Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)
CAR is 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.
If you're interested in being kept up-to-date with opportunities to take part in research run by CAR, you can sign up to CAR's participant pool. Anyone aged 16 or above can sign up, whether or not you have a condition that affects your appearance.
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.
Collaborations
Our partnerships support the needs of many individuals.
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
Appearance Matters: The Podcast is all about appearance, featuring exclusive interviews with experts in the field. It is hosted by Dr Nadia Craddock, Dr Maia Thornton, and Abbi Matthews on SoundCloud.
Transcripts of the podcast episodes are now available to request. These are being updated on a regular basis. If there is a specific episode transcript you would like to access, please contact us (car@uwe.ac.uk).
Appearance Matters: The Podcast
Episode 102 - The Visible Difference Support Hub
Podcast host, Dr Maia Thornton, speaks to CAR’s Professor Diana Harcourt about the development of The Visible Difference Support Hub, a brand-new website providing free access to evidence-based support for people with visible differences and their families, which has been developed at CAR. Di and Maia talk about the 25+ years of research that has gone into creating these support resources, the development process of the support hub, and the kind of materials people can find on the website.
Changing how the world sees bodies
The esteemed British Psychological Society (BPS) has featured our podcast in their official publication, The Psychologist, as it approaches important milestones – our 100th episode and 10 years disseminating and discussing research and relevant topics surrounding appearance-related issues.
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.
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