Paul Dawson

Associate Professor Paul Dawson is a leading researcher at the University of Queensland (UQ) and Mater Research Institute. He serves as Director of Higher Degree Research and Head of Education within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, where his Neurodevelopmental Research Group investigates cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and nutrient sulfate biology in preterm infants.

• University of New England (BSc Hons)
• University of Queensland (PhD)

His research spans molecular genetics, clinical biochemistry, and translational medicine, with a focus on sulfate transporters (SLC13A1/SLC13A4) and their role in neurological development. Key collaborations include the Queensland Brain Institute and Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in sulfate measurement methodologies (2024 NATA-approved assays), machine learning for movement classification (2024), and SLC13A1 genetic variants in skeletal dysplasia (2025). Over the past 15 years, his work has appeared in journals like Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Genetics in Medicine, and PLoS Pathogens.

• 2016 Simon & Nell George Award ($10,000)
• Recipient of NHMRC IDEAS Grant (2023-2025)

As a principal advisor, he has guided 12 PhD/MPhil students and 3 Master's candidates, including studies on sulfate therapy for cerebral palsy and genetic causes of intellectual disability. His laboratory collaborates with Queensland Brain Institute and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, supported by over $1.5M in competitive grants.