Indian American scientist Rhina Kaur, a researcher at Howard University College of Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Next Gen Leadership Award by the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT). The award recognizes early-career scientists who show exceptional promise in genomics and related fields.
Kaur’s research focuses on methylation dysregulation and imprinting disorders—key areas in understanding how genetic modifications influence gene expression and disease development. As part of her award, she will present her work at the AGBT General Meeting, one of the world’s leading genomics conferences, which fosters collaboration and professional growth among emerging scientists.
The 2025 Next Gen Leadership Award recipients represent diverse areas of genomic research, including cancer genomics, synthetic biology, and precision health. Other awardees include scientists from institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the University of Nairobi.
“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding researchers,” said Len Pennacchio, AGBT board member and senior scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “Their work is shaping the future of genomics.”
As an Indian American scientist, Rhina Kaur’s recognition highlights the growing contributions of South Asian researchers in the field of genetics and molecular biology. Her work at Howard University is paving the way for new discoveries in genomic medicine.
