ASHG Early Career Award

The ASHG Early Career Award recognizes scientists who are in the early stages of their careers as independent investigators. The candidate must not have been an independent investigator for more than 10 years and the work submitted for consideration must have been primarily the product of the candidate’s independent lab. The awardee will receive a plaque and a monetary award of $10,000 at the Society’s Annual Meeting.

All nominees must be current ASHG members.

Past Early Career Awardees

Judging Criteria

1. The candidate fulfills the basic requirements for candidacy:
   1. The candidate must not have been an independent investigator for more than 10 years. Consideration should be given for hiatuses in research career (e.g. due to medical concerns, family care, disability, etc.).
   2. The work submitted for consideration must have been primarily the product of the candidate’s independent lab.
2. The candidate’s work has a significant impact on the field of human genetics.
   1. Significance can be assessed based on factors such as: innovation, impact of work on the scientific field, collaborations, etc.
3. The candidate has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring and training the next generation of scientists.
   1. Candidate’s trainees, teaching and other mentoring related activities within the lab.
   2. Involvement in various mentoring opportunities outside the lab.

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 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 for each)

1. Provide a narrative for why the nominee is qualified for the Early Career Award.
2. Can you confirm that the nominee has been an independent investigator for no
   more than 10 years, and that the work submitted for consideration is primarily the
   product of their independent lab?
   1. If applicable, can you provide context regarding any career hiatuses (e.g.,
      medical, family care, disability) and how these have been considered in
      evaluating the nominee’s achievements?
3. How has the nominee’s research significantly impacted the field of human
   genetics? Please describe specific examples of innovation, influence on scientific
   direction, or notable collaborations.
4. In what ways has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to mentoring and
   training the next generation of scientists, both within their lab and through external
   opportunities?