Kerry Peek

Associate Professor Kerry Peek is a research and teaching academic in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the School of Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Behavioural Science from the University of Newcastle and has postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Science and Sports Physiotherapy. Her research focuses on heading-related injuries in football, collaborating with FIFA, UEFA, and Football Australia. She teaches physiotherapy at the University of Sydney and previously led the Honours program in Health Sciences.

• Education:
  • BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, University of Hertfordshire (1997)
  • M Clin Sci (Evidence-Based Practice), University of Adelaide
  • PG Cert (Sports Physio), Manchester Metropolitan University
  • PhD in Behavioural Science, University of Newcastle (Australia)

Her research interests center on reducing head injury risks in football through improved heading techniques, neck-strengthening programs, and policy development. Key projects include analyzing heading incidence at FIFA World Cups, sex differences in heading performance, and injury prevention strategies. She has been awarded grants from UEFA, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the University of Sydney.

Scientific Contributions: Kerry’s articles span topics like neck strength’s role in concussion prevention, FIFA policy recommendations, and economic analyses of injury prevention programs. Her work has been featured in British Journal of Sports Medicine, Science and Medicine in Football, and Journal of Athletic Training.

• Awards:
  • Thompson Equity Prize (2023)
  • FMH EMCR Boost Award (2022)
  • Early Career Researcher Award for Best Oral Presentation (2020)

Teaching and Grants: Kerry has supervised research students (e.g., Ross on heading technique) and led projects funded by UEFA, NHMRC, and the University of Sydney. She is a registered physiotherapist with AHPRA and affiliated with the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Sports Medicine Australia.