International conference on body image and appearance research set to be staged in Bristol

Leading experts from across the globe are preparing to travel to Bristol for a major conference dedicated to body image and appearance research.

Influential researchers, clinicians and practitioners will attend the 11^thAppearance Matters conference, taking place at City Hall over three days next week (9-11 June).

The biennial conference is hosted by the Centre for Appearance Research – a world-class research centre at UWE Bristol – and gives delegates an opportunity to share the latest leading-edge research they have conducted on body image and appearance.

The international event is being staged at City Hall for the second consecutive occasion following the success of the previous conference in 2024.

Among the themes of the conference are body image; visible difference; disordered eating and weight-related issues; aesthetic and reconstructive procedures; and appearance-based stigma and discrimination.

The keynote speakers are Dr Zali Yager, executive director of the Embrace Collective and adjunct associate professor at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University in Australia, and Phyllida Swift, appearance activist and chief executive officer of Face Equality International.

The programme will also include a range of symposia, oral presentations, short talks, poster presentations and roundtable discussions.

Professor Beth Daniels, Director of the Centre for Appearance Research, said: “We are delighted to welcome colleagues from across the world to Bristol for the Centre for Appearance Research’s 11th Appearance Matters conference.

“This event provides a vital platform to share cutting-edge insights and strengthen collaborations that can make a real difference to how we understand and address body image and appearance-related challenges.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase the breadth and impact of this work, and to inspire further innovation in the field.”