Announcements

Conference: The 2026 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research
Date: 8–11 June 2026
Location: Budapest, Hungary

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will participate in the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR 2026), held in Budapest, Hungary, from 8 to 11 June 2026.

The 2026 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR 2026) is a four-day congress dedicated to basic, preclinical and translational cancer research across a wide range of topics. The conference will highlight the latest research and bring together the cancer research community to inspire innovation and build knowledge, connections and collaborations.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Cancers;
• JPM;
• Current Oncology;
• Onco;
• JCM;
• Cells;
• Diseases;
• Epigenomes;
• CIMB;
• Biologics;
• Life;
• Gastrointestinal Disorders;
• Clinics and Practice;
• DNA;
• IJMS;
• Diagnostics.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #101 and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://2026.eacr.org/.

World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April, celebrates the importance of raising awareness of malaria and the preventive efforts to control the disease, with the ultimate goal of eradicating malaria worldwide.  With the development of new vaccines, treatments, malaria control tools, and pioneering technologies, ending malaria within our lifetime has become a real possibility.

In recognition of World Malaria Day, MDPI reaffirms its commitment to advancing cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research. Through open access publishing, we support the dissemination of discoveries in Public Health & Healthcare, Medicine & Pharmacology, Biology, Life Sciences, and related fields —ensuring knowledge is accessible and empowering researchers to contribute to the next generation of scientific and technological breakthroughs.

MDPI established the Tu Youyou Award in 2016 to honor Professor Tu Youyou’s remarkable contributions to human health and acknowledge exceptional scholars committed to the research fields of natural product and medicinal chemistry.

Prize:

• CHF 100,000 (to be divided equally should multiple recipients be awarded);
• An award medal and a certificate.

Nomination Deadline: 31 October 2026.

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.

Prof. Eleni Patsoula, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece	Prof. Oleksii Skorokhod, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Italy	Prof. Dr. Toshio Hattori, Roken Akanpe Nursing Home, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Dr. Kostas Eleftheratos, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), South Africa	Dr. Michael Eisenhut, Cochrane Collaboration, UK

Register for this webinar for free here!

“Diagnostic Accuracy of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for Malaria Diagnostic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
by Icha Farihah Deniyati Faratisha, Khadijah Cahya Yunita,  Hanifa Rizky Rahmawati, Loeki Enggar Fitri, Nuning Winaris and Lailil Muflikah
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2026, 18(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18010011

“Enduring Warning: A Holistic Comparison of the Establishment and Spread of P. falciparum Evolutionary Lineage Malaria in Ancient Rome and the Threat of Zoonotic P. knowlesi Malaria in Modern Southeast Asia”
by Mark Orsag, Giovanni Meledandri, Amanda McKinney and Melissa Clouse
Zoonotic Dis. 2025, 5(4), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis5040034

“Evolutionary Trajectory of Plasmodium falciparum: From Autonomous Phototroph to Dedicated Parasite”
by Damian Pikor, Mikołaj Hurla, Alicja Drelichowska and Małgorzata Paul
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2287; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092287

“Correlation of Inflammatory Biomarkers and IgG4 Antibodies with Malaria in Cameroon’s Buea Municipality Children”
by Jerome Nyhalah Dinga, Flora Ayah, Emmanuel Fondungallah Anu, Haowen Qin, Stanley Dobgima Gamua, Anthony Kukwah Tufon, Magloire Essissima Amougou and  Rameshbabu Manyam
Diseases 2025, 13(4), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13040123

“Alterations in von Willebrand Factor Levels in Patients with Malaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Disease Severity”
by Suriyan Sukati, Rujikorn Rattanatham, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Ching-Ping Tseng and Manas Kotepui
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040767

“Genetic Diversity of Potential Drug Resistance Markers in Plasmodium vivax Isolates from Panama, Mesoamerica”
by Vanessa Vásquez, Ana María Santamaría, Dianik Moreno, Fergie Ruíz, Chystrie A. Rigg, Luis F. Chaves and José E. Calzada
Pathogens 2025, 14(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14030231

“Duplication of a Type-P5B-ATPase in Laverania and Avian Malaria Parasites and Implications About the Evolution of Plasmodium”
by Mark F. Wiser
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010006

“Identification of Malaria-Selective Proteasome β5 Inhibitors Through Pharmacophore Modeling, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation”
by Muhammad Yasir, Jinyoung Park, Eun-Taek Han, Jin-Hee Han, Won Sun Park and Wanjoo Chun
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(22), 11881; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252211881

“Antimalarial Mechanisms and Resistance Status of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives”   
by Dan Zheng,  Tingting Liu, Shasha Yu, Zhilong Liu, Jing Wang and Ying Wang
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(9), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9090223

“Sensitivity Assessment of a Multiplex and Real-Time PCR Protocols for the Detection of Malaria in External Quality Control Samples in the Malaria Reference Center in Greece”
by Nikolaos Tegos, Christos Goumenopoulos, Anastasia Mpimpa, Vasilios Papavasilopoulos, Stavroula Beleri and Eleni Patsoula
Parasitologia 2024, 4(2), 150-161; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia4020013

“Targeting Plasmodium Life Cycle with Novel Parasite Ligands as Vaccine Antigens”
by Shan Khan, Manas Paresh Patel, Aleem Damji Patni and Sung-Jae Cha
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050484

“Advances in Microparasite Research”  Guest Editors: Dr. Sofia Nolasco and Dr. Inês L. S. Delgado   Submission deadline: 31 July 2026	“Malaria in a Changing World” Guest Editors: Dr. Harry Tagbor and Dr. Luiz Shozo Ozaki Submission deadline: 20 August 2026
“Genetic and Molecular Research on the Malaria Parasite” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Hajime Hisaeda and Dr. Takashi Imai Submission deadline: 20 September 2026	“Advances in Tools for Battling Malaria” Guest Editors: Dr. Wenn-Chyau Lee and Dr. Meng Yee Lai Submission deadline: 31 December 2026

MDPI is excited to announce a special webinar in celebration of World Malaria Day on 24 April 2026. This event will promote public understanding of malaria diagnosis and prevention, as well as highlight the development of pioneering technologies that have made malaria elimination possible.

Date: 24 April at 10:00 a.m. CEST | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 847 7074 5022
Webpage: https://sciforum.net/event/MWMDW

Register now for free:

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic and institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Eleni Patsoula, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece;
• Prof. Oleksii Skorokhod, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy;
• Prof. Dr. Toshio Hattori, Roken Akanpe Nursing Home, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan;
• Dr. Ashley Burke, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), South Africa;
• Dr. Michael Eisenhut, Cochrane Collaboration, UK.

Relevant Special Issues:
“Advances in Microparasite Research”
Guest Editors: Dr. Sofia Nolasco and Dr. Inês L. S. Delgado
Submission deadline: 31 July 2026

“Malaria in a Changing World”
Guest Editors: Dr. Harry Tagbor and Dr. Luiz Shozo Ozaki
Submission deadline: 20 August 2026

“Genetic and Molecular Research on the Malaria Parasite "
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Hajime Hisaeda and Dr. Takashi Imai
Submission deadline: 20 September 2026

“Advances in Tools for Battling Malaria”
Guest Editors: Dr. Wenn-Chyau Lee and Dr. Meng Yee Lai
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026

“Recent Advances in Malaria Vaccine Development—2nd Edition”
Guest Editors: Dr. Ahmad Rushdi Shakri and Dr. Dipak Raj
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026

Reproductive efficiency and fertility management remain central challenges in livestock production, wildlife populations, and human-assisted reproduction. Recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies have expanded our understanding of key reproductive processes, including gametogenesis, embryo development, and reproductive physiology, across multiple animal species, including humans. These developments not only improve reproductive outcomes but also enhance genetic preservation, animal welfare, and fertility preservation in oncology patients, among other applications. We are pleased to invite you to attend our webinar, at which we will highlight advances in animal reproduction across varied species, including (but not limited to) cattle, goats, sheep and murine models.

Date: 24 April 2026
Time: 4:00–5:30 p.m. EDT
Webinar ID: 857 1814 5918
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Webinar announcement: https://sciforum.net/event/IJMS-7?subscribe

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic or institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Feel free to still register; we will inform you when the recording is available.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Valdevane Rocha Araújo, Laboratory of Research in Reproductive Physiology (FisioRep Lab), Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Brazil;
• Dr. Fernanda Lima Alves, Higher Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ISCB), State University of Ceará (UECE), Brazil;
• Prof. Dr. Luciana Rocha Faustino, Laboratory of Research in Reproductive Physiology (FisioRep Lab), Parnaíba Delta Federal University (UFDPar), Brazil.

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In the first quarter of 2026, nine new journals released their inaugural issues and three transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of clinical medicine, chemistry, computer science & mathematics, engineering, environment & ecology, and social sciences & psychology.

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these brand-new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, ensuring impactful open access scholarship.

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 International Journal of Molecular Sciences Young Investigator Award, established to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, plant molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular medicine, and all aspects of molecular research in chemistry.

After a rigorous evaluation process, three winners have been selected.

Please join us in congratulating the following winners:

1. Miquéias Lopes Pacheco, Emory University School of Medicine, USA;
2. Bin Xue, Nanjing University, China;
3. Nan Cheng, China Agricultural University, China.

The Prize:

• CHF 2000;
• An electronic certificate.

With so many high-quality applicants, the evaluation process and final decision were challenging. We would like to thank all the nominators for their participation and the Award Committee Members for their careful evaluation of the many outstanding nominees.

We warmly congratulate the award recipients and wish them continued success in their research careers.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce the winners of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award. The Editorial Board and editorial team of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS, ISSN: 1422-0067) would also like to sincerely acknowledge the time and dedication of all reviewers who have contributed to the evaluation of submitted manuscripts. It is through their invaluable efforts that the journal maintains its high standards of quality and efficient review process.

Winners:

• Wenfang Li, Chongqing University, China;
• Athanasios A. Panagiotopoulos, University of the Peloponnese, Greece;
• Gloria Riitano, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy;
• Vijai Kumar Reddy Tangadanchu, Washington University in St. Louis, USA;
• Juie Nahushkumar Rana, Temple University, USA.

Prize:

• CHF 500;
• An electronic certificate.

We warmly congratulate the award recipients and wish them continued success in their research careers.

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing cancer research and knowledge exchange, MDPI highlights colorectal cancer in the March edition—one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. It ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with an estimated 1.9 million new cases and over 900,000 deaths each year.

Of growing concern is the steady rise in incidence among individuals under 50, a trend observed over the past two to three decades. This underscores the urgent need to better understand underlying risk factors, strengthen early detection strategies, and develop innovative diagnostic tools.

Through curated research, Special Issues, and expert-led webinars, MDPI journals continue to support collaboration across researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. Such collective efforts are essential to accelerate discoveries and translate them into meaningful action—advancing toward more effective prevention, earlier detection, and improved patient outcomes.

Keynote Speakers
Prof. Dr. Paola Patrignani, “G. d’Annunzio” University School of Medicine, Italy	Prof. Dr. William Gmeiner, Wake Forest University, USA	Dr. Eva Martínez-Balibrea, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Spain	Dr. Zoltán Wiener, Semmelweis University, Hungary

Register for this webinar for free here!

“Integrative Mechanistic Investigation of the Anticancer Effects of Panax notoginseng in Colorectal Cancer”
by Jaemoo Chun, Sarah Shin and Jeeyoun Jung
Molecules 2026, 31(5), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050807  

“Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Identifies Novel Prognostic and Diagnostic Hub Genes in Colorectal Cancer”
by Devi Lal and Himani Pandey
Onco 2025, 5(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco5040050

“A Multimodal MRI-Based Model for Colorectal Liver Metastasis Prediction: Integrating Radiomics, Deep Learning, and Clinical Features with SHAP Interpretation”
by Xin Yan, Furui Duan, Lu Chen, Runhong Wang, Kexin Li, Qiao Sun and Kuang Fuby Xin Yan, Furui Duan, Lu Chen, Runhong Wang, Kexin Li, Qiao Sun and Kuang Fu
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(8), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32080431  

“Exploring Experimental Models of Colorectal Cancer: A Critical Appraisal from 2D Cell Systems to Organoids, Humanized Mouse Avatars, Organ-on-Chip, CRISPR Engineering, and AI-Driven Platforms—Challenges and Opportunities for Translational Precision Oncology”
by Ahad Al-Kabani, Bintul Huda, Jewel Haddad, Maryam Yousuf, Farida Bhurka, Faika Ajaz, Rajashree Patnaik, Shirin Jannati and Yajnavalka Banerjee
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132163

“The Gut Microbiota and Colorectal Cancer: Understanding the Link and Exploring Therapeutic Interventions”
by Imen Zalila-Kolsi, Dhoha Dhieb, Hussam A. Osman and Hadjer Mekideche
Biology 2025, 14(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14030251

“A Novel Bacteriophage with the Potential to Inhibit Fusobacterium nucleatum-Induced Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells”
by Ho Yin Pekkle Lam, Meng-Jiun Lai, Pin-Chun Wang, Wen-Jui Wu, Li-Kuang Chen, Hsiang-Wei Fan, Chun-Chieh Tseng, Shih-Yi Peng and Kai-Chih Chang
Antibiotics 2025, 14(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14010045

“A New Blood-Based Epigenetic Diagnostic Biomarker Test (EpiSwitch^®® NST) with High Sensitivity and Positive Predictive Value for Colorectal Cancer and Precancerous Polyps”
by Ewan Hunter, Heba Alshaker, Cicely Weston, Mutaz Issa, Shekinah Bautista, Abel Gebregzabhar, Anya Virdi, Ann Dring, Ryan Powell, Jayne Green et al.
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030521

“The Role of KRAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer: Biological Insights, Clinical Implications, and Future Therapeutic Perspectives”
by Mitsunobu Takeda, Shoma Yoshida, Takuya Inoue, Yuki Sekido, Tsuyoshi Hata, Atsushi Hamabe, Takayuki Ogino, Norikatsu Miyoshi, Mamoru Uemura, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Yuichiro Doki and Hidetoshi Eguchi
Cancers 2025, 17(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17030428

“Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Study of Six Medicinal Food Homologous Plants Against Colorectal Cancer”
by Xinyue Zhao, Jian Xiu, Hengzheng Yang, Weiwei Han and Yue Jin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030930

“A Review of Potential Agents for Colon Cancer Interception in FAP Patients: Evidence from Preclinical Studies in APC^Min/+ Mice”
by Karthikkumar Venkatachalam, Krishnendu Goswami, Venkateshwar Madka and Chinthalapally V. Rao
Targets 2025, 3(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets3010004

“Colorectal Cancer: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention”
by Gholamreza Roshandel, Fatemeh Ghasemi-Kebria and Reza Malekzadeh
Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081530

“Symptom Burden and Time from Symptom Onset to Cancer Diagnosis in Patients with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis”
by Victoria A. Baronas, Arif A. Arif, Eric Bhang, Gale K. Ladua, Carl J. Brown, Fergal Donnellan, Sharlene Gill, Heather C. Stuart and Jonathan M. Loree
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(4), 2133-2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31040158

“Recent Advances in Surgical Strategies for Managing Metastatic Colorectal Cancer” Guest Editors: Dr. Fabrizio D'Acapito and Dr. Marco Vaira Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2026	“Novel Strategies in the Prevention/Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: 2nd Edition” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. William H. Gmeiner Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026
“Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies of Colorectal Cancer” Guest Editor: Dr. Daniel Gabriel Pons Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026	“Gut Microbiota and Inflammation in Colorectal Tumor Development and Progression” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Giovanni Monteleone and Dr. Irene Marafini Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026

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.

Conference: The 9th China–Europe Symposium on Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine
Organization: Chinese Society for Biomaterials
Date: 10–13 May 2026
Location: Beijing, China

The China–Europe Symposium on Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine (CESB) is a premier international conference jointly organized by the Chinese Society for Biomaterials (CSBM) and the European Society for Biomaterials (ESB). Initiated in 2006 by Prof. Xingdong Zhang (then President of the Chinese Committee for Biomaterials, the predecessor to the CSBM) and Prof. Luigi Ambrosio (then President of the ESB), CESB has been held biennially, alternating between China and Europe, to foster cross-continental collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of biomaterials and regenerative medicine.

CESB brings together leading researchers, clinicians, and industry experts from China and Europe to discuss cutting-edge advancements, innovative technologies, and clinical applications in biomaterials. The symposium covers a wide range of topics, including tissue engineering, nanotechnology, immunomodulation, advanced biomaterials, and translational medicine.

As a key platform for sustained Sino-European scientific collaboration, CESB continues to drive global progress in biomaterials research and its clinical implementation, contributing to the future of regenerative medicine worldwide.

The following open access journals will be represented:

• Bioengineering;
• JFB;
• IJMS;
• Macromol;
• Fibers;
• Pharmaceutics.

If you plan on attending this conference, please feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person.