AWARDS, LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, AND FELLOWSHIPS

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) offers multiple programs to enable members and others in the community to interact, provide leadership, be recognized, and connect with one another. Below is a list of activities, awards, leadership opportunities, and fellowships offered by ASHG.

An ASHG Portal login is required to access the submission webpages for each program. This is the login you used if you have joined/renewed an ASHG membership. Your username is the email address associated with your membership. Click here to create an ASHG Portal account. Upon login, you will be asked to give the submission system permission to access your ASHG account information.

Human Genetics Scholars Initiative: Now accepting applications through June 16, 2023   
ASHG, in partnership with NHGRI, Biogen, GSK and Roche is pleased to provide the Human Genetics Scholars Initiative, a program created to help advance diversity and inclusion in the field. The program will identify, mentor, and help prepare a select group of high-potential, diverse early-career individuals for professional success. In addition, scholars will develop and sustain a community of researchers across generations committed to diversity and inclusion, who are willing to foster sustained attention to these issues in their research institutions and training programs. Meet the 2019-2022 scholars.

Genetics & Public Policy Fellowship: Applications for the 2023-2024 fellowship will open later this year.
Submit our Fellowships Interest Form to receive notifications about application windows. ASHG and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) co-sponsor the Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship to give genetics professionals an opportunity to contribute to the policy-making process. The fellowship is designed as a bridge for genetics professionals wishing to transition to a policy career. This unique fellowship provides three separate types of experiences: time spent in the National Institutes of Health within the Executive Branch; a staff position on Capitol Hill serving elected officials in the Legislative Branch; and experience working with ASHG in the non-profit science advocacy sector.

Genetics Education & Engagement Fellowship: Applications for the 2023-2024 fellowship will open later this year.
Submit our Fellowships Interest Form to receive notifications about application windows. ASHG and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) co-sponsor the Genetics Education & Engagement Fellowship to support early-career genetics professionals wishing to transition to careers in genetics education and public engagement. This unique fellowship provides several experiences: working with NHGRI’s Education and Community Involvement Branch; working with the education department at ASHG; and an optional third experience working with another organization involved in substantive science education or public engagement initiatives. 

ASHG Annual Awards: Nominations closed May 11, 2023.

After the submission deadline, the ASHG Awards Committee reviews all nominations, which are ultimately approved by the ASHG Board of Directors. Nominees and nominators will be notified of their nomination's status in late summer 2023 and a public announcement of award recipients will follow soon after. 

Since 1962, ASHG has honored outstanding achievements in the field through its annual awards. ASHG members are invited to nominate their colleagues for these prestigious awards. In addition to monetary prizes, awardees are invited to give a brief presentation at the ASHG Annual Meeting and receive complimentary travel to and registration for the meeting.

ASHG Committee Service: Applications for committee service in 2024 closed March 21, 2023. Nominees will be notified of their application's status in late summer. 
Each year, ASHG members are invited to submit nominations to serve on an ASHG committee. Applications (self-nominations) are encouraged. Serving on an ASHG Committee is a great way to get involved with Society activities, build your network across institutions and countries, and contribute your expertise to the collective advancement of our field. We are committed to ensuring that the composition of ASHG committees reflects the diversity – scientifically and otherwise – of our membership, and believe that a diverse leadership structure provides the variety of perspectives and ideas needed to develop high-quality programs.

ASHG Board of Directors Service: Applications/nomination form for 2024-2026 Board of Directors service closed March 21, 2023. An election of candidates by ASHG membership will take place in July 2023. 
ASHG is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the President, President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, the Past President, Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Society, including one trainee member and one early-career member. Board members are elected for a three-year term. ASHG members are invited to apply and nominate colleagues for Board candidates. An annual election is held with candidates rising from these applications.

DNA Day Essay Contest: Submissions are closed. Winners will be announced in late April.
ASHG is proud to support National DNA Day through the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. This contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. Essays are expected to be well-reasoned arguments that indicate a deep understanding of scientific concepts related to the essay question. They are evaluated by ASHG members through three rounds of scoring. Submit your essay today!

Advocacy Certificate for Human Genetics & Genomics Trainees (ACGT) Program: Applications for 2023 closed January 6, 2023.
The Advocacy Certificate for Human Genetics and Genomics Trainees (ACGT) is a program for trainee ASHG members that will provide an introduction to science policy and advocacy and help trainees build their professional skills. The ACGT program is designed for trainees who are interested in pursuing a research or clinical career but who would like to explore policy and what it means to be an advocate for human genetics and genomics research.

Should you have any questions about ASHG's programs, please contact society@ashg.org for assistance.