Mayo Clinic Fellow Dr. Qiliang Ding Honored With Inaugural 2026 ACMG Foundation Rising Scholar Trainee Award

Mayo Clinic fellow Dr. Qiliang Ding receives the 2026 Rising Scholar Trainee Award from the ACMG Foundation for outstanding research in genomic medicine.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 9:14 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Inaugural Recognition for Early Career Genomic Research

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, in collaboration with the journal Genetics in Medicine Open, has officially launched the Rising Scholar Trainee Award to highlight the work of emerging scientists. Dr. Qiliang (Andy) Ding, a fellow at the Mayo Clinic, has been selected as the first individual to receive this distinction for his scholarly contributions during the previous calendar year. This award was specifically designed to provide a platform for trainees and first-year post-graduates who are pushing the boundaries of clinical genetics through peer-reviewed publications.

Rigorous Selection Criteria for Genomic Excellence

Recipients of this honor are chosen by a specialized committee of editors who evaluate submissions based on several high-level metrics. According to the foundation, the selection process prioritizes scientific impact, the novelty of the publication, and innovation in research methodology. Furthermore, the committee looks for work that actively promotes an environment of fairness and respect within the medical community. To be eligible, a candidate must have served as a primary or corresponding author while enrolled in an accredited genomic training program or during their initial year of professional practice.

Academic and Professional Background of the Awardee

Dr. Ding brings an extensive academic pedigree to his current role as a Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Before his fellowship, he earned a doctorate in Genetics from Cornell University and contributed to the scientific community as a genome analyst at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. His professional focus remains at the intersection of emerging genomic technologies and data analytics. According to Dr. Ding, his primary career objective involves the clinical implementation of these technologies to refine diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes through advanced bioinformatics.