-led report has said.

young people sitting in a row looking at mobile phones

Inequalities between schools preparing pupils for university

Students from high attaining state schools are better prepared for the university application process than their peers in more deprived areas, new research by the University of Stirling has found.

form with accepted stamp and pen

Hidden costs in education system impact on Scotland’s poorest families

Hidden costs in the education system – such as school trips and uniform - are impacting on children and families living in poverty, a report by Dr Morag Treanor, from the University of Stirling, has found.

head shot of Morag Treanor