Second Young Investigator Awards

All applicants must be currently enrolled graduate students (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) or those who received their M.Sc. or Ph.D. in the last 5 years, and must be primarily responsible for the research described. Employees and immediate family members of QIAGEN cannot participate in the contest. This is an international contest. Submissions to the Awards are admitted from any researcher regardless of age, gender, country of origin, background or religion. The research described in the submission must fall within the HID & forensics using NGS and multiplexing technologies. Incomplete submissions or those that do not meet the requirements will be rejected. This program is void where prohibited by law. Individuals or entities classified as healthcare professionals or healthcare organizations under any applicable laws or industry codes of ethics may not participate in this program. Each applicant or entrant is responsible for confirming that their participation is permitted by their respective University or organization rules.

To enter the contest, complete the application found below. Only one entry per representative will be considered. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. We will accept submissions received exclusively through the online form and no later than June 10, 2022. The winners will be selected according to the judging process outlined below and notified by telephone call or email from QIAGEN.

Our distinguished panel of experts in the field of HID and forensics will review and select the winners. Members of the judging committee are unbiased and have no conflicts of interest with any participants. A list of judges can be found here. Entries will be graded based on: Scientific merit of the proposed project (30 pts), originality/innovation (20 pts), the likelihood of successfully conducting the proposed research (15 pts), the application of NGS technology (15 pts), and potential for impact within the forensic community (20 pts).

We are generously donating a combined instrument and reagents prize package worth up to US$ 60,000. The awardee can select one prize package from the following:

• Get a QIAGEN instrument for use in your NGS workflow (QIAquant, QIAxcel or QIAexpert) plus reagents, with a combined value of up to US$ 60,000:
  • Option 1: Verogen library prep kits and sequencing reagents up to US$ 30,000 and access to a MiSeq FGx sequencer with analysis software plus training
  • Option 2: QIAseq sequencing reagents including the option to customize your own library prep panel through our GeneGlobe platform up to US$ 30,000 Or
• Reagents only prize: You get to choose sequencing reagents from QIAGEN or QIAGEN—Verogen products, including the option to customize your own QIAseq library prep panel through our GeneGlobe platform, up to US$ 40,000

The prize award is based on our product list prices with no additional or existing discount.

Applications will be accepted from February 15 through June 10, 2022. The winner and two runners-up will be announced at >the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) 2022 Congress, Washington DC, September 01, and will receive flights to Washington DC and accommodation for up to two nights

All taxes, including, without limitation, federal, state, and local taxes on or in connection with the prize, are the sole responsibility of the winning entry. The sponsor reserves the right to substitute any prize of equal or greater value in its sole discretion. No cash prize alternative will be awarded and the prize is not transferable. The sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and modify the contest at its sole discretion. By participating in the award, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the sponsor from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the contest, including any errors in the administration of the promotion, printing errors, and technical errors, and the winner and his or her entry agree to release and hold harmless the sponsor as well from receipt or use of any prize awarded and further agrees to the disclosure of the name of the winning entry. QIAGEN is only permitted to facilitate, pay or reimburse for reasonable and actual travel and accommodation, as outlined by the MedTech Code of Ethics. Under the code, QIAGEN can only make these payments to the employer of the awardee. The Official Rules are governed by, and must be construed in accordance with, the laws of Germany. Entrants agree that all disputes arising from or in connection with this contest and the prize awarded must be heard in a state or federal court of Germany. This contest is void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: The contest is sponsored by QIAGEN GmbH, Qiagen Str. 1, 40724 Hilden, Germany.

Any personal data will be processed by QIAGEN and Verogen in accordance with the applicable data protection laws, as detailed in QIAGEN Privacy Policy. Personal data of the participats shall be processed:

1. to award and settle the prize and announce the names of the winners pursuant to Art.6.1.b. of the GDPR
2. to participate in the contest – pursuant to Art. 6.1.f of the GDPR

For all winner(s), QIAGEN publishes the following information: a) name, b) name of institution, c) their activities in relation to the award of the prize, d) prize amount. Participants hereby irrevocably grant to QIAGEN and Verogen:

1. the unrestricted right and permission to copyright, make, reproduce, publish, republish, broadcast and otherwise use photos and recordings of the participant or in which the participant may be included intact or in part, composite in character or form, in conjunction with the participant's own, or reproduction hereof, made through any and all media now or hereafter known for illustration, art, promotion, advertising, trade, corporate communications, social media or any other purpose whatsoever;
2. the right and permission to the use of any written information (including without limitation, quotations, product or information) material in connection with the above;

provided that such photos and recording are use for the purpose of the QIAGEN Young Investigator Award and promotional activities.

Participant waives any right to examine or approve the completed product or products or the copy or printed matter that may be used in conjunction with the or the use to which it may be applied.