BETHESDA, MD – February 4, 2026 | The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF) is pleased to announce that Bo Yuan, PhD, FACMG , has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award , an honor recognizing exceptional innovation that advances the field of genetic and genomic medicine. The award is named for Michael S. Watson, MS, PhD, FACMG, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics’ first and longstanding Executive Director, whose leadership helped shape modern clinical genomics.
Dr. Yuan is an Associate Professor in the Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC) and the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, where he also serves as Clinical Laboratory Director of the HGSC Clinical Laboratories and Clinical Director at Baylor Genetics. A dual board-certified clinical cytogeneticist and molecular geneticist, Dr. Yuan earned his PhD and completed his ABMGG-accredited fellowship training at Baylor under the mentorship of Dr. James R. Lupski.
Dr. Yuan’s work is distinguished by his pursuit of innovation that directly enhances clinical care. He has led the discovery and characterization of multiple novel genetic disorders, including Yuan-Harel-Lupski syndrome and Alazami-Yuan syndrome, expanding scientific understanding of disease mechanisms and improving diagnostic possibilities for affected families.
More recently, he pioneered a whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based clinical assay for FGF14 -related repeat expansion disorders, establishing a critical diagnostic pathway for individuals with previously undiagnosed neurologic presentations.
At the intersection of genomics and artificial intelligence, Dr. Yuan is a national leader in developing and implementing AI-driven tools that improve the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of genetic diagnoses. His contributions include the development and expansion of AI-MARRVEL, a knowledge-driven machine-learning system used to support molecular diagnoses for Mendelian disorders. His ongoing projects utilize reasoning Large Language Models (LLMs) to streamline the labor-intensive review of genetic data and medical literature.
Dr. Yuan has also produced groundbreaking proof-of-concept work in pharmacogenomics, demonstrating how customized generative AI models can deliver precise, actionable interpretations for clinicians, an approach that is poised to shape future pathways for personalized medicine.
“It is my greatest privilege to be recognized by the ACMG with this award that celebrates innovation,” said Yuan. “We are at a transformative moment where surging technologies such as AI and Large Language Models are revolutionizing how we understand and practice genomics and medicine. I am thrilled and humbled to be part of the effort to streamline laboratory workflows and provide more accessible, actionable results for families facing genetic disorders.”
“Dr. Yuan’s work exemplifies the type of forward-thinking innovation that is essential to the future of medical genetics and genomics,” said Melissa T. Forburger, CAE, SHRM-CP, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. “By advancing tools that integrate genomics, artificial intelligence, and clinical care, his contributions are helping to move our field toward faster diagnoses, more precise insights, and improved outcomes for patients and families.”
“Dr. Yuan embodies the spirit of the Watson Award through his exceptional ability to translate visionary scientific ideas into tools and technologies that meaningfully improve patient care,” said Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG, President of the ACMG Foundation. “His innovations in artificial intelligence, genomic diagnostics, and disease discovery are shaping the future of our field. We are honored to recognize his transformative contributions to genetic and genomic medicine.”
About the Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award
The Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award recognizes individuals whose pioneering work is moving the field of genetics and genomics forward in bold, visionary ways. Established in honor of Dr. Michael S. Watson, ACMG’s inaugural Executive Director and a champion for innovation, implementation, and equitable access to genomic medicine, the award celebrates achievements that meaningfully improve clinical care, scientific understanding, and public health.
About the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine
Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is a prominent authority in the field of medical genetics and genomics and the only nationally recognized medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics. The only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization, the ACMG provides education, resources and a voice for more than 2,500 clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education and clinical research, and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health.
Genetics in Medicine and Genetics in Medicine Open , a gold open access journal, are the official ACMG journals. ACMG’s website, acmg.net , offers resources including policy statements, practice guidelines, and educational programs.
The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine works to advance ACMG educational and public health programs through philanthropic gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals.
Note to editors : To arrange interviews with experts in medical genetics, contact ACMG Communications Director, Judy Froehlich, MBA at jfroehlich@acmg.net.