DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics Grant

DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Genetics Society of America
Amount: US $1,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, established by the Genetics Society of America in 2001, supports early-career geneticists by funding their participation in conferences and laboratory courses. This award honors DeLill Nasser's significant contributions to genetics, providing up to $1,000 for registration fees, travel, and accommodation. It emphasizes the importance of impactful research and productivity while considering factors like diversity and the genetic content of events attended.

Overview

Background In 2001, the Genetics Society of America established The DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics, recognizing the critical role DeLill Nasser played in the field. The award supports young geneticists in their graduate or postdoctoral career stages by subsidizing participation in conferences and laboratory courses. For virtual events, the award covers the cost of registration fees, up to a maximum of $1,000. For in-person events, the award can be used to cover travel, accommodation, and/or registration fees, up to a maximum of $1,000. DeLill Nasser was a long-time GSA member and National Science Foundation Program Director in Eukaryotic Genetics. Nasser, who died in 2000, was at the National Science Foundation for more than 22 years and has been called the “patron saint of real genetics” and a major force in the development of the field. By giving researchers time and support, Nasser enabled them to work on genetic problems, sometimes seemingly obscure, which resulted in significant progress in genetics; among many examples are her championing of Arabidopsis research and Drosophila neurogenetics. Nasser was especially supportive of young scientists, people who were beginning their careers, and those trying to open new areas of genetic inquiry. Selection Criteria In the first round, the DeLill Nasser Award Selection Committee will consider: Significance of research: Research must be in genetics and not, for example, biophysics Research with higher impact on the field would be reviewed more favorably Applicant-initiated science is an asset Productivity, based on: Publication record Letters of recommendation Other considerations: Demonstrated service and leadership (primarily for postdoctoral applicants) Seniority of student/postdoc (applicants nearing the end of their postdoctoral training or graduate degree who have been productive are generally given higher priority over those at the start of their training). In the second round, the DeLill Nasser Award Selection Committee will consider: The level of genetic content at the conference or course you would like to attend. For example, conferences or courses focusing on neuroscience or developmental biology would be given lower priority than conferences/courses with high genetic content, unless the applicant can make a compelling case. Diversity: Gender/ethnicity Geographic location/type of institution

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. GSA members who are currently graduate students or postdocs may apply for a DeLill Nasser Award.The DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics is awarded to individuals, not institutions;as such, we make the check out to the award winnerA DeLill Nasser Award may be used to attend any course or conference that would enhance the recipient’s professional development in genetics. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Only those with current membership in either the graduate student or postdoc category will be able to access the application form. Join or renew today to make your GSA membership active for now through the end of next year.

Ineligibility

Post-baccalaureates, lab technicians, or individuals who are searching for faculty positions but are no longer postdocs are not eligible.The DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics is awarded to individuals, not institutions.