Nominations for the 2026 ASHG Professional Awards are open through April 17, 2026
Join your fellow members in celebrating exceptional science and its impactful applications for the greater good. These prestigious awards honor outstanding contributions, and winners will have the opportunity to present their work at the ASHG Annual Meeting.
Who can submit a nomination?
Any ASHG member, regardless of career stage, membership type, or experience with the Society. You may submit more than one nomination.
Who can be nominated?
Any ASHG member. Non-member nominations are permitted for the Advocacy Award only. Unsure of someone's membership status? Email membership@ashg.org. Please note: ASHG does not bestow posthumous awards.
Review Process & Timeline
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 status in late Summer 2026, with public announcements of award recipients following soon after.
What's new this year?
The ASHG Awards Committee has updated the application form and process for the 2026 Professional Awards. Key changes include:
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New, specific application questions designed to directly address award eligibility and judging criteria.
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These questions must now be completed by both nominators and references.
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Traditional recommendation letters have been replaced with a structured set of award‑specific questions to ensure consistency and clarity across submissions.
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Mentorship Award nominees will now be required to submit a comprehensive list of their mentees, including contact information.
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As part of the new process, mentees will be contacted to confirm whether they support the nomination.
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What to have ready for a nomination submission:
Please review the updated application questions and required materials for each award to prepare for submitting a nomination.
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Nomination form including the nominee’s basic information (name, email, institution, degree) and questions addressing eligibility and judging criteria
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Two professional references familiar with the nominee’s contributions to advocacy in human genetics
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*reference requirements will vary by award
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References must answer questions addressing eligibility and judging criteria in place of a traditional recommendation letter.
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The nominee’s CV (provided by the nominee)
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Confirmation that, to your knowledge, the nominee has behaved consistently with the standards articulated in the current ASHG Code of Ethics. All nominees will be informed of professional conduct expectations for awards.
ASHG Professional Awards
Click each to learn more about the qualifications and criteria for each award.
ASHG Advocacy Award — honors individuals or groups of individuals who have exhibited excellence and achievement in promoting the science of human genetics and its application for the common good.
ASHG Education Award — recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to human genetics education.
ASHG Scientific Achievement Award — recognizes remarkable scientific achievements in human genetics that have occurred during the last 10 years. The awardee’s work should have had a demonstrable impact on the scientific direction of the field and/or other scientists.
ASHG Early Career Award — recognizes early-career scientists who have made contributions during the first decade as independent investigators.
ASHG Mentorship Award — recognizes individuals at all academic ranks who have a significant record of accomplishment as a mentor and have demonstrated a sustained pattern of exemplary mentorship.
ASHG Lifetime Achievement Award — the top prize given by ASHG. It recognizes individuals who have made substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics, carried out over a sustained period of inquiry and productivity.
Questions?If you have questions about the ASHG awards nomination process, contact Candelaria Moralez, Associate Director of Governance & Special Projects, at cmoralez@ashg.org. |