David Macdonald | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. David Macdonald | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

International Drugs and Development Advisor | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

David Macdonald's academic journey is marked by a diverse engagement with various academic, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. His foray began with extensive work in research, rapid situational assessments, project management, and evaluation. He honed skills in institutional strengthening, capacity building, strategy development, and specialized in harm reduction, HIV/AIDS prevention, and international development.

Professional Endeavors

Over two decades, Macdonald garnered overseas experience in development, criminal justice, and drug-related issues across diverse regions including Africa, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South/Southeast Asia. His work spanned engagement with marginalized social groups—maximum security prisoners, refugees, indigenous peoples, sex workers, and people who inject drugs (PWID).

Contributions and Research Focus

His expertise encompasses applying 'best practice' in project design and implementation, including project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation, gender analysis, and stakeholder engagement across various countries and institutional settings. Macdonald reviewed and appraised drug prevention, treatment, and aftercare programs, providing advisory services and technical support for harm reduction programs, particularly targeting PWID and HIV/AIDS prevention in Central Asia.

Accolades and Recognition

Macdonald boasts a rich portfolio of research, evaluation, and assessment skills, from questionnaire design to ethnographic research techniques and conducting focus group discussions and interviews. He's undertaken rapid situational assessments and action research on drug use/HIV/AIDS across multiple communities worldwide, including Afghanistan, Botswana, Comoros, Liberia, Maldives, Pakistan, Thailand, and Uganda.

Impact and Influence

Notably, Macdonald spent five years managing the UNODC's Demand Reduction Afghanistan program, overseeing significant budgets and national staff. He's facilitated and assessed training modules and workshops on drug demand reduction, harm reduction, criminal justice, and HIV/AIDS prevention, impacting healthcare, social work, criminal justice, and NGO sectors.

Legacy and Future Contributions

His extensive publication portfolio, encompassing books, journal articles, research, and consultancy reports on drug use, harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, crime, and corruption, underscores his contributions. Macdonald's presentations at international meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops worldwide further attest to his influence and commitment to addressing critical issues in drug-related challenges, public health, and social justice. His legacy lies in the comprehensive impact on policy, practice, and community interventions aimed at mitigating the impacts of drug abuse and related issues globally.

Notable Publications

Blooming flowers and false prophets: the dynamics of opium cultivation and production in Afghanistan under the Taliban 2005 (8)

Six rapid assessments of alcohol and other substance use in populations displaced by conflict 2011 (126)

Opiate use, treatment, and harm reduction in Afghanistan: Recent changes and future directions 2012 (25)

 

 

Yating Pan | Social Sciences | Women Research Award

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Yating Pan | Women Research Award - Award Winner 2023

Yating Pan | Social Sciences

Congratulations, Yating Pan, on receiving the Women Research Award! Your dedication, perseverance, and exceptional contributions to the field of research at Tsinghua University and beyond have earned you this esteemed recognition. Your unwavering commitment to exploring intricate facets of government public relations, public opinion, and political communications exemplifies the pinnacle of academic excellence. Your insightful work not only shapes scholarly discourse but also inspires future generations of researchers, especially aspiring women in academia. Your remarkable achievements stand as a testament to your brilliance and the invaluable impact you make in advancing knowledge and fostering a more inclusive research landscape. Here's to celebrating your outstanding accomplishment and the trailblazing path you continue to forge.

Yating Pan, your receipt of the Women Research Award at Tsinghua University is a resounding testament to your exceptional scholarship and unwavering dedication. Your relentless pursuit of understanding government-public dynamics and your insightful contributions to the realms of public opinion and crisis management truly set a benchmark in academic excellence. Your achievements serve as an inspiration, especially for aspiring female researchers, showcasing the remarkable heights that can be reached through talent, diligence, and passion. Your work not only enriches the academic community but also leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of research, contributing significantly to knowledge and empowering future generations. Heartiest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition—it's a proud moment celebrating your invaluable contributions to academia and your remarkable journey of intellectual pursuit and achievement.

Early Academic Pursuits

  • Educational Foundations: Your academic journey began at the University of Nottingham, where you pursued a BA in International Communications, leading to an MSc in Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Subsequently, you delved into Public Policy & Management, culminating in a Ph.D. at Tsinghua University under the supervision of Yongheng Yang.

Professional Endeavors

  • Research Fellowship at Tsinghua University: As a Research Fellow at Tsinghua University's School of Public Policy & Management, your work focuses on Government Public Relations and Public Opinion.
  • Internship and Assistant Roles: Your career path involved diverse roles, including an internship as an Editor at a Lifestyle Magazine in China, a Substitute Lecturer at Beijing Sport University, and a Research Assistant at China Institute for Development Planning.

Contributions and Research Focus

  • Research Interests: Your expertise lies in Political Communications, Crisis Management, and Public Opinion. Notably, your Ph.D. thesis explored the Government's Response to Public False Rumors and the Shift in Online Public Opinion, centering on Sina Microblog analysis.
  • Publications and Conference Papers: Your academic contributions include several published papers exploring various facets of public opinion, government responses, corruption perceptions, and the influence of media on attitudes and opinions in China.

Accolades and Recognition

  • Honors and Awards: Recognition such as the Outstanding Paper at China's Big Data and Government Governance Academic Forum and scholarships like the Guang-Hua Excellence Scholarship and Academic Excellence Scholarship from Tsinghua University showcase your academic prowess.

Notable Publication

How Can Pro-regime Online Comments Influence Chinese Netizens’ Attitudes and Opinion Expressions? Normative or Informational Social Influence?  2022 (2)

Exploring the dynamics of corruption perceptions in sustained anti-corruption campaigns: a survey experiment in China  2023 (1)

 How Does News Coverage of a Rival Nation Affect People’s Attitudes about Their Own Countries? Evidence from China  2023 (12)

Impact and Influence

  • Project Experience: Your involvement in significant projects related to cultural development, science foundation management, and national development in China demonstrates your practical contributions to important governmental initiatives.

Legacy and Future Contributions

  • Skills and Proficiency: Proficiency in Python programming for natural language processing and fluency in both Chinese and English enrich your skill set and ability to navigate research and policy spheres.
  • Personality Traits: Your self-motivated and well-organized nature likely plays a significant role in your academic and professional success.

Your academic pursuits, research focus, contributions to projects, and recognitions collectively highlight a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to understanding public opinion dynamics, governmental responses, and shaping effective communication strategies in China.

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