Kirstin Sylvester Aydin is a PhD student in paediatric palliative care at King's College London, having commenced her studies in October 2024. Her research focuses on paediatric palliative care within South Africa. She holds a BSc in Dietetics (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine (Paediatrics) from the University of Cape Town. In the previous academic year, she completed her MSc in Palliative Care, where her dissertation was titled "Understanding parental decision-making experiences regarding the withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration for infants under one year: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis."

During her MSc, Kirstin actively engaged in academic leadership roles, serving as a class representative and a member of the Post Graduate Taught Quality and Innovation Group. She has presented her work at conferences, including the SAPC Palliative Care Conference 2023, and has published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine.

Passionate about improving the quality of life for young patients and their families, Kirstin aims to contribute to innovative studies in paediatric palliative care.

Research profile