James J. Browne facts for kids

James J. Browne is a well-known Irish engineer and educator. He used to be the president of the University of Galway. He held this important job for ten years, from 2008 until January 2018.

Browne's Education and Early Career

James J. Browne studied engineering at the University of Galway. He then earned his PhD degree from the University of Manchester in 1980. Later, in 1989, he became a professor of Production Engineering at the University of Galway.

In 1990, he received another special degree, a DSc, from the University of Manchester. This was for his published work on how to design and analyze computer-controlled manufacturing systems.

Leadership Roles at the University

Before becoming president, James J. Browne held other important roles at the university. In 1995, he was chosen as the dean of the Faculty of Engineering. This meant he was in charge of all the engineering programs.

Then, in 2000, he became the Registrar and deputy president. This role involved managing many parts of the university's daily operations.

His Work in Engineering and Research

Professor Browne's research focused on how to design and run automated factories. He looked at how computers could help control machines on a factory floor. He also studied how companies could manage their systems better.

His work included topics like flexible manufacturing, which means making factories that can easily change what they produce. He also studied "Industry 4.0," which is about smart factories using new technologies. He wrote 11 books and over 400 papers about his research. One of his books, Production Management Systems, was even translated into French.

Special Recognitions

James J. Browne has received several important honors. He is a member of the Royal Irish Academy, which is a group of Ireland's leading experts in science and humanities. He is also a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering.

He was given the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques. This is a special award from the French government. It recognizes his contributions to education and culture.

His Family

James J. Browne is married and has four sons. All four of his sons went to St Joseph's Patrician College. Interestingly, all of them also became engineering graduates from the University of Galway while their father was president.

His brother is Raymond Browne, who is a bishop in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kerry.