About the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)

Our key aims are to:

• conduct innovative research that creates and promotes knowledge and understanding about the psychosocial and cultural aspects of appearance.
• serve as the leading international centre of excellence for appearance research and source of authoritative advice for researchers, policy makers, practitioners, media, the public and third sector.
• relate knowledge and understanding to policy, practice and the needs of people affected by appearance concerns.
• increase acceptance of diversity in appearance.

We actively collaborate with charitable organisations, NHS Trusts, businesses, schools, universities, the media, and policy-makers across the UK and overseas.

The Centre for Appearance Research Diversity, Inclusion and Equality (CARDIE) group

CARDIE was founded as a group in July 2019 by Dr Nadia Craddock and Professor Phillippa Diedrichs. CARDIE principles are now fully integrated into all of the work CAR conducts.

CARDIE mission statement

‘Ensuring research and research environments are equitable and inclusive.’

Our mission is to conduct research on and promote appearance diversity in all its forms and intersections, including but not limited to visible difference, size and weight, race, skin colour, age, ability, gender, sexuality, class, and religion. 

CARDIE activities have included producing guides on inclusive staff recruitment and research, and promoting and providing professional development on diversity and inclusion within research and more widely.

We also do community reads of research papers with an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity) focus through our CAR Weekly series. 

CAR also supports best practice in the recruitment, retention and promotion of staff via the Athena Swan initiative. Athena Swan addresses gender inequalities in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine in higher education. 

View a list of organisations and support forums that can provide support.

See recent funding for the Centre for Appearance Research, from The Healing Foundation, National Institute for Health Research and many more.