Current doctoral researchers or recent graduates were invited to submit manuscripts to JHTM based on research undertaken during their doctoral study. Sponsored by CAUTHE, award winning papers received a cash prize, certificate and opportunities for public recognition and promotion. From the 37 high quality paper submissions the winners were:

Best PhD Paper Award

Chenggang Hua, Indiana University, for paper entitled: Travel participation as an outlet for social integration of people with spinal cord injury: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study [collected by Associate Professor Yixue Liu (Visiting Scholar at The University of Queensland].

Highly recommended PhD paper

Dr Li Xie Carson, The University of Melbourne, for paper Insta-fame or insta-flop? The pitfalls of using virtual influencers in tourism marketing 

2025 Best PhD Paper awards

Applications for the 2025 JHTM Best PhD Awards close on 31 July 2025.