The ASHG Advocacy Award honors individuals or groups of individuals who have exhibited excellence and achievement in promoting the science of human genetics and its application for the common good. The awardee will receive a plaque and a monetary award of $10,000 at the Society’s Annual Meeting.
Areas of advocacy may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Promoting the importance of genetics and an understanding of genetically based healthcare in society at large
- Increasing public awareness of ethical, legal, and policy-related issues in genetics
- Promoting the importance of funding for biomedical research
- Spearheading, shepherding, or implementing genetics policy or legislation
- Improving familiarity with genetics research and genetic testing among a broad range of audiences
Nominees need not be members of ASHG.
Required Nomination Materials
- a formal letter of nomination addressing why the candidate is qualified for this award (500 words maximum)
- the nominee’s CV
- at least one (up to three) reference letter from those who are familiar with the nominee’s contributions to advocacy in human genetics (each 500 words maximum). One reference must be an ASHG member.
Judging Criteria
- Has exhibited excellence and achievement in promoting the science of human genetics and the common good.