Professor Robbie Wilson
Professor

Robbie Wilson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52773

Background

My research group studies animal performance in the laboratory and in the field. We focus on discovering the underlying mechanistic basis of physical performance and it's implications for an individual's survival and reproductive success. We’re particularly interested in how organisms respond to environmental variation, such as seasonal or long-term temperature change, and the costs of these responses to other traits. We examine interactions between behavioural, physiological and morphological traits to better understand how animal performance is optimised. Furthermore, we want to understand how an organism’s performance relates to population-level processes, enabling better conservation practices in urban and wild habitats. Our research is question-driven, and we use a variety of model systems in our studies, including freshwater fish, crayfish, reptiles, marsupials, and humans.

Current projects

  • Importance of performance, life history and behaviour to male mating success in the semelparous marsupial the northern quoll
  • Relative importance of athleticism, skill and balance to success in complex human activities - focus on soccer players
  • When and why do animals lie? Testing hypotheses of deceit and discovering its role in determining animal performance

Availability

Professor Robbie Wilson is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Ecology Zoology

Search Professor Robbie Wilson’s works on UQ eSpace

204 works between 1998 and 2025
All (204) Journal Article (145) Other Outputs (1) Conference Publication (54) Book Chapter (4)

141 - 160 of 204 works

2009

Journal Article

Cockroaches breathe discontinuously to reduce respiratory water loss

Schimpf, NG, Matthews, PGD, Wilson, RS and White, CR (2009). Cockroaches breathe discontinuously to reduce respiratory water loss. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, 212 (17), 2773-2780. doi: 10.1242/jeb.031310

Cockroaches breathe discontinuously to reduce respiratory water loss

2009

Conference Publication

Thermal dependence of inducible defences in mosquito larvae

Van Uitregt, Vincent O., Wilson, Robbie S. and Hurst, Tim (2009). Thermal dependence of inducible defences in mosquito larvae. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Glasgow Scotland, Jun 28-Jul 01, 2009. NEW YORK: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.353

Thermal dependence of inducible defences in mosquito larvae

2009

Conference Publication

Costs and benefits of predator induced behaviour in larvae of the urban mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus)

Van Uitregt, Vincent O., Wilson, Robbie S. and Hurst, Tim (2009). Costs and benefits of predator induced behaviour in larvae of the urban mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus). Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Glasgow Scotland, Jun 28-Jul 01, 2009. NEW YORK: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.315

Costs and benefits of predator induced behaviour in larvae of the urban mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus)

2009

Conference Publication

What makes a great footballer? Trade-offs between athleticism and skill in human performance

Wilson, Robbie S. (2009). What makes a great footballer? Trade-offs between athleticism and skill in human performance. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Glasgow Scotland, Jun 28-Jul 01, 2009. NEW YORK: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.170

What makes a great footballer? Trade-offs between athleticism and skill in human performance

2009

Journal Article

Costs and benefits of increased weapon size differ between sexes of the slender crayfish, Cherax dispar

Wilson, RS, James, RS, Bywater, C and Seebacher, F (2009). Costs and benefits of increased weapon size differ between sexes of the slender crayfish, Cherax dispar. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212 (6), 853-858. doi: 10.1242/jeb.024547

Costs and benefits of increased weapon size differ between sexes of the slender crayfish, Cherax dispar

2009

Conference Publication

Mixed signals: thermal performance of zebrafish Danio rerio in uncertain environments

Condon, C. H., Chenoweth, S. F. and Wilson, R. S. (2009). Mixed signals: thermal performance of zebrafish Danio rerio in uncertain environments. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Boston Ma, Jan 03-07, 2009. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.

Mixed signals: thermal performance of zebrafish Danio rerio in uncertain environments

2009

Conference Publication

Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm

Pratt, K. L., Wilson, R. S., Blomberg, S. P. and Franklin, C. E. (2009). Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm. Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Boston, MA, 3-7 January, 2009. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/icb/icp002

Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm

2009

Conference Publication

Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes

Wilson, R. S., Oliver, J., Goldizen, A. and Blomberg, S. (2009). Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes. Annual Meeting of the Society form Integrative and Comparative Biology, Boston, MA, United States, 3-7 January 2009. Oxford, United Kingdom,: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/icb/icp002

Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes

2009

Conference Publication

Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm

Pratt, KL, Wilson, RS, Blomberg, SP and Franklin, CE (2009). Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Boston Ma, Jan 03-07, 2009. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.

Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm

2009

Conference Publication

Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes

Wilson, RS, Oliver, J, Goldizen, A and Blomberg, S (2009). Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Boston Ma, Jan 03-07, 2009. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.

Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes

2009

Conference Publication

The use of multi-factorial experimental studies in determining the causes of amphibian declines

Alton, Lesley A., Wilson, Robbie S. and Franklin, Craig E. (2009). The use of multi-factorial experimental studies in determining the causes of amphibian declines. Annual Meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology, Glasgow Scotland, 28June-01 July 2009. Philadelphia, PA United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.521

The use of multi-factorial experimental studies in determining the causes of amphibian declines

2008

Journal Article

Weapon size is a reliable indicator of strength and social dominance in female slender crayfish (Cherax dispar)

Bywater, C.L., Angilletta Jr, M.J. and Wilson, R. S. (2008). Weapon size is a reliable indicator of strength and social dominance in female slender crayfish (Cherax dispar). Functional Ecology, 22 (2), 311-316. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2008.01379.x

Weapon size is a reliable indicator of strength and social dominance in female slender crayfish (Cherax dispar)

2008

Journal Article

Explosive Jumping: Extreme Morphological and Physiological Specializations of Australian Rocket Frogs (Litoria nasuta)

James, R. S. and Wilson, R. S. (2008). Explosive Jumping: Extreme Morphological and Physiological Specializations of Australian Rocket Frogs (Litoria nasuta). Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 81 (2), 176-185. doi: 10.1086/525290

Explosive Jumping: Extreme Morphological and Physiological Specializations of Australian Rocket Frogs (Litoria nasuta)

2008

Journal Article

The fast and the fractalous: speed and tortuosity trade off in running ants

Angilletta Jr, M.J., Roth II, T.C., Wilson, R. S., Niehaus, A. and Ribeiro, P.L. (2008). The fast and the fractalous: speed and tortuosity trade off in running ants. Functional Ecology, 22 (1), 78-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2007.01348.x

The fast and the fractalous: speed and tortuosity trade off in running ants

2007

Conference Publication

Clawing your way to the top: Variation, repeatability, and social benefits of chela strength in slender crayfish

Angilletta, M. J., Jr., Bywater, C. L. and Wilson, R. S. (2007). Clawing your way to the top: Variation, repeatability, and social benefits of chela strength in slender crayfish. NEW YORK: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.06.043

Clawing your way to the top: Variation, repeatability, and social benefits of chela strength in slender crayfish

2007

Journal Article

Competition moderates the benefits of thermal acclimation to reproductive performance in male eastern mosquitofish

Wilson, Robbie S., Hammill, Edd and Johnston, Ian A. (2007). Competition moderates the benefits of thermal acclimation to reproductive performance in male eastern mosquitofish. Proceedings of The Royal Society B- Biological Sciences, 274 (1614), 1199-1204. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2006.0401

Competition moderates the benefits of thermal acclimation to reproductive performance in male eastern mosquitofish

2007

Journal Article

Individual recognition in crayfish (Cherax dispar): the roles of strength and experience in deciding aggressive encounters

Seebacher, F. and Wilson, R. S. (2007). Individual recognition in crayfish (Cherax dispar): the roles of strength and experience in deciding aggressive encounters. Biology Letters, 3 (5), 471-474. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2007.0289

Individual recognition in crayfish (Cherax dispar): the roles of strength and experience in deciding aggressive encounters

2007

Journal Article

Cooler temperatures increase sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation in embryos and larvae of the frog Limnodynastes peronii

van Uitregt, V. O., Wilson, R. S. and Franklin, C. E. (2007). Cooler temperatures increase sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation in embryos and larvae of the frog Limnodynastes peronii. Global Change Biology, 13 (6), 1114-1121. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2007.01353.x

Cooler temperatures increase sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation in embryos and larvae of the frog Limnodynastes peronii

2007

Journal Article

Urban Physiology: City ants possess high heat tolerance

Angilletta, Michael J., Wilson, Robbie S., Niehaus, Amanda C., Sears, Michael W., Navas, Carlos A. and Ribeiro, Pedro L. (2007). Urban Physiology: City ants possess high heat tolerance. PLoS One, 2 (2) e258, e258.1-e258.4. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000258

Urban Physiology: City ants possess high heat tolerance

2007

Journal Article

Testing the beneflts of acclimation to reproductive performance in male mosquitofish

Wilson, R. S. (2007). Testing the beneflts of acclimation to reproductive performance in male mosquitofish. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A-Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 146 (4), S205-S205. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.01.455

Testing the beneflts of acclimation to reproductive performance in male mosquitofish

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    Conserving the Greater Bilby in Queensland
    Save the Bilby Fund Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2026
    How is exposure to manganese on Groote Eylandt associated with motor control and cognitive function in school-aged children?
    Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Using detector dogs to improve survey and monitoring of the cryptic Condamine earless dragon (Tympanocryptis condaminensis) (Round 7 Threatened Species)
    Community Sustainability Action - Qld Dep Env Science
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Predicting the mortality risk of koalas moving on the ground
    Koala Applied Research
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Using performance to predict the survival of threatened mammals
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    The ecology of trace metal contamination in native Australian mammals
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Predicting the movement speeds of animals
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Predicting animal movement speeds and what affects movement decision in the wild
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    How is exposure to manganese on Groote Eylandt associated with motor control and cognitive function in school-aged children?
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    How does habitat complexity drive motor ageing and fitness in wild mammals?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    The impact of manganese contamination on the health of wildlife on an Aboriginal Protected Island
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Quantifying the health benefits of on-country activities in the remote Indigenous community of Groote Eylandt
    National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Limited
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    How does naturally occurring manganese affect the physiology, genetics and health of organisms on Groote Eylandt
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    How does naturally occurring manganese affect the physiology, genetics and health of organisms on Groote Eylandt?
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Does physiological plasticity of individuals render populations resilient to climate change? (ARC Discovery Project Administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Causes and consequences of disease in populations of Queensland koalas
    Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Cane toad research and monitoring
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Ecology of the northern spotten quoll
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Enhancing the research experience of first year science students through engagement with remote Indigenous communities
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Conservation biology in remote Indigenous communities: ecology of the northern tiger quoll on Groote Island
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Conserving koalas in urban landscapes
    Redland City Council
    Open grant
  • 2009
    UQTravel Awards Category 2, Dr Robbie Wilson
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Using Male Sexual Signals of Fish and Crustaceans for Rapid and Inexpensive Monitoring of Ecosystem Health
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Using YouTube technology as a vehicle for deep learning in biology
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Conserving native wildlife during urbanisation: the effectiveness of biodiversity-friendly urban design and construction practices
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Temperature Adaptation Of Fish Spermatozoa: An Integrative Approach
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006
    UQ_Travel Award_Cat2_2005
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Locomotor and Reproductive Consequences of Temperature-Induced Phenotypic Plasticity in the Threadfin Rainbowfish
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Evolution Of Ectotherm Thermal Physiology: Combining Studies Of Behaviour and Comparative Physiology
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Testing the Adaptive Benefit of Physiological Acclimation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Robbie Wilson is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimal running speeds during predator-prey interactions

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Modelling the fine-scale behaviour, movement, and habitat use of free-range Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in southeast Queensland to predict and prevent risk of mortality

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Human impacts on wildlife sociality

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Luskin

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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