ASCE issues call for papers; deadline may 20.

The Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy (ASCE) is now accepting nominations for the Jorge Perez-Lopez Student Award Competition.

In the graduate awards category, first prize is $600 cash and up to $400 in travel expenses to come to Miami, as well as publication of the paper in ASCE's annual report, "Cuba in Transition." Second prize is $300 cash.

In the undergraduate awards category, first prize is $300 cash and up to $400 in travel expenses, as well as publication in "Cuba in Transition." Second prize is $200.

Anyone can nominate original papers written by undergraduate and graduate students in good standing. The papers should address topics related to Cuba's domestic issues, its foreign relations, Cuban-Americans or Cuba in comparative perspectives.

Papers are expected to outline a thesis statement and present evidence or data supporting it. All nominations must follow one of the standard academic writing and citations styles; self-nominations are also welcomed.

Students who enter the competition will receive a one-year free membership in ASCE, which will entitle them to receive the group's publications and newsletter.

If they wish to attend the annual meeting in Miami, they'll also get a complimentary conference and key speaker luncheon invitation (but no travel allowance, except to first-prize winners).

Entries must be postmarked before May 20, 2009. Winners will be announced in June.

Papers will be judged by a panel of scholars on the basis of relevance, originality, quality, contribution, and clarity of presentation. A limit of 20 pages double-spaced will be strictly enforced.

Please send a hard copy of the manuscript via regular mail and an emailed Word attachment of the paper to the address below.

Details: Dr. Enrique Pumar, 2009 Student Award Committee, Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy, PO Box 28267, Washington, DC 20038. Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]. URL: www.ascecuba.org.