To submit a research call for participants, please contact Barry Murphy, Research and Policy Officer research@bodywhys.ie

Please send an outline of your research, in particular:

• Background, aims and title of the study
• Recruitment process and what’s expected of participants
• Format – interview, online survey, questionnaire
• Confidentiality
• Evidence of ethics approval from your university – confirmation your project has received clearance. We do not require your actual ethics application
• Contact information for the researcher and supervisor
• A poster or advertisement material that can be used to promote your study.
• Please note, A4 posters are OK for Twitter/X, LinkedIn and Facebook, but are not the correct dimensions for Instagram.
• For Instagram, please create your poster using one of the following size dimensions: 1080×1080 or 1080×608 or 1080×350.

Interview venues – Please note: Bodywhys is not in a position to provide office space for research interviews, nor can recordings take place in our office.

Although we can post research requests on our website and social media accounts, Bodywhys cannot provide researchers with direct access to a range or sample of participants, nor can we guarantee any level of interest, participation or response. Researchers cannot sit in to observe any of our support services.

Taking part in research – Advisory note

Some people who have had personal experience of an eating disorder can find participating in research to be a triggering experience. If you feel this applies to you, please ensure that you read the study and participant information sheets carefully before participating. Contacting the researcher with questions you have can be useful if you are unsure about taking part. You could also, if you wish, discuss your participation with someone you trust before deciding whether to take part.

Research Panel

Bodywhys receives requests from professional researchers and third level students who are undertaking research on eating disorders. We are inviting people to become part of a research panel.

This panel is open to people who have experience of an eating disorder as a family member, as someone who has an eating disorder or as someone who is recovered or feels they are in recovery. Your details will be kept confidentially within Bodywhys and as research opportunities arise, you will be sent (most likely emailed) a copy of the research proposal and contact details for the researcher. It will then be entirely up to you whether you want to participate in that particular project.

Most projects are done on a voluntary basis but you may receive money to cover any expenses. Most projects take the form of a questionnaire. In some cases, you may be invited to be part of a focus group with other people who have similar experiences as you.

– Research Panel Application Form