Associate Professor Stephen Anderson
Associate Professor

Stephen Anderson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54756

Background

Stephen is a physiologist with expertise in endocrinology. His research focuses on the regulation of metabolism, growth, appetite, and reproduction - exploring how hormones regulate many physiological processes. He collaborates with animal nutritionists and veterinary clinicians to address significant issues in animal health and production. His current research investigates phosphorus deficiency in Australian cattle.

Complementing his scientific work, Stephen is an educational leader with a strong record in teaching strategy, curriculum renewal, and student success. As Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Biomedical Sciences (2019–2024), he led the School’s teaching response to the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a UQ Service Excellence commendation and being named Faculty of Medicine Academic Leader of the Year in 2020. He provides strategic direction in the renewal of the UQ Bachelor of Biomedical Science, guiding the development of a future-focused program that enhances students’ sense of belonging, engagement, and graduate capabilities. Stephen has also advanced biomedical science education locally, nationally, and internationally. From fostering pathways for local high school students into biomedical science, to conducting curriculum reviews for Australian universities, consulting on Nat Geo documentaries, and developing comprehensive physiology MOOCs, Stephen has contributed across sectors to shape education, inspire future scientists, and bring physiology to global audiences. In April 2025, Stephen was reappointed for another term as Director of Teaching and Learning in Biomedical Sciences.

Stephen’s educational leadership is grounded in extensive teaching experience. At UQ, he has taught physiology to more than 40,000 students across biomedical science, animal and veterinary sciences, allied health, nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine. He has received multiple university awards for teaching excellence and innovation, including a national ALTC Citation. He holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, recognising his leadership and impact in higher education. His current scholarly work investigates how students engage with complexity and uncertainty in developing an advanced understanding of physiology.

Availability

Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences Animal growth and development Animal physiology - cell Animal physiology - systems Animal production Animal reproduction and breeding Biological Sciences Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Cell physiology Comparative physiology Foetal development and medicine Medical physiology Reproduction Systems physiology Veterinary anatomy and physiology Veterinary sciences Zoology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Agriculture, University of Sydney
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of New England Australia
  • Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, The University of Queensland
  • Graduate Certificate of Tertiary Education Management, University of Melbourne

Research interests

  • Bone Mineral Metabolism - Calcium & Phosphorus

    The physiology of calcium and phosphorus metabolism during pregnancy and lactation is intriguing. Maternal bone stores are often drawn upon to supplement dietary intake to meet the high mineral demand of a rapidly growing foetus before birth and during lactation in the postpartum period. Replenishment of maternal bone stores is necessary for future reproductive success. With adequate nutrition such bone mineral replacement will occur in the annual breeding cycles of many animals. However in ruminants grazing native grasslands, such as those found in Northern Australia, phosphorus deficiency is a major challenge. Our research seeks to extend our knowledge of physiology and nutrition to aid practical management of phosphorus deficiency in Australian cattle.

  • Dealing with complexity and uncertainty.

    Learning in the 21st century is about developing a highly valuable skill set for the future. Beyond specific subject knowledge, 21st century skills are often defined as ways of thinking, ways of working, and ways of living. Our research focus is on "ways of thinking" which includes creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, learning to learn, and metacognition. It is about helping students develop the capability to be responsive and adaptive. Stephen's research specifically investigates how students comprehend and deal with complexity and uncertainty, seeking to better support pre-clinical biomedical and allied health students develop such capability for future career success.

Research impacts

Stephen was scientific consultant for a documentary series "Moody Beasts" - a quirky look at how hormones drive animal behaviour. Stephen collaborated with Wildbear Entertainment, an Australian production company, to ensure all statements made in the episodes were validated by scientific evidence. The series was released world-wide on National Geographic.

Brisbane South State State Secondary College at Dutton Park in Brisbane is a new school that is collaborating with UQ to set new standards in education. Specifically the College has an emphasis on STEM(M) - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine - with a biomedical science academy. Since 2019 Stephen has worked closely with the College's leadership team to provide a variety of enrichment and acceleration opportunities for students in the biomedsc academy throughout Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary phases of school. Currently the Stephen chairs the UQ-BSSSC liaison committee.

Stephen designed and led a suite of Massive Open Online Courses in human physiology. Our UQx courses on edX introduced students to Cellular Physiology (Specialised Cells; Tissue Biology) andSystems Physiology (Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology; Renal, Gastrointestinal & Endocrine Physiology). From simple curiosity to supporting ongoing professional development, thousands of students from all continents benefited from undertaking our UQx physiology courses.

Search Professor Stephen Anderson’s works on UQ eSpace

178 works between 1994 and 2025
All (178) Journal Article (69) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (105) Other Outputs (2)

1 - 20 of 178 works

2025

Journal Article

Stress and strain: differentiating the responses to high and moderate heat loads and subsequent recovery in grain-fed feedlot steers—metabolic hormones

Wijffels, Gene, Sullivan, Megan L., Stockwell, Sally, Briscoe, Suzie, Pearson, Roger, Anderson, Stephen T., Li, Yutao, de Melo Costa, Cintia C., McCulloch, Russell and Gaughan, John B. (2025). Stress and strain: differentiating the responses to high and moderate heat loads and subsequent recovery in grain-fed feedlot steers—metabolic hormones. Animals, 15 (2) 251, 1-23. doi: 10.3390/ani15020251

Stress and strain: differentiating the responses to high and moderate heat loads and subsequent recovery in grain-fed feedlot steers—metabolic hormones

2025

Journal Article

Mobilisation and replenishment of phosphorus reserves in Bos indicus cows. 2. Mature lactating cows fed diets deficient or adequate in phosphorus

Dixon, R. M., Benvenutti, M. A., Goodwin, K. L., Anderson, S. T., Mayer, R. J., Isherwood, P., Kidd, L. J. and Fletcher, M. T. (2025). Mobilisation and replenishment of phosphorus reserves in Bos indicus cows. 2. Mature lactating cows fed diets deficient or adequate in phosphorus. Animal Production Science, 65 (2), 1-21. doi: 10.1071/an24216

Mobilisation and replenishment of phosphorus reserves in Bos indicus cows. 2. Mature lactating cows fed diets deficient or adequate in phosphorus

2024

Journal Article

Mobilisation and replenishment of phosphorus reserves in Bos indicus cows. 1. Mid-pregnant mature cows post-weaning

Dixon, R. M., Castells, L., Goodwin, K. L., Kidd, L. J., Anderson, S. T., Mayer, R. J., Isherwood, P., McNeill, D. M. and Fletcher, M. T. (2024). Mobilisation and replenishment of phosphorus reserves in Bos indicus cows. 1. Mid-pregnant mature cows post-weaning. Animal Production Science, 64 (18). doi: 10.1071/an24213

Mobilisation and replenishment of phosphorus reserves in Bos indicus cows. 1. Mid-pregnant mature cows post-weaning

2024

Conference Publication

Investigating how biomedical science students understand complexity

Anderson, S.T. and Colthorpe, K. (2024). Investigating how biomedical science students understand complexity. 4th International Conference on Science and Technology Education 2024 (STE 2024), Porto, Portugal, 3-4 October 2024. Quântica Editora.

Investigating how biomedical science students understand complexity

2024

Conference Publication

Dealing with complexity: a key capability for biomedical and health science students

Anderson, Stephen and Colthorpe, Kay (2024). Dealing with complexity: a key capability for biomedical and health science students. International Conference of Physiological Sciences, Qingdao, China, 22-25 August 2024. Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences.

Dealing with complexity: a key capability for biomedical and health science students

2024

Conference Publication

Advancing scientific skills and capabilities in undergraduate physiology courses by combining inquiry-based laboratory practicals with meta-learning assessment tasks

Anderson, S. T., Kibedi, J. and Colthorpe, K.L. (2024). Advancing scientific skills and capabilities in undergraduate physiology courses by combining inquiry-based laboratory practicals with meta-learning assessment tasks. International Conference of Physiological Sciences, Qingdao, China, 22-25 August 2024. Chinese Association for Physiological Sciences.

Advancing scientific skills and capabilities in undergraduate physiology courses by combining inquiry-based laboratory practicals with meta-learning assessment tasks

2024

Journal Article

Frequency of diabetic remission, predictors of remission and survival in cats using a low-cost, moderate-intensity, home-monitoring protocol and twice-daily glargine

Gottlieb, Susan, Rand, Jacquie S. and Anderson, Stephen T. (2024). Frequency of diabetic remission, predictors of remission and survival in cats using a low-cost, moderate-intensity, home-monitoring protocol and twice-daily glargine. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 26 (4) 1098612X241232546, 1-12. doi: 10.1177/1098612x241232546

Frequency of diabetic remission, predictors of remission and survival in cats using a low-cost, moderate-intensity, home-monitoring protocol and twice-daily glargine

2023

Journal Article

Differential voluntary feed intake and whole transcriptome profiling in the hypothalamus of young sheep offered crude protein and phosphorus deficient diets

Innes, D. J., Hudson, N. J., Anderson, S. T., Poppi, D. P. and Quigley, S. P. (2023). Differential voluntary feed intake and whole transcriptome profiling in the hypothalamus of young sheep offered crude protein and phosphorus deficient diets. Animal, 17 (10) 100973, 100973. doi: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100973

Differential voluntary feed intake and whole transcriptome profiling in the hypothalamus of young sheep offered crude protein and phosphorus deficient diets

2023

Journal Article

Investigating dog welfare when interacting with autistic children within canine-assisted occupational therapy sessions: a single case study

Hill, Jessica, Driscoll, Carlie, Cawdell-Smith, Judy, Anderson, Stephen and Ziviani, Jenny (2023). Investigating dog welfare when interacting with autistic children within canine-assisted occupational therapy sessions: a single case study. Animals, 13 (12) 1965, 1-15. doi: 10.3390/ani13121965

Investigating dog welfare when interacting with autistic children within canine-assisted occupational therapy sessions: a single case study

2023

Journal Article

Comparing the responses of grain fed feedlot cattle under moderate heat load and during subsequent recovery with those of feed restricted thermoneutral counterparts: metabolic hormones

Wijffels, G., Sullivan, M. L., Stockwell, S., Briscoe, S., Anderson, S. T., Li, Y., de Melo Costa, C. C., McCulloch, R., Olm, J. C. W., Cawdell-Smith, J. and Gaughan, J. B. (2023). Comparing the responses of grain fed feedlot cattle under moderate heat load and during subsequent recovery with those of feed restricted thermoneutral counterparts: metabolic hormones. International Journal of Biometeorology, 67 (5), 1-15. doi: 10.1007/s00484-023-02464-w

Comparing the responses of grain fed feedlot cattle under moderate heat load and during subsequent recovery with those of feed restricted thermoneutral counterparts: metabolic hormones

2022

Conference Publication

Learning gains of students in differing delivery modes of physiology laboratory classes

Colthorpe, Kay, Lim, Yit Chiun, Ainscough, Louise and Anderson, Stephen Todd (2022). Learning gains of students in differing delivery modes of physiology laboratory classes. Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Perth, WA Australia, 28-30 September 2022. Camperdown, NSW Australia: The University of Sydney.

Learning gains of students in differing delivery modes of physiology laboratory classes

2022

Journal Article

Measures of insulin sensitivity, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations in cats in diabetic remission compared to healthy control cats

Gottlieb, Susan, Rand, Jacquie S., Ishioka, Katsumi, Dias, Daniel A., Boughton, Berin A., Roessner, Ute, Ramadan, Ziad and Anderson, Stephen T. (2022). Measures of insulin sensitivity, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations in cats in diabetic remission compared to healthy control cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9 905929, 905929. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.905929

Measures of insulin sensitivity, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations in cats in diabetic remission compared to healthy control cats

2022

Journal Article

Growth and reproductive performance responses to post-weaning supplementation of early and normally-weaned Brahman crossbred heifers raised in tropical rangelands

Silva, Tiago A. C. C., Quigley, Simon P., Kidd, Lisa J., Anderson, Stephen T., McLennan, Stuart R., Schatz, Timothy J., McCosker, Kieren D. and Poppi, Dennis P. (2022). Growth and reproductive performance responses to post-weaning supplementation of early and normally-weaned Brahman crossbred heifers raised in tropical rangelands. PLoS One, 17 (2) e0263786, e0263786. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263786

Growth and reproductive performance responses to post-weaning supplementation of early and normally-weaned Brahman crossbred heifers raised in tropical rangelands

2022

Journal Article

Hepatic homeostasis of metal ions following acute repeated stress exposure in rats

Spiers, Jereme G., Tan, Li Si, Anderson, Stephen T., Hill, Andrew F., Lavidis, Nickolas A. and Chen, Hsiao-Jou Cortina (2022). Hepatic homeostasis of metal ions following acute repeated stress exposure in rats. Antioxidants, 11 (1) 85, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/antiox11010085

Hepatic homeostasis of metal ions following acute repeated stress exposure in rats

2021

Conference Publication

Essential oils in maternal feeds improve performance, reduce salivary cortisol and increase plasma ghrelin in pigs after weaning

Castro, C., Palou, R., Anderson, S.T. and Roura, E. (2021). Essential oils in maternal feeds improve performance, reduce salivary cortisol and increase plasma ghrelin in pigs after weaning. Manipulating Pig Production XVIII - Eighteenth Biennial Conference of theAustralasian Pig Science Association (APSA), Brisbane, QLD Australia, 15-18 November 2021. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.anscip.2021.09.115

Essential oils in maternal feeds improve performance, reduce salivary cortisol and increase plasma ghrelin in pigs after weaning

2021

Journal Article

Effect of a high crude protein content diet during energy restriction and re-alimentation on animal performance, skeletal growth and metabolism of bone tissue in two genotypes of cattle

Silva, Tiago A. C. C., Quigley, Simon P., Kidd, Lisa J., Anderson, Stephen T., McLennan, Stuart R. and Poppi, Dennis P. (2021). Effect of a high crude protein content diet during energy restriction and re-alimentation on animal performance, skeletal growth and metabolism of bone tissue in two genotypes of cattle. PLoS One, 16 (2) e0247718, e0247718. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247718

Effect of a high crude protein content diet during energy restriction and re-alimentation on animal performance, skeletal growth and metabolism of bone tissue in two genotypes of cattle

2021

Conference Publication

Feed intake is regulated by metabolic mechanisms in young wethers fed diets deficient in crude protein and phosphorus

Innes, D. J., Hudson N. J., Anderson, S. T., Poppi, D. P. and Quigley, S. P. (2021). Feed intake is regulated by metabolic mechanisms in young wethers fed diets deficient in crude protein and phosphorus. 33rd Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences, Fremantle, WA Australia, 1-3 Febraury 2021. Orange, NSW Australia: Australian Association of Animal Sciences.

Feed intake is regulated by metabolic mechanisms in young wethers fed diets deficient in crude protein and phosphorus

2021

Journal Article

Identification of monoclonal antibodies suitable for blocking IGF-1 receptors in the horse

Rahnama, S., Vathsangam, N., Spence, R., Anderson, S. T., de Laat, M. A., Bailey, S. and Sillence, M. N. (2021). Identification of monoclonal antibodies suitable for blocking IGF-1 receptors in the horse. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 74 106510, 106510. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106510

Identification of monoclonal antibodies suitable for blocking IGF-1 receptors in the horse

2021

Journal Article

Repeated acute stress modulates hepatic inflammation and markers of macrophage polarisation in the rat

Spiers, Jereme G., Steiger, Natasha, Khadka, Arun, Juliani, Juliani, Hill, Andrew F., Lavidis, Nickolas A., Anderson, Stephen T. and Cortina Chen, Hsiao-Jou (2021). Repeated acute stress modulates hepatic inflammation and markers of macrophage polarisation in the rat. Biochimie, 180, 30-42. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.10.014

Repeated acute stress modulates hepatic inflammation and markers of macrophage polarisation in the rat

2021

Journal Article

Effects of insulin on IGF-1 receptors in equine lamellar tissue in vitro

Rahnama, S., Spence, R., Vathsangam, N., Baskerville, C. L., Bailey, S. R., de Laat, M. A., Anderson, S. T., Pollitt, C. C. and Sillence, M. N. (2021). Effects of insulin on IGF-1 receptors in equine lamellar tissue in vitro. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 74 106530, 106530. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106530

Effects of insulin on IGF-1 receptors in equine lamellar tissue in vitro

Current funding

  • 2014 - 2025
    Development of a transdermal technology to deliver analgesia to cattle undergoing surgical husbandry procedures.
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2019 - 2022
    Increased pasture intake and reduced supplement requirements of sheep/cattle
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Heat Stress Nutrition Program
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Target dry season weight gains for weaner heifers
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Alleviating stress responses in farm animals by using natural plant-derived odours
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Treating Equine Laminitis (ARC Linkage Project administered by QUT)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    A comparison of topical imidacloprid and orally administered spinosad in preventing feeding by newly-acquired fleas
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Effect of ionophore lasalocid on the digestibility of bone minerals in lactating cows
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Validation of a simple test to confirm desexing status in female dogs surrendered to animal shelters or with ovarian remnant syndrome
    John & Mary Kibble Trust
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Bone metabolism in dairy cows
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Heat stress nutrition program
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Development of a histamine release model by assessing detection limit and ability to quantitate flea antigen
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    Gut integrity and inflammation in heat stressed cattle (Meat and Livestock Australia grant administered by CSIRO)
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Enhancing compensatory growth through increasing skeletal growth in the dry season
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Improved management of cattle phosphorus status through applied physiology
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Linking bone metabolic status to energy metabolism in cattle - Transition cow study
    Dairy Australia
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Liquid Scintillation Spectroscopy Facility
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Maternal metabolic status and the occurrence of OCD in Thoroughbred foals
    Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Signalling cross-talk through Suppressors Of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) initiates luteolysis in the ovary
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Evaluation of the newly discovered prolactin releasing peptides (PRP31 and PRP20)
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Hypothalamic neuropeptides that rugulate pituitary hormone secretion
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996
    The role of dopamine autoreceptors in the hypothalamus
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

Supervision history

Completed supervision

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Associate Professor Stephen Anderson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au