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 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
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.
Works
Search Professor Stephen Anderson’s works on UQ eSpace
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.
1997
Conference Publication
Tubero-infundibular dopaminergic autoreceptors and the regulation of prolactin secretion
Anderson, S. T., Beavis, E. and Curlewis, J. D. (1997). Tubero-infundibular dopaminergic autoreceptors and the regulation of prolactin secretion. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology , Canberra, ACT Australia, 29 September - 1 October 1997.
1997
Conference Publication
Reduction in gonadotrophins in young ewe lambs does not affect later ovulation rate
O'Shea, T., Anderson, S. T. and Hillard, M. A. (1997). Reduction in gonadotrophins in young ewe lambs does not affect later ovulation rate. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology , Canberra, ACT Australia, 29 September - 1 October 1997.
1997
Journal Article
Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on hormone secretion from sheep pituitary cells in vitro
Sawangjaroen, K, Anderson, ST and Curlewis, JD (1997). Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on hormone secretion from sheep pituitary cells in vitro. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 9 (4), 279-286. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2826.1997.00580.x
1997
Journal Article
Gonadotrophin and prolactin secretion in castrated male sheep following subcutaneous or intracranial treatment with testicular hormones
Blache, D, Tjondronegoro, S, Blackberry, MA, Anderson, ST, Curlewis, JD and Martin, GB (1997). Gonadotrophin and prolactin secretion in castrated male sheep following subcutaneous or intracranial treatment with testicular hormones. Endocrine, 7 (2), 235-243. doi: 10.1007/BF02778146
1997
Conference Publication
Role of noradrenaline as a prolactin release-inhibiting factor in sheep
Nalliah, J. R., Anderson, S. T., Colthorpe, K. L. and Curlewis, J. D. (1997). Role of noradrenaline as a prolactin release-inhibiting factor in sheep. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology , Canberra, ACT Australia, 29 September - 1 October 1997.
1997
Journal Article
A method for drug infusion into the lateral median eminence and arcuate nucleus of sheep
Anderson, ST, Sawangjaroen, K and Curlewis, JD (1997). A method for drug infusion into the lateral median eminence and arcuate nucleus of sheep. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 71 (2), 169-176. doi: 10.1016/S0165-0270(96)00139-2
1997
Conference Publication
Are dopamine D1 receptors in the VMH involved in prolactin secretion during stress?
Colthorpe, K. L., Anderson, S. T., Martin, G. B. and Curlewis, J. D. (1997). Are dopamine D1 receptors in the VMH involved in prolactin secretion during stress?. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology , Canberra, ACT Australia, 29 September - 1 October 1997.
1996
Journal Article
Advancement of puberty in ewe lambs by active immunisation against inhibin early in life
Anderson, ST, Bindon, BM, Hillard, MA and OShea, T (1996). Advancement of puberty in ewe lambs by active immunisation against inhibin early in life. Animal Reproduction Science, 44 (2), 111-125. doi: 10.1016/0378-4320(96)01546-1
1996
Conference Publication
Endocrine effects of PACAP infusion into the preoptic area or medial basal hypothalamus
Anderson, S. T., Sawangjaroen, K and Curlewis, J. D. (1996). Endocrine effects of PACAP infusion into the preoptic area or medial basal hypothalamus. The 13th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Sydney, NSW Australia, 30 June - 4 July October 1996.
1996
Journal Article
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide acts within the medial basal hypothalamus to inhibit prolactin and luteinizing hormone secretion
Anderson, S. T., Sawangjaroen, K. and Curlewis, J. D. (1996). Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide acts within the medial basal hypothalamus to inhibit prolactin and luteinizing hormone secretion. Endocrinology, 137 (8), 3424-3429. doi: 10.1210/endo.137.8.8754770
1995
Conference Publication
Control of prolactin secretion through D1 and D2 dopamine receptors
Curlewis, J.D., Colthorpe, K.L. and Anderson, S.A. (1995). Control of prolactin secretion through D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology , Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 25-27 September 1995.
1995
Conference Publication
Effects of intracerebral implants of sex steroids on Luteinizing Hormone secretion in mature Merino rams
Blache, D., Anderson, S. T., Blackberry, M. A., Curlewis, J. D. and Martin, G. B. (1995). Effects of intracerebral implants of sex steroids on Luteinizing Hormone secretion in mature Merino rams. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology Twenty Seventh Annual Conference, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 25 - 27 September 1995.
1995
Conference Publication
Tubero-infundibular dopaminergic autoreceptors and prolactin secretion in the ewe
Anderson, S.T. and Curlewis, J.D. (1995). Tubero-infundibular dopaminergic autoreceptors and prolactin secretion in the ewe. Society for the Study of Fertility, Oxford, United Kingdom, December 1995. Colchester, United Kingdom: Portland Press.
1995
Conference Publication
Infusion of the dopamine agonist quinpirole into the lateral median eminence suppresses LH and prolactin
Anderson, S.T., Saunders, R.J. and Curlewis, J.D. (1995). Infusion of the dopamine agonist quinpirole into the lateral median eminence suppresses LH and prolactin. Australian Society for Reproductive Biology , Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 25-27 September 1995.
1994
Journal Article
INHIBIN IMMUNIZATION FOR INCREASING OVULATION RATE AND SUPEROVULATION
OSHEA, T, HILLARD, MA, ANDERSON, ST, BINDON, BM, FINDLAY, JK, TSONIS, CG and WILKINS, JF (1994). INHIBIN IMMUNIZATION FOR INCREASING OVULATION RATE AND SUPEROVULATION. Theriogenology, 41 (1), 3-17. doi: 10.1016/S0093-691X(05)80043-3
1994
Book Chapter
Manipulation of reproduction of sheep and cattle by vaccination against inhibin-related peptides
Bindon B.M., Anderson S.T, Cummins L.J., Findlay J.K., Hillard M.A., O'Shea T., Paull D., Tsonis C.G. and Wilkins J.F. (1994). Manipulation of reproduction of sheep and cattle by vaccination against inhibin-related peptides. Vaccines in agriculture: immunological applications in animal health and production. (pp. 85-96) edited by P.R. Wood, P. Willadsen, J.E. Vercoe, R.M. Hoskinson and D. Demeger. East Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO.
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
-
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
-
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Intake regulation in ruminants consuming nutrient deficient diets
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nick Hudson
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Skeletal growth in cattle in response to nutritional and hormonal manipulation
Associate Advisor
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Salivary and skin biomarkers relevant to perinatal conditioning in pigs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eugeni Roura, Dr Marta Navarro
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Screening for prediabetes in senior cats and metabolomic characteristics of obesity and Burmese cats
Associate Advisor
-
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Post-partum Anoestrus in Bali Cattle under Low-input Animal Production Systems in Eastern Indonesia
Associate Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Biological Responses of Feedlot Cattle to Heat Load
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Gaughan
-
2015
Master Philosophy
Insulin resistance in pregnant mares:the influence of body condition
Associate Advisor
-
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
-
2015
Master Philosophy
Refining a 'toolkit' for objective assessment of pain and stress in ruminants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rachel Allavena
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens: Field and Experimental Investigations
Associate Advisor
-
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Glucose and Insulin Dynamics of Mares During Pregnancy and Lactation and of Growing Foals
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Associate Professor Stephen Anderson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: