Chris Downey

Chris Downey is a Professor of Education at the Southampton Education School, University of Southampton, and works within the Faculty of Social Sciences to enhance equity in student outcomes across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He serves on University-wide committees focusing on access and participation, educational enhancement, and academic quality standards. Previously, he was Associate Dean for Education in the Faculty of Social Sciences (2022–23), leading its five schools: Southampton Business School, Southampton Education School, Southampton Law School, School of Mathematical Sciences, and School of Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

His research explores relational capital in education, collaborative networks among educational leaders, and the role of data-driven decision-making. Notably, he employs social network analysis (SNA) to study relational dynamics in education and has supervised doctoral students investigating boundary-spanning roles in educational contexts. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, influenced by Hans Rosling’s 'Factfulness'.

Downey’s teaching expertise includes research methods and education leadership, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He has held external roles such as membership in the UK Department for Education (2014–2021) and participated in national education consultations. His career spans teaching, leadership in secondary schools, and a decade of research focused on data utilization and school improvement.

Current projects include the EU-funded Daphne III initiative and collaborations with the Ambition Institute. His research outputs span education policy, network theory, and cross-national studies, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding educational ecosystems.