AGBT Announces 2026 Precision Health Next Gen Leadership Award Recipients

Awards recognize emerging scientists advancing genomics, precision medicine, diagnostics and data-driven approaches to human health

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Genome Partnership today announced the recipients of the 2026 AGBT Precision Health Next Gen Leadership Awards, recognizing emerging scientists whose research advances understanding of human disease and explores new applications of genomics, data science and artificial intelligence in precision medicine.

Recipients receive support for registration, lodging and travel to attend the AGBT Precision Health Meeting, present their research and connect with leaders across the genomics community.

2026 Next Gen Leadership Award recipients:

• Christa Caggiano — Postdoctoral Fellow, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Javan Carter — Bioinformatic Scientist, RTI International
• Han Chen — Graduate Student, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
• Julianna Dunbar — Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Washington
• Qualia Hooker — Graduate Student, Van Andel Institute
• Emmanuel Kuufire — PhD Student, Tuskegee University
• Quang Huy Nguyen — PhD Candidate, Auburn University
• Devansh Pandey — PhD Candidate, The University of Texas at Austin
• Rashi Verma — Postdoctoral Researcher, Morehouse School of Medicine
• Abdoulaye Yalcouyé — Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University

“These awardees well represent the next generation of scientists working at the intersection of genomics, medicine and technology,” said Richard Wilson, AGBT Precision Health co-chair, chair of The Genome Partnership board and executive director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Their work reflects the tremendous potential of genomic science to improve human health. Bringing emerging scientists into the conversations happening at AGBT Precision Health is essential to moving the field forward.”

“This award gives me the opportunity to learn from leaders in genomics and precision medicine, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and gain new perspectives that strengthen my research and growth as a scientist working to improve global health through genomics and artificial intelligence,” said Emmanuel Kuufire, a PhD student at Tuskegee University.

The AGBT Precision Health Meeting convenes clinicians, researchers and technology innovators to exchange ideas, build collaborations and accelerate the translation of genomic advances into clinical impact.

About AGBT

AGBT is organized by The Genome Partnership, a not-for-profit organization advancing research, education and innovation in genome science and technology.