Professor Brian Head
Professor

Brian Head

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 67450

Background

Professor Brian Head joined the University of Queensland in mid-2007 after holding senior roles in government, universities, and the non-government sector. He is the author or editor of several books and numerous articles on public management, governance, social isues and environmental policy. His major interests are evidence-based policy, complex or 'wicked' problems, program evaluation, early intervention and prevention, collaboration and consultation, public sector integrity, and leadership. He has undertaken several consultancies on program evaluation, policy review, organisational performance, and good governance processes. He has strong interests in applied research across many areas of public policy and governance, and is committed to building closer links between the research and policy sectors. His recent books include Wicked Problems in Public Policy (2022, Palgrave, open access), Reconsidering Policy (2020, Policy Press, co-authored), and Learning Policy, Doing Policy (2021, ANU Press, co-edited).

Availability

Professor Brian Head is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Policy and administration Political science

Qualifications

  • Masters (Research), Monash University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia

Research interests

  • Evidence-based policy

  • Complex wicked problems

  • Program evaluation

  • Early intervention and prevention

  • Social inclusion

  • Leadership strategies

  • Collaboration and consultation

  • Integrity and accountability

  • Service delivery

  • Engaged research

Research impacts

Professor Brian Head has provided submissions to numerous governmental policy reviews, on topics ranging from integrity and accountability, through to innovation and research impacts. He has presented inviational keynote addresses to several international conferences and workshops, including symposia organised by the OECD. He provides expert confidential advice to a range of state and federal agencies. He has been elected a Fellow of two professional associations and is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.

Search Professor Brian Head’s works on UQ eSpace

228 works between 1997 and 2026
All (228) Book (9) Journal Article (132) Other Outputs (31) Conference Publication (18) Book Chapter (38)

201 - 220 of 228 works

2009

Journal Article

Reconsidering regulation and governance theory: A learning approach

Wright, J.G. and Head, B.W. (2009). Reconsidering regulation and governance theory: A learning approach. Law & Policy, 31 (2), 192-216. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9930.2009.00301.x

Reconsidering regulation and governance theory: A learning approach

2009

Conference Publication

Comparing the second and third waves of regulatory reform in Australia

Carroll, P. and Head, B.W. (2009). Comparing the second and third waves of regulatory reform in Australia. Australian Political Studies Association Conference, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 28-30 September 2009. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Macquarie University.

Comparing the second and third waves of regulatory reform in Australia

2009

Book Chapter

From Government to Governance: explaining and assessing new approaches to NRM

Head, B. W. (2009). From Government to Governance: explaining and assessing new approaches to NRM. Contested Country: Local and Regional Natural Resources Management in Australia. (pp. 15-28) edited by Lane, M. B., Robinson, C. and Taylor, B.. Melbourne Australia: CSIRO Publishing.

From Government to Governance: explaining and assessing new approaches to NRM

2009

Conference Publication

Delivery of early intervention services for children with physical disability : An application of program logic

Darlington, Y., Feeney, R., Head, B. and Ziviani, J. (2009). Delivery of early intervention services for children with physical disability : An application of program logic. Shared Visions Disability Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 2-3 April 2009.

Delivery of early intervention services for children with physical disability : An application of program logic

2009

Book Chapter

Adaptation to climate change: The evolution of policy and program ideas in Australia

Head, B.W. (2009). Adaptation to climate change: The evolution of policy and program ideas in Australia. Climate Change in Regional Australia: Social Learning and Adaptation. (pp. 14-29) edited by Martin, J., Rogers, M. and Winter, C.. Ballarat, Australia: VURRN Press Inc.

Adaptation to climate change: The evolution of policy and program ideas in Australia

2008

Journal Article

Three lenses of evidence-based policy

Head, B. W. (2008). Three lenses of evidence-based policy. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 67 (1), 1-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8500.2007.00564.x

Three lenses of evidence-based policy

2008

Book Chapter

Consequences, Capacity and Coherence: An Overall Approach to Integrity System Assessment

Brown, A. J. and Head, Brian W. (2008). Consequences, Capacity and Coherence: An Overall Approach to Integrity System Assessment. Promoting Integrity:Evaluating and Improving Public Institutions. (pp. 285-306) edited by B. W. Head, A. J. Brown and C. Connors. Surrey, U.K.: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.

Consequences, Capacity and Coherence: An Overall Approach to Integrity System Assessment

2008

Journal Article

Assessing network-based collaborations: Effectiveness for whom?

Head, Brian W. (2008). Assessing network-based collaborations: Effectiveness for whom?. Public Management Review, 10 (6), 733-749. doi: 10.1080/14719030802423087

Assessing network-based collaborations: Effectiveness for whom?

2008

Book Chapter

Introduction: Integrity systems and democratic accountability

Brown, A. J., Head, Brian W. and Connors, Carmel (2008). Introduction: Integrity systems and democratic accountability. Promoting integrity: Evaluating and improving public institutions. (pp. 3-12) edited by Brian W. Head, A.J. Brown and Carmel Connors. Farnham, U.K.: Ashgate Publishing. doi: 10.4324/9781315245867-9

Introduction: Integrity systems and democratic accountability

2008

Conference Publication

Wicked problems: Implications for policy and management

Head, Brian and Alford, John (2008). Wicked problems: Implications for policy and management. Australasian Political Science Association 2008 Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 6-9 July 2008.

Wicked problems: Implications for policy and management

2008

Book Chapter

Promoting Integrity: Trends and Prospects

Head, B.W. (2008). Promoting Integrity: Trends and Prospects. Promoting Integrity: Evaluating and Improving Public Institutions. (pp. 307-317) edited by Head, B.W., Brown, A.J. and Connors, C.. The United Kingdom: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.

Promoting Integrity: Trends and Prospects

2008

Journal Article

Wicked problems in public policy

Head, Brian W. (2008). Wicked problems in public policy. Public Policy, 3 (2), 110-118.

Wicked problems in public policy

2007

Journal Article

Evidence-based advocacy

Head, Brian W. and Stanley, Fiona J. (2007). Evidence-based advocacy. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 19 (3), 255-262. doi: 10.1515/IJAMH.2007.19.3.255

Evidence-based advocacy

2007

Book Chapter

Taking subsidiarity seriously: What role for the States?

Head, Brian (2007). Taking subsidiarity seriously: What role for the States?. Federalism and regionalism in Australia: New approaches, new institutions?. (pp. 155-170) edited by A. J. Brown and Jennifer Bellamy. Canberra, Australia: ANU E Press.

Taking subsidiarity seriously: What role for the States?

2007

Book Chapter

The public service and government communication: Pressures and dilemmas

Head, Brian (2007). The public service and government communication: Pressures and dilemmas. Government communication in Australia. (pp. 36-50) edited by Sally Young. Melbourne, Australia: Cambridge University Press.

The public service and government communication: Pressures and dilemmas

2007

Journal Article

Community engagement: Participation on whose terms?

Head, B. W. (2007). Community engagement: Participation on whose terms?. Australian Journal of Political Science, 42 (3), 441-454. doi: 10.1080/10361140701513570

Community engagement: Participation on whose terms?

2006

Journal Article

Engaging Indigenous communities: Towards a policy framework for Indigenous community justice programs

Ryan, Neal, Head, Brian, Keast, Robyn and Brown, Kerry (2006). Engaging Indigenous communities: Towards a policy framework for Indigenous community justice programs. Social Policy and Administration, 40 (3), 304-321. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9515.2006.00491.x

Engaging Indigenous communities: Towards a policy framework for Indigenous community justice programs

2005

Journal Article

Assessing integrity systems: Introduction to the symposium

Brown, A. J. and Head, Brian (2005). Assessing integrity systems: Introduction to the symposium. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 64 (2), 42-47. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8500.2005.00438.x

Assessing integrity systems: Introduction to the symposium

2005

Conference Publication

Assessing integrity systems: Introduction to the Symposium

Brown, A. J. and Head, Brian (2005). Assessing integrity systems: Introduction to the Symposium. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8500.2005.00438.x

Assessing integrity systems: Introduction to the Symposium

2005

Journal Article

Institutional capacity and choice in Australia's integrity systems

Brown, A. J. and Head, Brian (2005). Institutional capacity and choice in Australia's integrity systems. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 64 (2), 84-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8500.2005.00444.x

Institutional capacity and choice in Australia's integrity systems

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Pre-conditions for the development of offshore wind energy in Australia (Blue Economy CRC project led by Uni Tasmania)
    Blue Economy CRC-Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Enhancing and evaluating stakeholder engagement for improved water outcomes
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022
    Stronger Places, Strong People- alignment of frameworks and funding
    Collaboration for Impact Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Environmental indicators for tracking environmental condition and trend in Queensland
    Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Improving the effectiveness of environmental policy in Australia - using regulation, markets and science to achieve sustainability goals
    Australian Political Studies Association
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Water resources management: past transformations for future sustainability
    ARC Special Research Initiatives - Australian Society, History and Culture 2020
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    RRAP-REG-01-V1 Regulatory and Policy Environment (Great Barrier Reef Foundation funding administered by AIMS)
    Australian Institute of Marine Science
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Mapping and analysis of blue economy policy and legislative arrangements
    Blue Economy CRC-Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    The Integrated Bio-economy Project and the Controlled Biosphere
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Services to support the development Queensland's Post 2020 Climate Strategy
    Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Hierarchy to high-performance? Evaluating 30yrs of Senior Executive Service
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Behavioural insights in the Australian public sector
    The Australia and New Zealand School of Government
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Water Utility Reform in Australia: Lessons for India
    International WaterCentre Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Resolving Complex Policy Problems - the role of social science
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014
    The governance of adaptive development practice in complex Indigenous contexts
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Water-energy-carbon linkages in households and cities: a new paradigm
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2018
    Centre for Research Excellence in Evidence-based Mental Health Planning: Translating Evidence into Policy and Services
    NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Research Proposal: How do government agencies use evidence?
    The National Board of Health and Welfare
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Better governance for complex decision-making
    CRC for Water Sensitive Cities
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Better Regulatory Frameworks for Water Sensitive Cities
    CRC for Water Sensitive Cities
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Strategies for Influencing the Political Dynamics of Decision-Making
    CRC for Water Sensitive Cities
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Aboriginal responses to climate change in arid zone Australia - Regional understandings and capacity building for adaptation
    Climate Change Adaptation Research Grants Program
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Enhancing Risk Communication Regarding Potable Water Reuse (Administered by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Collaborative Research Network Southern Cross University: Policy and Planning Research for Sustainable Regions
    Collaborative Research Networks (DIISR 3rd Party)
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Human factors in urban water system safety (SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance)
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Trust
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    The Utilisation of Social Science Research in Policy Development and Program Review
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2016
    Evaluation of the Evolve behaviour support service
    Disability Services Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Housing - Housing Assistance and Homelessness Prevention
    Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    ResTeach 2010 0.2 FTE School of Political Science and International Studies
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Collaboration as a solution to wicked public policy problems: the example of regional environmental and natural resources policy in Australia
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2016
    Early intervention services for children with a physical disability
    Disability Services Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2012
    Demand Management and Communication Research (SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance)
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Trust
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2012
    Institutional Change for Water Management (SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance)
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Trust
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Brian Head is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Influence of the Prospect of Biodiversity Offsetting on Development Impact Permitting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Unfolding Stakeholder Engagement in Water Governance in the Murray-Darling Basin

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Political History of Modern Queensland

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Byrnes

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding the evolution of catchment water balance in the Murray-Darling Basin

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Brian Head directly for media enquiries about:

  • Collaboration
  • Environmental policy
  • Evidence-based policy
  • Innovation policy - social sciences
  • Policy - Environmental
  • Policy - social
  • Policy - water
  • Social policy
  • Social sciences - innovation policy
  • Water policy

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