Dr Connor Keating is an experimental psychologist at the University of Oxford whose research combines experimental psychology, technological innovation, and participatory research across three main areas.

First, his work develops mechanistic models of emotion processing, linking how emotions are conceptualised, experienced, visualised, expressed, and recognised in both autistic and non-autistic individuals. Through experimental approaches, this work aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying variation in emotion-processing across individuals.

Second, he investigates movement-based indicators of autism. By systematically comparing the facial and bodily movements of autistic and non-autistic people, his work has identified distinct movement patterns that differentiate these groups. He is now developing digital tools to capture these movement profiles in children, with the aim of improving early, objective, and equitable approaches to autism screening. Alongside this, he is working to co-develop smartphone-based solutions to provide accessible, evidence-based support  - particularly for individuals and families on long waiting lists for assessment.

Third, he works to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in autism research. He co-founded and co-directs the U21 Autism Research Network, an international collaboration of autistic and non-autistic researchers across 19 countries. This work focuses on ensuring that research is shaped by the perspectives and priorities of diverse autism communities worldwide, and is grounded in participatory principles such as “nothing about us without us.”

His work has been recognised with major awards including the Experimental Psychology Society Frith Prize, the International Society for Autism Research Best Dissertation Award, and the British Psychological Society Annual Award.