Bowen Dempsey

Bowen Dempsey is a Research Fellow at Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, with a career focused on neural circuits controlling respiration and autonomic functions. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at the Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS) (2019–2021) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) (2016–2019).

His research explores the neuroscience and neurophysiology of brainstem circuits, particularly their role in respiratory control, feeding behavior, and autonomic regulation. Key subtopics include superior colliculus pathways, GABAergic activity in neonatal apnea, lapping behavior in mice, and respiratory-cardiovascular interactions.

Recent publications highlight his work on

• Descending pathways from the superior colliculus (2022)
• Mafa-dependent GABAergic activity in mouse models (2022)
• Brainstem reticular nodes coordinating crying and breathing (2022)

Scientific recognition includes the Australian Neuroscience Society Paxinos-Watson Prize (2018), ECR Enabling Scheme Award (2023), and Macquarie Medical School HDR Supervisor of the Year (2023).