Recognizing Excellence in Toponymy: The 2025 Ignacio Guzmán Betancourt Award

 For researchers in the field of toponymy and onomastics, the Seminario Interinstitucional de Onomástica (SIO) has announced the 2025 Ignacio Guzmán Betancourt Award, an important recognition for outstanding theses in place name studies. This prestigious award honors research in geographical names and linguistic heritage, encouraging academic excellence in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as scholars from other regions who have contributed to Latin American
toponymy.

Who Can Participate?

The award is open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students whose theses focus on toponymy and were successfully defended between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Participants must have conducted research related to Latin American or Caribbean place names, although scholars from other regions who have worked on this subject are also eligible.

Categories and Requirements

The competition includes three categories:
✔ Best Undergraduate Thesis
✔ Best Master’s Thesis
✔ Best Doctoral Thesis

Each category may have up to two honorable mentions, depending on the jury’s decision. To enter, applicants must submit a PDF copy of their thesis along with supporting documents, including proof of identity, academic certification, recommendation letters, and a 250-word summary outlining the research’s significance.

How to Submit?

📅 Submission Deadline: June 2, 2025, at 24:00 (Mexico City time)
📩 Submission Email: premio.ignacioguzmanbetancourt@gmail.com
📜 Format: PDF only

Only complete applications will be considered. The SIO committee may request additional verification documents if necessary.

Award Ceremony and Recognition

The results will be announced via email and the official SIO website. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. International winners may attend virtually.

Winners will receive a diploma, official recognition from leading onomastics experts, and, if possible, a publishing opportunity in academic journals or book series related to onomastics and toponymy.

Encouraging Innovation in Place Name Studies

The Ignacio Guzmán Betancourt Award represents a prestigious opportunity for students and scholars to have their work recognized by experts in the field. By promoting research in place names and linguistic heritage, the award helps preserve and advance the study of toponymy in the Spanish-speaking world.

For more details, visit the Seminario Interinstitucional de Onomástica (SIO) or contact the committee at premio.ignacioguzmanbetancourt@gmail.com.