News | 16 February, 2021
Cardiff Metropolitan University is about to officially launch a new world-class research centre which will address some of society’s biggest challenges.
The Centre for Health, Activity and Wellbeing Research (CAWR) works with communities, including special populations, to make a difference to health and wellbeing in Wales, the UK and across the globe.
The virtual launch of CAWR will take place on Tuesday 23 February from 12pm to 1pm and anyone with an interest in these research areas is welcome to attend.
Based in Cardiff Met’s School of Sport and Health Sciences, CAWR pulls together decades of staff expertise within the School with a pan-University approach to problem-solving.
The Centre, which is led by Professor Diane Crone, aims to further develop and become the ‘go to’ centre for the development of health, activity and wellbeing related in Wales.
CAWR has four specific areas of expertise - these include Wellbeing in Demanding Environments, Public Health and Wellbeing, Physical Health Education for Lifelong Learning and Cardiovascular Physiology.
The projects currently being undertaken by the centre are already contributing to a first-class portfolio in health, activity and wellbeing research:
One CAWR study investigates the effectiveness of ‘co-produced physical activity intervention’ for employee health, wellbeing and productivity in office workers.
Funded by KESS 2 (Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships), this research looks at the impact of people doing more activity in their working day, by breaking up sitting time with walking or simple body weight activities which increase the heart rate and might increase blood flow to the brain.
The COVID-19 UK public experiences study (COPE Cymru) is an interdisciplinary project being led by Dr Rhiannon Phillips of Cardiff Met in collaboration with researchers from Cardiff University, Swansea University and the University of Aberdeen.
With external funding support from Sêr Cymru, this UK-wide longitudinal study of 11,000 people seeks to understand the psychosocial factors associated with engaging in behaviour that prevents infection transmission of Covid-19 and changes in health and wellbeing over the course of the pandemic.
The launch event will kick off with an introduction by Cardiff Met’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Cara Aitchison followed by Director of CAWR, Prof Diane Crone, who will outline the Centre’s vision and focus.
After this, the audience will hear from other members of CAWR’s leadership team who will outline the areas of expertise in the Centre. These speakers are Professor Steve Mellalieu, Dr Britt Hallingberg, Dr David Aldous, and Drs Rachel Lord and Chris Pugh.
Speaking about CAWR, centre director, Professor Diane Crone said:
"CAWR is a multidisciplinary research group which successfully pulls together a wealth of knowledge, expertise and connections from across Cardiff School of Sport and Health Science, the wider University and the community.
"The centre’s focus addresses a number of society’s biggest challenges, from the prevention, treatment and management of communicable diseases to mental wellbeing and health inequalities.
"I would encourage anyone with an interest in this area to book a place at the official launch on February 23rd at 12pm to find out more about CAWR and its vision for the future."
Dean of Cardiff School of Sport and Health Science, Dr Katie Thirlaway added:
"I am delighted to see the enormous range and depth of high-quality research in Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences drawn together by this exciting new research group.
"I very much look forward to seeing CAWR develop over the coming years by developing innovative solutions to inspire health, activity and wellbeing."
Book your place at the virtual launch of CAWR.
