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Advocacy Certificate for Human Genetics & Genomics Trainees (ACGT) Program
The application for the 2025-2026 program is now OPEN. Completed applications are due on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Time.
The Advocacy Certificate for Human Genetics and Genomics Trainees (ACGT) is a program for ASHG trainee members that will provide an introduction to science policy and advocacy and help trainees build their professional skills. The ACGT program is designed for trainees who are interested in pursuing a research or clinical career but who would like to explore science policy and what it means to be an advocate for human genetics and genomics research.
Program Overview
Purpose: This 12-month program will give trainees the opportunity to participate in several policy and advocacy-related activities, including a virtual Capitol Hill Day and monthly training webinars. ACGT participants will also complete their own individual advocacy project or activity that will enable deeper learning on a specific policy topic, such as drafting an op-ed or meeting with their local Congressional office.
Duration of program: September 2025 – September 2026
Start Date: September 4, 2025
Qualifications and Skills
Candidates must be a current ASHG trainee member (resident/clinical fellow, postdoc, or graduate student). The program is open to ASHG trainee members who have a U.S.-based constituency, including trainees affiliated with a university or institution in the United States or U.S. territory. There is no citizenship requirement to participate in any of the programmatic activities. No prior experience or training is required but candidates should be able to articulate their interest in policy and advocacy. ASHG expects that participants in the ACGT program will join all monthly sessions, fully participate in all Q&As and discussions, and complete all assignments. Applicants are asked to acknowledge the participation requirements in the ASHG Portal. The ASHG ACGT program seeks to identify and select individuals who are representative of the entirety of ASHG membership and the broader scientific community. Selection is made without regard to criteria such as ethnicity, race, gender, or any other discriminatory factors.
An ASHG Portal login is required to access the Advocacy Certificate for Human Genetics & Genomics Trainees (ACGT) program site. This is the login used to join the Society or renew membership. If you do not have an ASHG Portal login, you may create a new account after clicking on "Submit an Application" below and selecting the appropriate option. Upon login, you will be asked to give the submission system permission to access your ASHG account information.
Questions can be directed to:
policy@ashg.org