Centre for Appearance Research

One in five people look different from the general population, either as a result of a birth defect, a disease, an accident or scarring. The Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) strives to make a real difference to the lives of the many hundreds of thousands of people with appearance-related concerns both in the UK and across the world. It is based at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). Members of CAR carry out psychological and interdisciplinary research in appearance, disfigurement, body image and related studies.

CAR aims to:

1. Conduct innovative research that creates and promotes knowledge and understanding about the psychosocial and cultural aspects of appearance
2. To consolidate and further enhance CAR’s position as the leading international centre of excellence for appearance research and source of authoritative advice for researchers, policy makers, practitioners, the media, public and third sector
3. To relate knowledge and understanding to policy, practice, the needs of people affected by appearance concerns
4. To promote increased acceptance of diversity in appearance

Professor Nichola Rumsey, Director at the Centre for Appearance Research, spoke at TEDMED Bristol 2013 on her work to stem the ‘tsunami’ of dissatisfaction with appearance.