ASHG Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the top prize given by the American Society of Human Genetics. The award is presented annually to recognize substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics, carried out over a sustained period of scientific inquiry and productivity. The recipient is presented with an engraved medal and a monetary award of $25,000 at the Society’s Annual Meeting. It is customary to publish a manuscript of their acceptance presentation in The American Journal of Human Genetics. Formerly known as the William Allan Award.

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.

Past Awardees

Judging Criteria

1. Ground-breaking/foundational discoveries that changed the path of genetics
2. Novel ideas/approaches that had a continuous and far-reaching impact on the field
3. Sustained scientific productivity over decades
4. Cultivation and mentorship of the next generation of scientists

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 (500 words max for each)

1. Provide a narrative for why the nominee is qualified for the Lifetime Achievement
   Award.
2. Describe any ground-breaking or foundational discoveries by the nominee that
   significantly changed the trajectory of genetics research or practice.
3. How has the nominee demonstrated sustained scientific productivity over multiple
   decades, and what evidence best illustrates this long-term contribution?
4. How has the nominee’s work demonstrably influenced the scientific direction of
   human genetics or impacted other scientists in the field?
5. Can you provide examples of how the nominee has cultivated and mentored the
   next generation of scientists, and the impact of these efforts on the field?