Announcements

MDPI is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Best Paper Awards, celebrating exceptional research for its scientific merit and broad impact. After a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Academic Editors, this year’s awards showcase papers that stand out for their innovation, relevance, and high-quality presentation.

Out of a highly competitive pool, 396 winning papers have been recognized for their exceptional contributions. We congratulate these authors for pushing the boundaries of their respective disciplines.

At MDPI, we are dedicated to broadening the reach of innovative science. To learn more about the award-winning papers and explore research projects in your field of study, please visit the following links:

• Biology and Life Sciences;
• Business and Economics;
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
• Computer Sciences and Mathematics;
• Engineering;
• Environmental and Earth Sciences;
• Medicine and Pharmacology;
• Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities;
• Physical Sciences;
• Public Health and Healthcare.

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the global research community and enhance academic dialogue, MDPI journals regularly host award programs across diverse scientific disciplines. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and whose work drives the advancement of their fields.

Explore the Best Paper Awards open for participation, please click here.

Conference: 5th MMCS: New Trends in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
Date: 14–17 May 2026, Beijing Time
Conference website: https://sciforum.net/event/MMCS2026

This conference is organized by the MDPI journal Molecules (ISSN: 1420-3049, IF: 4.6, and CiteScore: 8.6) and will take place in Beijing, China, from 14 to 17 May 2026 (Beijing time).

Conference Chairs:

• Prof. Dr. Xiaoguang Lei, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, China;
• Prof. Dr. Diego Muñoz-Torrero, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Spain.

Topics of interest:
S1. Chemical biology for drug discovery;
S2. AI for drug discovery;
S3. New proximity-based drug modalities;
S4. Natural products in drug discovery;
S5. Biocatalysis for natural product and drug synthesis;
S6. Drug discovery targeting GPCRs and ion channels;
S7. DNA-encoded libraries in drug discovery;
S8. Medicinal chemistry tales.

Important dates:
Deadline for abstract submission: 13 March 2026;
Abstract acceptance notification: 27 March 2026;
Early bird registration deadline: 3 April 2026;
Covering author registration deadline: 3 April 2026;
Registration deadline: 14 May 2026.

Guide for authors:
To submit your abstract, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1319.

To register for the event, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/MMCS2026?section=#registration.

For more information, you may refer to the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/MMCS2026.

For any inquiries regarding the event, please contact mmcs2026@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 5th MMCS: New Trends in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery.

We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Tu Youyou Award. Named after Nobel Laureate Tu Youyou, whose discovery of artemisinin has saved millions of lives, this award recognizes researchers whose work advances the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, while also contributing to human health.

Prize

– CHF 100,000;
– A medal;
– A certificate.

The monetary prize will be shared equally should there be multiple recipients.

Who May Be Nominated?

– Scientists with outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Nominees must be individuals; team or group nominations are not permitted. Nominations are valid only for the current award cycle.

Who May Submit a Nomination?

– The director of the nominee’s host research institution or recognized scientists within the field.

Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nomination Materials

– A biographical sketch;
– A detailed description of the nominee’s contributions;
– 5–10 representative academic publications;
– A list of academic honors, awards, and funded projects;
– A nomination letter signed by two nominators.

How to Submit?

Submit nominations online via the following link: https://tuyouyouprize.org/nomination

Important Dates

– Nomination Deadline: 31 October 2026
– Winner Announcement: March 2027

For further information, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website (https://tuyouyouprize.org/). For any inquiries, please contact the Tu Youyou Award Team at tuyouyouaward@mdpi.com.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Chongshan Dai has been appointed Associate Editor in Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB, ISSN: 1467-3045). We look forward to his contribution to the continued success of the journal.

Prof. Dr. Chongshan Dai is a Professor and PhD Supervisor at China Agricultural University, and he completed his postdoctoral research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA. He joined China Agricultural University in 2021 and was selected for the National Young Top-notch Talents Program in 2023. His research focuses on clinically highly drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria and host immunity, encompassing both basic and applied research. He presides over a number of national-level research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program of China. To date, he has published more than 100 papers as the first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as PNAS, Cell Reports, and Environment International, among which 3 are ESI Highly Cited Papers and 1 is an F1000 Recommended Paper. His publications have received over 4,500 citations, and he holds an h-index of 37. He has filed 24 national invention patents (13 of which have been authorized) and 2 PCT patents.
CIMB is honored to publish this interview with Prof. Dr. Chongshan Dai, in which he affirmed the remarkable achievements of CIMB in recent years, provided guiding insights for the journal's long-term development, and shared profound perspectives on academic research.

The following is an interview with Prof. Dr. Chongshan Dai:

1. What sparked your interest in CIMB and motivated you to take on the role of its Associate Editor?
CIMB has published a wealth of outstanding research papers, particularly in the field of molecular pharmacology. I spend time reading the journal's publications every week, as they serve as a valuable source of new ideas and inspiration for my own research. Additionally, I believe that joining CIMB as an Associate Editor not only helps elevate my academic influence but also allows me to contribute to the journal's development. More importantly, this platform enables me to promote the latest research advances in veterinary pharmacology, helping to raise broader awareness of veterinary science and the discipline of veterinary pharmacology itself.

2. Among your various professional roles, which one do you consider the most important and fulfilling?
Looking back at all my professional roles, the time when I was a student remains the most cherished for me. Back then, my sole focus was on conducting solid research with dedication—no need to worry about research funding, no need to navigate interpersonal relationships within a team, and no sleepless nights over the research progress of others. Now, I have transitioned from a researcher who only needed to delve deep into his own small research niche to a graduate supervisor who guides and supports young researchers. This identity shift means far more than a simple change in title; it represents a complete reconstruction of my perspective on academic research.
I am acutely aware that my responsibilities now extend far beyond my own research progress—they encompass the most precious years of youth for a group of young scholars. They come to me with a passion for academic research and place their trust in me. It is only now that I truly understand the profound thoughts and sense of responsibility behind the seemingly casual words of “support and encouragement” from Academician Jianzhong Shen back in my student days. The phrase “the weight of great responsibility” is no longer an abstract concept to me; it is reflected in the careful consideration I put into every research discussion with my students, the anxiety I feel when they encounter research bottlenecks, and the in-depth thinking I devote to planning their future careers. The pressure is real—it permeates every ordinary moment: worrying about the feasibility of a research direction, caring about my students' physical and mental well-being, and questioning whether I am capable enough to be a reliable backstop for them. This kind of pressure is far more complex than the anxiety I felt when I failed to obtain experimental data as a student, because it involves the lives and futures of others. Whenever the weight feels overwhelming, I reflect on my own academic journey: how Professor Xilong Xiao's teachings of “delving deep into research” shaped me, and how Academician Shen's guidance illuminated my path. I then realize that this pressure is actually the price of passing the academic torch, and also a testament to this inheritance. The journey from being a mentee to a mentor is arduous, but every step is meaningful and worthwhile.

3. Scientific research often brings immense pressure, affecting both graduate students and their supervisors. What advice do you have for stress management in academic research?
It is true that many researchers, especially faculty members, are under tremendous research pressure today—this pressure stems not only from various institutional evaluations at universities, but also from the responsibilities of supporting their families. Therefore, I advise young faculty members to arrange their time rationally and maintain an open mind when facing such pressure. For graduate students, I encourage them to seize this invaluable opportunity to conduct high-quality research under the guidance of their supervisors, broaden their academic horizons, and strive to be pioneers in their research fields.

4. Throughout your academic career, which people or experiences have had the most profound impact on you?
In my academic journey, I first express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Xilong Xiao. His teaching that “one must delve deep into research” has been a constant guiding principle for me. I also owe a great deal to Academician Jianzhong Shen, the leader of our research team. Academician Shen has always provided me with unwavering support and encouragement. Despite his extremely busy schedule, he never neglects to care for every young faculty member in the team. He is like a lighthouse, standing at the forefront of the discipline and guiding our research direction. Whenever I encounter research bottlenecks or fall into self-doubt, Academician Shen can always perceive it keenly and help me cut through the confusion with his broad and insightful academic perspective. His support and encouragement are never empty words; they are translated into concrete guidance, including full support in terms of research resources, and his constant affirmation that “you can do it”. It is this strong backing from the core of the team that has given me the courage to forge ahead in the turbulent sea of scientific research.

5. In your opinion, what is the key element of a high-quality research paper? Is it groundbreaking findings with great scientific value, or an ingenious research design combined with proficient writing skills?
I believe that an ingenious research design is crucial for a high-quality research paper. Groundbreaking findings with great scientific value are undoubtedly the ultimate pursuit of every researcher, yet such breakthroughs are often serendipitous—they require the right time, place, and people, and even a touch of luck. An ingenious research design, however, is a solid foundation that we can actively cultivate and master. A sophisticated research design can endow an ordinary research phenomenon with new explanatory power and make an understudied research direction full of potential through a unique perspective. More often than not, great scientific discoveries do not stem from the innovation of research tools, but from a transformative shift in research perspective.

6. What advice do you have for young researchers in this field?
Based on my own academic experience, I would like to offer the following suggestions for young scholars:

• Arrange your time rationally to cope with various pressures with a relaxed mindset.
• Continuously learn the latest advances in the field to enhance your professional competence. In particular, against the backdrop of the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our discipline, opportunities and challenges coexist. It is therefore extremely important to learn how to adapt to and integrate artificial intelligence into research to avoid being left behind.
• Balance work and rest appropriately. Always remember that health is the foundation of all endeavors.

We are pleased to announce the winner of the 2025 Best Cover Award. The winner of the Best Cover Award will receive CHF 500.

The best cover is as follows:
“Meroterpenoids from Terrestrial and Marine Fungi: Promising Agents for Neurodegenerative Disorders—An Updated Review”
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(2), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47020096
by Daniela Dimitrova, Simeonka Dimitrova, Gabriela Kehayova and Stela Dragomanova
Issue 2 (February 2025)

Congratulations to the winner for the excellent research!

We would like to thank everyone for their participation.

As a pioneer in open access publishing, MDPI maintains rigorous publication standards. This mission relies on the dedication and expertise of our reviewers, who invest their time and knowledge to ensure the quality and integrity of the research we publish.

In 2025, over 209,000 reviewers contributed to the peer-review process at MDPI, providing more than 1.3 million review reports for our journals. To express our gratitude, MDPI’s Reviewer Recognition Program highlights reviewers across over 400 journals, featuring those who have assessed at least one manuscript and agreed to be acknowledged.

In addition, MDPI has identified its Top 1000 Reviewers of 2024 to recognize those whose expertise, dedication, and thoughtful evaluations were particularly outstanding.

Many journals have also established Outstanding Reviewer Awards to honor our reviewers’ commitment to publication excellence. Together with the Exceptional Reviewer List, we showcase the importance of reviewers’ work and their time and dedication.

These initiatives serve to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude towards the whole reviewer community. In recognition of their contributions, we also welcome new researchers to join this community. If you would like to contribute to open access publishing, learn more about the reviewers’ benefits and sign up to join us.

Conference: The Society for Research on Biological Rhythm 2026 Biennial Meeting
Date: 9 May 2026–13 May 2026
Location: Amelia Island, Florida, USA

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating in the 2026 Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR), taking place from May 9–13, 2026, at the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, Florida, USA.

As one of the world’s leading international forums for the exchange of cutting-edge scientific information, the SRBR Biennial Meeting brings together researchers from all areas of chronobiology to share the latest advances in biological rhythms research.

The SRBR Biennial Meeting provides an opportunity to:

• Attend an outstanding scientific program;
• Learn about the most recent and often advances in biological rhythms. This year’s meeting will feature Circadian Medicine that will mark its emergence as a new important area of chronobiology;
• Meet and interact with internationally distinguished researchers and scientists.

Visit our booth to discover MDPI’s latest publications, Special Issues, and open access initiatives in chronobiology, circadian medicine, and related fields. Our editors will be on hand to discuss your research and answer any questions about publishing with MDPI.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Clocks & Sleep;
• CTN;
• IJTM;
• IJMS;
• Neurology International;
• NeuroSci;
• CIMB;
• Life.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit https://srbr.org/2026-biennial-meeting/#.

MDPI is delighted to announce its participation in the 12th Molecular and Cell Biology Symposium, which will take place from 26 to 27 March 2026, in Porto, Portugal.

The conference is organized by the students of the Doctoral Program in Molecular and Cell Biology at ICBAS, extending a bold invitation: “Drafting the Tomorrow of Science”.

If you are attending the conference, we invite you to visit us. Our representatives, Dr. Jesus Garcia and Ms. Lacey Li, will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, the benefits of open access, and our commitment to advancing biology research.

In addition, on 26 March, Dr. Jesus Garcia will host a workshop titled “Responding to Reviewers' Comments in Open Access Publishing” from 11:00 to 12:00 (Day 1). Ms. Lacey Li will give a 10-minute presentation about MDPI and our journals Biology and Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB) on 27 March from 10:20 to 10:30. The presentation will take place in the main conference room. We eagerly await your arrival.

For more information about the conference, please visit its official website: https://www.i3s.up.pt/event.php?v=384#Program.

We are delighted to announce the winners of the CIMB 2026 Travel Award. This award supports early career researchers by facilitating their participation in key international conferences in molecular biology in 2026, enabling them to present their outstanding work and engage with the global scientific community.

Please join us in congratulating the following winners:

1. Dr. Alireza Shoari from the Mayo Clinic, USA
   • Conference: The 2026 ASBMB Annual Meeting;
   • Presentation title: “Engineered TIMP-1 Variants Targeting MMP-9 with Enhanced Specificity: A Dual-Targeting Strategy for Improved Breast Cancer Therapy”.

2. Dr. Kunj Bihari Gupta from the Augusta University, USA
   • Conference: AACR Annual Meeting 2026;
   • Presentation title: “From Metal to Malignancy: How ROS and inflammatory cytokines accelerate Cadmium-induced Prostate Carcinogenesis”.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the awardees. Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB, ISSN: 1467-3045) is proud to support their research dissemination and looks forward to the impact of their presented work. We also thank all applicants for their high-quality submissions.