The Association for the Study of Health and Demography in the Former Soviet Union (“ASHDFSU”) invites submissions for its inaugural, and hereafter annual, essay competition for the best paper on any aspect of health and demographic- related issues in any country or countries of the former Soviet Union. The competition is open to all interested parties, including, but not restricted to, faculty, independent scholars, graduate students and individuals professionally employed in the field of health and demography.

Submissions should not exceed 35 pages in length and be sent postmarked no later than October 1, 2004 to the address given below.

The winning essayist will be announced and honored at the annual meeting of ASHDFSU held in conjunction with the national convention of the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies, Boston, Massachusetts, December 4-7, 2004. The winning essayist will also receive a cash prize of $150.00.