# Nick Brown

> psychologist who seeks irregularities in scientific publications

**Wikidata**: [Q121298396](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121298396)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nick-brown

## Summary  
Nick Brown is a British-Irish psychologist and computer scientist known for identifying irregularities in scientific publications. He gained prominence for debunking flawed research, particularly in the field of positive psychology, and advocating for greater rigor in scientific methodology.

## Biography  
- Born: 1960  
- Nationality: United Kingdom, Ireland  
- Education:  
  - PhD in Psychology (Health Psychology), University of Groningen (2015–2019)  
  - MSc, University of East London (2011–2013)  
  - BA, University of Cambridge (1978–1981)  
- Known for: Exposing statistical flaws and questionable research practices in scientific literature  
- Employer(s):  
  - Council of Europe (1990–2012)  
  - Linnaeus University (Visiting Professor)  
  - Buckinghamshire New University (Visiting Professor)  
- Field(s): Psychology, Computer Science, Scientific Methodology  

## Contributions  
Nick Brown is best known for his critical analysis of scientific literature, often uncovering statistical errors and methodological flaws in high-profile studies. His most notable contribution includes the 2013 critique of a widely cited paper on the "mathematical formula for happiness," which sparked widespread discussion about reproducibility in psychology. He co-founded the blog *sTeamTraen* (PeerJ, 2014) to document his findings and promote transparency in research. In 2019, he received the satirical “Research Parasite Award” for his efforts in scrutinizing others’ datasets. His work has contributed to growing awareness around research integrity and the replication crisis in psychology and beyond.

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Nick Brown known for?  
A: Nick Brown is known for identifying statistical and methodological flaws in scientific research, especially in psychology. He became widely recognized after debunking a prominent study on happiness.

### Q: Where did Nick Brown study?  
A: He earned a PhD in Health Psychology from the University of Groningen (2019), an MSc from the University of East London (2013), and a BA from the University of Cambridge (1981).

### Q: Has Nick Brown worked in academia?  
A: Yes, he has held visiting professorships at Linnaeus University and Buckinghamshire New University and previously worked at the Council of Europe.

## Why They Matter  
Nick Brown's work has significantly influenced discussions around research integrity and reproducibility in science. By exposing flawed methodologies and statistical inaccuracies, he has encouraged more rigorous peer review and self-correction within the scientific community. His critiques have prompted retractions, corrections, and increased scrutiny of high-impact studies. Without his interventions, several erroneous claims may have persisted unchallenged, undermining public trust in science. His advocacy for transparency continues to shape how researchers approach data interpretation and publication ethics.

## Notable For  
- Debunking the "mathematical formula for happiness" (2013)  
- Recipient of the 2019 Research Parasite Award  
- Co-founder of the PeerJ blog *sTeamTraen*  
- Visiting professor at Linnaeus University and Buckinghamshire New University  
- Advocate for scientific rigor and transparency in psychological research  

## Body  

### Early Life and Education  
Nick Brown, born Nicholas John Laird Brown in 1960, pursued a varied academic path before focusing on psychology. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cambridge in 1981, followed by a Master of Science from the University of East London in 2013. He completed a PhD in Health Psychology at the University of Groningen in 2019 under advisors Adelita Vijaynti Ranchor and Casper Albers.

### Career and Affiliations  
Brown spent over two decades working for the Council of Europe from 1990 to 2012. He later served as a visiting professor at both Linnaeus University and Buckinghamshire New University. His professional background also includes expertise in computer science, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to research evaluation.

### Research Integrity Advocacy  
Brown rose to prominence in 2013 when he publicly challenged the statistical validity of a well-known study claiming to derive a mathematical model for happiness. His critique was widely covered in media outlets such as *The Guardian*, *Science Magazine*, and *Le Monde*. This event marked the beginning of his active role in identifying problematic research practices.

He co-runs the blog *sTeamTraen*, hosted on PeerJ, where he documents inconsistencies in scientific publications. His analytical approach often involves re-analysis of published datasets, leading to corrections, retractions, or increased scrutiny of original authors' conclusions.

### Recognition and Influence  
In 2019, Brown received the satirical “Research Parasite Award,” acknowledging his practice of re-analyzing existing datasets to expose flaws. Despite its tongue-in-cheek nature, the award highlighted his significant impact on promoting accountability in science. His work has been featured across international platforms and continues to inspire conversations about open science and methodological rigor.

### Personal Details  
Brown resides in Palma and holds citizenship in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. Fluent in English, French, and Dutch, he maintains an active presence on Twitter (@sTeamTraen). Outside of academia, he is an accomplished chess player with a FIDE rating and plays under the French federation.

## References

1. [Source](https://ratings.fide.com/profile/690953)
2. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/series-d-ete/article/2023/08/01/nick-brown-une-vocation-tardive-contre-le-bullshit-scientifique_6184061_3451060.html)
3. [Source](http://www.meta-systems.eu/nickbrown/NickBrownCV.pdf)
4. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0003-1579-0730/education/1369148)
5. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0003-1579-0730/education/879876)
6. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0003-1579-0730/education/879874)
7. [Source](https://researchparasite.com/#past-recipients)
8. [Source](https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/can-positive-emotions-improve-physical-health-an-examination-of-s)
9. [Source](https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Nicholas-John-Laird-Brown-2116753424)
10. [Source](http://steamtraen.blogspot.com/2018/05/a-footnote-on-self-citation-and.html)
11. [Source](https://steamtraen.blogspot.com/)