Rate My Professor Chris Browne

Chris Browne serves as Head of Research Strategy and Engagement at The Queen's University Belfast, leading the development and execution of institutional research policies and strategies. Operating within the Research and Enterprise Directorate, he jointly heads the Strategy and Policy team and acts as the university's institutional REF Manager—a role he fulfilled for REF 2021 and continues to hold for future cycles including preparations for REF 2028 and REF 2029. In this capacity, Browne oversees compliance with national research assessment frameworks, coordinates submissions, and aligns university activities with directives from UKRI and other research funders to maximize impact and excellence.

Browne has made significant contributions to research policy discourse, co-authoring the publication 'REF 2029 open access consultation: Queen's University Belfast response' in 2024 alongside Daniel Holden, Isabel O'Kelly, Stephen Gorman, and Rebecca Clarke. He has presented on 'Changes to REF 2028' and contributed to the Open & Responsible Research Symposium hosted by Queen's University Belfast in 2023, promoting transparency and responsibility in research practices. Supporting postdoctoral and early-career researchers, Browne facilitated the 'Postdoc Life Series: Internal Funding Schemes' event and appeared in the Postdoctoral Development Centre podcast, providing detailed explanations of the Research Excellence Framework process and its implications. In November 2025, he authored the article 'Northern Ireland can be a testbed for research culture' for Wonkhe, proposing Northern Ireland as a model for fostering improved research environments through partnerships between higher education institutions, government departments like the Department for the Economy, Invest NI, and research funders. Browne actively participates in professional networks, including opening events for the Northern Ireland Research Professionals Network (NIRPN) to emphasize expanded connections and serving on ARMA's REF Special Interest Group. His efforts advance research strategy, culture, and engagement across the institution and region.