# Paul Dennis

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2433
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246

Associate Professor

# Paul Dennis

Email:
:   [p.dennis@uq.edu.au](mailto:p.dennis@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 344 32575](tel:+61 7 344 32575)

## Positions

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
:   Centre for Marine Science
:   Faculty of Science

Affiliate Associate Professor of School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
:   School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
:   Faculty of Science

Associate Professor in Env Science
:   School of the Environment
:   Faculty of Science

## Overview

### Background

Paul Dennis leads an exciting research group that applies cutting-edge technologies to understand the roles of microorganisms and their responses to environmental change.

He is also a passionate educator and public speaker who advocates for the importance of biological diversity and evidence-based environmental awareness. He has talked about his research on ABC Radio and a range of other media outlets.

His teaching covers aspects of ecology, microbiology, plant and soil science, and climatology. He considers these topics to be of fundamental importance for the development of more sustainable societies and takes pride in helping others to obtain the knowledge and skills they need to build a better future.

Paul's research has taken him to Antarctica, the Amazon Rainforest, high mountains and oceans. The approaches used in his lab draw on a wide range of expertise in molecular biology, ecology, statistics, computer science, advanced imaging and soil science. He applies these skills to a wide-range of topics and systems including plant-microbe interactions, Antarctic marine and terrestrial ecology, biogeography, pollution and human health.

Read more
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### Availability

Associate Professor Paul Dennis is:
:   Available for supervision

### Fields of research

[Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4767)
[Agriculture, land and farm management](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4968)
[Bacteriology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6007)
[Bioavailability and ecotoxicology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6515)
[Biodiscovery](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5060)
[Biogeography and phylogeography](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6814)
[Bioinformatics and computational biology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4790)
[Biological Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4771)
[Biological control](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6201)
[Biomedical and Clinical Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4760)
[Bioremediation](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6353)
[Biosecurity science and invasive species ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5477)
[Carbon sequestration science](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5998)
[Climate change impacts and adaptation](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4838)
[Climate change impacts and adaptation not elsewhere classified](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6468)
[Community ecology (excl. invasive species ecology)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6875)
[Conservation and biodiversity](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6644)
[Ecological applications](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4921)
[Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6472)
[Ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4872)
[Ecosystem function](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6846)
[Ecosystem services (incl. pollination)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6363)
[Engineering](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4758)
[Environmental Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4773)
[Environmental assessment and monitoring](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6243)
[Environmental biogeochemistry](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5130)
[Environmental biotechnology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4936)
[Environmental education and extension](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5419)
[Environmental engineering](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4793)
[Environmental management](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4900)
[Environmental management](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6789)
[Environmental nanotechnology and nanometrology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5915)
[Environmental rehabilitation and restoration](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6658)
[Genetics](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4839)
[Genomics](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6622)
[Global change biology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5646)
[Human impacts of climate change and human adaptation](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6447)
[Immunology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4939)
[Industrial biotechnology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4780)
[Land capability and soil productivity](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5486)
[Medical biochemistry and metabolomics](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4875)
[Medical biotechnology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4946)
[Medical microbiology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4976)
[Microbial ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5789)
[Microbial genetics](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6726)
[Microbiology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4957)
[Mycology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6551)
[Nanotoxicology, health and safety](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6034)
[Natural resource management](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6435)
[Other biological sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4918)
[Other environmental sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4797)
[Plant biology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4799)
[Pollution and contamination](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4803)
[Soil biology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6480)
[Soil chemistry and soil carbon sequestration (excl. carbon sequestration science)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=6927)
[Soil sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4959)

### Qualifications

- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Wales
- Doctor of Philosophy, University College London

## Works

[Search Professor Paul Dennis’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/85650)

[All
(132)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2433/all)
[Journal Article
(108)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2433/4748)
[Other Outputs
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2433/4749)
[Conference Publication
(15)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2433/4751)
[Book Chapter
(8)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2433/4752)

2026

Journal Article

##### Impacts of grazing management on biocrust microbiomes and their potential to input and cycle nutrients

Cofre, Maria Vega, Sun, Jiarui, Williams, Wendy, Lyons, Rebecca, O’Reagain, Peter, Schmidt, Susanne and Dennis, Paul G. (2026). Impacts of grazing management on biocrust microbiomes and their potential to input and cycle nutrients. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 62 (1), 139-153. doi: 10.1007/s00374-025-01963-9

[Impacts of grazing management on biocrust microbiomes and their potential to input and cycle nutrients](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:36d4310)

2025

Journal Article

##### Landuse affects the likelihood of soil colonization by a key plant pathogen

Lyons, Rebecca, Clarke, Anna-Belle C., Lapis-Gaza, Hazel R., Sun, Jiarui, Birt, Henry W.G., Pattison, Anthony B. and Dennis, Paul G. (2025). Landuse affects the likelihood of soil colonization by a key plant pathogen. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 393 109814, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.109814

[Landuse affects the likelihood of soil colonization by a key plant pathogen](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5c2a867)

2025

Journal Article

##### Relative to a common phthalate, citrate-based plasticizers exert minimal impact on plastisphere bacterial community composition during biopolymer biodegradation

Lyons, Rebecca L., Parry, Andrew R., Chan, Clement Matthew, Hodal, Catherine M. E., Sun, Jiarui, Lant, Paul A., Pratt, Steven, Laycock, Bronwyn and Dennis, Paul G. (2025). Relative to a common phthalate, citrate-based plasticizers exert minimal impact on plastisphere bacterial community composition during biopolymer biodegradation. Environmental Science and Technology, 59 (32), 17173-17187. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c01660

[Relative to a common phthalate, citrate-based plasticizers exert minimal impact on plastisphere bacterial community composition during biopolymer biodegradation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1f840c1)

2025

Conference Publication

##### Should we burn or bust the biocrusts: an overview of biocrust management in the Australian rangelands

Williams, W.J., Myint Swe, T., Vega, M., Eastaughffe, J., Cowley, R., O'Reagain, P. J., Dennis, P., Potgieter, A., Zhao, Y., Driscoll, C. and Schmidt, S. (2025). Should we burn or bust the biocrusts: an overview of biocrust management in the Australian rangelands. XII International Rangeland Congress 2025, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 2 - 6 June 2025. Thebarton, SA, Australia: All Occasions Group.

[Should we burn or bust the biocrusts: an overview of biocrust management in the Australian rangelands](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c574034)

2024

Journal Article

##### Relative to rainforests and grasslands, banana and sugarcane soils have half the microbial biomass and highly distinct bacterial and fungal communities

Birt, Henry W.G., Pattison, Anthony B., Carrillo, Yolima, Lieske, Scott N., Lyons, Rebecca, Lapis-Gaza, Hazel R., Sun, Jiarui and Dennis, Paul G. (2024). Relative to rainforests and grasslands, banana and sugarcane soils have half the microbial biomass and highly distinct bacterial and fungal communities. Applied Soil Ecology, 204 105750, 105750. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105750

[Relative to rainforests and grasslands, banana and sugarcane soils have half the microbial biomass and highly distinct bacterial and fungal communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8f4866c)

2024

Journal Article

##### Moderate phosphorus addition to field-grown bananas enhanced soil microbial enzyme activities but had negligible impacts on bacterial, fungal, and nematode diversity

Clarke, Anna-Belle C., Lapis-Gaza, Hazel R., Irvine-Brown, Stuart, Lyons, Rebecca, Sun, Jiarui, Pattison, Anthony B. and Dennis, Paul G. (2024). Moderate phosphorus addition to field-grown bananas enhanced soil microbial enzyme activities but had negligible impacts on bacterial, fungal, and nematode diversity. Applied Microbiology, 4 (4), 1582-1599. doi: 10.3390/applmicrobiol4040108

[Moderate phosphorus addition to field-grown bananas enhanced soil microbial enzyme activities but had negligible impacts on bacterial, fungal, and nematode diversity](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1a17356)

2024

Journal Article

##### A maternal high-fat diet predisposes to infant lung disease via increased neutrophil-mediated IL-6 trans-signaling

Curren, Bodie, Ahmed, Tufael, Rashid, Ridwan B., Sebina, Ismail, Al Amin Sikder, Md., Howard, Daniel R., Alorro, Mariah, Ullah, Md. Ashik, Bissell, Alec, Rahman, Muhammed Mahfuzur, Pearen, Michael A., Ramm, Grant A., Varelias, Antiopi, Rose-John, Stefan, MacDonald, Kelli P. A., Hoelzle, Robert, Ó Cuív, Páraic, Spann, Kirsten M., Dennis, Paul G. and Phipps, Simon (2024). A maternal high-fat diet predisposes to infant lung disease via increased neutrophil-mediated IL-6 trans-signaling. Cell Reports, 43 (11) 114974, 1-22. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114974

[A maternal high-fat diet predisposes to infant lung disease via increased neutrophil-mediated IL-6 trans-signaling](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:bcd6811)

2024

Journal Article

##### Direct and indirect effects of Basta®, a glufosinate-based herbicide, on banana plantation soil microbial diversity and function

Pattison, Anthony B., McBeath, Anna V., Masters, Bronwyn and Dennis, Paul G. (2024). Direct and indirect effects of Basta®, a glufosinate-based herbicide, on banana plantation soil microbial diversity and function. Applied Soil Ecology, 195 105225, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2023.105225

[Direct and indirect effects of Basta®, a glufosinate-based herbicide, on banana plantation soil microbial diversity and function](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e696ce9)

2024

Journal Article

##### Faecal microbial transfer and complex carbohydrates mediate protection against COPD

Budden, Kurtis F, Shukla, Shakti D, Bowerman, Kate L, Vaughan, Annalicia, Gellatly, Shaan L, Wood, David L A, Lachner, Nancy, Idrees, Sobia, Rehman, Saima Firdous, Faiz, Alen, Patel, Vyoma K, Donovan, Chantal, Alemao, Charlotte A, Shen, Sj, Amorim, Nadia, Majumder, Rajib, Vanka, Kanth S, Mason, Jazz, Haw, Tatt Jhong, Tillet, Bree, Fricker, Michael, Keely, Simon, Hansbro, Nicole, Belz, Gabrielle T, Horvat, Jay, Ashhurst, Thomas, van Vreden, Caryn, McGuire, Helen, Fazekas de St Groth, Barbara ... Hansbro, Philip M (2024). Faecal microbial transfer and complex carbohydrates mediate protection against COPD. Gut, 73 (5), 751-769. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330521

[Faecal microbial transfer and complex carbohydrates mediate protection against COPD](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:83ae24c)

2024

Journal Article

##### Biogeographic survey of soil bacterial communities across Antarctica

Varliero, Gilda, Lebre, Pedro H., Adams, Byron, Chown, Steven L., Convey, Peter, Dennis, Paul G., Fan, Dandan, Ferrari, Belinda, Frey, Beat, Hogg, Ian D., Hopkins, David W., Kong, Weidong, Makhalanyane, Thulani, Matcher, Gwynneth, Newsham, Kevin K., Stevens, Mark I., Weigh, Katherine V. and Cowan, Don A. (2024). Biogeographic survey of soil bacterial communities across Antarctica. Microbiome, 12 (1) 9, 1-22. doi: 10.1186/s40168-023-01719-3

[Biogeographic survey of soil bacterial communities across Antarctica](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:43f8585)

2023

Journal Article

##### Characterisation of soil bacterial communities that exhibit chemotaxis to root exudates from phosphorus-limited plants

Weigh, Katherine V., Batista, Bruna D., Hoang, Huong and Dennis, Paul G. (2023). Characterisation of soil bacterial communities that exhibit chemotaxis to root exudates from phosphorus-limited plants. Microorganisms, 11 (12) 2984, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11122984

[Characterisation of soil bacterial communities that exhibit chemotaxis to root exudates from phosphorus-limited plants](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:49ab8bd)

2023

Journal Article

##### Enhanced meat chicken productivity in response to the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 is associated with the enrichment of microbial amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis pathways

Bajagai, Yadav Sharma, Yeoh, Yun Kit, Li, Xiuhua, Zhang, Dagong, Dennis, Paul G., Ouwerkerk, Diane, Dart, Peter J., Klieve, Athol V. and Bryden, Wayne L. (2023). Enhanced meat chicken productivity in response to the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 is associated with the enrichment of microbial amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis pathways. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 134 (5) lxad085, 1-14. doi: 10.1093/jambio/lxad085

[Enhanced meat chicken productivity in response to the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 is associated with the enrichment of microbial amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis pathways](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ddacd30)

2023

Journal Article

##### Effects of grazing and fire management on rangeland soil and biocrust microbiomes

Vega-Cofre, Maria V., Williams, Wendy, Song, Young, Schmidt, Susanne and Dennis, Paul G. (2023). Effects of grazing and fire management on rangeland soil and biocrust microbiomes. Ecological Indicators, 148 110094, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110094

[Effects of grazing and fire management on rangeland soil and biocrust microbiomes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:31f906f)

2023

Journal Article

##### The core fungal microbiome of banana (Musa spp.)

Birt, Henry W. G., Pattison, Anthony B., Skarshewski, Adam, Daniells, Jeff, Raghavendra, Anil and Dennis, Paul G. (2023). The core fungal microbiome of banana (Musa spp.). Frontiers in Microbiology, 14 1127779, 1-13. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127779

[The core fungal microbiome of banana (Musa spp.)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1b68b3a)

2023

Journal Article

##### Maternal diet modulates the infant microbiome and intestinal Flt3L necessary for dendritic cell development and immunity to respiratory infection

Sikder, Md. Al Amin, Rashid, Ridwan B., Ahmed, Tufael, Sebina, Ismail, Howard, Daniel R., Ullah, Md. Ashik, Rahman, Muhammed Mahfuzur, Lynch, Jason P., Curren, Bodie, Werder, Rhiannon B., Simpson, Jennifer, Bissell, Alec, Morrison, Mark, Walpole, Carina, Radford, Kristen J., Kumar, Vinod, Woodruff, Trent M., Ying, Tan Hui, Ali, Ayesha, Kaiko, Gerard E., Upham, John W., Hoelzle, Robert D., Cuív, Páraic Ó., Holt, Patrick G., Dennis, Paul G. and Phipps, Simon (2023). Maternal diet modulates the infant microbiome and intestinal Flt3L necessary for dendritic cell development and immunity to respiratory infection. Immunity, 56 (5), 1098-1114.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.03.002

[Maternal diet modulates the infant microbiome and intestinal Flt3L necessary for dendritic cell development and immunity to respiratory infection](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fb600c0)

2023

Journal Article

##### Soil carbon, nitrogen, and biotic properties after long-term no-till and nitrogen fertilization in a subtropical Vertisol

Zhang, Yaqi, Bhattacharyya, Ranjan, Finn, Damien, Birt, Henry W.G., Dennis, Paul G., Dalal, Ram C., Jones, Andrew R., Meyer, Gregor, Dayananda, Buddhi, Wang, Peng, Menzies, Neal W. and Kopittke, Peter M. (2023). Soil carbon, nitrogen, and biotic properties after long-term no-till and nitrogen fertilization in a subtropical Vertisol. Soil and Tillage Research, 227 105614, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2022.105614

[Soil carbon, nitrogen, and biotic properties after long-term no-till and nitrogen fertilization in a subtropical Vertisol](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:294f6e6)

2023

Journal Article

##### The Effects of Atrazine, Diuron, Fluazifop-P-butyl, Haloxyfop-P-methyl, and Pendimethalin on Soil Microbial Activity and Diversity

Dennis, Paul G., Kukulies, Tegan, Forstner, Christian, Plisson, Fabien, Eaglesham, Geoff and Pattison, Anthony B. (2023). The Effects of Atrazine, Diuron, Fluazifop-P-butyl, Haloxyfop-P-methyl, and Pendimethalin on Soil Microbial Activity and Diversity. Applied Microbiology, 3 (1), 79-89. doi: 10.3390/applmicrobiol3010007

[The Effects of Atrazine, Diuron, Fluazifop-P-butyl, Haloxyfop-P-methyl, and Pendimethalin on Soil Microbial Activity and Diversity](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:699caeb)

2023

Journal Article

##### Divergent rainforest tree microbiomes between phases of the monsoon cycle, host plants and tissues

Calvert, J., McTaggart, A., Carvalhais, L. C., Rensink, S., Dennis, P. G., Drenth, A. and Shivas, R. (2023). Divergent rainforest tree microbiomes between phases of the monsoon cycle, host plants and tissues. Plant Biology, 25 (6), 860-870. doi: 10.1111/plb.13569

[Divergent rainforest tree microbiomes between phases of the monsoon cycle, host plants and tissues](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1fd1676)

2022

Journal Article

##### Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum protects against cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in mice

Budden, Kurtis F., Gellatly, Shaan L., Vaughan, Annalicia, Amorim, Nadia, Horvat, Jay C., Hansbro, Nicole G., Wood, David L. A., Hugenholtz, Philip, Dennis, Paul G., Wark, Peter A. B. and Hansbro, Philip M. (2022). Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum protects against cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24 (1) 252, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010252

[Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum protects against cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in mice](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f7e4323)

2022

Journal Article

##### Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate

Chan, Clement Matthew, Lyons, Rebecca, Dennis, Paul G., Lant, Paul, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate. Environmental Science andTechnology, 56 (24), 17732-17742. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06583

[Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:09c19b9)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2025 - 2028

  Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable polymers in natural environments

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/67529)

### Past funding

- 2024

  Sulphur speciation in rainforest, grassland, sugarcane, and banana soils from the Wet Tropics

  Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/66390)
- 2024

  Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 1

  Northern Territory of Australia

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64228)
- 2024

  Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 2

  Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64586)
- 2024

  Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 3

  Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64565)
- 2024

  Rain Ready Rangelands Research Agreement 4

  Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64568)
- 2022 - 2023

  Filling gaps in our TR4 Biosecurity knowledge

  Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/55621)
- 2021 - 2025

  Perinatal microbe-host interactions regulate neonatal dendritic cell development (NHMRC Ideas Grant led by QIMR)

  Queensland Institute of Medical Research

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49426)
- 2020 - 2023

  Bioplastics in the environment: lifetimes and toxicology

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38849)
- 2020 - 2025

  An integrated management response to the spread of fusarium wilt of banana in southeast Asia (ACIAR grant administered by QDAF)

  Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/41002)
- 2019

  Integrated management of Fusarium wilt of bananas in the Philippines and Australia (ACIAR grant administered by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries)

  Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37919)
- 2019 - 2021

  Understanding the influence of maternal diet on the neonatal gut microbiome and susceptibility to respiratory disease in early life (NHMRC Project Grant led by QIMR Berghofer)

  Queensland Institute of Medical Research

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37504)
- 2016 - 2020

  BA14014 Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 Research Program

  Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29722)
- 2016 - 2017

  BA14013 Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 - biosecurity and sustainable solutions

  Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29059)
- 2015

  Transformation and stability of environmentally relevant forms of silver nanoparticles in soil over time when applied with biosolids

  Australian Synchrotron Access Program

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/28350)
- 2014 - 2016

  Scoping herbicide impacts on banana production and soil health

  Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26315)
- 2014

  Characterisation of soil microorganisms that minimise agricultural impacts on the Great Barrier Reef

  UQ Early Career Researcher

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21245)
- 2011 - 2012

  Characterisation of the Koala gut microbiome for Australian biofuel precursor production

  UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/44221)
- 2011

  Anaerobic workstations for experimental and pure culture research.

  UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12992)

View all 18 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Associate Professor Paul Dennis 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).

### Available projects

- #### Microbial diversity along a pH gradient

  Soil microorganisms play critical roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In this project, we will characterise the diversity of soil bacteria, archaea, fungi and other microeukarya along a pH gradient from Rothamsted, UK. Soil pH strongly influences microbial diversity. The relationship between diversity and other attributes of community structure, however, are poorly understood. In this project we will investigate the effect of species loss on community structure. This work has ramifications for conservation of terrestrial biodiversity.

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- #### The language of attraction: How do plants attract microbial symbionts?

  Plants release up to 50% of photosynthetically derived carbon from their roots as a complex mixture of organic compounds known as root exudates. These compounds fuel diverse root-associated microbial communities that consist of plant growth-promoting species as well as those that cause disease or compete with plants for resources. By changing the mixture of exudates released from their roots, plants are thought to exert some level of control over the selection of their microbial symbionts.

  Current evidence indicates that most root-associated microorganisms are chemotactic, i.e. they have the ability to sense substrates released by roots and direct movement towards them. This ability enables them to respond rapidly to resources as they become available and out-compete neighboring populations. At present there is no information regarding the selectivity of different exudate components for specific groups of chemotactic organisms. Here, we will use a novel chemotaxis assay in combination with high-throughput sequencing and flow cytometry to identify and enumerate microorganisms that respond to different root exudate components. This information will identify exudates that are strongly associated with the recruitment of beneficial and/or deleterious organisms and should facilitate the development of crops that select for beneficial root-microbial communities.

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- #### The influence of nutrient deficiencies on root exudation

  Plants exude a complex mixture of organic compounds from their roots, which alter the availability of plant nutrients and fuel diverse microbial communities that influence plant health and nutrition. Nutrient deficiencies affect large areas of agricultural land. Nutrient deficiencies are known to strongly influence root exudation but these effects are poorly understood. Changes in root exudation could reduce crop yields by negatively affecting plant nutrient uptake and plant-microbe interactions. For this reason, better understanding of the effects of nutrient deficiencies on root exudation is needed to predict future food security. In this project, plants will be grown under differ nutrient deficiencies and root exudates will be collected and analyses using advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry methods.

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- #### Isolation of plant stress tolerance enhancing microbes

  Nutrient deficiencies and drought are major agricultural constraints. Fertilisers and irrigation help to alleviate these issues, but rely on non-renewable resources and contribute to environmental degradation. By 2050 there will be nine billion people on Earth, which places food security at the top of society’s challenges for the 21st century1. Soils harbour a wide variety of microbial taxa that significantly enhance plant nutrient acquisition and drought tolerance. These organisms could be used to more sustainably maintain, or enhance, global food security. In this project, microbes will be isolated from the roots of stressed plants and then screened for attributes that promote plant fitness under drought and nutrient stress.

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- #### Microbial diversity along a 750 km drought gradient

  Soil microorganisms play critical roles in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In this project, we will characterise the diversity of soil bacteria, archaea, fungi and other microeukarya along a 750 km moisture gradient in South Australia. The incidence of drought is predicted to increase with climate change so better understanding of how drought influences microbially mediated ecosystems processes is key to our ability to maintain food security in the future.

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- #### Banana microbiome

  Banana’s are one of Queensland’s main agricultural products. Microorganisms influence the health and nutrition of banana’s but the identities of microbes that live in association with banana’s are largely unknown. In his project we will apply high throughput sequencing technologies to characterise the banana microbiome and its role in plant growth promotion and disease prevention.

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View all 6 available projects
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### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Costs and benefits of plant-microbe symbioses

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Mark Turner](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1924)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Minimising the impacts of land use on microbially mediated soil ecosystem services

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246), [Dr Jiarui Sun](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/36694)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Improving forest restoration by integrating soil microbial interactions with tree seedlings in a global biodiversity hotspot

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Elizabeth Aitken](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/352), [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246)

#### Completed supervision

- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Multinational Core Microbiome of Musa spp.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:185709e)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Jiarui Sun](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/36694)
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Effects of fire and grazing management on the diversity and potential function of biocrust microbiomes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7c8e56b)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Jiarui Sun](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/36694)
- 2024

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Assigning function to the core bacterial microbiome of Musa spp.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:cc2eb78)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Jiarui Sun](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/36694)
- 2023

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Influence of Soil pH on Microbial Community Structure and Function](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5fb2f74)

  Principal Advisor
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Microbiome of Musa spp.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ffd9621)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Elizabeth Aitken](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/352)
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Effects of engineered nanomaterials on soil microbial diversity](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3dd891f)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Peter Kopittke](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/981)
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Understanding how breastmilk composition alters neonatal immune trajectory and susceptibility to acute respiratory tract infections](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:93c9894)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Mark Morrison](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/4157)
- 2023

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [DP2 receptor antagonism ameliorates the severity of experimental COPD and IPF](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0c3dcbc)

  Associate Advisor
- 2022

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Linking assembly of the nascent intestinal microbiota to immune development and resistance to bronchiolitis and asthma](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3d34107)

  Associate Advisor
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Evaluating the Efficacy of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria In Australian Agriculture](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:382bda7)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Nicole Robinson](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/463)
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The influence of maternal diet on microbiome assembly and severity of viral bronchiolitis in the offspring

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Honorary Professor John Upham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/6780)
- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [A microdialysis perspective of soil nitrogen availability](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5255f59)

  Associate Advisor
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Isolation and characterisation of new antimicrobial compounds from soil and food microorganisms](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:97deb71)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Lilia Carvalhais](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2457)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Impact of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Probiotic Strain H57 on the Intestinal Microbiota and Broiler Performance.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c658b87)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Hon Assoc Professor Peter Dart](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/4067)
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Effects of strategic tillage and plant hormone treatments on wheat-associated microbial communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:562954)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Lilia Carvalhais](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2457)
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Invasive potential of the weed Parthenium hysterophorus - the role of allelopathy](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:406161)

  Associate Advisor

View all 16 completed supervisions
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## Media

### Enquiries

For media enquiries about Associate Professor Paul Dennis'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/0000-0002-4895-3105)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/H-2141-2017)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=Pkpzp3oAAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](https://sees.uq.edu.au/profile/9896/paul-dennis)
- [Scholar profile](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=Pkpzp3oAAAAJ&hl=en)

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