Founder's Award
Section on Statistics in Genomics and Genetics
American Statistical Association
Purpose of the Award
The annual Section on Statistics in Genomics and Genetics (SSGG) Founder's Award honors a member whose leadership and service have significantly impacted SSGG, the field of statistical genetics and genomics, and more broadly, biomedicine and public health. The award acknowledges an individual's commitment and contributions, beyond research, in shaping the section's direction and in influencing the broader statistical and genomics/genetics communities. The award is intended to celebrate achievements that have a lasting impact, extending beyond the immediate term of service in any leadership roles within the section.
Award Criteria
- Service and Impact on SSGG and ASA: The awardee will have demonstrated prolonged and consistent involvement with the SSGG resulting in a sustained and positive impact on SSGG. Additional service and impact in ASA will also be considered.
- Service, Leadership and Impact within the Broader Community: The awardee will have made consistent contributions, beyond their research, to the development and success of the broader statistical genetics and genomics community. Contributions may include education, mentorship, advocacy, policy development, medical or public health practice, or other non-research contributions. A record of serving in various leadership roles or capacities within the broader community is desired.
Both award criteria will be evaluated equally; the awardee cannot be missing in either. The award may not be given to a sitting member of the Founder's Award Committee or a sitting member of the ASA SSGG Executive Board.
Selection Process
Nominations: Open to all SSGG members, a call for nominations will be made at the beginning of each year. Nomination letters should contain detailed justifications and endorsement(s). Nomination letters should contain a list of people who can be contacted to verify the candidate’s credentials and to provide additional information.
Review Committee and Selection Process: The review committee consists of four members: the past SSGG chair, the current SSGG chair, the current senior MEC co-chair, and the immediate past awardee. The past SSGG chair will be the chair of the review committee. The review committee will review the nominations and decide on the winner, ideally by February of each year. This will allow time to notify the candidate so that they can make plans to travel to the StatGen section conference (if held) in early May.
Announcement and Presentation: The winner is announced and honored at the SSGG annual StatGen Conference in May of each year. If the meeting is not held, then the winner is honored at the SSGG business meeting at JSM in August.