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.
Our research and consultancy are focused on two broad areas:
Browse our evidence-based support resources.
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
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 110 - Women's Health Month Special: Understanding PMOS (PCOS) and Endometriosis
Our latest podcast episode features an important discussion around Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS, formerly called PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and endometriosis to mark Women’s Health Month. CAR’s Dr Ella Guest explores this topic with three experts in the field: Dr Sophie Williams, Assistant Subject Lead for Psychology at University of Derby and Trainee Health Psychologist; Dr Laura Falconer, Health Psychologist at Reed Wellbeing; and Dr Melissa Pehlivan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the InsideOut Institute, University of Sydney. They discuss the lengthy delays in diagnosis and treatment that is common with these conditions and its impact on patients; the renewed NHS Women’s Health Strategy; and the role of acceptance and self-compassion in supporting wellbeing.
Featured in The Psychologist
The Psychologist is the official publication of the British Psychological Society.
The changing face of appearance
Members of CAR showcase their work around growing new trends in the field of appearance psychology.
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.
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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