Laurence Kaufmann | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 17/09/202517/09/2025 by Phenomenological Research Awards

Prof. Laurence Kaufmann | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor at University of Lausanne | Switzerland

Prof. Laurence Kaufmann, a highly accomplished scholar in the field of social sciences, currently serves as a Full Professor of sociology of communication and culture at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and is also an Associate Researcher at the Centre d’études des mouvements sociaux, EHESS, Paris. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Sciences with highest honors from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris, and the University of Lausanne, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions including the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and Harvard University, which enriched her expertise in linguistics, philosophy, cognitive science, and sociology. Her professional career reflects a deep engagement with the study of public opinion, collective emotions, social cognition, and the sociology of communication, as evidenced by her leadership in numerous Swiss National Science Foundation projects on themes such as pandemics, social interaction, and collective identities. Prof. Laurence Kaufmann’s research interests span phenomenology, normativity, political sociology, and the cognitive foundations of social life, combining empirical studies with theoretical innovation. She possesses advanced research skills in interdisciplinary methods, qualitative and discourse analysis, and the integration of social theory with cognitive science. With 392 citations by 285 documents, 32 publications, and an h-index of 10, her academic impact is notable, further strengthened by her extensive contributions to top journals including Sociological Theory, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Cultural Sociology, and Revue française de sociologie, along with edited volumes and monographs that have shaped contemporary debates on society and culture. Recognized for her leadership in international collaborations and for fostering intellectual exchange across disciplines, she continues to advance critical inquiry into how collective experiences and public spheres are constituted. In conclusion, Prof. Laurence Kaufmann’s distinguished career, scholarly excellence, and leadership in advancing innovative and impactful research make her highly deserving of recognition, as her contributions have significantly enriched sociology and continue to influence global discussions on communication, cognition, and the social imagination.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Kaufmann, L. (2025). Discovering society, inventing sociology: Sieyès and the revolutionary origins of the sciences of society. Sociological Theory.
Kaufmann, L. (2023). La quadrature du cercle: Commun, communauté et immunité. Revue du Mauss.
Kaufmann, L. (2020). Processus sociaux et types d’interaction, Pierre Livet et Bernard Conein. Paris: Hermann.

Katherine Quinn | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 12/09/202512/09/2025 by Phenomenological Research Awards

Dr. Katherine Quinn | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Asssociate Professor at University of Maryland Eastern Shore | United States

Dr. Katherine A. Quinn, Associate Professor in the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is an accomplished scholar and educator with expertise in organizational leadership, hospitality management, technology integration, and social sciences research. She earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership (2008) from UMES, an MBA in Finance (1992) from the University of Maryland, Smith School of Business, and a B.S. in Business Management, Cum Laude (1989), from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her professional career bridges both academia and industry, beginning with leadership roles at Hilton Hotels, Hampshire Towers Hotel, and MICROS Systems Inc., before transitioning into higher education, where she has served as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and now Associate Professor. Dr. Quinn’s research interests encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) needs assessment in higher education, generative AI and the Metaverse in travel and tourism, technology-enhanced learning, digital literacy, culturally responsive teaching, and student success factors such as grit and self-discipline in online education. She has published extensively in refereed journals such as Trends in Higher Education, Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, Journal of Education and Human Development, and Journal of Foodservice Business Research, and presented her work at major international conferences including InSITE and ICAIRD. Her research skills are evidenced in survey design, mixed-methods assessment, technology adoption analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, including her role as Co-PI in the Elkins Fellowships for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Quinn’s honors include the 2019 Honors Teacher of the Year Award, induction into Phi Kappa Phi, and multiple awards for innovation and marketing during her industry career. With certifications such as Certified Hospitality Educator, Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate, along with active memberships in ISI, ICHRIE, HFTP, and AHLA, she combines academic rigor with professional leadership. In conclusion, Dr. Quinn stands out as an influential researcher and educator whose interdisciplinary expertise, impactful publications, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing equity and innovation in education and hospitality mark her as a deserving candidate for recognition and continued scholarly distinction.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Quinn, K. A. (2008). Management perceptions of important workplace competencies (SCANS) in the hospitality industry [Doctoral dissertation, University of Maryland Eastern Shore].

Quinn, K. A. (2012). The importance of technology, systems, and information skills in the hospitality industry. Consortium Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management, 17(1), 66–82.

Quinn, K. A. (2013). The importance of resource and interpersonal skills in the hospitality industry. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 16(5), 439–447.

Buzzetto-Hollywood, N., Quinn, K., Wang, W., & Hill, A. (2019). Grit in online education. Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 30(4), 1–11.

Quinn, K., & Buzzetto-Hollywood, N. (2019). Faculty and student perceptions of the importance of management skills in the hospitality industry. Interdisciplinary Journal of e-Skills and Lifelong Learning, 15, 21–42.

Buzzetto-Hollywood, N., & Quinn, K. (2024). Technology behaviors of Generation Z learners. Journal of Education and Human Development, 13(1), 53–58.

Hollywood, N., & Quinn, K. (2025). DEI research in higher education: Results from a study at an American minority-serving institution. Trends in Higher Education, 4(3), 49–59.

Buzzetto-Hollywood, N., & Quinn, K. (2025). Designing and validating a comprehensive institution-wide DEI needs assessment. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 22, Article 6.

Alude Mahali | Social Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Published on 23/06/202523/06/2025 by Phenomenological Research Awards

Dr. Alude Mahali | Social Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Research Director at Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa.

Dr. Alude Mahali 🇿🇦 is a leading South African social scientist and arts practitioner whose work bridges research, education, and the creative arts. 🎭📚 She currently serves as the Research Director at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in Durban, South Africa 🌍, focusing on equitable education and inclusive economic development. With over a decade of academic and leadership experience, she has led and collaborated on national and international projects centered around youth, mental health, education, and civic participation. ✊👩‍🎓 An acclaimed speaker, editor, and filmmaker 🎥, she is committed to amplifying marginalised voices and promoting intersectional justice. A passionate educator and mentor 👩‍🏫, Dr. Mahali also holds honorary teaching roles and is widely published in top-tier journals. Her diverse, grounded, and transformative research has had a profound impact in both academic and community contexts. 🌱✨

Professional Profile:

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Suitability For Best Researcher Award – Dr. Alude Mahali:

Dr. Alude Mahali is an outstanding candidate for the Women Researcher Award, exemplifying excellence across academia, social research, and arts-based public scholarship. Her career spans high-impact leadership roles, notably as Research Director at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and her commitment to inclusive, community-driven research sets her apart. She integrates intersectional feminist perspectives, creative methodologies, and policy-engaged research to champion social justice, especially for youth and marginalized communities in South Africa and beyond.

🎓 Education

Dr. Alude Mahali began her academic journey at Rhodes University 🇿🇦, where she earned her BA (Hons) between 2004–2007 🎓. She proceeded to the University of Cape Town, completing a Master’s in 2009 and her PhD in 2014 🧠📘. During her doctoral studies, she also gained international exposure as a Reese Miller International Scholar at the University of Michigan, USA 🇺🇸. Dr. Mahali has continuously expanded her knowledge, including completing the prestigious HarvardX online course on leadership in 2020 🌐👩‍💼. Her education reflects a deep commitment to critical thinking, cultural studies, and leadership in higher education. 🎓✍️🌍

💼 Professional Development

Dr. Mahali’s professional journey is marked by growth, impact, and dedication 🌟. She began her academic career as a lecturer at Edna Manley College in Jamaica 🇯🇲 before returning to South Africa to join the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), where she has progressed from Research Specialist (2015) to Chief Research Specialist (2020) and now Research Director (2025–present) 🏢📈. She has also served as an honorary lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and taken leadership roles in conferences, symposia, and research networks 🌐. Her diverse professional development includes editorial roles, board memberships (e.g., Wellcome Trust, Uyinene Foundation), and teaching across institutions, further cementing her as a thought leader in youth development and intersectional justice 📚👥. Her cross-disciplinary experience and global engagement demonstrate her commitment to social impact, inclusive policy, and innovative pedagogy 💡🌍.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Mahali’s research sits at the intersection of youth social justice, education, mental health, gender equity, and civic participation ✊👩🏽‍🎓🧠. Her work primarily explores intersectional youth issues in post-apartheid South Africa, including language rights, climate justice, and migration 🌿🗳️🌍. Through participatory and narrative-driven methodologies, she examines how structural inequalities affect the lives of young people, particularly Black womxn in educational and leadership spaces 🖤♀️. She leads research projects on first-time voting youth, COVID-19’s impact on mental health, and the long-term impact of education on African alumni 📊. Her interdisciplinary lens, drawing from sociology, performance theory, and critical race studies, positions her as a pioneering voice in youth-focused, socially engaged scholarship 👩🏽‍🏫📝. Her work is consistently anchored in community transformation and systemic redress 🧩⚖️.

🛠️ Research Skills

Dr. Mahali is a highly skilled qualitative researcher known for using participatory, visual, and creative methodologies 🎥🖌️📋. Her methodological expertise includes performance ethnography, social network interviewing (SNI), and intersectional feminist research tools, allowing her to center marginalized experiences in powerful and authentic ways 🗣️📸. She excels at designing and leading large-scale, multi-year projects involving youth cohorts, policy evaluation, and longitudinal studies 🧠📈. Her skills extend to research supervision, curriculum development, documentary filmmaking, and journal peer reviewing, demonstrating her versatility across both academic and public scholarship 📽️📘. A strong communicator and collaborative leader, she consistently bridges the gap between academia and community-based action 🤝📚. Her ability to fuse theory, practice, and advocacy positions her as a researcher committed to impact, transformation, and excellence 🌱🔬💬.

🏅 Awards and Honours

Dr. Alude Mahali has received numerous accolades in recognition of her academic excellence and social impact 🏆📚. These include prestigious fellowships such as the Reese Miller International Scholar Award at the University of Michigan 🇺🇸, the Harry Crossley Fellowship, and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship 🎓. She was a finalist for the HSRC-USAf CEOs Award in 2023 and has been the recipient of the University of Cape Town’s Research Associateship Award 🎖️. Her academic journey has also been supported by the Andrew Mellon Scholarship, National Arts Council Bursary, and Rosalind van der Gucht Scholarship 🎼📖. Through these honours, Dr. Mahali has consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a profound commitment to transformative research and education 🌟🧑‍🏫.

Publication Top Notes

1. Disentangled, Decentred and Democratised: Youth Studies for the Global South

Authors: A. Cooper, S. Swartz, A. Mahali
Journal: Journal of Youth Studies, Vol. 22(1), pp. 29–45
Citations: 102
Year: 2019
Summary: This paper critiques dominant Western perspectives in youth studies, advocating for approaches rooted in the experiences of young people in the global South. It calls for youth studies that are disentangled from colonial knowledge systems, decentered from the global North, and democratized through inclusive and participatory methods.

2. Studying While Black: Race, Education and Emancipation in South African Universities

Authors: S. Swartz, A. Mahali, R. Moletsane, E. Arogundade, N.E. Khalema, A. Cooper, et al.
Publisher: HSRC Press
Citations: 84
Year: 2018
Summary: A comprehensive exploration of the lived experiences of Black students in South African higher education institutions. The book highlights structural racism, student resistance, and aspirations for educational transformation and social justice.

3. Networks of Well-being in the Global South: A Critical Review of Current Scholarship

Authors: A. Mahali, I. Lynch, A.W. Fadiji, T. Tolla, S. Khumalo, S. Naicker
Journal: Journal of Developing Societies, Vol. 34(4), pp. 373–400
Citations: 67
Year: 2018
Summary: The article reviews literature on well-being in the global South, emphasizing the need to move beyond individualistic and Western-centric models. It advocates for contextualized, networked understandings of well-being.

4. ‘Without Community, There is No Liberation’: On #BlackGirlMagic and the Rise of Black Woman-Centred Collectives in South Africa

Author: A. Mahali
Journal: Agenda, Vol. 31(1), pp. 28–41
Citations: 15
Year: 2017
Summary: This paper explores how Black South African women are using digital platforms and grassroots organizing to form supportive collectives. It analyzes the #BlackGirlMagic movement in local contexts as a form of resistance and identity formation.

5. “The Power of the Poem”: Using Poetic Inquiry to Explore Trans-Identities in Namibia

Authors: H. Van Rooyen, Z. Essack, A. Mahali, C. Groenewald, A. Solomons
Journal: Arts & Health, Vol. 13(3), pp. 315–328
Citations: 14
Year: 2021
Summary: This paper employs poetic inquiry to explore the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Namibia. It highlights the therapeutic and narrative potential of poetry in marginalized communities.

6. Using Qualitative Tools as Interventionist Research Strategies for Emancipation

Authors: A. Mahali, S. Swartz
Journal: International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Vol. 17(1), Article: 1609406918799573
Citations: 11
Year: 2018
Summary: The paper argues for the use of qualitative research not just as a method of understanding but also as a tool for social intervention, particularly in empowering disadvantaged groups.

7. Maid to Serve: ‘Self-Fashioning’ and the Domestic Worker Trope in Contemporary South Africa

Author: A. Mahali
Journal: Journal of African Media Studies, Vol. 8(2), pp. 127–143
Citations: 9
Year: 2016
Summary: This article critiques how domestic workers are portrayed in South African media and literature. It examines how these portrayals shape public perceptions and the identities of the women themselves.

Conclusion:

Dr. Alude Mahali embodies the core ideals of the Women Researcher Award: innovation, leadership, inclusion, and societal relevance. Her integrative research approach, dedication to youth empowerment, and advocacy for intersectional justice have significantly enriched both academic scholarship and grassroots transformation. She stands as a model of visionary and inclusive research leadership, making her exceptionally well-suited for this honor.

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