ASHG Scientific Achievement Award

The Scientific Achievement Award is presented yearly for remarkable scientific achievements in human genetics that have occurred during the last 10 years. The work could be a single major discovery or may be a series of contributions on a similar or related topic. The awardee’s work should have had a demonstrable impact on the scientific direction of the field and/or other scientists. The awardee will receive a plaque and a monetary award of $10,000 at the Society’s Annual Meeting and it is customary to publish a manuscript of the presentation in The American Journal of Human Genetics. Formerly known as the Curt Stern Award.

Past Awardees

All nominees must be current ASHG members. This award is given on a yearly basis but can be omitted in any given year at the discretion of the Board.

Judging Criteria

1. The primary criterion is outstanding scientific achievements in human genetics that have occurred during the last 10 years.
2.  The work could be a single major discovery or may be a series of contributions on a similar or related topic.
3. The awardee’s work should have had a demonstrable impact on the scientific direction of the field and/or other scientists.
4. Although not a strict rule, awardees will generally have been an independent investigator for 10-20 years, and consideration will focus on scientific achievements as an independent investigator.
5. Consideration should be given for hiatuses in research career (e.g. due to medical concerns, family care, disability, etc).

Required Nomination Materials

• Nomination form including the nominee’s basic information (name, email,
  institution, degree) and questions addressing eligibility and judging criteria
• Two references familiar with the nominee’s long-term contributions to human
  genetics
  • References must answer questions addressing eligibility and judging criteria
• The nominee’s CV (provided by the nominee)

Questions for nominator and references (300 words max each)

1. Provide a narrative for why the nominee is qualified for the Scientific Achievement
   Award.
2. Can you describe the nominee’s most outstanding scientific achievements in
   human genetics during the last 10 years, and why you consider them significant?
   Were these achievements the result of a single major discovery or a series of related
   contributions? Please provide examples and context.
3. How has the nominee’s work demonstrably influenced the scientific direction of
   human genetics or impacted other scientists in the field?