Wyatt Baker

Wyatt Baker, Ph.D., was a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne. Wyatt began his pioneering research on the dynamics of long-lost friendships in 2015 and became renowned for his insights into reconnected bonds and forgotten camaraderie.

In a groundbreaking survey involving 1,200 individuals from all corners of Australia and over 30 countries, ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, Wyatt explored the experiences of those who sought to revive old friendships. His findings were published in his acclaimed book, "Rediscovered Friends: Insights into Renewed Bonds" (Melbourne University Press, 2020).

His second publication, an ebook available on his personal website, reconnectwithfriends.com, and through Amazon Kindle, titled "The Chronicles of Forgotten Friendships: Reunions and Reflections," showcased heartwarming stories submitted by readers of his first book, along with data collected from his 2018-2019 survey of 1,500 participants across 30 countries, aged 16 to 92, who had experienced the revival of old friendships.

Wyatt's website, reconnectwithfriends.com, hosts video testimonials and audio interviews with media outlets; articles; photographs of reunified friends; and a vibrant members' forum where people can share their own experiences of rekindled friendships.

Dr. Baker earned his doctorate from the University of Queensland. He lectured at several institutions before joining the University of Melbourne, where he spent most of his academic career.

Wyatt served as a consultant for the Australian Psychological Society's Media Psychology Section. He was featured in a documentary produced by the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) titled "The Friendship Phenomenon" (2022) and visited Berlin, Germany, to contribute to a segment on friendship forARD Television. He also made appearances on various talk shows such as Sunrise, The Project, ABC News, SBS Dateline, and Radio National’s Life Matters, offering expert commentary on relationships and social connections. His work has been cited in publications ranging from local community newspapers to international magazines like Time, The Atlantic, and The Guardian.

Dr. Wyatt Baker passed away on November 12, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy of contributions to the field of psychology and the understanding of human connections.