Singapore-headquartered intergovernmental rubber group, International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), is inviting academicians, young economists and researchers to submit rubber-related economic research under the hashtag #IRSGforResearch. This year, the theme the association has selected is “How can rubber smallholders achieve sustainable development through rubber farming.” The deadline for submissions of papers is December and announcement of the award will be next March with a cash award of S$3,000.
And while candidates have freedom to choose their own topics, provided they are relevant for the rubber sector, preference will be given to those papers addressing research questions that fall under the association’s theme.
Salvatore Pinizzotto, IRSG Secretary-General, said, “This is a project of great importance to IRSG. It aims to generate innovative approaches to address development related issues in rubber producing countries and the contribution of the rubber sector to the Sustainable Development Goals that are the cornerstone of the IRSG Sustainability Agenda”.
Sandana Dass, CEO, R1 International that will provide the cash prize for the award, adds that smallholders are at the very core of the rubber industry. “Yet, we are lacking innovative and practical solutions to alleviate their hardship, especially during low rubber prices. I hope this call for an independent study can offer some sound ideas that can be implemented for their betterment,” commented Dass.
The IRSGforResearch is open to all economists and researchers in social sciences who are in the process of completing a PhD or who have completed their degree in the last five years, with proven interest in the area of rubber economics. The candidate should submit a paper in English which should not exceed 15,000 words.
All submissions should be sent to IRSGforResearch@rubberstudy.com not later than December 13, 2019. Results will be announced on March 2, 2020. The winner of the award will be presented with S$3,000 and an Award Certificate.