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

192 works between 1988 and 2025
All (192) Journal Article (147) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (32) Other Outputs (2)

141 - 160 of 192 works

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

Therapeutic potential of hammerhead ribozymes in the treatment of hyper-proliferative diseases

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

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

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

Nisin in the decontamination of animal products

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

Effects of Antioxidants in Polyethylene Film on Fresh Beef Color

2003

Journal Article

Hyposulfatemia, growth retardation, reduced fertility, and seizures in mice lacking a functional NaSi-1 gene

Dawson, P. A., Beck, L. and Markovich, D. (2003). Hyposulfatemia, growth retardation, reduced fertility, and seizures in mice lacking a functional NaSi-1 gene. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 100 (23), 13704-13709. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2231298100

Hyposulfatemia, growth retardation, reduced fertility, and seizures in mice lacking a functional NaSi-1 gene

2003

Journal Article

Nisin release from films is affected by both protein type and film-forming method

Dawson, P. L., Hirt, D. E., Rieck, J. R., Acton, J. C. and Sotthibandhu, A. (2003). Nisin release from films is affected by both protein type and film-forming method. Food Research International, 36 (9-10), 959-968. doi: 10.1016/S0963-9969(03)00116-9

Nisin release from films is affected by both protein type and film-forming method

2002

Journal Article

Nisin Diffusion in Protein Films: Effects of Film Type and Temperature

Teerakarn, A., Hirt, D.E., Acton, J.C., Rieck, J.R. and Dawson, P.L. (2002). Nisin Diffusion in Protein Films: Effects of Film Type and Temperature. Journal of Food Science, 67 (8), 3019-3025. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb08853.x

Nisin Diffusion in Protein Films: Effects of Film Type and Temperature

2002

Journal Article

Regulation of the mouse Nas1 promoter by vitamin D and thyroid hormone

Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2002). Regulation of the mouse Nas1 promoter by vitamin D and thyroid hormone. European Journal of Physiology, 444 (3), 353-359. doi: 10.1007/s00424-002-0789-x

Regulation of the mouse Nas1 promoter by vitamin D and thyroid hormone

2002

Journal Article

Effect of lauric acid and nisin-impregnated soy-based films on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on turkey bologna

Dawson, P., Carl, G., Acton, J. and Han, I. (2002). Effect of lauric acid and nisin-impregnated soy-based films on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on turkey bologna. Poultry Science, 81 (5), 721-726. doi: 10.1093/ps/81.5.721

Effect of lauric acid and nisin-impregnated soy-based films on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on turkey bologna

2002

Journal Article

Transcriptional regulation of the sodium-sulfate cotransporter NaSi-1 gene

Dawson, P. A. and Markovich, D. (2002). Transcriptional regulation of the sodium-sulfate cotransporter NaSi-1 gene. Cell Biochemistry And Biophysics, 36 (2-3), 175-182. doi: 10.1385/CBB:36:2-3:175

Transcriptional regulation of the sodium-sulfate cotransporter NaSi-1 gene

2002

Journal Article

Soy protein isolate/corn-zein laminated films: Transport and mechanical properties

Pol, H., Dawson, P., Acton, J. and Ogale, A. (2002). Soy protein isolate/corn-zein laminated films: Transport and mechanical properties. Journal of Food Science, 67 (1), 212-217. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb11386.x

Soy protein isolate/corn-zein laminated films: Transport and mechanical properties

2002

Journal Article

Antioxidative effect of Maillard reaction products added to turkey meat during heating by addition of honey

Antony, S. M., Han, I. Y., Rieck, J. R. and Dawson, P. L. (2002). Antioxidative effect of Maillard reaction products added to turkey meat during heating by addition of honey. Journal of Food Science, 67 (5), 1719-1724. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb08712.x

Antioxidative effect of Maillard reaction products added to turkey meat during heating by addition of honey

2001

Journal Article

Antimicrobial effects of corn zein films impregnated with nisin, lauric acid, and EDTA

Hoffman, K. L., Han, I. Y. and Dawson, P. L. (2001). Antimicrobial effects of corn zein films impregnated with nisin, lauric acid, and EDTA. Journal of Food Protection, 64 (6), 885-889. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X-64.6.885

Antimicrobial effects of corn zein films impregnated with nisin, lauric acid, and EDTA

2001

Journal Article

The effect of shell egg pasteurization on the protein quality of albumen

Hank, C. R., Kunkel, M. E., Dawson, P. L., Acton, J. C. and Wardlaw Jr., F. B. (2001). The effect of shell egg pasteurization on the protein quality of albumen. Poultry Science, 80 (6), 821-824. doi: 10.1093/ps/80.6.821

The effect of shell egg pasteurization on the protein quality of albumen

2000

Journal Article

Antioxidative effect of Maillard reaction products formed from honey at different reaction times

Antony, S. M., Han, I. Y., Rieck, J. R. and Dawson, P. L. (2000). Antioxidative effect of Maillard reaction products formed from honey at different reaction times. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48 (9), 3985-3989. doi: 10.1021/jf000305x

Antioxidative effect of Maillard reaction products formed from honey at different reaction times

2000

Journal Article

Hammerhead ribozymes selectively suppress mutant type I collagen mRNA in osteogenesis imperfecta fibroblasts

Dawson, Paul A. and Marini, Joan C. (2000). Hammerhead ribozymes selectively suppress mutant type I collagen mRNA in osteogenesis imperfecta fibroblasts. Nucleic Acids Research, 28 (20), 4013-4020. doi: 10.1093/nar/28.20.4013

Hammerhead ribozymes selectively suppress mutant type I collagen mRNA in osteogenesis imperfecta fibroblasts

2000

Journal Article

Effect of lauric acid addition on the antimicrobial efficacy and water permeability of corn zein films containing nisin

Padgett, T., Han, I. Y. and Dawson, P. L. (2000). Effect of lauric acid addition on the antimicrobial efficacy and water permeability of corn zein films containing nisin. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 24 (5), 423-432. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-4549.2000.tb00429.x

Effect of lauric acid addition on the antimicrobial efficacy and water permeability of corn zein films containing nisin

2000

Journal Article

Effect of dry honey on oxidation in Turkey breast meat

Antony, S., Rieck, J. R. and Dawson, P. L. (2000). Effect of dry honey on oxidation in Turkey breast meat. Poultry Science, 79 (12), 1846-1850. doi: 10.1093/ps/79.12.1846

Effect of dry honey on oxidation in Turkey breast meat

2000

Conference Publication

Development of a mutation suppression approach to the gene therapy of osteogenesis imperfecta

Forlino, A., Dawson, P. A., Lisi, and Marini, J. C. (2000). Development of a mutation suppression approach to the gene therapy of osteogenesis imperfecta. Unknown, Unknown, Unknown. New York, NY United States: Nature Publishing Group.

Development of a mutation suppression approach to the gene therapy of osteogenesis imperfecta

2000

Book Chapter

Packaging

Dawson, Paul L. (2000). Packaging. Poultry Meat Processing. (pp. 73-95) CRC Press.

Packaging

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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Molecular analyses of sulfation pathways in neurodevelopment following preterm birth

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Yvonne Eiby

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Neuroprotective role of sulphate among preterm infants (SuPreme study)

    Principal Advisor

  • 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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