Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)

Changing how the world sees bodies through science.

We are on a mission to conduct and use research to help people and society accept and appreciate all bodies.

Our vision is to expand our impact beyond academia, creating a world where diversity in appearance is fully valued.

Our work is grounded in excellence, leadership, social impact, community, equity and belonging. 

Our research and consultancy are focused on two broad areas:

Browse our evidence-based support resources.

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About

Find out how our research transforms lives.

Research themes

Discover our themes, projects, publications and PhD research.

Members

Details of our centre's members, visiting academics, staff and PhD students.

Resources

Online training, videos and media resources.

FAQs

Answers to your frequently asked questions.

News and events

Attend our Appearance Matters Conference and much more.

Publications

Publications from members of the Centre for Appearance Research.

Contacts

We welcome enquiries about our work - please get in touch.

Appearance Matters podcast

Collage of ten images featuring body image and visible difference themes for the Appearance Matters: The Podcast.Appearance Matters: The Podcast! is all about appearance, featuring exclusive interviews with experts in the field.

Hosted by researchers from CAR, Dr Ella Guest, Dr Kat Schneider, Abbi Matthews and Dr Maia Thornton, the podcast is available on multiple platforms such as SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Episode 113 - Phyllida Swift's Appearance Matters Keynote

CAR’s latest podcast episode features Phyllida Swift, CEO of Face Equality International, a global alliance of NGOs, charities, and support groups that are on a mission to end visible difference-related stigma and discrimination. The episode shares her inspiring keynote from CAR’s Appearance Matters 11 conference in June 2026, where she reflects on her career journey and the growth of the organisation under her leadership. She shares key lessons from along the way, from building partnerships with global brands and influencing international policy to advancing the rights and visibility of the facial difference community worldwide. 

Featured in The Psychologist

 The Psychologist is the official publication of the British Psychological Society.

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The changing face of appearance

Members of CAR showcase their work around growing new trends in the field of appearance psychology.

Read the article
Photo of the Centre for Appearance podcast team, left to right: Dr Nadia Craddock, Sharon Haywood, Dr Maia Thornton, and Abbi Mathews.

Changing how the world sees bodies

The Appearance Matters: The Podcast! team from CAR mark a milestone - 100 episodes - and 10 years of disseminating research and discussing appearance-related topics.

Read the article

Why we study appearance

Transforming tomorrow, today.

Our unique approach to research, innovation, skills, enterprise and just and ethical practices is driving societal improvements and transforming futures for the better.
RISE

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