Peter Byers receives 2020 Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award

Dr. Peter H. Byers's, professor (Medical Genetics) research in connective tissue disorders is known internationally, but his leadership and mentoring roles in service to ASHG are just as distinguishing.

He has made life-long contributions human genetics and genomics research, including decades of volunteer leadership and engagement in ASHG and other professional societies.  He is a leading advocate for the training of future researchers, clinicians and molecular geneticists.

Currently, he serves as the founding director of the University of Washington Collagen Diagnostic Laboratory, one of the first academic diagnostic laboratories engaged in evaluation of people with heritable connective tissue disorders.  Within this focus, he has trained many clinicians, graduate students, and fellows. 
 
The ASHG Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award is bestowed upon an individual who has exhibited exemplary leadership and vision in advancing the ASHG mission through the promotion and successful assimilation of genetics and genomics knowledge into the broader scientific community in areas ranging from science, medicine, public policy, and/or health.