معرفی
Dr Kai Thomas is a Health and Care Research Wales Advanced Fellow and Research Associate at the School of Psychology, Cardiff University. His research focuses on improving awareness and support for eating disorders in neurodivergent populations (autistic and ADHD individuals) and gender diverse communities. He collaborates with Beat (UK eating disorder charity), clinicians, and lived experience experts to address treatment barriers and complex needs in these groups.
- Education: PhD Psychology (Cardiff University, 2018-2022), MSc Social Science Research Methods (Distinction, Cardiff University, 2017-2018), BSc Psychology (First Class Honours, Cardiff University, 2013-2017)
His research examines intersections of autism spectrum traits, ADHD characteristics, and gender identity in disordered eating patterns. Methodologically, he employs neurocognitive tasks, EEG, behavioral assessments, and community engagement strategies to investigate risk factors and intervention opportunities in preadolescent and adult populations.
Recent publications analyze the role of perfectionism, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation in eating disorders. These studies appear in journals like the Journal of Eating Disorders, Developmental Psychobiology, and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
- Scientific Awards:
- NIHR Mental Health Research Incubator GROW funded place (2025)
- GW4 Mental Health Research Network workshop (2024)
- Personal Tutor of the Year (2024)
- Hadyn Ellis Prize for Best PhD (2023)
As a supervisor, he currently mentors graduate researcher Grace Williams. His funded projects include a UKRI Harmonised Impact Accelerator Award and multiple Health and Care Research Wales grants. He serves on editorial and EDI committees at Cardiff University.
