One of the cornerstones of ASCE’s commitment to nurturing emerging scholarship is the Jorge Pérez-López ASCE Student Prize. Named in recognition of Jorge Pérez-López, a distinguished economist and longtime contributor to the study of the Cuban economy, the prize recognizes exceptional interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate research on Cuba. 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. ASCE particularly encourages independent research by students based in Cuba. The Review Committee reaffirms its support for the principle of academic freedom and encourages submissions from all and any theoretical and methodological persuasions.

​

About Jorge Pérez-López

Jorge Pérez-López is a highly respected economist whose work significantly advanced our understanding of Cuba’s economy, international economic relations, and development challenges. His career has been deeply committed to rigorous analysis, public service, interdisciplinary research, and mentoring young scholars. The Student Prize bearing his name reflects ASCE’s shared values of intellectual excellence, policy relevance, and support for intellectually inclusive scholarship.

​

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) and socialize with leading voices in the field of Cuban Studies.

• 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

​

Review Process

The Review Committee welcomes submissions on a rolling basis between May 1 and July 1, 2026.  All submissions are evaluated under a blind review process by the ASCE Review Committee members. For detailed information about the submission guidelines consult, Student Prize Submission Guideline page.

​

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 S. Pumar (Committee Chair and point of contact)

• Helena Solo-Gabriele

• Jorge Domínguez

• John Devereux

• Rakel Dassinger

• María Barreiro Palafox