In January 2023, as part of its response to the Facing Our History – Building an Equitable Future initiative findings, ASHG suspended the use of individual names for all of its awards, pending review of any affiliation with eugenics or other harms. Until decisions are made about a naming policy and practice, ASHG’s awards have only descriptive titles. While that review occurs, this award will be referred to as the Trainee Awards for Excellence in Human Genetics Research. Formerly, it was the Charles J. Epstein Trainee Awards for Excellence in Human Genetics Research.
ASHG honors excellence in research conducted by predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees (including genetic counseling trainees) through merit-based awards that recognize highly competitive abstracts submitted and presented at the ASHG Annual Meeting. Currently, the total value of ASHG’s Trainee Awards is approximately $70,000 annually.
Abstract scoring is completed by the Program Committee, and about 60 top-ranking trainee-authored abstracts (semifinalists who receive $750 plus complimentary Annual Meeting registration) are submitted to the Awards Committee, which then selects 18 finalists (who receive an additional $250) prior to the Annual Meeting. Finalists’ presentations are judged by Awards Committee members at the Annual Meeting and six winners receive an additional $1,000 each.
Semifinalists and finalists are notified in July and August and may pick up their awards at the Annual Meeting. Otherwise, they will be sent their awards after the Annual Meeting (Note: We do not send awards early).
2022 ASHG/Trainee Awards for Excellence in Human Genetics Research Finalists/Semifinalists
Past ASHG/Trainee Awards for Excellence in Human Genetics Research Awardees
Nomination Requirements
Nominees can find the option to apply for the Trainee Awards for Excellence in Human Genetics Research in the abstract submission form. The deadline to submit is June 8, 2023.
Nominees must:
- Be an ASHG member and not more than six years in postdoctoral training.
- Be the first author on a submitted abstract (to be considered, trainees must check the appropriate box when submitting their abstract).
- Supply the name and email address of a nominator/mentor (the nominator must be able to verify the trainee’s work). The nominator does not need to be an ASHG member.