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.

DNA Day Essay Contest: Applications closed on March 6, 2024.
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!

ASHG Board of Directors Service: Applications and nominations for service in 2025 closed on March 18, 2024.
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.

ASHG Committee Service: Applications and nominations for service in 2025 closed on March 18, 2024.
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.

Advocacy Certificate for Human Genetics & Genomics Trainees (ACGT) Program: Applications for the 2024 cohort closed on January 5, 2024. 
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.

Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship: Applications for the 2024-2026 fellowship closed November 30^th, 2023.
The American Society of Human Genetics (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.

Genetics Education and Engagement Fellowship: Applications for the 2024-2026 fellowship closed November 30^th, 2023.
ASHG and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) co-sponsor the Genetics Education and Engagement Fellowship to support early-career genetics professionals wishing to transition to careers in genetics education and public engagement.

Genomics Communications Fellowship: Applications for the 2024-2026 fellowship closed November 30^th, 2023.
ASHG and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) co-sponsor the Genetics Education and Engagement Fellowship to provide an opportunity for science professionals to become skilled in human genomics communications. Fellows will actively participate in the development and dissemination of innovative and newsworthy communications products to help people learn about genomics and its expanding role in science, medicine, and society.

Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellowship: Applications for the 2024-2026 fellowship closed November 30^th, 2023.
The Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellowship program is for recent undergraduates to gain exposure to and training in multiple career paths that advance public service for human genetics and genomics. Training will focus on services for the public benefit, especially those provided by governmental and nonprofit organizations.

Human Genetics Scholars Initiative: Applications will open Spring 2024.
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.

ASHG Annual Awards: Nominations for 2024 will open in late March.

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.

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