Associate ProfessorKimberley Docking

Kimberley Docking’s research focuses on communication, swallowing, and quality‑of‑life outcomes for children surviving major childhood cancer and other acquired brain injuries. Her work addresses the long‑term functional and participation impacts of neurological injury and cancer treatment, with a particular focus on identifying, preventing, and reducing cognitive‑communication and swallowing difficulties across the survivorship trajectory.

Her research program integrates discovery, translation, and implementation. Key areas of interest include cognitive‑communication outcomes following childhood brain tumour and leukaemia, rehabilitation and early intervention approaches, clinical guideline development, and the translation of evidence into routine paediatric oncology practice. A defining feature of her work is strong collaboration with consumers, clinicians, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure research addresses real‑world clinical need and informs policy, service models, and workforce investment.

Kimberley’s research has led to world‑first, nationally endorsed clinical practice guidelines and has influenced models of care and service delivery across paediatric oncology services in Australia and internationally.