The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management (JHTM) has announced the winners of the 2025 JHTM Best PhD Paper Awards, celebrating excellence in doctoral research in hospitality and tourism in JHTM (SSCI impact factor 7.8, Q1 journal, A* ranked in ABDC, Australia).

Established eight years ago, the awards recognise outstanding research conducted during doctoral studies. In 2025, a record 33 submissions were received from around the world, highlighting the growing prestige and competitiveness of the award. The winners were officially announced at the CAUTHE 2026 Conference in Adelaide.

🏆 JHTM Best PhD Paper 2025

First Author: Dongwon Yun, Salem State University
Paper Title: Evaluating pride applicants: The moderating role of sex and perceived similarity on hiring managers’ evaluations of gender-nonconforming applicants
Co-authors: Renata F. Guzzo & Cass Shum, University of Nevada

📖 Free access available until 31 March 2026 

🌟 JHTM Highly Recommended PhD Paper 2025

First Author: Piyanuch (Pia) Prangkam, Griffith University
Paper Title: Exploring professional identity formation in hospitality: A managerial perspective
Co-authors: Leonie Lockstone-Binney, Barry Fraser & Shane Barry, Griffith University

📖 Free access available until 31 March 2026

The journal extends its congratulations to all award-winning authors for this significant academic achievement.

The Call for Papers (CFP) for the 2026 JHTM Best PhD Paper Awards is now open. Details on submission guidelines, financial awards, and additional benefits are available via CAUTHE https://cauthe.org/cfp-2026-jhtm-best-phd-paper-awards/

Marianna Sigala
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management