Qiliang (Andy) Ding, PhD, named recipient of the 2026 ACMG Foundation Rising Scholar Trainee Award

This new annual award recognizes the most outstanding research publication by a trainee published in Genetics in Medicine Open during the preceding calendar year.

2026-02-25

(Press-News.org) BETHESDA, MD – February 25, 2026 | The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF), in partnership with Genetics in Medicine Open (GIM Open), is pleased to announce Qiliang (Andy) Ding, PhD, as the inaugural recipient of the 2026 Rising Scholar Trainee Award. This new annual award recognizes the most outstanding research publication by a trainee published in Genetics in Medicine Open during the preceding calendar year.

The Rising Scholar Trainee Award was established to support early-career investigators and to recognize high-quality scholarly contributions in medical genetics and genomics. Eligible individuals include trainees enrolled in ABMGG- or ACGC-accredited programs (or international equivalents), as well as individuals in their first year post-training, who served as first author, co-first author, or corresponding author on an eligible publication. Award recipients are selected by a committee of GIM Open Editors based on scientific impact, publication novelty, methodological innovation, and contributions to research that promote an environment of respect and fairness.

Dr. Ding is an ACGME Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He earned his PhD in Genetics from Cornell University and previously worked as a genome analyst (research associate) at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. His research interests include the clinical implementation of emerging genomic technologies, with a particular focus on data analytics and bioinformatics.

“I am truly honored and deeply grateful to the ACMG Foundation and Genetics in Medicine Open for this recognition,” said Dr. Ding. “I would like to thank Dr. Wei Shen, PhD, FACMG, and the team at the Mayo Clinic for their mentorship and support. As a Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellow, I am committed to advancing genomic diagnostics through innovative technologies and look forward to contributing to the field as a laboratory geneticist.”

“Dr. Ding's work exemplifies exceptional innovation and methodological rigor in genetic and genomic medicine, pushing the boundaries of our field with novel technologies that hold great promise for advancing patient care,” said Bo Yuan, PhD, FACMG, Editor-in-Chief, Genetics in Medicine Open. “His work demonstrates outstanding scholarly excellence at this early career stage and clearly positions him as a rising leader in medical genetics and genomics.”

Through this award, the ACMG Foundation and Genetics in Medicine Open reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering innovation, equity, and excellence in genetic and genomic medicine by supporting the next generation of leaders in the field.

About the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and ACMG Foundation

Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is a prominent authority in the field of medical genetics and genomics and the only nationally recognized medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. The only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization, the ACMG provides education, resources and a voice for more than 2,500 clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education and clinical research, and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health.

Genetics in Medicine and Genetics in Medicine Open, a gold open access journal, are the official ACMG journals. ACMG’s website, acmg.net, offers resources including policy statements, practice guidelines, and educational programs.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine works to advance ACMG educational and public health programs through philanthropic gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Note to editors: To arrange interviews with experts in medical genetics, contact ACMG Communications Director, Judy Froehlich, MBA at jfroehlich@acmg.net.

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