Ratna Ghosh | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ratna Ghosh | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Distinguished James McGill Professor Emerita at McGill University, Canada

Dr. Ratna Ghosh, C.M., O.Q., Ph.D., F.R.S.C., is a globally renowned scholar and Distinguished James McGill Professor Emerita in Education at McGill University. With a prolific academic career, she has made significant contributions to multicultural and comparative education, social justice, inclusion, and youth radicalization. Her scholarly output includes numerous books, journal articles, and edited volumes, highlighting her leadership in education and society. Dr. Ghosh has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Order of Canada and membership in the Royal Society of Canada. She has held major leadership roles, such as President of the Comparative and International Education Society and Resident Director of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. Her impact extends beyond academia through media engagement, international collaboration, and contributions to public policy. A mentor to many graduate students and a thought leader in educational equity, Dr. Ghosh’s exceptional achievements make her highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Ratna Ghosh’s educational journey reflects a commitment to academic excellence and cross-cultural understanding. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees in India, where she developed a strong foundation in pedagogy and social sciences. She later pursued graduate studies in Canada, earning her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Education from McGill University. Her advanced education equipped her with the analytical and theoretical tools to explore multiculturalism, social justice, and comparative education on a global scale. Throughout her academic training, Dr. Ghosh combined rigorous research with a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments. Her interdisciplinary education laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking work in educational policy and reform. As a lifelong learner and educator, she has also contributed to international educational collaborations, further expanding her intellectual horizon. Her educational background not only shaped her scholarly identity but also positioned her as a leader in transformative education.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Ratna Ghosh has had an illustrious professional career marked by impactful contributions to education and social equity. She served as a Professor in the Faculty of Education at McGill University, where she also held the prestigious position of Dean. Her leadership helped shape inclusive policies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the academic community. With expertise in multicultural and international education, she has worked as a consultant for UNESCO, the Canadian International Development Agency, and various governmental and non-governmental organizations, promoting equity and diversity in education worldwide. Dr. Ghosh has authored numerous influential publications, and her research has significantly influenced educational policy and practice in Canada and beyond. She has also been actively involved in mentoring future educators and researchers, shaping the next generation of leaders in education. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to academic excellence, educational leadership, and the advancement of human rights and social justice through education.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Ratna Ghosh’s research interests are deeply rooted in the fields of multicultural, international, and comparative education, with a strong emphasis on social justice, equity, and inclusion. She explores how education can serve as a transformative tool to combat discrimination, promote intercultural understanding, and empower marginalized communities. Her work often examines the role of education in pluralistic societies and how policies and practices can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of learners. Dr. Ghosh is particularly interested in issues surrounding gender, ethnicity, religion, and identity within educational systems, both in Canada and globally. Her research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications, aiming to influence educational reform and inclusive policy development. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and international engagement, she has contributed significantly to the global discourse on education as a human right and a catalyst for sustainable development, peace, and democratic citizenship in increasingly multicultural and interconnected societies.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Ratna Ghosh has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her exceptional contributions to education, social justice, and multiculturalism. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, two of the nation’s highest honors. Her work has earned her several honorary doctorates from leading universities, acknowledging her impact on educational theory and practice both nationally and internationally. Dr. Ghosh has also been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and has received accolades from organizations such as the Canadian Society for the Study of Education and the Comparative and International Education Society. Her scholarly excellence and advocacy for inclusive and equitable education have made her a role model for educators and researchers worldwide. These honors reflect her lifelong dedication to advancing equity in education and her influence on shaping more just and culturally responsive educational systems.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Ratna Ghosh possesses a diverse and profound set of research skills that span the fields of education, multiculturalism, equity, and international development. Her expertise includes qualitative and comparative research methodologies, critical discourse analysis, and policy analysis, enabling her to investigate complex social and educational phenomena across diverse cultural contexts. She is adept at designing interdisciplinary studies that integrate sociological, philosophical, and historical perspectives to address issues such as gender equity, cultural pluralism, and inclusive education. Dr. Ghosh’s ability to conduct cross-cultural and international fieldwork has enriched her research, allowing her to draw insightful comparisons and propose globally relevant educational reforms. Her analytical skills are complemented by her capacity to engage with community stakeholders, policymakers, and academic peers, fostering collaborative knowledge production. Her research outputs demonstrate methodological rigor, ethical integrity, and a commitment to social justice, making her a leading scholar in educational research with both theoretical depth and practical relevance.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Ratna Ghosh is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Her career reflects an exceptional blend of scholarly productivity, leadership, societal relevance, and international recognition. Her work has significantly advanced the field of education, particularly in areas of equity, diversity, and global justice. The depth and breadth of her contributions, along with the national and international honors received, firmly position her among the top researchers globally.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  • Ghosh, R., & Galczynski, M. (2014). Redefining multicultural education: Inclusion and the right to be different. Canadian Scholars’ Press. Cited by: 394

  • Ghosh, R., & Abdi, A. A. (2004). Education and the Politics of Difference: Canadian Perspectives. Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc. Cited by: 272

  • Ghosh, R., Chan, W. Y. A., Manuel, A., & Dilimulati, M. (2017). Can education counter violent religious extremism? Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, 23(2), 117–133. Cited by: 227

  • Fry, P. S., & Ghosh, R. (1980). Attributions of success and failure: Comparison of cultural differences between Asian and Caucasian children. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 11(3), 343–363. Cited by: 169

  • Ghosh, R. (2004). Public education and multicultural policy in Canada: The special case of Quebec. International Review of Education, 50, 543–566. Cited by: 122

  • Ghosh, R., & Abdi, A. A. (2013). Education and the politics of difference: Select Canadian perspectives. Canadian Scholars’ Press. Cited by: 80

  • Jing, X., Ghosh, R., Sun, Z., & Liu, Q. (2020). Mapping global research related to international students: A scientometric review. Higher Education, 80, 415–433. Cited by: 73

  • Ghosh, R. (2012). Diversity and excellence in higher education: Is there a conflict? Comparative Education Review, 56(3), 349–365. Cited by: 67

  • Ghosh, R., Chakravarti, P., & Mansi, K. (2015). Women’s empowerment and education: Panchayats and women’s Self-help Groups in India. Policy Futures in Education, 13(3), 294–314. Cited by: 66

  • Misra, S., Ghosh, R., & Kanungo, R. N. (1990). Measurement of family involvement: A cross-national study of managers. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 21(2), 232–248. Cited by: 63

  • Ghosh, R., & Ray, D. (1987). Social change and education in Canada. (No title given). Cited by: 59

  • Ghosh, R. (2018). Multiculturalism in a comparative perspective: Australia, Canada and India. Canadian Ethnic Studies, 50(1), 15–36. Cited by: 52

  • Kurian, G., & Ghosh, R. (1983). Child rearing in transition in Indian immigrant families in Canada. In Overseas Indians: A study in adaptation, 128–140. Cited by: 52

Gerlinde Mauerer | Critical Masculinities | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Gerlinde Mauerer | Critical Masculinities | Best Researcher Award

Senior Scientiest at Universität Wien, Austria

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer is a highly accomplished academic researcher with over two decades of experience in Gender and Family Studies, Critical Masculinity Studies, and Qualitative Sociology. As a senior scientist at the University of Vienna, she has led numerous impactful, publicly funded research projects, including the FWF-funded “Gender and Family in Motion” study. Her work explores crucial social issues such as parental leave, shared caregiving roles, and constructions of masculinity, contributing to both academic knowledge and policy discussions. She is an active member of prominent international research networks and has a strong record of teaching, mentorship, and thesis supervision. Her research is marked by interdisciplinary depth and a commitment to advancing feminist and empirical sociology. While further visibility through peer-reviewed publications and global conference leadership could enhance her profile, her sustained scholarly excellence, research leadership, and societal impact make her a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer is a highly accomplished academic researcher with over two decades of experience in Gender and Family Studies, Critical Masculinity Studies, and Qualitative Sociology. As a senior scientist at the University of Vienna, she has led numerous impactful, publicly funded research projects, including the FWF-funded “Gender and Family in Motion” study. Her work explores crucial social issues such as parental leave, shared caregiving roles, and constructions of masculinity, contributing to both academic knowledge and policy discussions. She is an active member of prominent international research networks and has a strong record of teaching, mentorship, and thesis supervision. Her research is marked by interdisciplinary depth and a commitment to advancing feminist and empirical sociology. While further visibility through peer-reviewed publications and global conference leadership could enhance her profile, her sustained scholarly excellence, research leadership, and societal impact make her a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer has over two decades of professional experience as a researcher, lecturer, and academic leader in sociology. Since 2004, she has served as a senior scientist at the Department of Sociology at the University of Vienna, contributing to numerous national research projects on gender, family, and masculinity. Her career began in 2002 as a freelance researcher and lecturer at the Universities of Vienna and Innsbruck. Between 2004 and 2005, she worked as a scientific staff member at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) in Vienna. She has also held teaching roles at multiple universities of applied sciences across Austria, specializing in sociology, gender studies, ethics, and health care. In addition to her academic instruction, she has co-authored government reports, such as the 6th Austrian Report on Families, and supervised numerous theses. Dr. Mauerer’s professional path reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, feminist research, and policy-relevant sociological inquiry.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer’s research interests center on Gender and Family Studies, with a particular focus on Critical Masculinity Studies and Feminist Theory. Her work explores how gender roles and family dynamics are constructed, negotiated, and transformed within contemporary societies. She is especially interested in parental leave policies, shared caregiving responsibilities, and the shifting identities of fathers and mothers in work-family contexts. Drawing on qualitative sociological methods, she investigates the intersections of gender, labor, and care, often using empirical case studies to illuminate broader social patterns. Her research also extends to health sociology, where she examines how gender influences health practices and institutional frameworks. Dr. Mauerer’s interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, gender studies, and social policy, aiming to produce findings that not only advance academic knowledge but also inform public discourse and policy reform. Her commitment to gender equity and social justice underpins all her scholarly endeavors.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer has received numerous recognitions throughout her academic career, primarily through competitive research grants and prestigious fellowships that underscore the impact of her work in gender and family sociology. She is the principal investigator of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) Elise Richter Project “Gender and Family in Motion. Parental Arrangements,” a significant achievement that reflects her standing as a leading scholar in the field. Her research has also been repeatedly funded by the Municipal Science Department of Vienna (Magistrate 7), supporting studies on paternity leave, gender roles, and work-life balance. In 2016, she was awarded a Visiting Fellowship at the University of York, UK, as part of their Gender, Sexuality and Diversities Research Cluster. Furthermore, she has served as a co-author of the 6th Austrian Report on Families, a government-commissioned project, highlighting her contributions to national policy. These honors reflect both academic excellence and real-world impact in her research.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer possesses a comprehensive set of research skills grounded in qualitative sociological methodologies, making her a leading expert in the fields of gender and family studies. She is highly proficient in conducting in-depth interviews, thematic content analysis, and case study research, with a strong emphasis on empirical and interpretive approaches. Her ability to design, lead, and manage long-term, multidisciplinary research projects is evidenced by her role as principal investigator in multiple funded studies, including the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) project on parental arrangements. Dr. Mauerer is adept at translating complex sociological theories into practical research frameworks, often incorporating feminist perspectives and critical masculinity theories into her analyses. She has a strong track record in publishing, securing grants, and producing policy-relevant outputs. Additionally, her collaborative work with national and international research networks demonstrates her ability to engage in cross-cultural and comparative studies, enriching the academic and societal relevance of her work.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Gerlinde Mauerer stands out as a robust and distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her long-standing academic contributions, leadership in gender and family research, and dedication to both theoretical and applied sociological inquiry are exemplary. With slight strategic enhancements in global dissemination and publication visibility, she could elevate her already impressive profile to even greater international prominence.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  1. Mauerer, G. (2025). Fatherhood Practices and Shared Parental Leave: Advancing Gender Equity in Parenting. Social Sciences, 14(5), Article 269. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14050269

  2. Mauerer, G. (2025). Hybride Männlichkeiten praxeologisch analysiert: Väter als sorgende Elternteile in der frühen Phase von Elternschaft. Österreichische Zeitschrift für Soziologie. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11614-025-00588-4

  3. Mauerer, G. (2024). Elternkarenz und soziale Nachhaltigkeit. In Nachhaltige Arbeitswelten. Überlegungen zu einer zukunftsfähigen Gestaltung von Arbeit (pp. [pages pending]). ISBN: 978-3-8309-4909-1.

  4. Schmidt, E.-M., Schmidt, A. E., & Mauerer, G. (2024). Austria – Leave Policies Report. In 20th International Review of Leave Policies and Research. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/2frts

  5. Mauerer, G. (2023). Paid Parental Leave in Correlation with Changing Gender Role Attitudes. Social Sciences, 12(9), Article 490. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12090490

  6. Mauerer, G. (2023). Wird Geschlecht irgendwann egal? Newspaper article, Published on 2023-10-12.

  7. Mauerer, G. (2023). Conference Material. Conference paper, University of Vienna.

  8. Mauerer, G. (2021). Der Dual Career Mythos – Schlussfolgerungen aus empirischen Forschungen zu Väterkarenz und Elternteilzeitarbeit. In Gleichstellungspolitiken revisited (pp. [pages pending]). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-35846-4_6

  9. Mauerer, G. (2021). Work-Life-Balance und geschlechterspezifische Vorannahmen am Arbeitsplatz: Ergebnisse aus der empirischen Forschung zu Elternkarenzen in Österreich. SWS-Rundschau, April 2021.