Identity is to be recognised, not solved.
We do not treat people as problems. We help them see themselves clearly.
About AURIS
A quiet, research-led home for identity, transition and belonging.
AURIS supports people whose lives have been shaped by service — and the families, organisations and clinicians who stand with them.
Why this matters
Too many people who give the most end up navigating the hardest transitions alone.
AURIS exists to make that journey gentler, clearer and more hopeful — without pretending it is simple. We are a small, deliberate organisation building for the long term.
Founder story
Why AURIS exists.
A short note from our founder. A fuller story, with photography and a video introduction, will be published here.
"AURIS grew out of conversations that kept repeating themselves — people who had served, who looked fine, and who quietly were not."
The pattern was familiar: a strong sense of identity built around a role, and very little language for the moment that role ended or changed. People were not unwell. They were unanchored.
We started small — listening, reading the research, working with individuals and the organisations around them. AURIS is what emerged: a framework, a practice and an app that hold the work of identity, transition and belonging without rushing it.
The founder, Gemma Gardner, focuses on Identity Performance Psychology through research, lived experience and the development of the AURIS Framework — bringing together what the evidence shows and what service-shaped lives actually need.
A full founder biography and photograph will be added here as part of our public launch.
What we believe
Four convictions that shape every decision.
Transition is a season, not a deficiency.
Change is part of a life lived in service. It deserves time and care.
Belonging is the quiet engine of recovery.
Most people heal in relationship — with themselves, others and purpose.
Evidence and humanity are not a trade.
We refuse to choose between rigour and warmth. We hold both.
Our people
Lived experience, professional expertise and a shared commitment.
AURIS Institute brings together people with lived experience, professional expertise and a shared commitment to understanding identity, transition and human performance.
Our team combines experience from the Armed Forces, emergency services, coaching, education, research, programme delivery and organisational partnerships.
As AURIS Institute grows, additional team members, advisers and collaborators will be introduced here.
Founder & Framework Developer
Gemma Gardner
Founder of AURIS Institute and creator of the AURIS Framework. Gemma leads the strategic direction of the organisation, the development of the AURIS Framework, Identity Performance Psychology research, and the Identity After the Uniform research programme.
Research Lead
Gemma Gardner
Leading the development of AURIS research, interviews, publications and evidence generation exploring identity, transition, belonging and human performance.
Charities & Partnerships Lead
Gareth Gardner
Building partnerships with charities, emergency services, NHS organisations, employers and community organisations to implement the AURIS Framework.
Lead Facilitator
Gareth Gardner
Leading pilot programmes, facilitator development and programme delivery while ensuring the AURIS Framework is delivered consistently and with integrity.
Operations & Programme Lead
Gareth Gardner
Responsible for operational delivery, programme implementation, logistics, partnership support and the successful delivery of AURIS pilot programmes.
Digital Development Lead
Ben Gardner
Leading digital development of the AURIS ecosystem, including the website, app, digital systems and future technology supporting AURIS Institute.
About AURIS
A few common questions.
Want to understand if AURIS is right for your people, or for you?
Book a Discovery CallTake the next gentle step.
Book a discovery call to speak with our team, or open the app and begin in your own time. There is no wrong starting point.