The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), is pleased to announce continued support from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and H3Africa for the ASHG Developing Country Awards Program. Through their continued support, an additional 25 genetics trainees and/or early- to mid-career investigators who are currently working in developing countries within Africa will be able to attend the ASHG 2020 Annual Meeting, taking place October 27-31, 2020.
“Through these awards, we will continue to enhance the participation and visibility of promising African geneticists at the world’s largest genetics meeting,” said Teri Manolio, MD, PhD, 2020 Chair of the ASHG Program Committee. “Last year’s awardees added tremendously to the vitality and scientific depth of the meeting, and were very appreciative of the opportunity to meet other geneticists from across the world and discuss potential collaborations and job opportunities. We are so happy to be able to offer this experience to others for 2020.”
To be considered for an award, interested applicants must submit an abstract to the ASHG 2020 Annual Meeting by the June 11th deadline, indicate that they wish to be considered for the award, and, if granted an award, attend the meeting. The applicant must be a citizen of and currently working in a country in Africa categorized by the World Bank as having a low-income or lower-middle-income economy (LMIC). Priority will be given to members of underrepresented groups who have not attended the ASHG meeting in the past and who do not have other resources with which to attend. The ASHG Program Committee will score all abstracts and select the 25 eligible applicants with the highest abstract scores to receive the award. Each awardee will receive travel support through the H3Africa program of up to $3,000 and complimentary registration for the ASHG 2020 Annual Meeting.
Despite the global challenges we currently face, ASHG is committed to hosting a vibrant 2020 Annual Meeting – whether in person in San Diego or virtually – and just like every year, we encourage your science and lab to be at this crucial event for the genetics and genomics community. Because we recognize the possibility that an in-person meeting may prove to be impossible or inadvisable, we are simultaneously preparing for and investing in a large-scale, exciting virtual Annual Meeting, if needed. If we are unable to host an in-person event, we will announce such a shift as soon as possible. We know uncertainty is challenging and will strive to provide months of notice to help you plan.