CeDAR (Centre for Developmental Adversity & Resilience)
CeDAR 
scientifically and holistically explores the interplay of childhood abuse and neglect and neurodevelopmental factors, so we can best understand how their interaction shapes our mental health and wellbeing as we grow.
We know that those who experience adversity in childhood can often face challenges in later life that extend far beyond their mental health, impacting social relationships, physical health, and economic stability. We also know that many who face similar challenges will thrive. This conundrum lies at the heart of what we do: investigating our incredible human development, in all its diversity, and how society can nurture its potential!
Our team starts with people's stories and experiences, combines them with cutting-edge research and technology to develop evidence-based early interventions that aim to improve life outcomes. Our diverse group, from interdisciplinary fields, bring both professional expertise and live experience across our intersecting research themes:
Early mental health: Recovery, resilience and life after maltreatment
Neurodevelopment and neurodivergence: Experiences, identities and influencing systems for change
Complex presentations: Empowering young people facing serious mental health challenges
International Conference, Glasgow - Hospital to Community: Early Prevention for Child and Adolescent Mental Health - 10th November 2026
SAVE THE DATE - 10th November 2026
Centre for Developmental Adversity & Resilience (CeDAR) International Conference, Glasgow
Venue: The Grosvenor Hotel, 1-9 Grosvenor Terrace, Glasgow, G12 8TB
Keynote speakers:
Professor Vikram Patel, Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan (FRC Psych), National Clinical Director for Children and Young People's Mental Health (NHS England).
Chairs: Professor Helen Minnis and Dr Ruchika Gajwani
Delegate fee: £85 or £65 for students. Places limited to 200.
Poster submission: Deadline 1st August 2026.
Any queries please email Irene O'Neill (Administrator) - irene.oneill@glasgow.ac.uk
Programme to follow.
Register in advance via Eventbrite
Our research
Videos & Podcasts
Sharon Graham, Glasgow Researcher awarded Adoption Services Fellowship - Interview with STV 4th September 2023
Dar Ethel Nakimuli-Mpungu, Professor of Psychiatry, Makerere, University of Kampala - The mind and body connection -findings from group support psychotherapy among persons living with HIV in Uganda - 31st May 2023
Interviews with world leading practitioners in Child Mental Health - 29th August 2022
Young people and complex analyses - 21st December 2021
Attachment Matters - Professor Helen Minnis' Presentation slides - 10th May 2021
How early adversity and neurodevelopment interact - Professor Helen Minnis - 13th May 2021
ACAMH - the Mental Elf. CAMHS around the Campfire. Discussing Dr Rachel Hiller's JCPP paper 'A longitudinal study of cognitive predictors of (complex) post-traumatic stress in young people in and-of-home care' - 29th March 2021
Maltreatment - Associated Psychiatric Problems - How Trauma and ESSENCE are Linked. Professor Helen Minnis, Key Note Speaker, Birgit Olsson Lecture, Gothenburg - 27th November 2019
How to manage children's anxiety (Davidson Murphy, Educational Psychologist) - Belly Breathing and How to Avoid Becoming a Lizard - 5th October 2017
JCPP Podcast (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry): Maltreatment-associated neurodevelopmental disorders. Professor Helen Minnis, University of Glasgow and Lisa Dinkler, University of Gothenburg - 8th February 2017