The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has announced the distinguished recipients of its 2025 Professional Awards, celebrating extraordinary contributions to genetics and genomics research, education, mentorship, and advocacy. These awards highlight individuals whose work is transforming our understanding of the human genome and propelling innovations that impact both scientific knowledge and clinical practice. The seven honorees, recognized for their leadership, scientific excellence, and dedication to advancing human genetics, will be formally acknowledged at the ASHG 2025 Annual Meeting held in Boston from October 14-18.
The ASHG Lifetime Achievement Award honors the profound and long-lasting scientific impact of Dr. Harry (Hal) Dietz, a leading figure at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Dietz’s pioneering research on Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders has been instrumental in elucidating the genetic architecture underpinning these complex conditions. His groundbreaking identification of genes responsible for syndromic vascular connective tissue diseases, including Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome, has not only deepened our comprehension of disease mechanisms but also laid a foundation for therapeutic interventions. Critically, his team’s uncovering of targetable cellular signaling pathways associated with aortic aneurysm pathogenesis introduced novel treatment paradigms validated by clinical trials, substantially improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the field.
Recognized for exemplary leadership in genomics, Dr. Eric Green, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), receives the ASHG Leadership Award. Dr. Green’s visionary stewardship over more than 15 years has expanded NHGRI’s research portfolio dramatically, emphasizing translational genomics and genomic medicine implementation. His influential role in the Human Genome Project and ongoing efforts to integrate genetics into clinical and biomedical settings catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate discoveries that bridge laboratory science and patient care. Under his guidance, NHGRI has enhanced global partnerships, supporting next-generation scientists driving innovation in genomics and precision medicine.
The ASHG Scientific Achievement Award goes to Dr. Mike Talkowski, whose cutting-edge work at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute has propelled forward the fields of cytogenetics, genomics, and genomic medicine. His research explores structural genomic variation—a complex layer of human genetic diversity that influences disease susceptibility and phenotypic variation. Dr. Talkowski’s leadership in high-impact consortia, including gnomAD and the Autism Sequencing Consortium, has unveiled critical insights into neurodevelopmental disorders, fetal anomalies, and rare diseases. By developing non-invasive fetal sequencing techniques and sophisticated methods for detecting and interpreting genetic variants, his contributions enhance diagnostic precision and inform therapeutic strategies in personalized medicine.
The award for excellence among emerging investigators, the ASHG Early Career Award, honors Dr. Elizabeth Bhoj of the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Bhoj’s translational research aims to identify novel genetic syndromes and improve diagnostic frameworks for complex pediatric disorders. Her work is significant in delivering actionable genetic insights that provide affected families with clarity regarding medical conditions previously undiagnosed or misunderstood. Dr. Bhoj also fosters global clinical collaborations, mentoring early-career professionals and physicians, thereby expanding local capacities for genomics-based research and clinical care in diverse populations.
In the domain of genetics advocacy, Dr. Anthony Wynshaw-Boris from Case Western Reserve University is recognized with the ASHG Advocacy Award. Dr. Wynshaw-Boris has been a formidable force in championing genetics research and policy through his leadership roles within ASHG, including Chair of the Government & Public Advocacy Committee and ASHG President. He advances genetics science by fostering dialogue between scientists, lawmakers, and the public, ensuring sustained support for biomedical research. His engagement with coalitions such as the Coalition for Life Sciences exemplifies dedicated advocacy to protect funding and raise awareness about the societal benefits of genetics research.
Education remains a cornerstone of progress in genetics, and the ASHG Education Award reflects the contributions of Dr. Audrey Hendricks at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Dr. Hendricks’s innovative educational programs and curricula are designed to empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in genetics and genomics. She co-founded integrative training initiatives that combine mathematics, statistics, and biomedical informatics, facilitating interdisciplinary skills essential for modern genetics research. Her commitment to nurturing future leaders in genetics education is evident in her teaching and mentorship across multiple academic levels.
The ASHG Mentorship Award honors Dr. Carole Ober, Chair of the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Chicago, for her long-standing dedication to mentoring over a hundred students and postdoctoral fellows. Dr. Ober’s research into genetic variants influencing asthma susceptibility and fertility traits exemplifies the depth and breadth of human genetics investigation. She has successfully cultivated a legacy of trainees who have progressed to influential scientific and clinical positions, thereby perpetuating excellence and innovation within the genetics community.
These awardees exemplify the dynamism and interdisciplinary nature of modern human genetics, contributing critical insights spanning from fundamental gene discovery to translational applications impacting patient care. Their collective work underscores the power of integrative genomics approaches in unraveling complex human diseases, educating the next generation of scientists, and advocating for policies that accelerate research and innovation. As the field advances rapidly with technologies such as high-resolution genome sequencing, structural variant analysis, and precision medicine frameworks, leaders like these provide essential guidance and inspiration.
The ASHG continues to play a central role in uniting the human genetics community worldwide, fostering collaboration through its Annual Meeting and leading journals. By celebrating these scientific luminaries, ASHG not only honors past and present achievements but also highlights a trajectory of discovery and application that promises to transform medicine and deepen our understanding of the human genome.
The 2025 ASHG Annual Meeting will serve as a platform for these distinguished researchers to share their pioneering insights and strategies, facilitating exchange and partnership among genomics professionals. The conference promises a robust program featuring cutting-edge research presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities to accelerate the translation of genetic knowledge into health benefits globally.
For those interested in following the latest in human genetics research and education or seeking to engage with the fast-evolving field, the ASHG remains an essential resource. With a membership representing thousands of professionals from diverse genetics-related disciplines, its efforts drive the discovery, innovation, and responsible application of human genetic knowledge.
Media inquiries pertaining to these awards and the upcoming meeting can be directed to Evelyn Mantegani at the American Society of Human Genetics.
Subject of Research:
Genetics and genomics research including gene discovery, translational medicine, genomics advocacy, and education.
Article Title:
Outstanding Leaders in Human Genetics Honored with ASHG 2025 Professional Awards
News Publication Date:
Not explicitly specified; associated with ASHG 2025 Annual Meeting (October 14-18, 2025)
Web References:
https://www.ashg.org/membership/awards/2025-awardees/
https://meetings.ashg.org/event/ASHG25/home/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_D._Green
https://www.chop.edu/doctors/bhoj-elizabeth-j
https://case.edu/medicine/genetics/people/primary-faculty/anthony-wynshaw-boris
https://audreyhendricks.com/
Keywords:
Human genetics, genomics, genetic disorders, genomic medicine, gene discovery, translational genetics, scientific leadership, mentorship, genetics education, genetic advocacy, structural variation, Marfan syndrome
