Professor Udoy Saikia has received the ACGR Award for Excellence in Graduate Research Supervision for his outstanding track record of student-centred, high-impact supervision across more than two decades.

An internationally recognised leader in social demography, Professor Saikia brings a culturally responsive approach to supervision, centred on empathy, trust, and high expectations.

He has supervised 28 PhD candidates (7 currently enrolled), with over 85% of graduates completing in under three and a half years. His model integrates tailored writing support, methodological training, and professional development. Under his guidance, multiple candidates have received national or university research awards, with many publishing in Q1 journals or contributing directly to UN reports.

Professor Saikia’s candidates play key roles in major policy collaborations, with opportunities including a UNDP internship and presenting at the UN Development Network in Bangkok.

Beyond his own candidates, Professor Saikia has strengthened research supervision more broadly through HDR leadership, mentoring early-career supervisors and research capacity-building internationally.

His graduates have progressed into senior academic and policy roles globally, including at the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations, often remaining active collaborators. Grounded in academic rigour and profound real-world impact, Professor Saikia has shaped a generation of scholars whose influence extends across the Indo-Pacific.