The Precision Medicine and Genomics team is growing fast, reflecting the increased use of genetic testing and personalised medicine in paediatrics.

Our team is assessing the psychological impact of new genetic technologies on children and families and aims to explore the ethical questions arising in this novel area of medicine.​

Our team leads several psychosocial studies focused on families' and healthcare professionals' experiences with precision medicine. This includes the PRISM and ZERO2 trials, among the largest personalised medicine trials for childhood cancer worldwide. We also oversee the LOGGIC study for children with low-grade gliomas and the Together study, which supports parents of children in precision medicine.

We also conduct studies on families' and healthcare professionals' experiences with testing and surveillance for Cancer Predisposition Syndromes, such as the PREDICT-Impact and SMOC Junior Impact studies. Our work also extends to other areas, including the PROPTIMISE study, the Newborn Screening study, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer study, and Inherited Retinal Disease study. Additionally, in the past, we have developed resources for bereaved parents and the health professionals who support them through the Compass study.

Research team

Kate Hetherington
Team Leader, Psychologist, & Senior Research Fellow
Senior Research Fellow Leigh Donovan
Senior Research Fellow
Brittany McGill
Post-Doctoral Fellow ​& Clinical Psychologist
​Post-Doctoral Fellow Eden Robertson
​Post-Doctoral Fellow
Sara Soleymani
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Saniya Singh
​Post-Doctoral Research Fellow & Clinical Psychologist
Jacqueline Hunter
PhD Candidate & Research Assistant
Yasmin Christensen
Research Assistant
Rebecca Daly
Research Assistant
William Brito
Research Assistant
Mahitha Ramanathan
Research Assistant
Kathy Zou
PhD Candidate
Eliza Courtney
PhD Candidate ​& Research Genetic Counsellor
Publications

Read published research we have led or contributed to.

Learn more

Resources

To improve information provision and support families’ understanding of precision medicine for childhood cancer, researchers at the BSU, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and UNSW Sydney have developed three animation videos. To view the videos, please click on the links below.

Precision medicine and childhood cancer: What does it all mean for me?

Precision medicine and childhood cancer: What could happen if you take part?

Parent journeys through a precision medicine trial for their child’s cancer