Paul is Dean, Research at James Cook University where he overseas research infrastructure and research engagement. Prior to JCU he was Head, School of Computer Science at QUT. Paul is an expert in ecoacoustics; his pioneering research includes the Open Ecoacoustics project and the Australian Acoustic Observatory both helping to shape the future of environmental monitoring through sound.

He is passionate about open science and working with Indigenous communities. Paul has published over 200 papers, secured more than $10 million in competitive research funding, and supervised more than 21 research students to completion.

His interdisciplinary work ranges from large-scale ecological acoustic monitoring systems to innovative technologies that support communication and collaboration in remote Aboriginal communities.