Kiely N. James, PhD, FACMG Honored with 2025 Richard King Award for Outstanding Trainee Publication in Genetics in Medicine

Kiely N. James, PhD, FACMG, has gained significant recognition by being awarded the esteemed Richard King Trainee Award for 2025. This prestigious accolade is conferred by the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine. Established to support burgeoning talent in the field of genetics, the award seeks to encourage trainees from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) and its international counterparts. Moreover, the foundation aims to promote high-quality research contributions to “Genetics in Medicine” (GIM), an official journal associated with the ACMG. The journal serves as a critical platform where innovative findings and methodological advancements are shared, directly impacting the trajectory of future genetic research.

The selection process for the Richard King Trainee Award is rigorous. Each year, the editorial board meticulously reviews every article published in GIM by eligible trainees who serve as either first or corresponding authors. This evaluation culminates in the identification of one distinguished manuscript deemed to exhibit exceptional merit. Dr. James has emerged as this year’s awardee due to her insightful article titled “Genome sequencing detects a wide range of clinically relevant copy-number variants and other genomic alterations.” This groundbreaking study was made available online in GIM in January 2024, demonstrating the rapidly advancing capabilities of genetic sequencing technologies.

Dr. James, a distinguished scientist in her own right, holds an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and completed her PhD in Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Her academic journey did not end there; she dedicated several years to gaining invaluable research and clinical experience in human genetics, primarily at UC San Diego and the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine. This formative period laid the foundation for her subsequent fellowship in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics at the University of Colorado, Anschutz. Following this prestigious fellowship, Dr. James returned to UCSD in 2023, where she now serves as the Associate Director of Medical Genetics and Genomics and carries the title of Assistant Clinical Professor.

Her research interests are diverse, centering on rare diseases, somatic mosaicism, and the burgeoning field of genetic diagnostic technologies. The convergence of these specialties exemplifies her commitment to understanding and combating the complexities of genetic disorders, positioning her as a leading figure in the ongoing narrative of advancements in genetic medicine. Dr. James articulates a clear vision for her work, emphasizing the paramount importance of diligent assessment of diagnostic tests in enhancing patient outcomes.

In her acceptance of the Richard King Trainee Award, Dr. James expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the ACMG Foundation and GIM. Her recognition highlights the collaborative nature of scientific endeavors and underscores her commitment to a future where high-quality genetic assessments translate into tangible health improvements for patients. The mention of her colleagues at Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine during her remarks speaks volumes to the spirit of teamwork and shared ambition that characterizes cutting-edge research today.

Robert D. Steiner, MD, FAAP, FACMG, who serves as the editor-in-chief of GIM, publicly congratulated Dr. James for her exceptional achievements. Steiner noted the fierce competition for the award, pointing out that numerous talented trainees submitted outstanding work. This sentiment reflects a wider trend within the scientific community, where early-career professionals are encouraged to contribute their most innovative research to top-tier journals. The impact of nurturing such talent cannot be overstated, as it paves the way for a new generation of scientists dedicated to advancing genetic and genomic medicine.

The Richard King Trainee Award bears significant cultural and historical weight within the genetic research community, named in honor of Dr. Richard King, who played a crucial role in establishing GIM as well as serving as its founding editor-in-chief. The recognition of King’s contributions not only celebrates his achievements but also serves as an ongoing inspiration for new generations of researchers who strive to replicate such excellence in their work.

The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, which administers the award, is a nonprofit entity dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare through the integration of medical genetics and genomics. Founded in 1992, the foundation aims to fulfill the mission of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) to “translate genes into health.” Its endeavors include promoting charitable donations, facilitating training opportunities, disseminating knowledge on medical genetics, and sponsoring vital research initiatives.

By emphasizing the significance of genetic medicine within the broader healthcare framework, the foundation plays a crucial role in fostering community engagement and attracting future medical geneticists and genetic counselors to the field. The collaborative ethos promoted by the ACMG Foundation and its commitment to educational outreach ensures a vibrant future for genetic research and healthcare alike.

In conclusion, the recognition bestowed upon Dr. Kiely N. James by the ACMG Foundation through the Richard King Trainee Award is a testament to her significant contributions to the field of genetic medicine. As research continues to evolve and uncover new pathways to diagnosis and treatment, the efforts of dedicated professionals like Dr. James serve as an inspiring reminder of the transformative potential of genetic and genomic medicine in enhancing patient care.

As we look towards the horizon, it becomes crucial to support initiatives aimed at advancing the field while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. By investing in the future of genetic medicine, we can aspire to create a healthier world driven by scientific knowledge and technological progress.

Subject of Research: Genetic Sequencing and Clinical Applications
Article Title: Genome sequencing detects a wide range of clinically relevant copy-number variants and other genomic alterations
News Publication Date: Not specified
Web References: https://www.gimjournal.org/article/S1098-3600(23)01022-5/abstract
References: Not specified
Image Credits: Not specified

Keywords: Medical genetics, Clinical research, Scientific publishing, Genetic diagnostics, Rare diseases, Somatic mosaicism

Tags: ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicinecopy-number variants studyemerging talent in geneticsexceptional merit in genetics publicationsGenetics in Medicine journalgenetics trainee recognitiongenomic alterations researchKiely N. Jamesmedical genetics awardsresearch contributions in geneticsRichard King Award 2025rigorous selection process for awards