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.

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.

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