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, University College London
  • 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

221 works between 1997 and 2025
All (221) Journal Article (126) Book Chapter (38) Conference Publication (17) Book (9) Other Outputs (31)

41 - 60 of 221 works

2021

Book Chapter

Policy expertise and policy markets: challenges for tackling complex problems in turbulent times

Head, Brian W. (2021). Policy expertise and policy markets: challenges for tackling complex problems in turbulent times. The future of the policy sciences. (pp. 121-139) edited by Anis Ben Brik and Leslie A. Pal. Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishing. doi: 10.4337/9781800376489.00015

Policy expertise and policy markets: challenges for tackling complex problems in turbulent times

2021

Other Outputs

Senior Executive Case Study - Northern Territory

Head, Brian and Colley, Linda (2021). Senior Executive Case Study - Northern Territory. Research Insights Australia and New Zealand School of Government. doi: 10.54810/wjdb1277

Senior Executive Case Study - Northern Territory

2021

Other Outputs

Senior Executive Service Case Study: Commonwealth

Head, Brian and Colley, Linda (2021). Senior Executive Service Case Study: Commonwealth. Research Insights Australia and New Zealand School of Government. doi: 10.54810/jzso5617

Senior Executive Service Case Study: Commonwealth

2020

Journal Article

Using a process-based model to understand dynamics of Chinese agricultural and water technology development from 8000 bc to 1911 ad

Wu, Shuanglei, Wei, Yongping, Head, Brian, Zhao, Yan and Hanna, Scott (2020). Using a process-based model to understand dynamics of Chinese agricultural and water technology development from 8000 bc to 1911 ad. Ambio, 50 (5), 1101-1116. doi: 10.1007/s13280-020-01424-7

Using a process-based model to understand dynamics of Chinese agricultural and water technology development from 8000 bc to 1911 ad

2020

Journal Article

Measuring the structure of a technology system for directing technological transition

Wu, Shuanglei, Wei, Yongping, Head, Brian and Hanna, Scott (2020). Measuring the structure of a technology system for directing technological transition. Global Challenges, 5 (2) 2000073, 1-9. doi: 10.1002/gch2.202000073

Measuring the structure of a technology system for directing technological transition

2020

Other Outputs

Strategic issues and opportunities for the acquisition of thermal coal mining assets for managed closure

Franks, Daniel, Bainton, Nick, Head, Brian, Côte, Claire, Erskine, Peter, Fidelman, Pedro, Kemp, Deanna and Flomenhoft, Gary (2020). Strategic issues and opportunities for the acquisition of thermal coal mining assets for managed closure. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.

Strategic issues and opportunities for the acquisition of thermal coal mining assets for managed closure

2020

Journal Article

Testing the Limits of Public Integrity: The Impact of Vested Interests and Countervailing Forces on Indonesia’s KPK

Umam, Ahmad Khoirul and Head, Brian (2020). Testing the Limits of Public Integrity: The Impact of Vested Interests and Countervailing Forces on Indonesia’s KPK. Asian Politics and Policy, 12 (3), 384-403. doi: 10.1111/aspp.12548

Testing the Limits of Public Integrity: The Impact of Vested Interests and Countervailing Forces on Indonesia’s KPK

2020

Journal Article

Transitioning toward sustainable cities-challenges of collaboration and integration

van de Meene, Susan, Bettini, Yvette and Head, Brian W. (2020). Transitioning toward sustainable cities-challenges of collaboration and integration. Sustainability, 12 (11) 4509, 4509. doi: 10.3390/su12114509

Transitioning toward sustainable cities-challenges of collaboration and integration

2020

Journal Article

Uber in Queensland: from policy fortress to policy change

Stein, Elliot James and Head, Brian W. (2020). Uber in Queensland: from policy fortress to policy change. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 79 (4), 462-479. doi: 10.1111/1467-8500.12416

Uber in Queensland: from policy fortress to policy change

2020

Journal Article

Why information and transparency about electricity matter: fragmentation of governance and accountability under New Public Management

Molyneaux, Lynette and Head, Brian (2020). Why information and transparency about electricity matter: fragmentation of governance and accountability under New Public Management. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 79 (1) 1467-8500.12404, 143-164. doi: 10.1111/1467-8500.12404

Why information and transparency about electricity matter: fragmentation of governance and accountability under New Public Management

2020

Journal Article

The transition to improved water-related energy management: enabling contexts for policy innovation

Binks, Amanda, Head, Brian, Lant, Paul and Kenway, Steven (2020). The transition to improved water-related energy management: enabling contexts for policy innovation. Water, 12 (2) 557, 557. doi: 10.3390/w12020557

The transition to improved water-related energy management: enabling contexts for policy innovation

2020

Journal Article

Bridging the research–policy gap: the importance of effective identity leadership and shared commitment

Mols, Frank, Bell, Jennifer and Head, Brian (2020). Bridging the research–policy gap: the importance of effective identity leadership and shared commitment. Evidence and Policy, 16 (1) 10.1332/174426418X15378681300533, 145-163. doi: 10.1332/174426418X15378681300533

Bridging the research–policy gap: the importance of effective identity leadership and shared commitment

2020

Journal Article

Addressing corruption in post-Soeharto Indonesia: the role of the Corruption Eradication Commission

Umam, Ahmad Khoirul, Whitehouse, Gillian, Head, Brian and Khan, Mohammed Adil (2020). Addressing corruption in post-Soeharto Indonesia: the role of the Corruption Eradication Commission. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 50 (1), 125-143. doi: 10.1080/00472336.2018.1552983

Addressing corruption in post-Soeharto Indonesia: the role of the Corruption Eradication Commission

2019

Journal Article

The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD

Wu, Shuanglei, Wei, Yongping, Head, Brian, Zhao, Yan and Hanna, Scott (2019). The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD. Palgrave Communications, 5 (1) 77. doi: 10.1057/s41599-019-0282-1

The development of ancient Chinese agricultural and water technology from 8000 BC to 1911 AD

2019

Journal Article

Policy expertise and use of evidence in a populist era

Head, Brian W. and Banerjee, Subho (2019). Policy expertise and use of evidence in a populist era. Australian Journal of Political Science, 55 (1), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/10361146.2019.1686117

Policy expertise and use of evidence in a populist era

2019

Journal Article

Policy capacity in disruptive times

Walter, James, Tiernan, Anne, Head, Brian and Edwards, Meredith (2019). Policy capacity in disruptive times. Australian Journal of Political Science, 55 (1), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/10361146.2019.1686118

Policy capacity in disruptive times

2019

Journal Article

Defining water-related energy for global comparison, clearer communication, and sharper policy

Kenway, Steven J., Lam, Ka Leung, Stokes-Draut, Jennifer, Sanders, Kelly Twomey, Binks, Amanda N., Bors, Julijana, Head, Brian, Olsson, Gustaf and McMahon, James E. (2019). Defining water-related energy for global comparison, clearer communication, and sharper policy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 236 117502, 117502. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.333

Defining water-related energy for global comparison, clearer communication, and sharper policy

2019

Journal Article

Addressing animal welfare through collaborative stakeholder networks

Fernandes, Jill, Blache, Dominique, Maloney, Shane K., Martin, Graeme B., Venus, Bronwyn, Walker, Frederick Rohan, Head, Brian and Tilbrook, Alan (2019). Addressing animal welfare through collaborative stakeholder networks. Agriculture, 9 (6) 132, 132. doi: 10.3390/agriculture9060132

Addressing animal welfare through collaborative stakeholder networks

2019

Journal Article

Navigating tensions in co-production: A missing link in leadership for public value

Brown, Prudence R. and Head, Brian W. (2019). Navigating tensions in co-production: A missing link in leadership for public value. Public Administration, 97 (2), 250-263. doi: 10.1111/padm.12394

Navigating tensions in co-production: A missing link in leadership for public value

2019

Journal Article

What is gender equality in science?

O'Brien, Katherine R., Holmgren, Milena, Fitzsimmons, Terrance, Crane, Margaret E., Maxwell, Paul and Head, Brian (2019). What is gender equality in science?. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 34 (5), 395-399. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.02.009

What is gender equality in science?

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 - 2025
    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 Political History of Modern Queensland

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Cassandra Byrnes

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mitigating the health impacts of air pollution in Australia. From research to policy

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Sly, Associate Professor Nina Lansbury

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The lessons from international development for indigenous affairs

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Tim Reddel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Enabling empowerment: exploring better ways to close the gap for all Australians in the Bottom Million

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Tim Reddel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mitigating the health impacts of air pollution in Australia. From research to policy

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Sly, Associate Professor Nina Lansbury

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron

  • 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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