Kate Knighting began her career as a psychologist working with children and young people with learning disabilities, complex healthcare needs, and those affected by cancer. She is currently a Reader (Associate Professor) in Palliative and Supportive Care in the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University. 

Research interests: the care and well-being of children and young adults with complex healthcare needs, special educational needs and disability, family carers, and the needs of those living with and beyond cancer. She uses qualitative, quantitative, mixed, and creative research approaches and works with children, families and staff to develop and conduct research that will be meaningful and relevant to the lives of those who take part.  

Teaching and supervision: PhD and Masters supervision on a wide range of health and social care topics. Development and delivery of research teaching across the medical school as Evidence Based Medicine Lead for the Physician Associate programme and Research and Scholarship Deputy Lead for the MBhCB medical degree with a broad curriculum covering critical appraisal, research skills, audit/QI projects, and evidence-based medicine.

Internal Roles: Faculty Mentor for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in Research, Chair of the University Health-related Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and a member of the University Research Ethics Sub-Committee.