UQ appoints first director of new Institute

The University of Queensland has appointed Professor Brian Head as the inaugural director of its new Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR).

Professor Head joins UQ from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth where he was the first full-time Chief Executive Officer. He has also held senior roles in government, academia and the non-government sector.

Through the ISSR, UQ aims to establish itself as the major centre of excellence in social science research in Australia, and as a world leader in this area.

Professor Head said he was excited about leading the ISSR.

“The Institute will address national and regional priority issues, and will focus on evidence-based approaches," he said.

"Our researchers will focus on the implications of their work for policy and practice.”

He said that the Institute would enable UQ to capitalise on the excellent work already being undertaken by social scientists across a number of Schools and research centres.

“The ISSR will become one of the largest concentrations of social science excellence in Australia,” Professor Head said.

“My role will be to help shape the priority themes for applied social research. I expect to be working closely with UQ staff, international scholars, government agencies, and stakeholders in the business and community sectors.”

The ISSR encourages collaboration among social scientists across the University and provides a unified and strong profile to end-users of research in both government and the private sector. It brings together social scientists in an environment where new insights in social science knowledge and application can be readily achieved.

The Institute encompasses five already established research centres. These are the ARC Key Centre for Human Factors and Applied Cognitive Psychology, the Australasian Centre on Ageing (jointly with the Faculty of Health Sciences), the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, the University of Queensland Social Research Centre, and the UQ Boilerhouse Community Engagement Centre.

Professor Head has extensive experience in building and managing broadly-based collaborations and leading interdisciplinary teams to address major policy issues, especially those involving cross-sectoral and inter-governmental considerations.

He is the author of several books on public management and policy issues, and has also written numerous articles and book chapters on public policy, governance and social issues. He is currently researching collaboration models, integrity systems, inter-governmental relations, community consultation, and new network arrangements for social and environmental planning.

UQ's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor David Siddle said getting someone of the calibre of Professor Head was a coup for the University and the newly-established ISSR.

“We are delighted to have him coming here,” Professor Siddle said.

“He will add significantly to the University, not only as the director of the ISSR, but also as someone engaged in innovative research.”

Professor Head will take up the ISSR directorship at UQ in late May.

Media: For more information contact Professor Brian Head on 0418 710 531 or brianh@aracy.org.au.