Research projects

Explore current and recent research carried out by members of the Research Centre for Better Living.

Five neatly-arranged rows of seven wooden bowls containing various fruits and vegetables
Sensory Food Education for Young Adults

This pilot study explored whether a sensory food education activity could encourage neurodiverse adults to try, eat, and enjoy new and healthy foods.

A group of young children eating fruit around a table in a pre-school setting, with a teacher encouraging one of them to try a satsuma
Nourishing Our Future

This research project, commissioned by Essex County Council Public Health, explores food provision for children aged 1-5 in nurseries, preschools, and childminding settings.

A young woman holding her hand in front of her face in a 'stop' gesture - her hand is in sharp focus, the rest of her and the background less so
A new online anti-objectification intervention for girls and young women

Dr Magdalena Zawisza is leading a £50k Include Plus sub-project testing an online anti-objectification intervention, developed with young women who use social media.

Composite of two images - the left half is half a man, the right half is half a woman. Both are dressed for the office and have their arms crossed, giving the image a symmetrical feel
Towards Gender Harmony: a 62-country mega-study

Dr Magdalena Zawisza has been one of the nine lead researchers of a 229-researcher project investigating gender beliefs among over 33,000 undergraduates.

Illustration of a human head with the brain made out of circuit board
Assessment of neurological impairment and recovery

We're working to improve methods used for assessing and monitoring cognitive performance following brain injury, and the experience of adjustment to that injury.

Video still of five older Gambian people sitting on chairs outside, one addressing the camera
The long-term effects of the witch-hunt campaign during the Gambian dictatorship

This ARU-led collaborative project is the first academic study into the stigma associated with government-led witchcraft accusations in The Gambia.

A maypole decorated with wreaths and bunting
REVIVE

Prof Viren Swami is working on REVIVE, which aims to promote more meaningful and democratic use of 3D immersive technologies and digital innovation in Europe.

Four people sitting in chairs as part of a circle in a group therapy session
Challenges and supports for involving adults with cognitive impairments in scientific research

This project explores how methods in health and social care research can act as barriers to, or help, participation for adults with cognitive impairments.

A woman sat at a computer monitor having an online meeting, with nine faces visible on the screen.
Friendship in Focus

This open-access resource provides students, teachers and researchers with authentic data and practical guidance for designing, conducting and analysing focus groups.

A medical model of an ear, with the white-coated chest and gloved hands of an audiologist visible behind it, sitting it a table
Audiology Workforce Toolkit

This toolkit enables NHS Heads of Services to make informed, evidence-based decisions on workforce requirements by forecasting staffing needs.

Small group of students in a university library
CAM-Doctoral Training Partnership PhD research opportunities

In 2025, we offered seven fantastic ESRC-funded research projects through the CAM Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP).