The Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust (PRSTRT) has received the 2025 Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award from Esri, a global leader in geographic information systems (GIS). The award recognition highlights the groundbreaking work of the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU) in applying geospatial technology to monitor, prevent, and respond to the dengue outbreaks on the island.

Out of more than 700,000 Esri users worldwide, PRSTRT was selected as one of only 197 awardees this year. The Trust was nominated for its leadership in enabling PRVCU’s advanced GIS applications, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Workforce, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Online, and Survey123, which helped PRVCU gather essential field data to monitor populations of the Aedes aegypti, a critical component to the dengue response.

“This award is the result of PRVCU’s vision and the tireless work of its team to protect lives through science and data,” said César Piovanetti, Chief Information Officer of PRSTRT. “Thanks to the close collaboration between our IT team, PRVCU experts, and GMTGIS, we built and implemented tools that made a measurable difference during a critical public health emergency.”

“We’re proud that Esri has recognized Puerto Rico as a global example of how public health and technology can work hand in hand,” said Dr. Grayson Brown, Executive Director of PRVCU.

“This award belongs to the entire team that worked every day to turn complex data into actionable items and science-based, smarter decisions.”

Dr. Julieanne Miranda, Associate Director of the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit added that “This award recognizes how GIS has strengthened our response to the dengue outbreak. It has helped us act quickly, maximize resources, and protect the communities.”

Esri President and Founder Jack Dangermond personally requested nominations through the company’s industry teams, U.S. regional offices, and international distributors. Each nomination underwent a rigorous evaluation process, and the Trust was selected as an outstanding example of GIS leadership and innovation.

This marks the second time PRSTRT and PRVCU have received and Esri SAG Award, the first being in 2018.

In collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), PRVCU used GIS to integrate entomological, epidemiological, and community data. This allowed for fast, targeted interventions- especially in the most affected areas- during Puerto Rico’s most severe dengue season in over a decade.

The award was presented at the 2025 Esri User Conference in San Diego, California, which brought together more than 15,000 geospatial technology professionals.

“This recognition reinforces our mission to serve as catalyst for innovation in Puerto Rico. Using the best platforms and tools is part of that commitment. It aligns with our mission to invest in and facilitate the capabilities needed to boost our economy, through research, entrepreneurship, education, and public health. We are honored by this recognition!” said Lucy Crespo, CEO of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

The Trust remains committed to supporting high-impact projects that harness science and technology for Puerto Rico’s sustainable development.