One of the cornerstones of ASCE’s commitment to nurturing emerging scholarship is the Jorge Pérez-López ASCE Student Prize. Named in honor of Jorge Pérez-López, a distinguished economist and longtime contributor to the study of the Cuban economy, the prize recognizes exceptional undergraduate and graduate research on Cuban economic and related social issues.

The competition is open to students from around the world and is evaluated through a blind peer-review process, ensuring academic rigor, fairness, and independence.

 

About Jorge Pérez-López

Jorge Pérez-López was a highly respected economist whose work significantly advanced the understanding of Cuba’s economy, international economic relations, and development challenges. Throughout his career, he was deeply committed to rigorous analysis, public service, and mentoring young scholars.

The Student Prize bearing his name reflects ASCE’s shared values of intellectual excellence, policy relevance, and support for the next generation of researchers.

 

About the Prize

Each year, ASCE awards the Jorge Pérez-López Student Prize to the author(s) of the most outstanding undergraduate and graduate papers addressing Cuba-related topics. The prize is designed not only to recognize excellence, but also to provide students with meaningful professional opportunities and exposure.

Prize recipients receive:

• A cash award

• Travel and lodging support to attend ASCE’s Annual Conference in Miami, Florida

• The opportunity to present their research at the Annual Conference (in person or virtually)

• One year of ASCE membership

• Publication in Cuba in Transition, ASCE’s annual proceedings

 

Why Participate?

The Jorge Pérez-López Student Prize offers students a unique platform to engage with an international community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners focused on Cuba.

Participants benefit from:

• Increased visibility for their research

• Constructive feedback from experts in Cuban and comparative studies

• Professional networking opportunities

• A chance to contribute to informed dialogue on Cuba’s economic and social transformation

 

ASCE particularly encourages independent research by students based in Cuba, as well as submissions from emerging scholars worldwide.

 

Topics of Interest

Submitted papers may address a wide range of themes, including but not limited to:

• Cuba’s domestic economic and social issues

• Economic reform, public policy, and institutional change

• Cuba’s foreign relations and international economic engagement

• Cuban-American issues

• Comparative perspectives involving Cuba and other countries

 

Review Process

All submissions are evaluated under a blind review process conducted by ASCE members. The current Review Committee includes:

• Enrique Pumar

• Helena Solo-Gabriele

• Jorge Domínguez

 

Student Prize Committee

Final selections are made by the ASCE Student Prize Committee, composed of senior scholars with extensive expertise in Cuban and comparative studies. Current committee members are:

• Enrique Pumar (Chair)

• Helena Solo-Gabriele

• Jorge Domínguez

• Rakel Dassinger

• María Barreiro Palafox