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Spotlight on Michael Browne

22 December 2011

This week the spotlight is on Michael Browne, Head of European Research and Development, European Research and Development Office.

Michael Browne

What is your role and what does it involve?

I head up the European Research and Development Office at UCL. This involves leading two units: a pre-award service and a project management service. The pre-award service is a centrally funded service that provides hands on specialist advice and support to UCL staff on all aspects of European Commission (EC) funded research.

The project management service is a self (EC) funded service providing hands on top-level management for large-scale, transnational, EC-funded collaboration projects coordinated by UCL. I also act as the interface between the university, the European Commission, national organisations and the UK government.

The landscape of European Commission-funded research has changed over recent years and is now more closely aligned with UCL's excellence and impact-based research agenda. Unlike other funding agencies, the European Commission is significantly ramping up funding for research and innovation over the next 10 years - the proposed budget for Horizon 2020 (successor to current funding programme, FP7) is €86 billion, an increase of 46% compared to the current programme.

UCL's research funding from the European Commission has doubled over the past three years, and this growth is expected to continue. UCL is ideally placed to benefit from EC-funded research and innovation opportunities, now and in the foreseeable future. My team and I are here to help target and facilitate such opportunities.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have worked at UCL for eight years. Prior to working at UCL, I worked as a European Contracts Officer at Imperial College.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Recruiting and managing a dedicated team in the European Research and Development Office - who all do a fantastic job!

What is your life like outside UCL?

Busy! I am married with a daughter who is fast approaching two! I also like to socialise with friends and occasionally (try to) play golf, although my current handicap is moving in the wrong direction!