Overview
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 physiological processes. He collaborates with animal nutritionists and veterinary clinicians, supported by industry partners such as Meat & Livestock Australia, to address critical issues in animal health and production.
Complementing his scientific work, Stephen is an educational leader with a strong record in shaping teaching strategy, curriculum renewal, and student success. As Director of Teaching and Learning in the School of Biomedical Sciences (2019–2024), he led his School’s teaching response to the COVID-19 pandemic, earning a UQ Service Excellence commendation and the Faculty of Medicine’s Academic Leader of the Year award. He also provides strategic leadership in the renewal of the UQ Bachelor of Biomedical Science, guiding the development of a future-focused program designed to enhance students’ sense of belonging, engagement, and graduate capabilities. The redesigned program launches in 2026. Stephen has recently returned as Director of Teaching and Learning in Biomedical Sciences for another term (April 2025 - present).
Stephen has taught physiology to more than 40,000 students across biomedical, veterinary, allied health, and medical programs. He has received multiple awards for teaching excellence and innovation, including a national ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. He is a Senior Fellow in the Higher Education Academy. In scholarly educational work Stephen is currently investigating how students engage with complexity in developing an advanced understanding of physiology.
Availability
- Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
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
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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.
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Dealing with complexity.
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, 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 National Geo documentary series "Moody Beasts" produced by Wildbear Entertainment, a quirky look at how hormones drive animals wild.
A report to Meat and Livestock Australia on our research project "Improved management of cattle phosphorus status through applied physiology" can be viewed here. Our research formed the basis of an evidence based approach for cattle producers to assess and manage the risk of P deficiency in cattle - see the new MLA phosphorus hub here.
Works
Search Professor Stephen Anderson’s works on UQ eSpace
2005
Conference Publication
Regulation of SOCS3 expression by prostaglandin, prolactin and growth hormone: challenging the JAK/STAT signalling dogma
Barclay, J.L. , Wonisch, T., Anderson, S.T., Waters, M.J. and Curlewis, J.D. (2005). Regulation of SOCS3 expression by prostaglandin, prolactin and growth hormone: challenging the JAK/STAT signalling dogma. The Endocrine Society of Australia 48th Annual Scientific Meeting, Perth, WA, Australia, 4-7 September 2005. Kyoto, Japan: Japan Endocrine Society / Nihon Naibunpi Gakkai.
2004
Conference Publication
Effects of prostaglandins on SOCS expression in T-47D breast cancer cells
Barclay, J. L., Tongnkok, P., Anderson, S. T., Waters, M. J. and Curlewis, J. D. (2004). Effects of prostaglandins on SOCS expression in T-47D breast cancer cells. Society for Reproductive Biology Twenty-Fifth Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, Australia, 22-25 August 2004. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/srb04abs283
2003
Journal Article
Quantification of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA expression in specific brain regions of the rat during the oestrous cycle and in lactation
Anderson, S. T., Kokay, I. C., Lang, T., Grattan, D. R. and Curlewis, J. D. (2003). Quantification of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA expression in specific brain regions of the rat during the oestrous cycle and in lactation. Brain Research, 973 (1), 64-73. doi: 10.1016/S0006-8993(03)02543-5
2002
Conference Publication
Mechanisms underlying the reduced sensitivity to prolactin negative feedback during lactation
Anderson, S.T., Barclay, J.L., Kusters, D.H.L., Tam, S.P., Lau, P., Grattan, D.R. , Waters, M.J. and Curlewis, J.D. (2002). Mechanisms underlying the reduced sensitivity to prolactin negative feedback during lactation. The Endocrine Society of Australia , Adelaide, SA, Australia, 22-25 September 2002.
2002
Conference Publication
Negative regulation of prolactin receptor-signalling by SOCS proteins: a new mechanism for luteolysis
Curlewis, J. D., Waters, M. J. and Anderson, S. T. (2002). Negative regulation of prolactin receptor-signalling by SOCS proteins: a new mechanism for luteolysis. Society for Reproductive Biology Thirty-Third Annual Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, SA Australia, 22-25 September 2002.
2002
Journal Article
A prostaglandin F2a Analog induces suppressors of the cytokine signalling-3 expression n the corpus luteum of the pregnant rat: A potential new mechanism in luteolysis
Curlewis, J. D., Sau-Ping, T., Lau, W. F. P., Kusters, D. H. L., Barclay, J, Anderson, S. T. and Waters, M. J. (2002). A prostaglandin F2a Analog induces suppressors of the cytokine signalling-3 expression n the corpus luteum of the pregnant rat: A potential new mechanism in luteolysis. Endocrinology, 143 (10), 3984-3993. doi: 10.1210/en.2002-220344
2002
Journal Article
Prolactin-releasing peptide in ewe: cDNA cloning, mRNA distribution and effects on prolactin secretion in vitro and in vivo
Curlewis, J. D., Kusters, D. H. L., Barclay, J. and Anderson, S. T. (2002). Prolactin-releasing peptide in ewe: cDNA cloning, mRNA distribution and effects on prolactin secretion in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Endocrinology, 174 (1), 45-53. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1740045
2001
Journal Article
Dopaminergic input to the ventromedial hypothalamus facilitates the oestrogen-induced luteinizing hormone surge in ewes
Anderson, ST, Walsh, JP, Tillet, Y, Clarke, IJ and Curlewis, JD (2001). Dopaminergic input to the ventromedial hypothalamus facilitates the oestrogen-induced luteinizing hormone surge in ewes. Neuroendocrinology, 73 (2), 91-101. doi: 10.1159/000054625
2001
Conference Publication
Is prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) a hypophysiotrophic factor in the ewe?
Anderson, S. T., Nalliah, J. and Curlewis, J. D. (2001). Is prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) a hypophysiotrophic factor in the ewe?. Society for the Study of Fertility Annual Conference, Cambridge, University of Cambridge, July. Cambridge, UK: Society for the Study of Fertility.
2001
Conference Publication
Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) and the control of prolactin secretion in the ewe
Anderson, S. T., Nalliah, J. and Curlewis, J. D. (2001). Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) and the control of prolactin secretion in the ewe. 5th European Congress of Endocrinology, Turin, Italy, 9-13 June 2001. Turin, Italy: European Federation of Endocrine Societies.
2000
Conference Publication
Expression of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA in the rat hypothalamus
Anderson, S. T., Grattan, D. R., Kusters, D. H. L. and Curlewis, J. D. (2000). Expression of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA in the rat hypothalamus. Neuroendo 2000, Hormones On The Brain, Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 26 - 28 October, 2000.
2000
Journal Article
Adrenoceptor subtype involvement in suppression of Prolactin secretion by Noradrenaline
Colthorpe, KL, Nalliah, J, Anderson, ST and Curlewis, JD (2000). Adrenoceptor subtype involvement in suppression of Prolactin secretion by Noradrenaline. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 12 (4), 297-302. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2826.2000.00450.x
2000
Conference Publication
Distribution of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA and effect on prolactin secretion in the ewe
Bennett, C., Anderson, S. T., Kusters, D. H. L. and Curlewis, J. D. (2000). Distribution of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA and effect on prolactin secretion in the ewe. Neuroendo 2000, Hormones On The Brain, Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 26 - 28 October, 2000.
2000
Conference Publication
Does PACAP inhibit prolactin secretion via a direct effect on tida neurons?
Curlewis, J. D., Kusters, D. H. L., Pow, D. V. and Anderson, S. T. (2000). Does PACAP inhibit prolactin secretion via a direct effect on tida neurons?. 11th International Congress of Endocrinology, Sydney, Australia, 30th October - 2nd November, 2000.
1999
Conference Publication
Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) in the ewe: cDNA sequence and distribution of mRNA
Curlewis, J. D. and Anderson, S. T. (1999). Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) in the ewe: cDNA sequence and distribution of mRNA. 29th Annual Meeting of the Society For Neuroscience, Miami, Florida, USA, 23 - 28 October, 1999. Washington, USA: Society For Neuroscience.
1999
Conference Publication
Distribution of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA in the rat hypothalamus and medulla oblongata
Anderson, S. T., Grattan, D. R. and Curlewis, J. D. (1999). Distribution of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) mRNA in the rat hypothalamus and medulla oblongata. 29th Annual Meeting of the Society For Neuroscience, Miami, Florida, USA, 23 - 28 October, 1999. Washington, USA: Society For Neuroscience.
1999
Conference Publication
Inhibition of catecholamine synthesis in the ventromedial hypothalamus blocks the oestrogen-induced LH surge in ewes
Anderson, S. T., Clarke, I. J. and Curlewis, J. D. (1999). Inhibition of catecholamine synthesis in the ventromedial hypothalamus blocks the oestrogen-induced LH surge in ewes. The 42nd Annual Meeting Of The Endocrine Society Of Australia, Melbourne, 26 -29 Sep 1999. Adelaide: Endocrine Society of Aust..
1998
Conference Publication
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide type 1 receptors in the sheep mediobasal hypothalamus
Curlewis, J. D. and Anderson, S. T. (1998). Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide type 1 receptors in the sheep mediobasal hypothalamus. The 4th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology, Kitakyushu, Japan, 11-16 October 1998.
1998
Journal Article
PACAP stimulates dopamine neuronal activity in the medial basal hypothalamus and inhibits prolactin
Anderson, ST and Curlewis, JD (1998). PACAP stimulates dopamine neuronal activity in the medial basal hypothalamus and inhibits prolactin. Brain Research, 790 (1-2), 343-346. doi: 10.1016/S0006-8993(98)00176-0
1998
Conference Publication
Oestradiol increases DOPAC concentrations in the ventromedial hypothalamus around the time of the LH and prolactin surges in ovariectomised ewes
Anderson, S. T., Walsh, J. P., Tillet, Y., Clarke, I. J. and Curlewis, J. D. (1998). Oestradiol increases DOPAC concentrations in the ventromedial hypothalamus around the time of the LH and prolactin surges in ovariectomised ewes. The 4th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology, Kitakyushu, Japan, 11-16 October 1998.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Stephen Anderson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Dealing with complexity: a key capability for university students.
This is an educational research project in biomedical sciences. It is available as either an Honours, MPhil, or PhD project.
Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Intake regulation in ruminants consuming nutrient deficient diets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nick Hudson
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Skeletal growth in cattle in response to nutritional and hormonal manipulation
Associate Advisor
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2018
Master Philosophy
Salivary and skin biomarkers relevant to perinatal conditioning in pigs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura, Dr Marta Navarro
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Screening for prediabetes in senior cats and metabolomic characteristics of obesity and Burmese cats
Associate Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Post-partum Anoestrus in Bali Cattle under Low-input Animal Production Systems in Eastern Indonesia
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Biological Responses of Feedlot Cattle to Heat Load
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan
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2015
Master Philosophy
Insulin resistance in pregnant mares:the influence of body condition
Associate Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
New insights into the Reproductive Physiology and Management of the Female Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Factors affecting the control of the oestrous cycle
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steve Johnston
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2015
Master Philosophy
Refining a 'toolkit' for objective assessment of pain and stress in ruminants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rachel Allavena
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens: Field and Experimental Investigations
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Glucose and Insulin Dynamics of Mares During Pregnancy and Lactation and of Growing Foals
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
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