BETHESDA, MD – February 25, 2026 – The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Foundation (ACMGF), in partnership with the open-access journal Genetics in Medicine Open (GIM Open), proudly announces Dr. Qiliang (Andy) Ding as the inaugural recipient of the 2026 Rising Scholar Trainee Award. This prestigious new accolade honors the most outstanding research publication by a trainee published in GIM Open during the previous calendar year, marking a significant milestone in recognizing early-career contributions to the field of medical genetics and genomics.
The establishment of the Rising Scholar Trainee Award reflects ACMGF’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence among emerging leaders in genetic and genomic medicine. Eligible candidates include those currently enrolled in accredited training programs recognized by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACMG), or international equivalents, as well as individuals within the first year post-training. The award recognises publications where the trainee is listed as first author, co-first author, or corresponding author, emphasizing scholarly leadership and scientific impact.
Dr. Ding, currently a Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, exemplifies the exceptional breadth of expertise and dedication that the award seeks to applaud. Holding a PhD in Genetics from Cornell University, Dr. Ding combines rigorous academic training with hands-on experience as a genome analyst at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research focuses on the clinical implementation of cutting-edge genomic technologies, particularly emphasizing sophisticated data analytics and bioinformatics techniques designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility.
The selection committee, comprising editors from GIM Open, rigorously evaluated submissions for their scientific novelty, methodological innovation, and potential to advance patient-centered genomic medicine. Dr. Ding’s work stood out due to its integration of novel analytical pipelines with scalable genomic data interpretation frameworks poised to revolutionize diagnostics in laboratory genetics. The methodological rigor and translational impact of his research highlight a proactive approach to bridging bioinformatics innovations and clinical applications.
Dr. Ding himself expressed profound gratitude for the honor, crediting his mentors and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic for their unwavering support. He articulated a forward-facing vision focused on leveraging emergent technologies to refine genomic diagnostics. This aligns with the broader goals of medical genetics to synergize technological advancements and clinical acumen for improved patient outcomes through personalized medicine paradigms.
In the words of Bo Yuan, PhD, FACMG and Editor-in-Chief of Genetics in Medicine Open, “Dr. Ding’s innovative approaches and methodological rigor set a new benchmark for early-career investigators. His research embodies the transformative potential of genomic technologies in clinical settings, heralding a new era of precision medicine that is both equitable and accessible.” This endorsement underscores the influential role that early-career scientists can play in shaping the future of the discipline.
The Rising Scholar Trainee Award not only celebrates individual achievement but also emphasizes a collective mission to cultivate an environment that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within medical genetics. By highlighting exemplary scholarly contributions, the award promotes a culture of fairness and respect that is essential for scientific innovation and collaboration.
The ACMG Foundation, established in 1991, carries a longstanding legacy in enhancing medical genetics through education, advocacy, and research funding. As the philanthropic arm of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the foundation channels resources towards initiatives that expand the reach and impact of genetic and genomic medicine, ensuring the integration of these specialties into broader healthcare infrastructures.
Genetics in Medicine Open, as a gold open access platform, provides an essential venue for disseminating cutting-edge research without barriers, enabling global access to high-impact scientific discoveries. The partnership between the ACMG Foundation and GIM Open fortifies the commitment to accelerating knowledge transfer and nurturing the next generation of researchers whose work propels the field forward.
Through recognition programs such as the Rising Scholar Trainee Award, the ACMG Foundation and Genetics in Medicine Open jointly reaffirm their dedication to fostering a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive community of scholars. This collaborative effort not only advances scientific knowledge but also enhances clinical practices by bridging benchside discoveries with bedside applications.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ding’s award-winning research sets a precedent for how early-career investigators can drive meaningful progress in medical genetics and genomics. With an emphasis on rigorous methodology, technological innovation, and clinical relevance, his work exemplifies the transformative potential that genomics holds for personalized medicine and improved healthcare outcomes worldwide.
The announcement of this inaugural award comes at a pivotal time when genomic technologies are rapidly evolving and becoming integral to clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. By supporting early-career investigators like Dr. Ding, the ACMG Foundation is helping to ensure that the field continues to innovate and adapt responsibly to emerging scientific opportunities and challenges.
This recognition also serves as inspiration for trainees and young investigators globally, highlighting that impactful and high-quality research during formative career stages is not only possible but actively valued by leading professional organizations and journals dedicated to genomic medicine.
Subject of Research: Clinical implementation and data analytics of emerging genomic technologies
News Publication Date: February 25, 2026
Web References: https://www.acmgfoundation.org/, https://www.acmg.net/, https://www.acmgfoundation.org/ACMGF/Awards-We-Offer/Training-Awards-Fellowships/ACMGF/Awards/Training-Awards-Fellowships.aspx?hkey=ce7090e7-ae81-48bd-9a96-58dbee63f191
Image Credits: ACMG Foundation
Keywords: Genetics, Genomics, Medical Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Bioinformatics, Data Analytics, Laboratory Genetics, Precision Medicine, Early-Career Research, Medical Diagnostics
