Brian Head
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1860 Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920
Professor
Brian Head
Email: : brian.head@uq.edu.au
Phone: : +61 7 334 67450
Positions
Professor : School of Political Science and International Studies : Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Overview
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).
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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
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Evidence-based policy
Read more Read less - #### Complex wicked problems
Read more Read less - #### Program evaluation
Read more Read less - #### Early intervention and prevention
Read more Read less - #### Social inclusion
Read more Read less - #### Leadership strategies
Read more Read less - #### Collaboration and consultation
Read more Read less - #### Integrity and accountability
Read more Read less - #### Service delivery
Read more Read less - #### Engaged research
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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.
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Works
Search Professor Brian Head’s works on UQ eSpace
All (228) Book (9) Journal Article (132) Other Outputs (31) Conference Publication (18) Book Chapter (38)
Featured
2020
Book
Reconsidering policy: complexity, governance and the state
Crowley, Kate, Stewart, Jenny, Kay, Adrian and Head, Brian W. (2020). Reconsidering policy: complexity, governance and the state. Bristol, United Kingdom: Policy Press. doi: 10.2307/j.ctvw1d4zv
Reconsidering policy: complexity, governance and the state
Featured
2016
Journal Article
Toward more "evidence-informed" policy making?
Head, Brian W. (2016). Toward more "evidence-informed" policy making?. Public Administration Review, 76 (3), 472-484. doi: 10.1111/puar.12475
Toward more "evidence-informed" policy making?
Featured
2015
Book
Policy Analysis in Australia
Brian Head and Kate Crowley eds. (2015). Policy Analysis in Australia. Bristol, United Kingdom: Policy Press.
2026
Book Chapter
Reconsidering advice and advisory systems in the governance era
Crowley, Kate and Head, Brian W. (2026). Reconsidering advice and advisory systems in the governance era. The Routledge handbook of policy advisory systems. (pp. 645-655) edited by Giliberto Capano, Jonathan Craft and Michael Howlett. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Taylor and Francis. doi: 10.4324/9781003465720-61
Reconsidering advice and advisory systems in the governance era
2025
Journal Article
Mapping stakeholder dynamics: understanding knowledge, values, and engagement in the Murray-Darling Basin
Hong, Paul, Wei, Yongping, Bouckaert, Frederick, Johnston, Kim and Head, Brian (2025). Mapping stakeholder dynamics: understanding knowledge, values, and engagement in the Murray-Darling Basin. Journal of Rural Studies, 120 103891, 103891. doi: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.103891
2025
Journal Article
Sentiment levers in public submissions for water governance in the Murray-Darling Basin
Hong, Paul, Wei, Yongping, Bouckaert, Frederick, Johnston, Kim and Head, Brian (2025). Sentiment levers in public submissions for water governance in the Murray-Darling Basin. Australasian Journal of Water Resources, 29 (2), 182-201. doi: 10.1080/13241583.2025.2576287
Sentiment levers in public submissions for water governance in the Murray-Darling Basin
2025
Conference Publication
Governing digital health data: a public values perspective
Eden, Rebekah, Burton-Jones, Andrew, Head, Brian, Pole, Jason, Richards, Bernadette, Vincent, Michael, Pointon, Keren and Donovan, Raelene (2025). Governing digital health data: a public values perspective. Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2025, Montreal, QC, Canada, 14-16 August 2025. Atlanta, GA, United States: Association for Information Systems.
Governing digital health data: a public values perspective
2025
Journal Article
Uncertainty and policy design
Bali, Azad Singh, Head, Brian and Lewis, Jenny M. (2025). Uncertainty and policy design. Policy Design and Practice, 8 (3), 285-290. doi: 10.1080/25741292.2025.2563402
2025
Journal Article
Integrating spatially disaggregated stakeholders' knowledge and opinions to enhance water governance in the Murray–Darling Basin
Hong, Paul, Wei, Yongping, Bouckaert, Frederick, Johnston, Kim and Head, Brian (2025). Integrating spatially disaggregated stakeholders' knowledge and opinions to enhance water governance in the Murray–Darling Basin. Geo: Geography and Environment, 12 (2) e70022. doi: 10.1002/geo2.70022
2025
Journal Article
The persistence of global workplace gender inequality: what does a wicked problems framework bring to HRM research and practice?
Fitzsimmons, Terrance W., O'brien, Katherine R., Crane, Margaret E., Head, Brian W. and Callan, Victor J. (2025). The persistence of global workplace gender inequality: what does a wicked problems framework bring to HRM research and practice?. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 63 (3) e70017. doi: 10.1111/1744-7941.70017
2025
Journal Article
Designing for complexity and uncertainty – policy instruments for complex environmental issues
Head, Brian W. (2025). Designing for complexity and uncertainty – policy instruments for complex environmental issues. Policy Design and Practice, 8 (3), 291-304. doi: 10.1080/25741292.2025.2474323
Designing for complexity and uncertainty – policy instruments for complex environmental issues
2025
Journal Article
Knowledge brokering inside the policy making process: an analysis of evidence use inside a UK government department
Shaxson, Louise, Hood, Rick, Boaz, Annette and Head, Brian (2025). Knowledge brokering inside the policy making process: an analysis of evidence use inside a UK government department. Evidence and Policy, 21 (1), 6-25. doi: 10.1332/17442648Y2024D000000028
2024
Book Chapter
Managing wicked problems: challenges for sustainable tourism
Head, Brian W. (2024). Managing wicked problems: challenges for sustainable tourism. Tourism policy-paking in the context of contested wicked problems: sustainability paradox, climate emergency and COVID-19. (pp. 31-41) edited by Christof Pforr, Markus Pillmayer, Marion Joppe, Nicolai Scherle and Harald Pechlaner. Leeds, United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing. doi: 10.1108/s1871-31732024000017a003
Managing wicked problems: challenges for sustainable tourism
2024
Journal Article
Traffic-related air pollution and childhood asthma—are the risks appropriately mitigated in australia?
Walter, Clare, Sly, Peter D., Head, Brian W., Keogh, Diane and Lansbury, Nina (2024). Traffic-related air pollution and childhood asthma—are the risks appropriately mitigated in australia?. Atmosphere, 15 (842) 842, 1-17. doi: 10.3390/atmos15070842
2024
Journal Article
Expertise, policy advice, and policy advisory systems in an open, participatory, and populist era: new challenges to research and practice
Craft, Jonathan, Head, Brian and Howlett, Michael (2024). Expertise, policy advice, and policy advisory systems in an open, participatory, and populist era: new challenges to research and practice. Australian Journal of Public Administration, 83 (2), 143-155. doi: 10.1111/1467-8500.12630
2024
Journal Article
Assessing stakeholder structure in water governance in the Murray-Darling Basin, a public submission perspective
Hong, Paul, Wei, Yongping, Bouckaert, Frederick, Johnston, Kim and Head, Brian (2024). Assessing stakeholder structure in water governance in the Murray-Darling Basin, a public submission perspective. Environmental Science and Policy, 156 103746. doi: 10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103746
2024
Journal Article
Advancing collaborative social outcomes through place-based solutions—aligning policy and funding systems
Lata, Lutfun Nahar, Reddel, Tim, Head, Brian W. and Craven, Luke (2024). Advancing collaborative social outcomes through place-based solutions—aligning policy and funding systems. Policy and Society. doi: 10.1093/polsoc/puae018
2024
Journal Article
Negotiating the budget for evidence-informed policy-making: insights from a UK government department
Shaxson, Louise, Hood, Rick, Boaz, Annette and Head, Brian (2024). Negotiating the budget for evidence-informed policy-making: insights from a UK government department. Public Money & Management, 44 (6), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/09540962.2024.2308003
Negotiating the budget for evidence-informed policy-making: insights from a UK government department
2024
Journal Article
Policy expertise in times of crisis
Aagaard, Peter, Easton, Marleen and Head, Brian W. (2024). Policy expertise in times of crisis. Policy and Politics, 52 (1), 2-23. doi: 10.1332/03055736y2023d000000016
Policy expertise in times of crisis
2024
Journal Article
Stakeholder engagement in natural resource management: where go from here?
Han, Ziyan, Wei, Yongping, Bouckaert, Frederick, Johnston, Kim and Head, Brian (2024). Stakeholder engagement in natural resource management: where go from here?. Journal of Cleaner Production, 435 140521, 140521. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140521
Stakeholder engagement in natural resource management: where go from here?
Funding
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
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
View all 31 past funded projects View less
Supervision
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
##### Understanding the evolution of catchment water balance in the Murray-Darling Basin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei - Doctor Philosophy
##### Unfolding Stakeholder Engagement in Water Governance in the Murray-Darling Basin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Yongping Wei - Doctor Philosophy
##### The Influence of the Prospect of Biodiversity Offsetting on Development Impact Permitting
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron
Completed supervision
- 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### Redress for the Forgotten Australians. Assessing the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Care.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Healy - 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### The design and implementation of gambling regulation: a Queensland case study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alastair Stark - 2018
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor - 2016
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Adrian Cherney - 2016
Doctor Philosophy
##### Knowledge brokering: bridging the gap between academia and policy making in Australia?
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Adrian Cherney - 2015
Doctor Philosophy
##### SCEPTICISM ABOUT ANTHROPOGENIC CLIMATE DISRUPTION: A CONCEPTUAL EXPLORATION
Principal Advisor - 2025
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Tim Reddel - 2025
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 - 2022
Doctor Philosophy
##### Defining urban water security and understanding the role of stakeholders in establishing objectives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steven Kenway - 2021
Doctor Philosophy
##### Defining and Measuring the Impact of Research on Mental Health Policy in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall - 2020
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Yan Zhao, Professor Yongping Wei - 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### Behaviour change, rigorous evidence and public policy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Emma Antrobus, Associate Professor Sarah Bennett, Professor Cameron Parsell - 2019
Doctor Philosophy
##### Residential water and energy use linkages: Integrating data and policy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steven Kenway - 2018
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Griffiths - 2018
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor - 2017
Doctor Philosophy
##### Education and Training Reforms for the Future, 1996-2006: Policy Ideas, Networks and Interventions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Roger Scott - 2017
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Adil Khan, Emeritus Professor Gillian Whitehouse - 2016
Doctor Philosophy
##### Collaboration Dynamics in Integrated Water Resources Management
Associate Advisor - 2014
Doctor Philosophy
##### Analysis of the institutional arrangements for the management of Australia's threatened birds
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham - 2013
Doctor Philosophy
##### The 'smart' state: building a knowledge economy in Queensland since the 1990s
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Peter Spearritt - 2012
Doctor Philosophy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Bob Lingard
View all 21 completed supervisions View less
Media
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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