Overview
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
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).
Works
Search Professor Paul Dawson’s works on UQ eSpace
2006
Conference Publication
Profiling acetaminophen metabolites in mouse urine by LC-MS-MS
Shaw, P. N., Hewavitharana, A. K., Lee, S., Dawson, P. and Markovich, D. (2006). Profiling acetaminophen metabolites in mouse urine by LC-MS-MS. The British Pharmaceutical Conference, Manchester, England, 4-6 September 2006. West Sussex, England, U.K.: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. doi: 10.1211/002235706778251375
2005
Journal Article
Normal HPRT coding region in a male with gout due to HPRT deficiency (Brief Communication)
Dawson, Paul A., Gordon, Ross B., Keough, Dianne T. and Emmerson, Bryan T. (2005). Normal HPRT coding region in a male with gout due to HPRT deficiency (Brief Communication). Molecular Genetics And Metabolism, 85 (1), 78-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2005.01.005
2005
Journal Article
Pathogenetics of the human SLC26 transporters
Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). Pathogenetics of the human SLC26 transporters. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 12 (4), 385-396. doi: 10.2174/0929867053363144
2005
Journal Article
NaSi-1 and Sat-1: structure, function and transcriptional regulation of two genes encoding renal proximal tubular sulfate transporters
Lee, A., Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). NaSi-1 and Sat-1: structure, function and transcriptional regulation of two genes encoding renal proximal tubular sulfate transporters. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 37 (7), 1350-1356. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.02.013
2005
Conference Publication
Altered metabolism and lifespan in the NAs1 sulfate transporter null mouse
Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). Altered metabolism and lifespan in the NAs1 sulfate transporter null mouse. ComBio2005 Combined Conference, Adelaide S.A., 25-29 Sept 2005. South Australia: Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc..
2005
Journal Article
Antimicrobial activity of nisin-adsorbed silica and corn starch powders
Dawson, P. L., Harmon, L., Sotthibandhu, A. and Han, I. Y. (2005). Antimicrobial activity of nisin-adsorbed silica and corn starch powders. Food Microbiology, 22 (1), 93-99. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2004.04.001
2005
Journal Article
Functional characterization and genomic organization of the human Na+-sulfate cotransporter hNaS2 gene (SLC13A4)
Markovich, D., Regeer, R. R., Kunzelmann, K. and Dawson, P. A. (2005). Functional characterization and genomic organization of the human Na+-sulfate cotransporter hNaS2 gene (SLC13A4). Biochemical And Biophysical Research Communications, 326 (4), 729-734. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.11.102
2005
Conference Publication
Increased acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in the NaS1 sulphate transporter null mouse
Lee, K, Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2005). Increased acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in the NaS1 sulphate transporter null mouse. AuPS/ASB Canberra 2005 Meeting, Canberra Rydges Lakeside Hotel, 27-30 Sept, 2005. Canberra: Australian Physiological Society.
2005
Journal Article
Impaired memory and olfactory performance in NaSi-1 sulphate transporter deficient mice
Dawson, P. A., Steane, S. E. and Markovich, D. (2005). Impaired memory and olfactory performance in NaSi-1 sulphate transporter deficient mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 159 (1), 15-20. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2004.09.020
2005
Conference Publication
Sulphate ions in mammalian physiology: lessons from sulphate transporter knock-out mice
Dawson, P. A., Gardiner, B., Lee, S., Ku, and Markovich, D. (2005). Sulphate ions in mammalian physiology: lessons from sulphate transporter knock-out mice. AuPS/ASB Canberra 2005 Meeting, Canberra Rydges Lakeside Hotel, 27-30 September. Canberra: ANU.
2005
Journal Article
The rat Na+-sulfate cotransporter rNaS2: functional characterization, tissue distribution, and gene (slc13a4) structure
Dawson, P. A., Pirlo, K. J., Steane, S. E., Nguyen, K. A., Kunzelmann, K., Chien, Y. J. and Markovich, D. (2005). The rat Na+-sulfate cotransporter rNaS2: functional characterization, tissue distribution, and gene (slc13a4) structure. Pflugers Archiv-european Journal of Physiology, 450 (4), 262-268. doi: 10.1007/s00424-005-1414-6
2005
Journal Article
In-package pasteurization combined with biocide-impregnated films to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in Turkey Bologna
McCormick, Kevin E., Han, Inyee Y., Acton, James C., Sheldon, Brian W. and Dawson, Paul L. (2005). In-package pasteurization combined with biocide-impregnated films to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in Turkey Bologna. Journal of Food Science, 70 (1), M52-M57. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2005.tb09046.x
2004
Journal Article
Behavioural abnormalities of the hyposulphataemic Nas1 knock-out mouse
Dawson, Paul Anthony, Steane, Sarah Elizabeth and Markovich, Daniel (2004). Behavioural abnormalities of the hyposulphataemic Nas1 knock-out mouse. Behavioural Brain Research, 154 (2), 457-463. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2004.03.013
2004
Book Chapter
Poultry packaging
Dawson, P. L. and Stephens, C. (2004). Poultry packaging. Poultry Meat Processing and Quality. (pp. 135-163) Elsevier Inc.. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-85573-727-3.50012-7
2004
Journal Article
Therapeutic potential of hammerhead ribozymes in the treatment of hyper-proliferative diseases
Grassi, G., Dawson, P., Guarnieri, G., Kandolf, R. and Grassi, M. (2004). Therapeutic potential of hammerhead ribozymes in the treatment of hyper-proliferative diseases. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 5 (4), 369-386. doi: 10.2174/1389201043376760
2004
Book Chapter
Impact of proteins on food colour
Acton, J. C. and Dawson, P. L. (2004). Impact of proteins on food colour. Proteins in Food Processing. (pp. 631-668) Elsevier Ltd.. doi: 10.1533/9781855738379.3.631
2004
Journal Article
Thickness and compositional effects on surface heating rate of bologna during in-package pasteurization
Mangalassary, S., Dawson, P. L., Rieck, J. and Han, I. Y. (2004). Thickness and compositional effects on surface heating rate of bologna during in-package pasteurization. Poultry Science, 83 (8), 1456-1461. doi: 10.1093/ps/83.8.1456
2003
Journal Article
D and z-values for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in packaged low-fat ready-to-eat turkey bologna subjected to a surface pasteurization treatment
McCormick, K., Han, I., Acton, J., Sheldon, B. and Dawson, P. (2003). D and z-values for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in packaged low-fat ready-to-eat turkey bologna subjected to a surface pasteurization treatment. Poultry Science, 82 (8), 1337-1342. doi: 10.1093/ps/82.8.1337
2003
Book Chapter
Nisin in the decontamination of animal products
Dawson, P. L. and Sheldon, B. W. (2003). Nisin in the decontamination of animal products. Natural Antimicrobials for the Minimal Processing of Foods. (pp. 34-63) Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-85573-669-6.50008-3
2003
Journal Article
Effects of Antioxidants in Polyethylene Film on Fresh Beef Color
Moore, M.E., Han, I.Y., Acton, J.C., Ogale, A.A., Barmore, C. R. and Dawson, P.L. (2003). Effects of Antioxidants in Polyethylene Film on Fresh Beef Color. Journal of Food Science, 68 (1), 99-104. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2003.tb14122.x
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Paul Dawson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
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
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
Physiological analysis of xenobiotic toxicity, steroids and neurotransmitters in mouse models of hyposulfataemia
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the role of the placental sulfate transporter Slc13a4 in fetal development.
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Genetic variants in Angelman syndrome and related disorders: relationship to phenotype and neuronal function
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Honey Heussler
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Role of the Sulfate Transporter SLC13A4 in Brain Development and Function
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Simmons
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Paul Dawson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: