Helen Dolling is a Postdoctoral Associate at the Centre for Child, Adolescent and Family Research, University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on the psychosocial impact of rapid genomic testing in paediatrics, examining parental experiences, ethical considerations, and the implications of early diagnosis for clinical practice.
Helen’s academic journey began with a BA in Theology at Cambridge, followed by retraining in Psychology and roles in clinical neuropsychology and genomic medicine. She contributed to the Next Generation Children project, which pioneered rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) for critically ill infants and children. Her PhD explored how these diagnostic innovations affect families and inform healthcare delivery.
Outside academia, Helen is an avid racing kayaker, youth coach, and enjoys arthouse cinema.
Selected Publications:
Dolling, H., Rowitch, S., Bromham, M. et al. Fathers’ and Mothers’ support needs and support experiences after rapid genome sequencing. Eur J Hum Genet (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-025-01987-7
More, R. P., Sumathipala, D., Dolling, H., Downes, K., Bowdin, S., Ahn, J., ... & Rowitch, D. H. (2025). Cost-comparison of resequencing versus archival data methods for periodic reanalysis of genomic data in rare diseases diagnosis: A UK pilot analysis. EuDoi:10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100113ropean Journal of Medical Genetics, 105051.
French, C. E., Dolling, H., Megy, K., Sanchis-Juan, A. … Rowitch, D. H., & Raymond, F.L. (2022). Refinements and considerations for trio whole-genome sequence analysis when investigating Mendelian diseases presenting in early childhood. HGG Advances, 3, 100113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100113
French, C. E., Delon, I., Dolling, H., Sanchis-Juan, A., Shamardina, O., Mégy, K., . . . Raymond, F. L. (2019). Whole genome sequencing reveals that genetic conditions are frequent in intensively ill children.. Intensive Care Med, 45(5), 627-636 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-019-05552-x
Alston, C. L., Heidler, J., Dibley, M. G., Kremer, L. S., Taylor, L. S., Fratter, C., Pagnamenta AT, Dolling H., . . . Taylor, R. W. (2018). Bi-allelic Mutations in NDUFA6 Establish Its Role in Early-Onset Isolated Mitochondrial Complex I Deficiency.. Am J Hum Genet, 103(4), 592-601 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.08.013