Research news

Latest stories from the University of Stirling

New study sheds light on link between alcohol marketing and increased consumption in young people

Young people’s awareness of alcohol marketing – and their ownership of alcohol-branded merchandise – is associated with increased and higher-risk consumption, a landmark study has found.

Alcohol marketing image

App users can stroll through Scotland’s coalmining legacy

A smartphone app that shares secrets of Scotland’s coalmining heritage – through interactive guided walks – has been created by a University of Stirling academic.

Dr Catherine Mills

Women’s football conference kicks off on International Women’s Day

A University of Stirling researcher has co-ordinated a national conference on women’s football – held at Scotland’s national football stadium.

Women's football match

New study informs debate on predator-prey relationships

Experts have shed new light on the relationship between predators and their prey after studying how elk responded to the risk posed by grey wolves in an American national park.

Predator and prey in snow

New study aims to prompt international action on ocean plastic

The University of Stirling has been awarded a share of £850,000 to lead a research project aiming to inspire international action on marine plastic pollution.

Plastic bag in the ocean

New study on the impact of farming technologies on salmon robustness

Aquaculture experts at the University of Stirling are leading a £2 million study that aims to provide important information on the impact of innovative farming technologies on salmon.

Professor Herve Migaud

New report finds Scotland could suffer under UK immigration proposals

The UK Government’s immigration plans could reduce the number of workers in Scotland by up to five per cent over the next two decades, an expert panel has warned.

Professor David Bell

European ‘conflict’ requires Stirling students’ negotiation skills

Rising tensions between neighbouring nations will be the focus of a NATO simulation exercise involving University of Stirling students.

Dr Megan Dee

Biologists discover new plant reproduction behaviour

Biologists linked to the University of Stirling have discovered a novel mechanism used by plants to self-reproduce in the absence of pollinators.

wallflower

Recovering forests important to conservation, study finds

Tropical forests recovering from disturbance could be much more important to the conservation of forest bird species than first thought, according to a new study.

Bird in forest

Housing, food and fuel poverty protections in the spotlight

Legal frameworks to protect citizens’ rights to a decent standard of living will be explored by a University of Stirling academic.

Image of Dr Katie Boyle

£1.7m project aims to boost vital aquaculture species

A major research collaboration – involving scientists at the University of Stirling – is aiming to boost stocks of aquaculture species that are vital to the UK.

lumpfish picture

Back-to-back student journalism wins for Stirling

A University of Stirling student has landed a top national journalism award.

Newspapers

New approach to call handling is saving lives, study finds

A call-handling model introduced by the Scottish Ambulance Service to enhance its response to patients with life-threatening conditions has improved survival rates, new research has revealed.

ambulance thumbnail

Study sheds new light on the structure of comets

A University of Stirling planetary scientist – working with European colleagues – has helped shed new light on the physical properties and evolution of comets.

67PChuryumov-Gerasimenko comet

NASA mission – involving Stirling experts – comes to an end

A NASA mission to Mars – involving University of Stirling scientists – has ended 15 years after arriving on the Red Planet.

Mars

Stirling to lead £800,000 study into forests and climate change

The University of Stirling will lead a new £800,000 interdisciplinary study designed to predict and monitor the response of European forests to drought and temperature change.

forest

Game of Thrones star shares social insights with Stirling students

Actor Maisie Williams has urged University of Stirling students to “take risks” and grab opportunities – as she visited campus to launch her new social networking app.

Maisie Williams

Expert co-authors major new report on impact of hunting

A new report – commissioned by a leading international organisation – promotes the creation of a sustainable wild meat sector to protect disadvantaged people and endangered species from hunting.

Leopard

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

Minister visits Stirling to hear about innovative research

A Scottish Government minister has visited the University of Stirling to hear how its experts are leading a £1.85 million study investigating how marine plastics transport bacteria and viruses.

Ministerial visit

Initiative to boost lifestyles of football fans proves a success

A project designed to improve the health of football fans has proven to be more effective in boosting physical activity in men than other similar programmes, according to new research.

Football fans training

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

Misinformation targeted by Stirling researcher

Tackling false information in news reports, the public sphere and on social media will be the focus of a world-first event co-organised by a University of Stirling researcher.

Misinformation

New research will improve diagnosis of antenatal anxiety

A landmark study by experts at the University of Stirling will help health professionals improve the identification of severe and problematic anxiety in pregnant women.

anxiety in pregnancy

Stirling experts to study wildlife trade in Central Africa

The University of Stirling will receive around £390,000 as part of a new multi-million pound project aiming to make trade a positive force for both marginalised people and nature conservation.

giraffe

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

Enhanced research reporting method to improve patient care

Patients could benefit from improved care and outcomes thanks to new research guidance developed as part of a University of Stirling-led study.

doctor and patient

Media and communications conference makes Scottish debut at Stirling

A major UK media and communications conference starts at the University of Stirling today – the first time it has been held in Scotland.

Dr Alenka Jelen

Experts warn against mega-dams in lowland tropical forests

Mega-dams should not be built in lowland tropical forest regions due to the threat they pose to biodiversity and ecosystems, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

Islands created by mega dam

Researchers awarded three-year fellowships to address needs of society

Eight researchers have been awarded Anniversary Fellowships by the University of Stirling to carry out research which addresses the needs of society.

Group of eight people standing under three University umbrellas

Lifetime achievement award for Sir George Reid

University of Stirling Professorial Fellow Sir George Reid has won Scotland’s top award for public service.

Sir George Reid and John Swinney MSP

Plain packaging sparked tobacco price rises, new study finds

The introduction of plain tobacco packaging led to an increase in the price of leading products, according to new research from the University of Stirling.

Woman smoking cigarette

Global survey of news photographers reveals financial challenges

An international study of news photographers – authored by University of Stirling academics – has revealed a sharp decline in the number working full-time.

University of Stirling campus

£1.85m study to investigate microbes “hitch-hiking” on marine plastics

Experts at the University of Stirling will lead a new £1.85 million project investigating how marine plastics transport bacteria and viruses – and the impact that may have on human health.

Marine plastics

Reduction in drink-drive limit has not reduced the number of accidents, study finds

The lowering of the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Scotland has had no impact on the number of road traffic accidents, a new study involving the University of Stirling has found.

Person opens car

Data science “valuable” to mental health research

A review involving experts from the University of Stirling has suggested new ways in which big data could enhance the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

Mental health thumbnail

Stirling academic helps shape landmark human rights report

The First Minister of Scotland’s advisory group on human rights leadership – which includes a University of Stirling academic – has recommended a new framework to improve people’s daily lives.

Katie Boyle and Nicola Sturgeon

‘Real-life Game of Thrones’ Scots history show stars Stirling academic

A major BBC history series focusing on Scotland’s clans features expertise from a senior University of Stirling academic.

Professor Richard Oram

Scottish Government steering group on clean air appoints Stirling academic

A steering group set up by the Scottish Government to help improve air quality in Scotland has appointed a University of Stirling academic.

Image of white cloud in blue sky

Experts preparing for invasion of “dangerous” plant bacteria

Scientists from the University of Stirling are working to tackle the potential introduction and spread of a devastating plant pathogen into the UK as part of a new £4.85 million study.

Spittlebug

Stirling academic goes off-piste to explore risk in new short movie

A short movie exploring skiing and the philosophy of risk is to feature expertise from a University of Stirling academic.

Image from Comfort Zones movie

UK Cabinet minister visits University of Stirling

A senior UK Government minister has visited the University of Stirling where he endorsed ambitious plans to create two multi-million-pound international research centres on campus.

David Lidington CBE MP and Professor Malcolm MacLeod

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

Human rights report unveiled by Scottish Parliament committee

The Scottish Parliament should be an international human rights leader, according to a report citing research by a University of Stirling academic.

Image of Dr Katie Boyle

Stirling experts working on NASA’s latest mission to Mars

Two University of Stirling scientists are working on NASA’s latest mission in an attempt to understand more about the formation and early evolution of Mars, Earth and other rocky planets.

Mars

€2.6 million transport project to identify women’s needs

The University of Stirling has received a share of €2.6 (£2.3) million to create fairer and more inclusive transport systems that consider the needs of women as both users and employees.

man with grey hair and beard in shirt and tie

Occupational health study links air pollution and cancer

University of Stirling experts have discovered new evidence of the link between air pollution and cancer as part of a new occupational health study.

Doctor

Climate change predicted to end truffle production

The lucrative truffle industry is set to disappear within a generation due to climate change, according to new research by a University of Stirling academic.

Truffles

Ambassador to outline Slovakia’s key anniversaries in Stirling talk

Seminal points in the history of Slovakia will be explored in a lecture by the country’s ambassador to the UK.

University of Stirling campus