GW4 Eating Disorders Research Network
University of Bath: Jasmin Langdon-Daly (PI), Melissa Atkinson, Manuela Martinez-Barona Soyer
University of Bristol: Laura Chapman, Helen Bould, Lucy Biddle
Cardiff University: Fidan Turk, Cassandra Lowe, Natalia Lawrence
University of Exeter: Samuel Chawner, Falguni Nathwani, Marc Williams
Despite the serious and widespread impact of eating disorders, research funding remains scarce. Currently, over 80% of the UK’s limited funding is concentrated in London, leaving vast potential untapped in other regions. Across the four GW4 universities, researchers from diverse disciplines—including clinical psychology, behavior change, neuroscience, psychiatry, epidemiology, and social determinants of eating disorders and body image—are ready to drive change.
This new interdisciplinary research community is dedicated to bridging the gap and fostering collaboration, capacity-building, and innovation in the South West and Wales region. Our goal is not just to expand eating disorder research, but to enhance its diversity—exploring a broader range of disorders, methodologies, and including underrepresented groups.
To kickstart this initiative, we launched an invitation across GW4 to join our network, and we hosted a 1-day in-person event, where academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, and postgraduate students came together to map expertise, exchange knowledge, and spark new collaborations. We welcome individuals with lived experience, as well as clinical, policy, and charity partners who are eager to engage with researchers and contribute to meaningful progress.
Join us in reshaping the future of eating disorder research—where regional voices, fresh perspectives, and interdisciplinary synergy lead the way.
