Vicki Anderson (psychologist)

Anderson was born in Melbourne, Australia to parents John and Sylvia Biviano, and completed her high school education at Sacred Heart College in Geelong before a BA (Hons), MA (Clin Neuropsych) and PhD at the University of Melbourne.[1][3] With over 30 years experience as a pediatric neuropsychologist, Anderson began her career at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia as a clinician, working with brain injured children and their families. After several years in the role as Coordinator of Neuropsychology Services, Anderson began a lectureship at the University of Melbourne, teaching subjects including 'Development of the Thinking Child,' 'Principles of Psychological Assessment,' and 'Child Neuropsychological Disorders.' In 2002 she was appointed Professor and Director of Psychology at the Royal Children's Hospital.[1][2]

Anderson's research interests include developmental and acquired disorders of childhood that affect the central nervous system.[2] With a particular focus on understanding the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury to the developing brain, Anderson is recognized internationally for her seminal longitudinal studies identifying neurocognitive and social deficits which develop and persist long-term after childhood injuries. The recently established Australian Centre for Child Neuropsychological Studies strives to assess, diagnose and treat these impairments.[2][4] Additional ongoing research aims to understand the neuropsychological implications of cleft and craniofacial disorders, as well as investigating the impact of childhood multiple sclerosis and demyelination on family, social and academic functioning.[5]

Anderson serves as Associate Editor for the BPS 'Journal of Neuropsychology' and the APA Division 40 journal 'Neuropsychology' and is a consulting editor on numerous prestigious international journals specializing in neuropsychology. She has co-authored several textbooks and book chapters, and over 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications[2] with over 5000 citations.[6] She has served as President of the Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment, is a member of the APS College of Clinical Neuropyschologists[1] and also serves on the Board of Governors of the International Neuropsychological Society.[1][2] She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences of Australia,[7] a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and a fellow of the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment. She is a Senior Practitioner Fellow of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and a member of the Australian Health Ethics Committee. In 2015 Anderson was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.[8]