# John Dwyer
**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/strategy-values/2032-games/our-experts/better-future-environment
Dr
# John Dwyer
Email:
: [j.dwyer2@uq.edu.au](mailto:j.dwyer2@uq.edu.au)
Phone:
: [+61 7 336 52863](tel:+61 7 336 52863)
## Positions
Affiliate of Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
: Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
: Faculty of Science
Associate Professor
: School of the Environment
: Faculty of Science
### Background
My research focuses on applied and theoretical questions in the fields of restoration, population and community ecology. In general, I use Australian plant communities, both human-impacted and natural, to provide empirical tests of ecological theory. I am particularly interested in the processes that maintain species diversity and ecosystem function, and how these processes may be altered by human activity and ongoing climate change. I am also interested in natural regrowth vegetation and how it can be used to sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity in fragmented landscapes. Overall, I aim to advance ecological knowledge and inform better management of our unique ecosystems and landscapes.
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### Availability
Dr John Dwyer is:
: Available for supervision
### Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
[Search Professor John Dwyer’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/5603)
[All
(91)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1246/all)
[Journal Article
(89)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1246/4748)
[Other Outputs
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1246/4749)
[Conference Publication
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1246/4751)
2025
Journal Article
##### Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range
Baudraz, Maude E. A., Childs, Dylan Z., Kelly, Ruth, Smith, Annabel L., Villellas, Jesus, Andrzejak, Martin, Bachelot, Benedicte, Benedek, Lajos K., Blomberg, Simone P., Bodis, Judit, Brearley, Francis Q., Bucharova, Anna, Caruso, Christina M., Catford, Jane A., Coghill, Matthew, Compagnoni, Aldo, Csergő, Anna Mária P., Duncan, Richard P., Dwyer, John, Ehrlén, Johan, Elderd, Bret D., Finn, Alain, Fraser, Lauchlan, García, Maria B., Gremer, Jennifer R., Groenteman, Ronny, Hamre, Liv Norunn, Helm, Aveliina, Höhn, Maria ... Buckley, Yvonne M. (2025). Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range. Journal of Ecology, 113 (11) 1365-2745.70148, 3159-3176. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.70148
[Several candidate size metrics explain vital rates across multiple populations throughout a widespread species' range](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:936d775)
2025
Journal Article
##### Drier, more seasonal climates strengthen coordination of hydraulic, leaf economic and reproductive strategies in subtropical forest tree communities
Radford‐Smith, Julian and Dwyer, John M. (2025). Drier, more seasonal climates strengthen coordination of hydraulic, leaf economic and reproductive strategies in subtropical forest tree communities. Ecography, 2025 (6) e07620, 1-12. doi: 10.1111/ecog.07620
[Drier, more seasonal climates strengthen coordination of hydraulic, leaf economic and reproductive strategies in subtropical forest tree communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:28dcb2f)
2025
Journal Article
##### Juvenile mangrove growth is restricted by belowground competition with mature tree roots
Hill, Jack W., Bennion, Vicki, Cunningham, Emer T., Dwyer, John M. and Lovelock, Catherine E. (2025). Juvenile mangrove growth is restricted by belowground competition with mature tree roots. Bulletin of Marine Science, 101 (3), 1-14. doi: 10.5343/bms.2024.0016
[Juvenile mangrove growth is restricted by belowground competition with mature tree roots](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1b2816a)
2024
Journal Article
##### Decadal trends in surface elevation and tree growth in coastal wetlands of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia
Bennion, Vicki, Dwyer, John M., Twomey, Alice J. and Lovelock, Catherine E. (2024). Decadal trends in surface elevation and tree growth in coastal wetlands of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Estuaries and Coasts, 47 (7), 1955-1971. doi: 10.1007/s12237-024-01325-y
[Decadal trends in surface elevation and tree growth in coastal wetlands of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d042464)
2024
Journal Article
##### A functional basis for the assembly of Australian subtropical tree communities
Radford-Smith, Julian, Lai, Hao Ran, Cathcart-van Weeren, Ella and John M. Dwyer (2024). A functional basis for the assembly of Australian subtropical tree communities. Ecology Letters, 27 (11) e70014, e70014. doi: 10.1111/ele.70014
[A functional basis for the assembly of Australian subtropical tree communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c8d0226)
2024
Journal Article
##### Some reef-building corals only disperse metres per generation
Prata, Katharine E., Bongaerts, Pim, Dwyer, John M., Ishida, Hisatake, Howitt, Samantha M., Hereward, James P., Crandall, Eric D. and Riginos, Cynthia (2024). Some reef-building corals only disperse metres per generation. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 291 (2027) 20231988, 20231988. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1988
[Some reef-building corals only disperse metres per generation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:16d6b3e)
2024
Journal Article
##### Individual vital rates respond differently to local‐scale environmental variation and neighbour removal
Catling, Alexandra A., Mayfield, Margaret M. and Dwyer, John M. (2024). Individual vital rates respond differently to local‐scale environmental variation and neighbour removal. Journal of Ecology, 112 (6), 1369-1382. doi: 10.1111/1365-2745.14308
[Individual vital rates respond differently to local‐scale environmental variation and neighbour removal](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a00140f)
2024
Journal Article
##### Can faster growth compensate for increased mortality in subtropical dry forest fragments?
Moscato, Vanessa, McDonald, William J. F., Balle‐Hosking, Birte and Dwyer, John M. (2024). Can faster growth compensate for increased mortality in subtropical dry forest fragments?. Journal of Applied Ecology, 61 (7), 1546-1559. doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.14688
[Can faster growth compensate for increased mortality in subtropical dry forest fragments?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ffd62ad)
2024
Journal Article
##### Damage to tropical forests caused by cyclones is driven by wind speed but mediated by topographical exposure and tree characteristics
Ibanez, Thomas, Bauman, David, Aiba, Shin‐ichiro, Arsouze, Thomas, Bellingham, Peter J., Birkinshaw, Chris, Birnbaum, Philippe, Curran, Timothy J., DeWalt, Saara J., Dwyer, John, Fourcaud, Thierry, Franklin, Janet, Kohyama, Takashi S., Menkes, Christophe, Metcalfe, Dan J., Murphy, Helen, Muscarella, Robert, Plunkett, Gregory M., Sam, Chanel, Tanner, Edmund, Taylor, Benton N., Thompson, Jill, Ticktin, Tamara, Tuiwawa, Marika V., Uriarte, Maria, Webb, Edward L., Zimmerman, Jess K. and Keppel, Gunnar (2024). Damage to tropical forests caused by cyclones is driven by wind speed but mediated by topographical exposure and tree characteristics. Global Change Biology, 30 (5) e17317, e17317. doi: 10.1111/gcb.17317
[Damage to tropical forests caused by cyclones is driven by wind speed but mediated by topographical exposure and tree characteristics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:993038e)
2024
Journal Article
##### Annual species' experimental germination responses to light and temperature do not correspond with their microhabitat associations in the field
da Silva, Isis A., Merritt, David J., Erickson, Todd E., Mayfield, Margaret M. and Dwyer, John M. (2024). Annual species' experimental germination responses to light and temperature do not correspond with their microhabitat associations in the field. Journal of Vegetation Science, 35 (2) e13252. doi: 10.1111/jvs.13252
[Annual species' experimental germination responses to light and temperature do not correspond with their microhabitat associations in the field](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:dfc82c7)
2024
Journal Article
##### Comparative study reveals management of a dominant invasive plant facilitates subtropical forest regeneration
Dann, Leah E., Guja, Lydia, Kark, Salit and Dwyer, John (2024). Comparative study reveals management of a dominant invasive plant facilitates subtropical forest regeneration. Biological Invasions, 26 (1), 299-313. doi: 10.1007/s10530-023-03174-5
[Comparative study reveals management of a dominant invasive plant facilitates subtropical forest regeneration](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:18ac146)
2023
Journal Article
##### Weak evidence of trade-offs modulated by seed mass among a guild of closely related winter annuals
da Silva, Isis A., Mayfield, Margaret M. and Dwyer, John M. (2023). Weak evidence of trade-offs modulated by seed mass among a guild of closely related winter annuals. Oecologia, 202 (3), 561-575. doi: 10.1007/s00442-023-05416-8
[Weak evidence of trade-offs modulated by seed mass among a guild of closely related winter annuals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5b23dd3)
2023
Journal Article
##### Unpacking the recruitment potential of seeds in reconstructed soils and varying rainfall patterns
Erickson, Todd E., Dwyer, John M., Dalziell, Emma L., James, Jeremy J., Muñoz-Rojas, Miriam and Merritt, David J. (2023). Unpacking the recruitment potential of seeds in reconstructed soils and varying rainfall patterns. Australian Journal of Botany, 71 (7), 353-370. doi: 10.1071/bt22141
[Unpacking the recruitment potential of seeds in reconstructed soils and varying rainfall patterns](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f9a79c1)
2023
Journal Article
##### Patterns of frequency and density dependence are highly variable in diverse annual flowering plant communities
James, Aubrie R. M., Mayfield, Margaret M. and Dwyer, John M. (2023). Patterns of frequency and density dependence are highly variable in diverse annual flowering plant communities. Ecology, 104 (5) e4021, e4021. doi: 10.1002/ecy.4021
[Patterns of frequency and density dependence are highly variable in diverse annual flowering plant communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c9c15e5)
2022
Journal Article
##### Drivers of Acacia and Eucalyptus growth rate differ in strength and direction in restoration plantings across Australia
Staples, Timothy L., Mayfield, Margaret M., England, Jacqueline R. and Dwyer, John M. (2022). Drivers of Acacia and Eucalyptus growth rate differ in strength and direction in restoration plantings across Australia. Ecological Applications, 32 (6) e2636, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/eap.2636
[Drivers of Acacia and Eucalyptus growth rate differ in strength and direction in restoration plantings across Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fdbc7f2)
2022
Journal Article
##### Changes in trait covariance along an orographic moisture gradient reveal the relative importance of light‐ and moisture‐driven trade‐offs in subtropical rainforest communities
Brown, Alison, Butler, Donald W., Radford‐Smith, Julian and Dwyer, John M. (2022). Changes in trait covariance along an orographic moisture gradient reveal the relative importance of light‐ and moisture‐driven trade‐offs in subtropical rainforest communities. New Phytologist, 236 (3), 839-851. doi: 10.1111/nph.18418
[Changes in trait covariance along an orographic moisture gradient reveal the relative importance of light‐ and moisture‐driven trade‐offs in subtropical rainforest communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:316f001)
2022
Journal Article
##### How important is fire-induced disturbance in the maintenance of a threatened perennial forb, Solanum papaverifolium?
Osazuwa, Omofomwan Kingsley, Dwyer, John Matthew and Fensham, Roderick John (2022). How important is fire-induced disturbance in the maintenance of a threatened perennial forb, Solanum papaverifolium?. Australian Journal of Botany, 70 (5) BT21146, 335-343. doi: 10.1071/bt21146
[How important is fire-induced disturbance in the maintenance of a threatened perennial forb, Solanum papaverifolium?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7cacdc3)
2022
Journal Article
##### Plant size and neighbourhood characteristics influence survival and growth in a restored ex‐agricultural ecosystem
Atkinson, Joe, Freudenberger, David, Dwyer, John M., Standish, Rachel J., Moles, Angela T. and Bonser, Stephen P. (2022). Plant size and neighbourhood characteristics influence survival and growth in a restored ex‐agricultural ecosystem. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 3 (1) e12131. doi: 10.1002/2688-8319.12131
[Plant size and neighbourhood characteristics influence survival and growth in a restored ex‐agricultural ecosystem](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d6e3454)
2022
Journal Article
##### ‘Invasion debt’ after extensive land-use change: an example from eastern Australia
Lebbink, Gabrielle, Dwyer, John M. and Fensham, Roderick J. (2022). ‘Invasion debt’ after extensive land-use change: an example from eastern Australia. Journal of Environmental Management, 302 (Pt B) 114051, 114051. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114051
[‘Invasion debt’ after extensive land-use change: an example from eastern Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:78d9034)
2022
Journal Article
##### Variable seed bed microsite conditions and light influence germination in Australian winter annuals
Towers, Isaac R., Merritt, David J., Erickson, Todd E., Mayfield, Margaret M. and Dwyer, John M. (2022). Variable seed bed microsite conditions and light influence germination in Australian winter annuals. Oecologia, 198 (4), 865-875. doi: 10.1007/s00442-021-05091-7
[Variable seed bed microsite conditions and light influence germination in Australian winter annuals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6f47513)
### Past funding
- 2020 - 2024
How will Australia's subtropical rainforests respond to climate change?
The Hermon Slade Foundation
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/41765)
- 2019 - 2023
Diversity maintenance in patchy environments
ARC Discovery Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37061)
- 2018 - 2019
Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/34778)
- 2017 - 2020
Factors determining the spread and impact of the exotic grass Bothriochloa pertusa (Indian couch) into native pastures.
The Ecological Society of Australia Limited
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/33476)
- 2015 - 2016
Demography without frontiers: the determinants of invasion and local extinction
UQ Early Career Researcher
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23682)
- 2013 - 2019
Joint CSIRO/UQ Research Scientist for climate change adaptation and biodiversity \_ John Dwyer Secondment
CSIRO
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21338)
- 2006 - 2008
Restoration of remnant population and community structure in brigalow regrowth.
Fitzroy Basin Association Inc.
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9682)
### Availability
Dr John Dwyer is:
: Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).
### Supervision history
#### Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Spatial and Temporal Changes in the Structure and Floristics of a Subtropical Rainforest
Principal Advisor
- Doctor Philosophy
##### From point clouds to tree strategies: combining laser scanning and trait-based ecology to reveal the integrated strategies of Australian rainforest trees
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Stuart Phinn](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/56)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Improving forest restoration by integrating soil microbial interactions with tree seedlings in a global biodiversity hotspot
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Elizabeth Aitken](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/352), [Associate Professor Paul Dennis](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2433)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Plant traits and plant-animal interactions in tropical
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Matthew Luskin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/26286)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Socio-ecological drivers of natural forest regeneration in cocoa-growing landscapes.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Richard Fuller](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1992), [Dr Wilma J. Blaser Hart](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/27450), [Dr Simon Hart](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/25887)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### The potential for mitigation and adaptation in Western Australian coastal wetlands
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Feral Cat Control for Threatened Mammal Recovery in Central Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Diana Fisher](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/397)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Minimising the impacts of land use on microbially mediated soil ecosystem services
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Jiarui Sun](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/36694), [Associate Professor Paul Dennis](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2433)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### The Life and Times of Coastal Wetlands: Factors Influencing Surface Elevation and Tree Growth
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
#### Completed supervision
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Trait-based assembly of Australian subtropical rainforest tree communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:05af8ed)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- 2024
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Early-life functional traits, environmental heterogeneity and the maintenance of diversity in winter annual plant communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:adf0777)
Principal Advisor
- 2023
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Demographic responses to plant-plant interactions along resource gradients in natural systems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:34866b6)
Principal Advisor
- 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Testing the processes required for coexistence mediated by spatially varying environments](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7f62e8f)
Principal Advisor
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Predicting the diversity and functional composition of woody plant communities under climate change](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:716320)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Richard Fuller](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1992)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Seed disperser populations and plant-animal interactions in tropical forests of the Anthropocene](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:2c10ca9)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Associate Professor Matthew Luskin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/26286)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Mangrove tree architecture and ecosystem function](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5398f10)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Barriers to the recruitment of native and threatened plant species on Norfolk Island](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:37bb084)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Noam Levin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/11270), [Professor Salit Kark](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1793)
- 2023
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Understanding cryptic coral diversity: A 3D-reefscape genomics approach to assess dispersal dynamics and niche differentiation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4b81fc8)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Cynthia Riginos](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1650)
- 2023
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Restoration of Australian Subtropical Grasslands](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a3ea2c4)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Rod Fensham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1089)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Monitoring vocal terrestrial species: Assessing and improving the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring methodologies](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9368838)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2769)
- 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Exploring the biological realism of species interaction models in plant communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c1f2430)
Associate Advisor
- 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Factors determining the spread and impact of the exotic grass indian couch (Bothriochloa pertusa) into native ecosystems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ec69492)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Rod Fensham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1089)
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Understanding the role of direct and indirect interactions in mediating local plant diversity](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fb14d9b)
Associate Advisor
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Ecological drivers of the brown macroalgal genus Lobophora on Pacific coral reefs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:95378dc)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Peter Mumby](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2387)
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Improving outcomes and delivering multiple benefits in ecological restoration](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1a6e0f1)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### [The Role of Dispersal in the Assembly of Invaded Annual Plant Communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a1cdac0)
Associate Advisor
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Designing productive and diverse carbon forests](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:55eb9eb)
Associate Advisor
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Seed dispersal and seedling establishment during early-stage tropical forest recovery within old-fields](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:720805)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Richard Fuller](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1992)
### Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr John Dwyer's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:
[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)
## External profiles
- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7389-5528)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/O-5579-2017)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=22952808500)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user= )
## Personal links
- [Personal profile](http://jdwyer2.wordpress.com/)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=OLH00IIAAAAJ&hl=en)
## Social media
- [X](https://twitter.com/john_m_dwyer)
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