By Abdallah el-Kurebe I July 31, 2025 I The International Potato Center (CIP) has announced the launch of the 2023–2024 Best Sweetpotato Scientific Paper Competition, inviting researchers across the globe to submit outstanding scientific publications focused on sweetpotato innovations and impact.
The competition aims to highlight and reward top-tier scientific research that advances the understanding, development, and application of sweetpotato in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods—especially in low- and middle-income countries. The winning entry will receive a $500 cash prize, to be presented at the International Symposium on Tropical Root and Tuber Crops (ISTRC) scheduled to hold in India, from 17–21 November 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify:
The submitted paper must have been published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2023 or 2024.
Lead authors must be scientists working on sweetpotato research in low- or middle-income countries, whether affiliated with CIP or external institutions.
Papers co-authored by Dr. Jan W. Low are acceptable, but she may not be the lead author.
Both single and co-authored papers are eligible. If multiple authors are involved, the prize may be shared equally or proportionally, based on the authors’ agreement.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should submit:
- A PDF copy of the published paper.
- A cover letter addressed to the Chair of the Selection Committee, containing:
Full citation details of the publication.
Names, ages, gender, affiliations, mailing addresses, emails, and phone numbers of all co-authors.
A proposed breakdown of the prize amount among co-authors (if not equally shared).
Application Deadline: Submissions are open until further notice, but early application is advised.
Send applications via email to:
Lilia Salinas – l.salinas@cgiar.org
Award & recognition
Prize: $500 (USD) for the winning paper’s lead author or shared among co-authors.
Recognition: Formal announcement and award presentation at the 2025 ISTRC Symposium.
Visibility: Winning paper will be highlighted on CIP’s platforms and global sweetpotato research networks.
Application Link
All competition details and future updates can be accessed at the official competition page:
https://cipotato.org/event/2023-2024-best-sweetpotato-scientific-paper-competition
This is a unique opportunity for researchers committed to improving sweetpotato science and its transformative potential for global food and nutrition security.
