Merisa Skulsuthavong | Humanities and Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Merisa Skulsuthavong  – Humanities and Social Sciences – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Her scholarly output, innovative subject matter, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and regional focus make Dr. Skulsuthavong a fitting nominee for the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Innovation Award. She represents the evolving nature of global media studies while maintaining deep engagement with Southeast Asian cultural dynamics.

Liverpool University  | China

Profile
Orcid
Scopus

Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Merisa Skulsuthavong, PhD, born on January 22, 1985, is a Thai national whose academic trajectory reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary communication and media studies. She began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of International Business from The Australian National University (ANU) in 2006, laying a foundation in global economic frameworks and strategic thinking. Her interests soon gravitated toward the cultural and creative industries, prompting her to pursue a Master of Arts in Creative & Media Enterprises at The University of Warwick in 2009. This academic shift culminated in a doctoral degree in 2016 from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, with a thesis titled ‘Thainess’ and Bridal Perfection in Thai Wedding Magazines. Her early research examined cultural representation, identity politics, and commodification, signaling her enduring scholarly themes.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Merisa Skulsuthavong is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communications at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China, since August 2020. Her teaching portfolio spans across undergraduate and postgraduate modules such as Representation, Diversity and Identity, Digital Media Law & Ethics, and Digital Ethics, among others. She actively supervises final year and MA dissertation projects and plays key departmental roles including Library Liaison Officer, IPAP Reviewer for PhD Students, and MSc Admission Officer. Previously, she was a Lecturer at Chiang Mai University (2018–2020), where she taught a broad spectrum of courses across journalism, integrated marketing communication, and intercultural communication. Earlier in her career, from 2014 to 2018, she worked as Creative & International Media Editor at DK Publishing, Thailand, managing editorial content, international rights negotiations, and marketing strategies. Her multifaceted experience in both academia and publishing highlights her dynamic approach to knowledge production and dissemination.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. Skulsuthavong’s scholarly contributions sit at the intersection of cultural studies, media representation, digital communication, and intercultural communication. Her academic publications address timely themes such as digital identity, luxury symbolism in online spaces, higher education dynamics in Southeast Asia, and digital ethics. Noteworthy among her works is the co-authored chapter “Turbulence in Thailand? The Thai Digital Civil Rights Movement” in Palgrave Macmillan’s Social Transformations series (2022), and peer-reviewed articles like “Enhancing luck in the digital age with Thai auspicious smartphone wallpapers” (2025) and “Displaying luxury on social media: Chinese university students’ perception of identity, social status, and privilege” (2025). She has been actively involved in exploring the commodification of superstition in the digital age, a subject currently being examined in her RDF project “Repackaging the Sacred”. Her current academic interests include the representation of pets on social media and the performative dimensions of online identity in Asian cultures.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Merisa Skulsuthavong’s academic excellence is widely acknowledged. She sits on the editorial board of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (Nature Springer) and serves as a journal reviewer for the same. She has represented her work in numerous international conferences such as the Korean Conference on Arts & Humanities (2024), ICEPS (2024) in Phuket, and ANPOR International Conference (2019) in Chiang Mai. At Cardiff University, her early research into Thai bridal imagery earned her a spot in the Images of Research Competition (2015), showcasing her ability to communicate complex ideas visually and academically.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Through her diverse teaching roles, publications, and research projects, Dr. Skulsuthavong has had a profound influence on how Southeast Asian media and culture are understood in global academic dialogues. Her work sheds light on Thailand’s unique socio-cultural fabric, particularly through digital media lenses. As a committed educator, she mentors students at various levels, from undergraduate theses to PhD supervision. Her collaborative work with scholars like M.J. Day and S. Du Preez has introduced critical reflections on Thai higher education, digital transformation, and identity politics, enriching both regional studies and broader communication scholarship.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Looking forward, Dr. Skulsuthavong is poised to deepen her impact through continued research on digital superstition, media commodification, and Southeast Asian digital rights movements. Her involvement in evolving digital ethics debates and intercultural media communication ensures that she remains a vital voice in navigating today’s complex information environments. She continues to serve as an advisor, supervisor, and institutional contributor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, where her work not only advances academic inquiry but also shapes future communication professionals. Her dual focus on rigorous scholarship and actionable pedagogy positions her as a key figure in transnational education.

Conclusion

Merisa Skulsuthavong, PhD, stands out as an interdisciplinary scholar, educator, and cultural analyst with a global vision rooted in Southeast Asian realities. Her career journey—spanning media publishing, international academia, and cross-cultural research—has been marked by a steadfast commitment to understanding how identity, representation, and power manifest in digital and media spaces. As she continues her work in China and beyond, Dr. Skulsuthavong’s influence will undoubtedly shape critical conversations about communication, media ethics, and digital culture for years to come.

📚Publications

Does a special economic zone impact the surrounding economy? The case study of Kendal, Indonesia

 Authors:  Irwanda Wisnu Wardhana; Indri Riesfandiari; Erizal Jamal; Vyta W. Hanifah; Pihri Pihri; Felix Wisnu Handoyo; Nugroho Purwono; Rizky Prayogo Ramadhan; Budhi Setyawan; Michal Placek et al.

Journals: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Farmers’ knowledge and practice regarding good agricultural practices (GAP) on safe pesticide usage in Indonesia

Authors: Istriningsih; Yovita Anggita Dewi; Astrina Yulianti; Vyta W. Hanifah; Erizal Jamal; Dadang; Muhrizal Sarwani; Maesti Mardiharini; Iwan Setiajie Anugrah; Valeriana Darwis et al.

Journals: Heliyon

Saluran Komunikasi Lembaga Riset Publik dalam Penyiapan Teknologi Peternakan Mendukung Pengembangan Subsistem Agribisnis Hulu

Authors:  Vyta W. Hanifah; Istriningsih Istriningsih; Yovita Anggita Dewi

Journals: Jurnal Ternak

Jia Xu | sociology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jia Xu – sociology – Best Researcher Award

 

Anhui Normal University | China

      Profiles

📍Current Position

Currently, Jia Xu holds the position of Associate Professor, where she leads research in social welfare policies and public administration. As a supervisor for master’s students, she is deeply involved in guiding the next generation of scholars in their academic and professional development. Her expertise in social welfare policies, particularly concerning older age care services, has positioned her as a key figure in shaping social welfare frameworks within Anhui province.

 

📝Publication Achievements 

Journals Published

Jia Xu has a robust portfolio of published research that has significantly contributed to the field of sociology and social welfare policy. Her notable publications include: “Dancing with care: Promoting social inclusion among older women in China through a novel preventative care model,” co-authored with Chun Xia, Jianzeng An, and Jianwen Ding, published in Social Inclusion (2024). “Integrating familial care and extra-familial care into a new long-term care policy for China: Examples from Germany’s long-term care insurance,” co-authored with Thurid Eggers, published in the International Journal ofSocial Welfare (2024). “Does health literacy affect older people’s avoidance of medical care? The sense of medical care policy alienation and perceptions of control,” published in Geriatric Nursing (2023). “Alienation from medical care policy, medical care avoidance, and the role of sex and risk perception,” published in BMC Psychiatry (2023).

🔍Ongoing Research 

Jia Xu is actively involved in several significant research projects, including: National Social Science Research Project in China (23BSH086): Leading research as the project manager, focusing on innovative social welfare policies. National Ministry of Education’s High-Level University Construction Project (201308220097): This project aims to enhance the quality of education and research in Chinese universities. Anhui Provincial Higher Education Scientific Research Project (2023AH040014): A critical initiative under Jia Xu’s management, aimed at driving scientific and educational advancement in Anhui province.

 🔬Research Interests 

Jia Xu’s research interests are centered around sociology, social welfare policy, and public administration. Her work primarily addresses the challenges and policies related to aging populations, social security, and public health. She is particularly interested in how social welfare policies can be improved to better serve older adults, especially in rural areas.

🎓Academic Background 

Jia Xu has an impressive academic background, with a master’s degree in social welfare policy from Northeast Normal University (2010-2013) and a doctoral degree in social welfare policy from the University of Hamburg (2013-2018). Her education has provided a strong foundation for her research, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex social issues.

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Jia Xu has been recognized for her academic and research excellence through various scholarships and awards. These accolades not only highlight her contributions to the field but also underscore her commitment to advancing social welfare policies.

🌐Professional Associations 

While her primary focus is on social welfare policy, Jia Xu has also shown interest in bioinformatics, particularly in how it can be applied to enhance public health strategies. She is an active member of professional associations, including the China Society for Social Security, where she contributes to the development of policies that improve social security systems.

 📚Training & Workshops 

Jia Xu regularly participates in and conducts training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in the field of social welfare. These workshops cover a range of topics, from public administration to the implementation of social welfare policies.

 🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Jia Xu is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, where she presents her research findings. Her presentations often focus on the integration of familial care with public welfare systems and the challenges of implementing social welfare policies in rural China.

 🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

As a researcher, Jia Xu has completed numerous tasks, including the development of new frameworks for social welfare policies, conducting in-depth analysis of policy impacts on aging populations, and contributing to policy formulation at both provincial and national levels.

 🚀Success Factors 

Jia Xu’s success can be attributed to her deep commitment to her field, her rigorous academic training, and her ability to apply research findings to real-world social issues. Her work is characterized by a focus on practical outcomes, ensuring that her research has a tangible impact on society.

 🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Jia Xu’s publications are a testament to her expertise and dedication. Her laboratory experience includes extensive fieldwork and data analysis, which have been critical in developing her research on social welfare policies and their impact on aging populations.

🎓Conclusion

Jia Xu is a leading figure in the field of sociology and social welfare policy, with a proven track record of impactful research and academic excellence. Her work continues to influence social policies, particularly in the areas of aging and public health, and she remains a vital contributor to the academic community.

 📚Publications

Poverty Risks of Women in Ancient China: How Social Institutions Shaped the Poverty Risks Faced by Women During the Ming-Qing Period

    Authors: Xu, J., Ding, X., Eggers, T.

    Journal: Journal of Family History

Dancing With Care: Promoting Social Inclusion Among Older Women in China Through a Novel Preventative Care Model

    Authors: Xia, C., Xu, J., An, J., Ding, J.

    Journal: Social Inclusion

Integrating familial care and extra-familial care into a new long-term care policy for China: Examples from Germany’s long-term care insurance

   Authors: Eggers, T., Xu, J.

   Journal: International Journal of Social Welfare

Alienation from medical care policy, medical care avoidance, and the role of sex and risk perception

   Authors:   Xia, C., Xu, J., Ding, X.

   Journal: BMC Psychiatry

Getting Good Sleep with Family Support: The Role of Fear of Crime and Loneliness

   Authors: Xia, C., Xu, J., Wang, Y.

   Journal: Behavioral Sciences