Paul F. Walsh studied psychology, classics, history and mathematics at university, receiving a degree in mathematics and a diploma in education. He worked as a teacher and administrator for eleven years before retiring to set himself up as a professional mathematician. He has been awarded various honours including the Medal of the Order of Australia, an Australian Reconciliation Award, the New South Wales Premier's Award for Community Service, the University of Newcastle's Newton-John Award for Innovation and Creativity, the Gold Serif Award for Media and the Citizen of the Year Award for the City of Newcastle.
