Statement
Of
Purpose
Body Image Research Network: BIRN
In our appearance-obsessed society, there is growing recognition that the way we think about, and behave towards our bodies is central to our health and well-being. Despite growing international awareness of the importance of body image to health and well-being, there is a dearth of systematic and joined-up research on this topic in Ireland. To address this fundamental knowledge and structural gap, we aim to create a UCD-led interdisciplinary, person-centred network of excellence for research on body image and body image-related disorders (e.g., including eating disorders, and body dysmorphic disorder.)
The Body Image Research Network (BIRN) will unite researchers, clinicians and advocates with a shared interest in body image to advance the visibility and quality of Irish research in this rapidly expanding and evolving research space. BIRN will be led by UCD Psychology Body and Youth Mental Health (YMH) labs and expand outward to include national and international researchers from psychology, sociology, public health, medicine, sociology, economics, education, media and the fashion industry, and practitioners from education and vocational training.
Upcoming Event:
Connecting Bodies: An Interdisciplinary Symposium on Body Image Research in Ireland
Monday, 4th November 2024, Dublin, Ireland
this Symposium inviting researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers and stakeholders to share their knowledge and experience through panel discussions, group dialogue, flash talk presentations and ample opportunities for networking. *Registration and attendance to this event is completely free, and student participation is encouraged.
Dr Ciara Mahon
BIRN co-founder
"In our appearance-obsessed society, there is growing recognition that the way we think about and behave towards our bodies is central to our health and well-being. Despite growing international awareness of the importance of body image to health and well-being, there is a dearth of systematic and joined-up research on this topic in Ireland. To address this fundamental knowledge and structural gap, we intend to establish an Irish Body Image Research Network (BIRN) a national, interdisciplinary, person-centred network of excellence for research on body image and body image-related disorders, including eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder."
Welcome to the Body Image Research Network (BIRN), an academic research hub aimed at providing resources and a virtual community for body image researchers. We are focused on advancing body image research by creating a space for academics, policy makers, and the public to engage in dialogue as well as providing resources to improve accessibility and research literacy.
The network encompasses researchers from multiple disciplines studying body image, resulting in a multi-dimensional and holistic approach to addressing challenges associated with body image and evidence-based solutions for the wider community. We centre cooperation to enable us to adaptively respond to issues within the field and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.