John Paterson

Professor John Paterson is a leading palaeontologist at the University of New England, serving as Professor of Earth Sciences within the School of Environmental and Rural Science since 2016. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. from Macquarie University, focusing on Cambrian-Ordovician trilobites. He has held leadership roles, including Head of Earth Sciences (2008–2020) and ARC Future Fellow (2014–2018), and remains an active member of the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy.

Research Interests center on documenting the palaeo-biodiversity of Australian Cambrian and Ordovician biotas (444–541 million years ago), using fossils to address evolutionary, biogeographic, and palaeoecological questions. His work spans taxonomy, phylogeny, biostratigraphy, and the refinement of the geologic timescale through global strata correlation.

Recent publications highlight his focus on the Emu Bay Shale Lagerstätte, including studies on trilobite predator-prey dynamics, radiodont vision, and arthropod biomechanics. These works integrate finite-element analysis, laser micropyrolysis, and multi-proxy stratigraphy to explore evolutionary drivers during the Cambrian Explosion.

Scientific Awards include the Anton Hales Medal (2016), UNE Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (2009), and the Charles Marshall Award (2001). He has secured major grants such as ARC Discovery Projects and National Geographic Society grants, totaling over AUD $350,000.

Academic Leadership includes editorial roles at Alcheringa and Zootaxa, organizing international conferences like Palaeo Down Under 2, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams for projects on the Flinders Ranges and Georgina Basin. His work bridges fieldwork, lab analysis, and global collaborations to unravel the complexities of early animal evolution.