The competition nurtures young scientists around the globe- QIAGEN-Verogen generously donated a combined instrument and reagents prize package worth up to $ 60,000
- Three young forensic scientists have been recognized for work in human identification (HID) and forensics
Germantown, Maryland, and Hilden, Germany, September 5, 2022 — QIAGEN today announced the winners of its second Young Investigator Awards (YIA). The winner and two runners-up were recognized for their outstanding scientific work using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in human identification (HID). The competition encourages and supports new generations of forensic scientists who show potential to make a lasting impact on human identity and forensics. The three finalists were honored during the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) Congress in Washington D.C.
The 2022 Young Investigator Award went to Maria Martin Agudo, a PhD candidate at the Department of Forensic Sciences (Forensic Genetics Research Group), Oslo University Hospital in Norway. Haley Omeasoo from The University of Montana, USA and Chiara Fantinato from the Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Norway, were the two runners-up. All three finalists received all-inclusive invitations to the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) Congress.
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to contribute to the careers of these brilliant young scientists,” said Dr. Thomas Schweins, Senior Vice President and Head of QIAGEN’s Life Sciences Business Area. “We are firmly convinced that cultivating upcoming generations of researchers is the best investment in the future of life science, to the benefit of the scientific community and human wellbeing worldwide.”
A distinguished panel of judges selected the three from more than 80 global applications. The panel included QIAGEN’s Young Investigator Ambassador, Dr. Sheree Hughes; ISFG Vice President, Prof. Dr. Walther Parson; Emerging Technologies Ambassador, Prof. Dr. Bruce R. McCord; 2019 YIA Winner and Ambassador, Dr. Margreet van den Berge and Forensics Ambassadors, Dr. Kathryn Stephens and Dr. Bruce Budowle.
Maria Martin Agudo aims to highlight the value of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) models in complex scenarios. Her doctoral project, “New methods to interpret forensic DNA profiles using advanced computer modeling techniques,” focuses on applying advanced statistics and bioinformatics tools to analyze MPS forensic data.
“Winning the Young Investigator Award is a great honor and a decisive boost for the work we’re conducting. This award gives me the opportunity to pursue my research ambitions” said Maria Martin Agudo.
Haley Omeasoo works on applying her expertise in forensic and molecular anthropology to assist in solving cold cases and repatriating Native American remains back to their homelands. She plans to continue her PhD research to advance HID in critical areas such as identifying Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and human remains exhumed at residential school.
Chiara Fantinato’s project aims to improve DNA evidence interpretation in criminal cases at the activity level. Her research focuses on increasing knowledge about DNA and bodily fluids transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery. The outcome of her project will help investigators and courts evaluate evidence relevant to alternative hypotheses about the mode and timeline of crime events.
QIAGEN’s leadership in human ID & forensics
QIAGEN addresses the diverse needs and challenges in crime scene investigation and HID, covering every step in the workflow. The company has actively supported the development of global forensic standards to improve accuracy and help criminal justice and missing person identification – from crime scene to closure.
QIAGEN is a global provider of innovative Sample to Insight solutions for human identity and forensics. The comprehensive, forensic grade portfolio for NGS, sample collection, DNA purification and assay is underpinned by a wide range of automation options to support customers at every step on their forensic journey.
QIAGEN has granted awards to young scientists annually for several years, encouraging advances in molecular science. Among other recognitions, the second YIA offers a scholarship opportunity to support young investigators. QIAGEN-Verogen generously donated a combined instrument and reagents prize package worth up to $ 60,000. For more information on the awards and winners, please visit: https://www.qiagen.com/us/applications/human-identity-and-forensics/investigator-community/young-investigator-awards
About QIAGEN
QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life. Our sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective workflows. QIAGEN provides solutions to more than 500,000 customers around the world in Molecular Diagnostics (human healthcare), Applied Testing (primarily forensics), Pharma (pharma and biotech companies) and Academia (life sciences research). As of June 30, 2022, QIAGEN employed more than 6,100 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information can be found at http://www.qiagen.com.
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