Principal Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
Dr. Irfan Raja is an accomplished academic, analyst, and media commentator with over 20 years of experience in business and media studies. He has worked in diverse settings, including universities and media organizations across Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. His research interests span interreligious, cultural, and media studies, with a particular focus on social media and contemporary business practices. Dr. Raja is noted for his work on Brexit and the media, as well as his insightful commentary on political, economic, and socio-cultural issues. He embraces a blended learning approach in his teaching, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice. A multilingual professional, Dr. Raja’s extensive travels enrich his understanding of different cultures, enhancing his interactions with international students.
Profile:
ORCID Profile
Strengths for the Award:
- Extensive Experience:
- Dr. Irfan Raja boasts over two decades of academic and research experience across diverse geographical and cultural contexts, including Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. This breadth of experience enriches his research perspectives and methodologies.
- Diverse Research Interests:
- His research encompasses a wide array of topics including interreligious and cultural studies, media representations, social media’s impact on contemporary businesses, and the political dynamics surrounding British Muslims. This variety demonstrates his ability to tackle complex and relevant societal issues.
- Academic Contributions:
- Dr. Raja has contributed significantly to the academic community through numerous publications in respected journals and edited volumes. His work on topics such as media representation and social dynamics has been widely cited and is influential in his field.
- Innovative Teaching and Course Development:
- He has designed and taught courses that integrate theory with practical application, enhancing student employability. His innovative approaches in teaching conflict reporting and intercultural communication showcase his commitment to education and capacity for curriculum development.
- International Engagement:
- His involvement in international conferences and symposia underlines his active participation in global academic discourse. Presenting research at various platforms further indicates his engagement with current global issues.
- Interdisciplinary Approach:
- Dr. Raja’s work bridges multiple disciplines—media studies, business, and cultural studies—allowing for a comprehensive analysis of complex phenomena.
Areas for Improvement:
- Increased Collaboration:
- While Dr. Raja has collaborated on several research projects, pursuing more interdisciplinary collaborations could further enhance the impact of his research.
- Public Engagement:
- Expanding outreach to engage the general public through workshops or community-based projects could amplify the societal relevance of his research.
- Funding and Grants:
- Actively seeking more research funding opportunities could facilitate larger-scale projects or initiatives, enhancing his research output and visibility.
- Mentoring Emerging Scholars:
- Although he has supervised dissertations, establishing formal mentorship programs for junior researchers could contribute to developing future leaders in the field.
Education:
Dr. Irfan Raja holds a Ph.D. from the University of Huddersfield (2016), where his thesis focused on the representation of British Muslims in the media post-7/7. He earned an MA in International Journalism from the University of Leeds (2007) and an MBA in Marketing and Advertising from PIMSAT University, Pakistan (1997). His academic foundation is complemented by a B.Com from Punjab University, Pakistan (1994). Dr. Raja also completed the Teaching Assistant Preparation Program (TAPP) at the University of Huddersfield in 2011, further enhancing his pedagogical skills. His diverse educational background equips him to teach various courses in business and media studies while providing valuable insights into cross-cultural communication and contemporary media landscapes.
Experience:
Dr. Irfan Raja is currently a part-time Principal Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, where he leads multiple modules in business studies and supervises master’s dissertations. His previous roles include serving as a Distance Learning Instructor at Brentwood Open Learning College, where he developed online courses in journalism and social media marketing. Additionally, Dr. Raja was a Visiting Faculty Member at NUST University in Pakistan, teaching conflict and disaster reporting and intercultural communication. His early career included work as an interviewer and researcher for IPSOS-MORI UK Ltd., conducting research on media representation and public opinion. Dr. Raja’s experience as a Travel and Diplomatic Correspondent for Daily Pakistan further solidifies his expertise in media analysis, making him a well-rounded educator and commentator in the fields of media and business studies.
Research Focus:
Dr. Irfan Raja’s research focuses on the intersection of media, culture, and society, with particular emphasis on interreligious dialogue, social media’s impact on contemporary businesses, and the representation of marginalized communities in the media. His work critically analyzes the portrayal of British Muslims, particularly in the context of post-7/7 media narratives. Additionally, Dr. Raja explores the implications of social media on public perceptions during crises and conflicts, contributing to a broader understanding of media’s role in shaping public discourse. His research has been published in various journals and books, addressing issues such as community cohesion, religious tolerance, and the dynamics of race relations in media representation. Dr. Raja actively participates in international conferences, disseminating his findings and engaging with fellow researchers to promote dialogue on pressing societal issues.
Publication Top Notes:
- The British Broadsheet Press and the Representation of “The Mosque” in the Aftermath of Post-7/7 Britain
Religions, 2024-09-25 | DOI: 10.3390/rel15101157
- Restrictions’ Acceptance and Risk Perception by Young Generations in a COVID-19 Context
International Journal of Tourism Cities, 2021-07-06 | DOI: 10.1108/IJTC-08-2020-0165
- A Discussion of Relevant Religious Teachings from Islam and Christianity to the COVID-19 Crisis
International Journal of Religion, 2021-05-20
- Reporting the Veil in the British Press
The International Encyclopedia of Gender, Media, and Communication, 2020-07-08
- Reshaping Representation of Race Relations in the Age of New Media: A Case Study of Chapeltown in Leeds, UK
Journal of Arab & Muslim Media Research, 2019-04-01 | DOI: 10.1386/jammr.12.1.87_1
- Digitalized Ethnic Press and the Representations of British Muslims in the Wake of the 7/7 Bombings
Ethnic Media in the Digital Age, 2018-12-07 | DOI: 10.4324/9781351045315-6
- Old Conflict, New Perspective: Power Shift in the News from Gaza
World of Media. Journal of Russian Media and Journalism Studies, 2018-12-01 | DOI: 10.30547/worldofmedia.4.2018.2
- Representations of Syrian Refugees in the British Tabloid Press: An Illustration of Aylan Kurdi’s Tragic Event
Journal of Arab & Muslim Media Research, 2018-04-01 | DOI: 10.1386/jammr.11.1.61_1
- The British Broadsheets and the Terrorism Discourse in Post-7/7 Britain
Algerian Scientific Journal Platform, 2017
- The Essence of Community Cohesion through Religious Tolerance
Conflicts, Religion and Culture in Tourism, 2017-09
- Reporting from Ramallah: An Israeli Journalist in an Occupied Land
The Palestine Chronicle, 2017-07-30
- Islam-Contemporary Practices
Pilgrimage and Tourism to Holy Cities: Ideological and Management Perspectives, 2016-11
- Reporting British Muslims: The Re-Emergence of Folk Devils and Moral Panics in Post-7/7 Britain
2016-11
- Emerging Power of New Media and Post-Election Violence in Iran
Social Media Go to War: Rage, Rebellion and Revolution in the Age of Twitter, 2013
- Islamophobia and Citizen Journalism: A Challenger to Islamophobic Reporting
Civilmedia, Salzburg, 2008-12-15
Conclusion:
Dr. Irfan Raja is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his extensive experience, diverse research interests, and significant academic contributions. His innovative teaching practices and engagement in international academic discussions further solidify his standing in the academic community. By focusing on interdisciplinary collaborations, enhancing public engagement, and seeking additional funding opportunities, he can maximize the impact of his already impressive body of work. Recognizing his contributions through this award would not only honor his achievements but also encourage continued excellence in research and education.