Building for the future at Bath

The University of Bath’s newest building was officially opened today by psychologist Dame Professor Vicki Bruce, providing space for the expansion of the Department of Psychology. It also includes the new Centre for Applied Autism Research and a new home for the Institute for Policy Research, which aims to inform the future policies of local, national and supranational governments.

Professor Uta Frith, who has conducted ground-breaking research into autism, opened the new Centre for Applied Autism Research (CAAR) and also received an honorary degree from the university (which is celebrating its 50^th anniversary).

Head of the Department for Psychology, Professor Bas Verplanken, said of the opening: ‘It is wonderful to have moved into the building to enjoy the fantastic space it provides. We are looking forward to the Department of Psychology expanding its research facilities now that we are in situ.’

CAAR was established this year by Drs Chris Ashwin, Mark Brosnan, Katie Maras and Ailsa Russell, from the Department of Psychology. Its research aims to understand autism through world-class research, translate theory into practical applications, fully include the community within research, and to offer an educational and research resource for autism.

Brosnan, CAAR Director and the Director of Research for Psychology said: ‘I’m delighted to open the Centre for Applied Autism Research at the University’s new psychology building. This will give us a fantastic opportunity to explore our work on autism and understand our applied research into this condition.’