The Autism Research Centre (ARC) is a research institute that is a part of the Department of Developmental Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, England.[1] [2]
ARC's research goal is to understand the biomedical causes of autism spectrum conditions, to evaluate promising interventions for autistic people, and to improve the health and well-being of autistic people and their families. The ARC collaborates with scientists both within Cambridge University and at universities in the UK and around the world.[1] [2] Professor Simon Baron-Cohen is the director of the ARC[2] and Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Cambridge, as well as being a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.[3]
The organization known as the Autism Research Trust (ART) exists to support the ARC and promote the general cause of scientific investigation into autism.[4] Prominent individuals associated with the trust include scientific writers such as Lucy Hawking, the daughter of Stephen Hawking.[5]
The ARC has remarked in a statement, "Understanding of autism has developed a great deal over recent years, but there is still a huge amount of work to be done. We cannot leave the responsibility for this research to future generations– we have a responsibility to play our part now."[4]
The Chief Executive is Charlotte Anderson, and the Chairman of the Trustees is Robert Leeming[6]