Dr Paul Dawson
Dr

Paul Dawson

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Background

Associate Professor Paul Dawson is the Mater Research Head of Education, MRI-UQ Director of Higher Degree Research, and a Mater Foundation Principal Research Fellow. Paul leads the Neurodevelopmental Research Group at Mater, which is focussed on cerebral palsy in preterm infants, non-syndromic intellectual disability and autism.

Paul’s research group collaborates very closely with neonatologists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, bioinformaticians and biochemical pathologists at Mater to investigate clinical, biochemical and genetic markers that predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In particular, his research is focussed on the role of nutrient sulphate in brain development. Paul through his work has brought many collaborative groups together. Some of his notable collaborations are with the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), the University of Sydney and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

With over 80 research publications, Paul notes a career highlight as being one of the key investigators, and Autism Biobank member, in the Autism Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) which was awarded $31 million from the Australian government.

Paul is heavily involved in national and international peer review and is a strong advocate for health and medical research with executive roles (Past-President 2012, Chair Advisory Committee) for the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR).

‘My career in medical research happened for many reasons, including my interest and passion for understanding the genetics of disorders that impact on people’s health and well-being. In my early days, I was fortunate to work with a group of like-minded biomedical and clinician scientists which kicked off many discoveries in neurodevelopment, as well as the opportunity to develop and investigate pre-clinical models with the aim of implementing research outcomes to improve healthcare. Working at Mater provides a fantastic opportunity to investigate new approaches for reducing the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. I look forward to the coming years when the benefits of our Mater-led research will be realised and proven around the globe. It’s a privilege to contribute to Australian health and medical research.’

Availability

Dr Paul Dawson is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of New England Australia
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research impacts

Since joining Mater Research in 2010, A/Prof Dawson has brought together collaborative groups of clinicians, biomedical researchers, research entities (MCH/LCCH, MMH, QBI, QCIDD, AIBN, UQ CAI and SBMS) and the Mater Foundation, to investigate the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. These collaborations align with Mater’s strategic research programs Neuroscience and Cognitive Health and Mothers, Babies and Maternal Care. A/Prof Dawson was appointed Program Leader of Neurosciences and Cognitive Health in June 2016. Highlights of A/Prof Dawson’s research achievements include:

  • Investigator (and Autism Biobank member representing Mater Research) in Program 1 of Autism CRC ($31.01M) 2013-2020.
  • Investigator in the Queensland Floods 2011 (QF2011) study, studying the consequences of prenatal maternal stress on child behavioural, developmental and metabolic outcomes. Co-author on 2 publications.
  • CIA on NHMRC-funded study ($720k 2015-2019, ranked 3rd quartile category 6) to investigate the links between biochemistry, genetics and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including cerebral palsy, in preterm infants.
  • Principal Investigator on an Autism CRC Innovative grant using iPS cells as a model to study the cellular and molecular basis of autism ($40k, 2014-2015).
  • Investigator on genetic/clinical studies of Intellectual Disability, with collaborations between Mater Research, LCCH, QCIDD and the Queensland Brain Institute.
  • Initiated and led a world-first NATA approved diagnostic test (and establishment of clinical reference ranges) for plasma and urine sulphate measurements in Mater Pathology, South Brisbane, which has gained media attention for use in his NHMRC-funded neurodevelopmental studies.
  • His achievements in perinatal research were recognised with the 2016 Simon & Nell George Award ($10,000) in recognition of exceptional work undertaken at the Mater in the area of Maternal and/or early childhood health and for support for the work of the Mater Foundation.
  • Oral presentations at 25 local and 20 national/international scientific meetings.
  • Initiated and prepared grant applications with successful funding of $1.5M (2010-present).
  • Contributed as investigator on equipment grants with funding of $540,000 (2011-present).
  • Recipient of Mater Foundation Research Fellowship (2014-20).

Search Professor Paul Dawson’s works on UQ eSpace

191 works between 1988 and 2024
All (191) Journal Article (147) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (31) Other Outputs (2)

1 - 20 of 191 works

2024

Journal Article

Incidence of bacterial pathogens in flying insects collected near poultry farms

Buyukyavuz, A., Northcutt, J.K. and Dawson, P.L. (2024). Incidence of bacterial pathogens in flying insects collected near poultry farms. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 33 (4) 100462, 100462. doi: 10.1016/j.japr.2024.100462

Incidence of bacterial pathogens in flying insects collected near poultry farms

2024

Journal Article

Analytical methods for quantitating sulfate in plasma and serum

Vijayakumar, Prasidhee and Dawson, Paul A. (2024). Analytical methods for quantitating sulfate in plasma and serum. Essays in Biochemistry, 68 (4), 383-389. doi: 10.1042/ebc20230092

Analytical methods for quantitating sulfate in plasma and serum

2024

Journal Article

Modified turbidometric microassay for the measurement of sulfate in plasma and urine

Vijayakumar, Prasidhee, McWhinney, Avis, Eiby, Yvonne and Dawson, Paul (2024). Modified turbidometric microassay for the measurement of sulfate in plasma and urine. MethodsX, 12 102712, 102712. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102712

Modified turbidometric microassay for the measurement of sulfate in plasma and urine

2024

Journal Article

Erratum: Autism-related dietary preferences mediate autism-gut microbiome associations (Cell (2021) 184(24) (5916–5931.e17), (S0092867421012319), (10.1016/j.cell.2021.10.015))

Yap, Chloe X., Henders, Anjali K., Alvares, Gail A., Wood, David L.A., Krause, Lutz, Tyson, Gene W., Restuadi, Restuadi, Wallace, Leanne, McLaren, Tiana, Hansell, Narelle K., Cleary, Dominique, Grove, Rachel, Hafekost, Claire, Harun, Alexis, Holdsworth, Helen, Jellett, Rachel, Khan, Feroza, Lawson, Lauren P., Leslie, Jodie, Frenk, Mira Levis, Masi, Anne, Mathew, Nisha E., Muniandy, Melanie, Nothard, Michaela, Miller, Jessica L., Nunn, Lorelle, Holtmann, Gerald, Strike, Lachlan T., de Zubicaray, Greig I. ... Gratten, Jacob (2024). Erratum: Autism-related dietary preferences mediate autism-gut microbiome associations (Cell (2021) 184(24) (5916–5931.e17), (S0092867421012319), (10.1016/j.cell.2021.10.015)). Cell, 187 (2), 495-510. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.001

Erratum: Autism-related dietary preferences mediate autism-gut microbiome associations (Cell (2021) 184(24) (5916–5931.e17), (S0092867421012319), (10.1016/j.cell.2021.10.015))

2024

Journal Article

Fine-grained Fidgety Movement Classification using Active Learning

Morais, Romero, Tran, Truyen, Alexander, Caroline, Amery, Natasha, Morgan, Catherine, Spittle, Alicia, Le, Vuong, Badawi, Nadia, Salt, Alison, Valentine, Jane, Elliott, Catherine, Hurrion, Elizabeth M, Dawson, Paul A and Venkatesh, Svetha (2024). Fine-grained Fidgety Movement Classification using Active Learning. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, PP (99), 1-12. doi: 10.1109/jbhi.2024.3473947

Fine-grained Fidgety Movement Classification using Active Learning

2023

Journal Article

Robust and interpretable general movement assessment using fidgety movement detection

Morais, Romero, Le, Vuong, Morgan, Catherine, Spittle, Alicia, Badawi, Nadia, Valentine, Jane, Hurrion, Elizabeth M., Dawson, Paul A., Tran, Truyen and Venkatesh, Svetha (2023). Robust and interpretable general movement assessment using fidgety movement detection. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, 27 (10), 5042-5053. doi: 10.1109/JBHI.2023.3299236

Robust and interpretable general movement assessment using fidgety movement detection

2023

Conference Publication

Carbon dioxide injection grinding and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging effects on ground Turkey meat quality

Dawson, P. L., Acton, J. C., Han, I. Y. and Dhananjayan, R. (2023). Carbon dioxide injection grinding and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging effects on ground Turkey meat quality. 52nd International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, Dublin, Ireland, 13-18 August 2006. Wageningen, Netherlands: Brill. doi: 10.3920/9789086865796_168

Carbon dioxide injection grinding and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging effects on ground Turkey meat quality

2023

Journal Article

SuPreme Study: a protocol to study the neuroprotective potential of sulfate among very/extremely preterm infants

Hurrion, Elizabeth M., Badawi, Nadia, Boyd, Roslyn N., Morgan, Catherine, Gibbons, Kristen, Hennig, Stefanie, Koorts, Pieter, Chauhan, Manbir, Bowling, Francis, Flenady, Vicki, Kumar, Sailesh and Dawson, Paul A (2023). SuPreme Study: a protocol to study the neuroprotective potential of sulfate among very/extremely preterm infants. BMJ Open, 13 (7) 076130, 1-10. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076130

SuPreme Study: a protocol to study the neuroprotective potential of sulfate among very/extremely preterm infants

2023

Journal Article

Effect of pre‐treatment and freezing on the polyphenol oxidase activity and color stability of sliced peaches

Al‐Jeddawi, Wesam, Northcutt, Julie K. and Dawson, Paul (2023). Effect of pre‐treatment and freezing on the polyphenol oxidase activity and color stability of sliced peaches. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 103 (7), 3376-3389. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.12495

Effect of pre‐treatment and freezing on the polyphenol oxidase activity and color stability of sliced peaches

2023

Journal Article

Interactions between the lipidome and genetic and environmental factors in autism

Yap, Chloe X., Henders, Anjali K., Alvares, Gail A., Giles, Corey, Huynh, Kevin, Nguyen, Anh, Wallace, Leanne, McLaren, Tiana, Yang, Yuanhao, Hernandez, Leanna M., Gandal, Michael J., Hansell, Narelle K., Cleary, Dominique, Grove, Rachel, Hafekost, Claire, Harun, Alexis, Holdsworth, Helen, Jellett, Rachel, Khan, Feroza, Lawson, Lauren P., Leslie, Jodie, Levis Frenk, Mira, Masi, Anne, Mathew, Nisha E., Muniandy, Melanie, Nothard, Michaela, Miller, Jessica L., Nunn, Lorelle, Strike, Lachlan T. ... The Busselton Health Study Investigators (2023). Interactions between the lipidome and genetic and environmental factors in autism. Nature Medicine, 29 (4), 936-949. doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02271-1

Interactions between the lipidome and genetic and environmental factors in autism

2023

Journal Article

Effects of DNA extraction methods on the real time PCR quantification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari in chicken feces and ceca contents

Dawson, Paul, Buyukyavuz, Ahmet, Ionita, Claudia and Northcutt, Julie (2023). Effects of DNA extraction methods on the real time PCR quantification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari in chicken feces and ceca contents. Poultry Science, 102 (2) 102369, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102369

Effects of DNA extraction methods on the real time PCR quantification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari in chicken feces and ceca contents

2023

Journal Article

Faculty stress factors at a public university during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cothran, Sara L., Hegler, Carol M., Martinez-Dawson, Rose, Dawson, Paul L. and Northcutt, Julie K. (2023). Faculty stress factors at a public university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 23 (11), 1-14. doi: 10.33423/jhetp.v23i11.6214

Faculty stress factors at a public university during the COVID-19 pandemic

2023

Journal Article

Fabrication and characterization of active nanocomposite films loaded with cellulose nanocrystals stabilized Pickering emulsion of clove bud oil

Bangar, Sneh Punia, Whiteside, William Scott, Dunno, Kyle D., Cavender, George Armstrong and Dawson, Paul (2023). Fabrication and characterization of active nanocomposite films loaded with cellulose nanocrystals stabilized Pickering emulsion of clove bud oil. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 224, 1576-1587. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.243

Fabrication and characterization of active nanocomposite films loaded with cellulose nanocrystals stabilized Pickering emulsion of clove bud oil

2022

Journal Article

Serum sulfate level and Slc13a1 mRNA expression remain unaltered in a mouse model of moderate vitamin D deficiency

Atcheson, Ranita J., Burne, Thomas H. J. and Dawson, Paul A. (2022). Serum sulfate level and Slc13a1 mRNA expression remain unaltered in a mouse model of moderate vitamin D deficiency. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 478 (8), 1771-1777. doi: 10.1007/s11010-022-04634-7

Serum sulfate level and Slc13a1 mRNA expression remain unaltered in a mouse model of moderate vitamin D deficiency

2022

Journal Article

Quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs after extended refrigerated storage

Northcutt, J. K., Buyukyavuz, A. and Dawson, P. L. (2022). Quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs after extended refrigerated storage. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 31 (3) 100280, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.japr.2022.100280

Quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs after extended refrigerated storage

2022

Journal Article

Impact of emergency remote teaching on university students at a public institution in the United States

Hegler, Carol M., Cothran, Sara L., Martinez-Dawson, Rose, Dawson, Paul L. and Northcutt, Julie K. (2022). Impact of emergency remote teaching on university students at a public institution in the United States. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 22 (8), 124-139. doi: 10.33423/jhetp.v22i8.5329

Impact of emergency remote teaching on university students at a public institution in the United States

2022

Journal Article

Development of starch-based films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals and essential oil to extend the shelf life of red grapes

Punia Bangar, Sneh, Whiteside, William Scott, Ozogul, Fatih, Dunno, Kyle D., Cavender, George Armstrong and Dawson, Paul (2022). Development of starch-based films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals and essential oil to extend the shelf life of red grapes. Food Bioscience, 47 101621, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.101621

Development of starch-based films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals and essential oil to extend the shelf life of red grapes

2022

Journal Article

Sulfation pathways during neurodevelopment

Clarke, Taylor, Fernandez, Francesca E. and Dawson, Paul A. (2022). Sulfation pathways during neurodevelopment. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 9 866196, 1-10. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.866196

Sulfation pathways during neurodevelopment

2022

Journal Article

Starch-based bio-nanocomposites films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals extracted from Kudzu (Pueraria montana) vine

Punia Bangar, Sneh, Whiteside, William Scott, Dunno, Kyle D., Cavender, George Armstrong, Dawson, Paul and Love, Reid (2022). Starch-based bio-nanocomposites films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals extracted from Kudzu (Pueraria montana) vine. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 203, 350-360. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.133

Starch-based bio-nanocomposites films reinforced with cellulosic nanocrystals extracted from Kudzu (Pueraria montana) vine

2021

Journal Article

Evaluation of two intelligent packaging prototypes with a pH indicator to determine spoilage of cow milk

Romero, Ana, Sharp, Julia L., Dawson, Paul L., Darby, Duncan and Cooksey, Kay (2021). Evaluation of two intelligent packaging prototypes with a pH indicator to determine spoilage of cow milk. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 30 100720, 100720. doi: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2021.100720

Evaluation of two intelligent packaging prototypes with a pH indicator to determine spoilage of cow milk

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Neuroprotective benefit and safety of preterm neonatal sulphate supplementation
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2023
    SuPreme Study:towards a sulphate therapy to reduce the rate of cerebral palsy among preterm infants.
    Cerebral Palsy Alliance
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Sulphate pharmacokinetics in preterm neonates: towards a sulphate therapy to reduce the rate of cerebral palsy (KiSPrem study)
    Cerebral Palsy Alliance
    Open grant
  • 2018
    A pre-clinical intensive care facility to research long-term outcomes in neonates
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    The effects of the Queensland floods on pregnant women, their pregnancies and their children's early development (QF2011)
    Douglas Hospital Research Centre
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Neuroprotective role of sulphate among preterm babies (SuPreme study)
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Optimising Neonatal Neuroplasticity: research consortium for an MRI compatible incubator at Lady Cilento Childrens Hospital and the Mater Mothers Hospital at the University of Queensland.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    The effects of the Queensland floods on pregnant women, their pregnancies and their children's early development (QF2011)
    Douglas Hospital Research Centre
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Comprehensive cell imaging facility (ARC LIEF Grant administered by QUT)
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2009
    "Real Time PCR Facility for Biomedical Researchers"
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Liquid Scintillation Spectroscopy Facility
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Functional Characterisation of Pendrin: The Anion Transporter Causing Pendred Syndrome
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Molecular interaction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) with membrane transport proteins.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Dr Paul Dawson is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Neuroprotective role of sulfate in preterm infants

    PhD project to investigate the molecular genetics and pathophysiology of nutrient sulfate deficiency in human fetal and neonatal development. The project will incorporate clinical, biochemical, genetic and molecular biology approaches.

  • Investigation of individuals with idiopathic intellectual disability

    This study will investigate the genetic causes/factors that may contribute to currently unexplained intellectual disability. The study will increase understanding of fundamental biological abnormalities underpinning intellectual disability.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Neuroprotective role of sulphate among preterm infants (SuPreme study)

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sailesh Kumar

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Molecular analyses of sulfation pathways in neurodevelopment following preterm birth

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Yvonne Eiby

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Characterisation of sulfate deficiency on preterm neonatal bone growth and development.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Allison Pettit, Dr Yvonne Eiby, Dr Susan Millard

  • Master Philosophy

    The right ventricular (RV) response to exercise in patients with established pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and correlation to prognostic markers

    Associate Advisor

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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