Professor Peter Kench
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Professor Peter Kench

PhD, GradCertHlthScEd, BAppSc(MRT)Hons
Discipline of Medical Imaging Science
Sydney School of Health Sciences
Phone
+61 2 9351 9513
Professor Peter Kench

Dr Peter Kench is an Associate Professor in the Discipline of Medical Imaging Science. Areas of teaching include nuclear medicine science topics. Leadership roles include Head of Medical Imaging Science Discipline, a Sydney School of Health Science Leadership Team member, Sydney Imaging Sydney Imaging Academic Advisory Committee, and Chair of a Local Promotions Committee. He is also the primary supervisor of research higher degree and honours students. Peter has taken a leadership role in learning and teaching grants at the University, which has focused on the development of simulated learning, computer-assisted instruction, Peer assessment of individual contribution to group work, and eLearning methods for distance students.

Associate Professor Kench is a Medical Imaging Scientist whose research interests are optimising transmission and emission computed tomography for advanced cancer patients, particularly the vulnerable paediatric population. Medical imaging and treatment are Australia's most significant sources of artificial ionising radiation. Therefore, strategies for dose reduction have long-term health benefits, particularly for children. Also, enhancing the quality of medical images aids diagnostic accuracy, thus improving decision-making and treatment planning. I develop and investigate innovative medical imaging acquisition, reconstruction, analysis and display methods of x-ray computed tomography (CT), single-photon computed tomography (SPECT), and positron-emission tomography (PET) for better patient health outcomes.

Unit of study coordination:

Teaching Topics

  • Radioactivity
  • Nuclear Medicine Imaging of Cardiovascular Disease
  • Advancements and Clinical Applications of SPECT/CT and PET/CT

Honours Supervision Topics:

  • Spectral computed tomography lesion radiomics: Spectral (dual-energy) CT is a new CT technology that provides additional information on tissue characterisation, such as the effective atomic number and iodine content. Early investigations suggest spectral CT analysis of incidental lesions can reduce the need for further investigations.

Research Higher Degree Supervision Topics:

  • Please see the section titled 'Current research students' below.

Dual Radiopharmaceutical Paediatric PET/CT imaging

Ga[68]-FAPI PET CT in Paediatric Solid Tumours

Dynamic SPECT Measurement of Regional Liver Mebrofenin Kinetics

3-Dimensional spectral CT analysis of body lesions: A pilot study

Infection prevention and control in Medical Imaging

Australian and New Zealand Medical Radiations Research Network, Steering Committee

Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine, Member

Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Member

Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Member

NSW Society of Nuclear Medicine Scientists, Public Officer

Young Investigator Award from Austrian Society for Radiation Protection in Medicine, 'Reducing Radiation Exposure to Paediatric Patients Undergoing [18F]FDG-PET/CT Imaging'. (senior author), (2021)

Top Cited Article 2018-2019, Journal Medical Radiation Sciences, 'Development of an organ-specific insert phantom generated using a 3D printer for investigations of cardiac computed tomography protocols' (senior author), (2020

Peter has also been a recipient of the Faculty of Health Science Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Medical Imaging
Project titleResearch student
Optimising abdominal CT examination using emerging techniques and technologies.Mohammed ALANAZI
Dynamic SPECT/CT Measurement of Regional Liver Mebrofenin KineticsBader ALOUFI
Patient Request for Imaging and the Desire for 'Proof of Wellness’: The Influence of Online Health Information on Imaging PracticesLizzie DE SILVA
Understanding Infection Control and Contrast Media Used in Computer TomographyRogayah Mohammad Mustafa FREIHAT
Establishing Infection Prevention Control Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Medical Imaging Departments in Australia.Frances GRAY
Advancing MRI Protocol Optimisation and Deep Learning Outcome Prediction Models for Anterior Cruciate Ligament InjuriesKeiley MEAD
Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloid Imaging using 99m-Tc Pyrophoshate: An improved time management.Wesley NG PING MAN
Mechanistic, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights into Atherosclerosis with Multi-tracer Total-Body Positron Emission TomographyThomas READFORD
Dual-Energy CT Urogram Imaging Protocol OptimisationKatie SMITH

Publications

Book Chapters

  • Meikle, S., Kyme, A., Kench, P., Boisson, F., Parmar, A. (2017). Preclinical PET and SPECT. In Magnus Dahlbom (Eds.), Physics of PET and SPECT Imaging, (pp. 413-438). Boca Raton: CRC Press. [More Information]
  • Meikle, S., Kench, P., Lin, J. (2014). Design Considerations of Small-Animal SPECT Cameras. In Habib Zaidi (Eds.), Molecular Imaging of Small Animals: Instrumentation and Applications, (pp. 135-162). New York: Springer. [More Information]
  • Adamson, B., Meade (nee Covic), T., Kench, P., Lincoln, M. (2007). Research-led curriculum development in time and organisational management skills at the Faculty of Health Sciences. In Angela Brew & Judyth Sachs (Eds.), Transforming a university: the scholarship of teaching and learning in practice, (pp. 197-207). NSW, Australia: Sydney University Press.

Journals

  • Jimenez, Y., Di Michele, L., Said, S., Kench, P., Gray, F. (2025). Innovative Learning Activities to Prepare Radiography Students for Final-Year Clinical Placements: An Educational Perspective. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 56(1), 101784. [More Information]
  • Jimenez, Y., Gray, F., Di Michele, L., Said, S., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2023). Can simulation-based education or other education interventions replace clinical placement in medical radiation sciences? A narrative review. Radiography, 29(2), 421-427. [More Information]
  • De Silva, L., Baysari, M., Keep, M., Kench, P., Clarke, J. (2023). Patient initiated radiology requests: proof of wellness through images. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 29(6), 670-678. [More Information]

Conferences

  • Hu, Y., Meikle, S., Ma, T., Angelis, G., Kench, P., Fuller, O., Liu, Y. (2020). Direct Estimation of Neurotransmitter Activation Parameters in Dynamic PET Using Regression Neural Networks. 2019 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2019, United Kingdom: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. [More Information]
  • Alkhybari, E., Kitsos, T., Howman-Giles, R., Brennan, P., Willowson, K., McEntee, M., Kench, P. (2018). An Australian local diagnostic reference levels for paediatric FDG PET/CT. 12th Congress of the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine & Biology, Melbourne, Australia: World Federation of Nuclear Medicine & Biology.
  • Alhailiy, A., McEntee, M., Kench, P., Ryan, E. (2018). Diagnostic reference levels for cardiac CT angiography in Australia. ASMIRT 2018 (Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy), Canberra, Australia: Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.

Magazine / Newspaper Articles

  • Abdullah, K., McEntee, M., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2016). Coronary CT angiography: radiation dose reduction using iterative reconstruction and the impact on diagnostic image quality. Diagnostic Imaging Europe.

2025

  • Jimenez, Y., Di Michele, L., Said, S., Kench, P., Gray, F. (2025). Innovative Learning Activities to Prepare Radiography Students for Final-Year Clinical Placements: An Educational Perspective. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 56(1), 101784. [More Information]

2023

  • Jimenez, Y., Gray, F., Di Michele, L., Said, S., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2023). Can simulation-based education or other education interventions replace clinical placement in medical radiation sciences? A narrative review. Radiography, 29(2), 421-427. [More Information]
  • De Silva, L., Baysari, M., Keep, M., Kench, P., Clarke, J. (2023). Patient initiated radiology requests: proof of wellness through images. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 29(6), 670-678. [More Information]
  • De Silva, L., Baysari, M., Keep, M., Kench, P., Clarke, J. (2023). Patients' requests for radiological imaging: A qualitative study on general practitioners' perspectives. Health Expectations, 26(6), 2453-2460. [More Information]

2022

  • Kertész, H., Beyer, T., Panin, V., Jentzen, W., Cal-Gonzalez, J., Berger, A., Papp, L., Kench, P., Bharkhada, D., Cabello, J., et al (2022). Implementation of a Spatially-Variant and Tissue-Dependent Positron Range Correction for PET/CT Imaging. Frontiers in Physiology, 13. [More Information]
  • Alqahtani, M., Willowson, K., Constable, C., Fulton, R., Kench, P. (2022). Optimization of 99mTc whole-body SPECT/CT image quality: A phantom study. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, 23(4), e13528. [More Information]
  • De Silva, L., Baysari, M., Keep, M., Kench, P., Clarke, J. (2022). Patient requests for radiological services: An Australian study of patient agency and the impact of online health information. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. [More Information]

2021

  • Kertész, H., Beyer, T., London, K., Saleh, H., Chung, D., Rausch, I., Cal-Gonzalez, J., Kitsos, T., Kench, P. (2021). Reducing Radiation Exposure to Paediatric Patients Undergoing [18F]FDG-PET/CT Imaging. Molecular Imaging and Biology, 23(5), 775-786. [More Information]

2020

  • Alqahtani, M., Fulton, R., Constable, C., Willowson, K., Kench, P. (2020). Diagnostic performance of whole-body SPECT/CT in bone metastasis detection using 99mTc-labelled diphosphate: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Radiology, 75(12), 961.e11-961.e24. [More Information]
  • Hu, Y., Meikle, S., Ma, T., Angelis, G., Kench, P., Fuller, O., Liu, Y. (2020). Direct Estimation of Neurotransmitter Activation Parameters in Dynamic PET Using Regression Neural Networks. 2019 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2019, United Kingdom: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. [More Information]
  • Abdullah, K., McEntee, M., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2020). Evaluation of an integrated 3D-printed phantom for coronary CT angiography using iterative reconstruction algorithm. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 67(3), 170-176. [More Information]

2019

  • Alkhybari, E., McEntee, M., Willowson, K., Brennan, P., Kitsos, T., Kench, P. (2019). An Australian local diagnostic reference level for paediatric whole-body 18F-FDG PeT/CT. British Journal of Radiology, 92(1096), 1-8. [More Information]
  • Alkhybari, E., McEntee, M., Brennan, P., Willowson, K., Kench, P. (2019). Diagnostic reference levels for 18F-FDG whole body PET/CT procedures: Results from a survey of 12 centres in Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 63(3), 291-299. [More Information]
  • Alhailiy, A., Ekpo, E., Kench, P., Ryan, E., Brennan, P., McEntee, M. (2019). The associated factors for radiation dose variation in cardiac CT angiography. British Journal of Radiology, 92(1096), 1-9. [More Information]

2018

  • Alkhybari, E., Kitsos, T., Howman-Giles, R., Brennan, P., Willowson, K., McEntee, M., Kench, P. (2018). An Australian local diagnostic reference levels for paediatric FDG PET/CT. 12th Congress of the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine & Biology, Melbourne, Australia: World Federation of Nuclear Medicine & Biology.
  • Alkhybari, E., McEntee, M., Brennan, P., Willowson, K., Hogg, P., Kench, P. (2018). Determining and updating PET/CT and SPECT/CT diagnostic reference levels: A systematic review. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 182(4), 532-545. [More Information]
  • Abdullah, K., McEntee, M., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2018). Development of an organ-specific insert phantom generated using a 3D printer for investigations of cardiac computed tomography protocols. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 65(3), 175-183. [More Information]

2017

  • Alkhybari, E., Brennan, P., Willowson, K., McEntee, M., Kench, P. (2017). Diagnostic reference levels for FDG PET/CT studies in New Zealand. 47th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM).
  • Meikle, S., Kyme, A., Kench, P., Boisson, F., Parmar, A. (2017). Preclinical PET and SPECT. In Magnus Dahlbom (Eds.), Physics of PET and SPECT Imaging, (pp. 413-438). Boca Raton: CRC Press. [More Information]
  • Angelis, G., Ryder, W., Gillam, J., Boisson, F., Kyme, A., Fulton, R., Meikle, S., Kench, P. (2017). Rigid motion correction of dual opposed planar projections in single photon imaging. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 62(10), 3923-3943. [More Information]

2016

  • Abdullah, K., McEntee, M., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2016). Coronary CT angiography: radiation dose reduction using iterative reconstruction and the impact on diagnostic image quality. Diagnostic Imaging Europe.
  • Kench, P., Angelis, G., Kyme, A., Ryder, W., Gillam, J., Weisenberger, A., McKisson, J., McKisson, J., Lee, S., Meikle, S. (2016). Feasibility of motion-corrected planar projection imaging of single photon emitters: a phantom study. IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference (NSS/MIC 2014), Piscataway, New Jersey, USA: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). [More Information]
  • Abdullah, K., McEntee, M., Reed, W., Kench, P. (2016). Radiation dose and diagnostic image quality associated with iterative reconstruction in coronary CT angiography: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 60(4), 459-468. [More Information]

2015

  • Bourne, R., Dave, K., Kench, P. (2015). Assessment of Learning Using a Remote Access Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory: Initial Experience. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 23(2), 1-11.
  • Alhailiy, A., McEntee, M., Kench, P. (2015). Diagnostic reference levels in cardiac computed tomography angiography: a systematic review of methods and values. ASMR NSW Scientific Meeting, Sydney, Australia.
  • Alkhybari, E., McEntee, M., Kench, P. (2015). DRLs in PET/CT. Australian Institute of Radiography NSW Branch Med Rad Forum 2015, Sydney.

2014

  • Meikle, S., Kench, P., Lin, J. (2014). Design Considerations of Small-Animal SPECT Cameras. In Habib Zaidi (Eds.), Molecular Imaging of Small Animals: Instrumentation and Applications, (pp. 135-162). New York: Springer. [More Information]
  • Soh, B., Lee, W., McEntee, M., Kench, P., Reed, W., Heard, R., Chakraborty, D., Brennan, P. (2014). Mammography test sets: Reading location and prior images do not affect group performance. Clinical Radiology, 69, 397-402. [More Information]

2013

  • Liu,, H., Chan,, C., Grobshtein,, Y., Ma,, T., Liu,, Y., Wang,, S., Kench, P., Sinusas,, A., Chi, L. (2013). 3D molecular breast imaging using a high-resolution dedicated cardiac SPECT camera. 2013 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium & Medical Imaging Conference & Workshop on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Detectors (NSS/MIC/RTSD 2013), : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
  • Soh, B., Lee, W., Diffey, J., McEntee, M., Kench, P., Reed, W., Brennan, P. (2013). Breast Screen New South Wales Generally Demonstrates Good Radiologic Viewing Conditions. Journal of Digital Imaging, 26(4), 759-767. [More Information]
  • Soh, B., Lee, W., McEntee, M., Kench, P., Reed, W., Heard, R., Chakraborty, D., Brennan, P. (2013). Screening Mammography: Test Set Data Can Reasonably Describe Actual Clinical Reporting. Radiology, 268(1), 46-53. [More Information]

2012

  • Soh, B., Lee, W., Kench, P., Reed, W., McEntee, M., Poulos, A., Brennan, P. (2012). Assessing reader performance in radiology, an imperfect science: Lessons from breast screening. Clinical Radiology, 67(7), 623-628. [More Information]
  • Powys, R., Robinson, J., Kench, P., Ryan, J., Brennan, P. (2012). Strict X-ray beam collimation for facial bones examination can increase lens exposure. British Journal of Radiology, 85(1016), e497-e505. [More Information]

2011

  • Kench, P., Lin, J., Gregoire, M., Meikle, S. (2011). An investigation of inconsistent projections and artefacts in multi-pinhole SPECT with axially aligned pinholes. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 56(23), 7487-7503. [More Information]
  • Morrison, A., Brennan, P., Reed, W., Pietrzyk, M., Schembri, G., Bailey, E., Roach, P., Evanoff, M., Kench, P. (2011). Impact of hybrid SPECT/CT imaging on the detection of single parathyroid adenoma. Medical Imaging 2011: Image Perception, Observer Performance, and Technology Assessment, Bellingham, Washington USA: SPIE - International Society for Optical Engineering. [More Information]

2010

  • Bourne, R., Kench, P. (2010). A Database Approach to Feedback Driven Teaching Quality Improvement. The Australian Quality Forum: Higher Education AuQF 2010 - "Quality in Uncertain Times", Australia: Australian Universities Quality Agency.
  • Bourne, R., Kench, P. (2010). A database approach to feedback-driven teaching quality improvement. 33rd Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia International Conference: HERDSA 2010 Reshaping Higher Education, Milperra: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.
  • Kench, P., Lin, J. (2010). Design and Validation of a Baffle for Multiple Pinhole Small Animal SPECT. 2010 World Molecular Imaging Congress.

2009

  • Kench, P., Field, N., Agudera, M., Gill, M. (2009). Peer assessment of individual contributions to a group project: Student perceptions. Radiography, 15(2), 158-165. [More Information]

2008

  • Lin, J., Meikle, S., Kench, P., Gregoire, M. (2008). Investigation of Errors in Modelling the Projection Process in Iterative Pinhole SPECT. 2008 World Molecular Imaging Congress, Europe: World Molecular Imaging Congress.
  • Lin, J., Meikle, S., Kench, P., Gregoire, M. (2008). Modelling the Projection Process in Pinhole SPECT Iterative Reconstruction. Australian Institute of Physics 18th National Congress, Adelaide, Australia: Australian Institute of Physics (AIP).
  • Kench, P., Gregoire, M. (2008). The use of multiple pinhole SPECT to measure the heterogeneity of small animal tumour models. 38th Annual Scientific Meeting of Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine 2008, Australia: Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine.

2007

  • Naidoo (Naidoo-Variawa), S., Lehnert, W., Hey-Cunningham, A., Kench, P., Kassiou, M., Banati, R., Meikle, S. (2007). High-resolution imaging of the large non-human primate brain using microPET: a feasibility study. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 52(22), 6627-6638. [More Information]
  • Adamson, B., Meade (nee Covic), T., Kench, P., Lincoln, M. (2007). Research-led curriculum development in time and organisational management skills at the Faculty of Health Sciences. In Angela Brew & Judyth Sachs (Eds.), Transforming a university: the scholarship of teaching and learning in practice, (pp. 197-207). NSW, Australia: Sydney University Press.

2006

  • Naidoo (Naidoo-Variawa), S., Kench, P., Lehnert, W., Meikle, S. (2006). Maximizing the Useful Field of View of the microPET: Feasibility of Imaging Large Animals. 2006 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

2005

  • Meikle, S., Kench, P., Kassiou, M., Banati, R. (2005). Small animal SPECT and its place in the matrix of molecular imaging technologies. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 50(22), R45-R61. [More Information]

2004

  • Scott, L., Kench, P. (2004). Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy In The Diabetic Patient: Does 1231-Mibg Imaging Have A Role To Play In Early Diagnosis? Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 32(2), 66-71.

2003

  • Kench, P., Meikle, S., Wojcik, R., Smith, M., Weisenberger, A., Majewski, S., Davison, A., Rosenfeld, A., Lerch, M. (2003). A multi-pinhole SPECT scanner for small animal molecular imaging: inital performance evaluation. Molecular Imaging and Biology, : Academic Press.
  • Adamson, B., Covic, T., Kench, P., Lincoln, M. (2003). Determinants of undergraduate program choice in two health science fields: does personality influence career choice? Focus on Health Professional Education: A multi-disciplinary journal, 5(2), 34-47.
  • Meade (nee Covic), T., Adamson, B., Lincoln, M., Kench, P. (2003). Health science students' time organization and management skills: a cross-disciplinary investigation. Medical Teacher, 25(1), 47-53. [More Information]

2002

  • Meikle, S., Kench, P., Weisenberger, A., Wojcik, R., Smith, M., Majewski, S., Eberl, S., Fulton, R., Rosenfeld, A., Fulham, M. (2002). A prototype coded aperture detector for small animal SPECT. IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 49(5), 2167-2171. [More Information]
  • Meikle, S., Wojcik, R., Weisenberger, A., Smith, M., Majewski, S., Kench, P., Eberl, S., Fulton, R., Lerch, M., Rosenfeld, A. (2002). CoALA-SPECT: A Coded Aperture Laboratory Animal SPECT System for Pre Clinical Imaging. 2002 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, Piscataway, NJ, USA: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

2001

  • Kench, P., Meikle, S., Eberl, S., Fulton, R., Fulham, M., Weisenberger, A., Wojcik, R., Smith, M., Majewski, S., Rosenfeld, A. (2001). Development of a Coded aperture Detector for High Sensitivity, High Resolution SPECT Imaging of Laboratory Animals. Hires 2001, : World Scientific Publishing.
  • Meikle, S., Kench, P., Weisenberger, A., Wojcik, R., Smith, M., Majewski, S., et al (2001). Development of a coded aperture detector for high sensitivty, sigh resolution SPECT imaging of laboratory animals. High Resolution Imaging in Small Animals: Instrumentation, Applications and Animal Handling. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
  • Gelonesi, B., Jolly, N., Lee, G., Kench, P. (2001). Traditional And Flexible Learning Styles: Partners or Enemies. 24th International HERDSA Conference 8-11 July 2001, Newcastle: World Scientific Publishing.

Selected Grants

2014

  • Diagnostic Reference Levels for Patients Undergoing Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography Scans, Kench P, McEntee M, Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine/Research Grant

2012

  • Perpetual account for Peter Kench - An investigation of the performance of multiple pinhole SPECT in small animal imaging, Kench P, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE)/Access to Facilities and/or Services