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

189 works between 1988 and 2024
All (189) Journal Article (145) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (31) Other Outputs (2)

181 - 189 of 189 works

1995

Journal Article

The effects of ultrapasteurization with and without homogenization on the chemical, physical, and functional properties of aseptically packaged liquid whole egg

Martinez, R. M., Dawson, P. L., Ball Jr., H. R., Swartzel, K. R., Winn, S. E. and Giesbrecht, F. G. (1995). The effects of ultrapasteurization with and without homogenization on the chemical, physical, and functional properties of aseptically packaged liquid whole egg. Poultry science, 74 (4), 742-752. doi: 10.3382/ps.0740742

The effects of ultrapasteurization with and without homogenization on the chemical, physical, and functional properties of aseptically packaged liquid whole egg

1995

Journal Article

Film oxygen transmission rate effects on ground chicken meat quality

Dawson, P. L., Han, I. Y., Voller, L. M., Clardy, C. B., Martinez, R. M. and Acton, J. C. (1995). Film oxygen transmission rate effects on ground chicken meat quality. Poultry science, 74 (8), 1381-1387. doi: 10.3382/ps.0741381

Film oxygen transmission rate effects on ground chicken meat quality

1993

Journal Article

Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase mRNA by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide sequence

Dawson, P. A., Cochran, D. A., Emmerson, B.T. and Gordon, R. B. (1993). Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase mRNA by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide sequence. Molecular Biochemistry Parasitology, 60 (1), 153-156. doi: 10.1016/0166-6851(93)90039-Z

Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase mRNA by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide sequence

1992

Journal Article

A review of the molecular basis of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency

Sculley, Donna G., Dawson, Paul A., Emmerson, Bryan T. and Gordon, Ross B. (1992). A review of the molecular basis of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency. Human Genetics, 90 (3), 195-207. doi: 10.1007/BF00220062

A review of the molecular basis of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency

1991

Journal Article

The molecular characterisation of HPRT Chermside and HPRT Coorparoo: two Lesch-Nyhan patients with reduced amounts of mRNA

Gordon, Ross B., Dawson, Paul A., Sculley, Donna G., Emmerson, Bryan T., Caskey, C.Thomas and Gibbs, Richard A. (1991). The molecular characterisation of HPRT Chermside and HPRT Coorparoo: two Lesch-Nyhan patients with reduced amounts of mRNA. Gene, 108 (2), 299-304. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(91)90450-P

The molecular characterisation of HPRT Chermside and HPRT Coorparoo: two Lesch-Nyhan patients with reduced amounts of mRNA

1991

Journal Article

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency: analysis of HPRT mutations by direct sequencing and allele-specific amplification

Sculley, Donna G., Dawson, Paul A., Beacham, Ifor R., Emmerson, Bryan T. and Gordon, Ross B. (1991). Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency: analysis of HPRT mutations by direct sequencing and allele-specific amplification. Human Genetics, 87 (6), 688-692. doi: 10.1007/BF00201727

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency: analysis of HPRT mutations by direct sequencing and allele-specific amplification

1991

Journal Article

Role of Glycerophosphorylcholine and Glycerophosphorylethanolamine in Linoleic Acid Oxidation

Dawson, Paul L., Sheldon, Brian W., Larick, Duane K. and Turner, Beth E. (1991). Role of Glycerophosphorylcholine and Glycerophosphorylethanolamine in Linoleic Acid Oxidation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 39 (1), 12-16. doi: 10.1021/jf00001a002

Role of Glycerophosphorylcholine and Glycerophosphorylethanolamine in Linoleic Acid Oxidation

1990

Journal Article

Identification of a single nucleotide substitution in the coding sequence of in vitro amplified cDNA from a patient with partial HPRT deficiency (HPRTBrisbane)

Gordon, R. B., Sculley, D. G., Dawson, P. A., Beacham, I. R. and Emmerson, B. T. (1990). Identification of a single nucleotide substitution in the coding sequence of in vitro amplified cDNA from a patient with partial HPRT deficiency (HPRTBrisbane). Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease, 13 (5), 692-700. doi: 10.1007/BF01799570

Identification of a single nucleotide substitution in the coding sequence of in vitro amplified cDNA from a patient with partial HPRT deficiency (HPRTBrisbane)

1988

Journal Article

Extraction of Lipid and Pigment Components from Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat

DAWSON, P. L., SHELDON, B. W. and BALL, H. R. (1988). Extraction of Lipid and Pigment Components from Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat. Journal of Food Science, 53 (6), 1615-1617. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.1988.tb07798.x

Extraction of Lipid and Pigment Components from Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat

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

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

    Principal Advisor

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

  • 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

    Other advisors: Professor Sailesh Kumar

  • 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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communications@uq.edu.au