Announcements

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.

Access the full interview to hear his insights in this conversation.

MDPI will attend the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting taking place from 8 to 11 July 2026 in Montréal, Canada.

Leaders in stem cell research and regenerative medicine gather annually for the ISSCR Annual Meeting, and you are invited to be part of it! Join nearly 3500 scientists from across the world at ISSCR 2026 for a four-day event highlighting the most important breakthroughs in the field.

MDPI is excited to participate in this prestigious event. We welcome you to visit our booth, where you will be able to have face-to-face exchanges with our representatives, learn more about our open access publishing services, and receive gifts.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Biomolecules;
• Cells;
• Biomedicines;
• Organoids;
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology;
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences;
• Methods and Protocols.

If you plan to attend this event, we encourage you to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We are eager to meet you in person and assist you with any queries that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the official website: https://www.isscr2026.org/.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathways that link metabolic disorders, systemic inflammation, and cardiovascular dysfunction.

This webinar brings together experts in molecular cardiology and translational medicine to discuss emerging mechanisms underlying cardiovascular inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and their clinical implications. The presentations will highlight novel biomarkers, molecular pathways, and potential therapeutic targets that may improve prevention and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.

We hope this event will stimulate discussion and foster collaboration among researchers and clinicians interested in the molecular basis of cardiovascular pathology.

Keywords: translational medicine; molecular cardiology; metabolic disorders; cardiovascular inflammation; biomarkers; precision cardiology

Date: 20 May 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. CEST | 15:00 p.m. CST (Asia) | 17:00 p.m. AEST
Webinar ID: 868 7188 7021
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/IJMS-8

Register now for free!

Program:

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

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

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Celestino Sardu, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy;
• Dr. Carlo Fumagalli, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy;
• Dr. Susan Campbell, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy.

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS, ISSN: 1422-0067) Young Investigator Award was established in 2017 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, biomaterials, and molecular medicine. Nominations are accepted from April to December every year, with winners notified by the end of March the following year.

The prize:

• CHF 1000;
• An electronic certificate.

Number of winners: 3.

Eligibility and requirements:

• Must have received their PhD no more than 10 years prior to 31 December 2026;
• Must have produced ground-breaking research and made a significant contribution to the advancement of any of the following research fields: biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, biomaterials, or molecular medicine;
• Must be nominated by senior scientists.

List of documents for nomination:

• Detailed curriculum vitae, including an updated publication list and a list of the researcher’s own research grants;
• Scanned copy of doctorate certificate;
• Signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists.

Schedule:
Nomination deadline: 31 December 2026;
Winner announcement: 31 March 2027.

How to submit nominations:
The nominations must be submitted online at: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/awards/4011.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at ijms@mdpi.com if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

IJMS Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS, ISSN: 1422-0067) will be granting the Travel Award to junior scientists. The applications will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee consisting of senior scholars from the IJMS Editorial Board.

This award provides financial support for the winners to attend an international conference in the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, biomaterials, and molecular medicine to be held in 2027, in order to hold a presentation, present a poster, or both.

The winners will each be awarded CHF 500 and an electronic certificate.

Please submit your applications for the IJMS 2027 Travel Award online by 31 October 2026. The winners are announced by the end of December. For more information about the award, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/awards/4019.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office

MDPI, together with the leading journals IJMS, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceuticals and Sci. Pharm., is excited to collaborate with the University of Hong Kong to host an exclusive Academic Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering researchers with the knowledge and tools needed for successful academic publishing. This workshop will explore key topics including open access publishing insights, how to write and structure a journal article, common reasons for pre-check rejection, and the MDPI editorial and peer review processes. The session is designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and valuable skills to support and enhance their publishing journey.

Date: 12 May 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Venue: Teams Meeting

Chair:

MDPI Speakers:

MDPI will be attending the international conference “ncRNA2026: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact” in Leuven, Belgium, which will take place from 24 to 26 June 2026. In recent years, non-coding RNA studies have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation, cellular networks, and disease mechanisms. ncRNA2026 will showcase the latest breakthroughs in ncRNA biology and technology through a program dedicated entirely to this field—from molecular mechanisms and clinical applications to data science and translational insights. The conference will feature distinguished international invited speakers, complemented by a strong selection of oral and poster presentations from submitted abstracts.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Non-Coding RNA;
• Applied Biosciences;
• BioMed;
• BioMedInformatics;
• Biomolecules;
• Cells;
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB);
• Current Oncology;
• Diagnostics;
• Epigenomes;
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS);
• Targets.

If you are attending the conference, please feel free to visit our booth. 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 the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/ncRNA2026.

Observed annually on 12 May, the International Day of Plant Health is a United Nations initiative that calls global attention to the critical role of healthy plants and the urgent need to protect them from pests and diseases. The theme for 2026, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, positions plant biosecurity as the first line of defense for the world’s food systems.

As a committed academic partner in plant protection, crop science, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture, MDPI leverages its open‑access publishing platform to disseminate cutting‑edge research. On the International Day of Plant Health 2026, MDPI journals in in the Biology & Life Sciences actively supports cross‑disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange on plant health, crop biosecurity, and food systems by showcasing relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals. Our goal is to help strengthen phytosanitary capacities across countries and regions, thereby building a solid barrier for the security and stability of global food supply chains.

“Plant Hormone Regulation of Competitive Growth: Implications for Agriculture and Inclusive Fitness”
by Jasmina Kurepa and Jan A. Smalle
Appl. Biosci. 2026, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci5020024

“Genomic and Phylogenetic Evidence for a Novel Emaravirus Infecting Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Amazonas, Peru”
by Angel F. Huaman-Pilco, Nicola Fiore, Oscar P. Hurtado-Gonzales, Larissa Carvalho Costa, Xiaojun Hu, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Jorge R. Díaz-Valderrama and Alan Zamorano
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040142

“Linking Soil Microbial Functional Profiles to Fungal Disease Resistance in Winter Barley Under Different Fertilisation Regimes”
by Mariana Petkova, Petar Chavdarov and Stefan Shilev
Plants 2025, 14(20), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203199

“Antioxidant Defense Systems in Plants: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Biotechnological Strategies for Enhanced Oxidative Stress Tolerance”
by Faustina Barbara Cannea and Alessandra Padiglia
Life 2025, 15(8), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081293

“Deciphering Cowpea Resistance to Potyvirus: Assessment of eIF4E Gene Mutations and Their Impact on the eIF4E-VPg Protein Interaction”
by Fernanda Alves de Andrade, Madson Allan de Luna-Aragão, José Diogo Cavalcanti Ferreira, Fernanda Freitas Souza, Ana Carolina da Rocha Oliveira, Antônio Félix da Costa, Francisco José Lima Aragão, Carlos André dos Santos-Silva, Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon and Valesca Pandolfi
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081050

“Unlocking Plant Resilience: Metabolomic Insights into Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops”
by Agata Głuchowska, Bartłomiej Zieniuk and Magdalena Pawełkowicz
Metabolites 2025, 15(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15060384

“Microbially Enhanced Biofertilizers: Technologies, Mechanisms of Action, and Agricultural Applications”
by Sylwia Figiel, Piotr Rusek, Urszula Ryszko and Marzena Sylwia Brodowska
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051191

“Effective Strategies for Managing Wheat Diseases: Mapping Academic Literature Utilizing VOSviewer and Insights from Our 15 Years of Research”
by Ioannis Vagelas
Agrochemicals 2025, 4(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals4010004

“Humic Substances: Bridging Ecology and Agriculture for a Greener Future”
by Angela Maffia, Mariateresa Oliva, Federica Marra, Carmelo Mallamaci, Serenella Nardi and Adele Muscolo
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020410

“Plant Biostimulants to Enhance Abiotic Stress Resilience in Crops”
by Luciana Di Sario, Patricia Boeri, José Tomás Matus and Gastón A. Pizzio
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031129

“ROS, an Important Plant Growth Regulator in Root Growth and Development: Functional Genes and Mechanism”
by Jialin Su, Yumei Liu, Fengqing Han, Fuxin Gao, Fangyi Gan, Ke Huang and Zhansheng Li
Biology 2024, 13(12), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13121033

“Exploring the Origins of Hexaploid Wheats: Typification of Archaeological Triticum vulgare var. antiquorum and Description of Modern Triticum sphaerococcum subsp. antiquorum (Poaceae: Triticeae)”
by Diego Rivera, Pedro Pablo Ferrer-Gallego, Concepción Obón, Francisco Alcaraz, Emilio Laguna and Nikolay P. Goncharov
Taxonomy 2024, 4(4), 780-794; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4040042

“Cadmium Stress Signaling Pathways in Plants: Molecular Responses and Mechanisms”
by Valentina Vitelli, Agnese Giamborino, Andrea Bertolini, Alessandro Saba and Andrea Andreucci
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 6052-6068; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060361

“Plant Health in the Context of Fungal and Other Microbial Threats: Systematics, Pathogenesis and Integrated Management” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Yi Zhou, Dr. Jinglong Zhou and Dr. Jianwei Jiang Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026	“Fungal Diseases of Cereals” Guest Editors: Dr. Lorenzo Covarelli and Dr. Giovanni Beccari Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026
“Plant Life: Integrating Multi-Omic Approaches from Molecules to Environment” Guest Editors: Dr. Sen Meng and Dr. Fang He Deadline for submissions: 25 September 2026	“Plant Stress Resilience: Unveiling Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies” Guest Editor: Dr. Giuseppe Mannino Deadline for submissions: 20 November 2026
“Biological Control: Insect-Plant Interactions for Sustainable Pest Management” Guest Editors: Dr. Helena Maura Torezan-Silingardi, Dr. Rostislav Zemek and Dr. Eduardo Soares Calixto Deadline for submissions: 10 December 2026	“Monitoring, Management and Ecotoxicological Implications of Plant Fungal Disease Control” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Gil Rodrigues dos Santos and Dr. Eugenio E. Oliveira Deadline for submissions: 31 December 2026

The 3rd International Online Conference on Agriculture Organizers: MDPI and Agriculture Volume Editor: Bin Gao Highlights: “Genetically Modified Crops as a Strategy for Reducing Pesticide Dependence in Sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring Benefits, Adoption Constraints and Policies” by Chijioke Christopher Uhegwu and Christian Kosisochukwu Anumudu “Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Carvacrol-Rich Essential Oils: In Vitro Study on the Phytopathogenic Fungi Alternaria and Fusarium” by Vasileios Papantzikos, Georgios Patakioutas and Paraskevi Yfanti Click here to read the full list of papers.

Conference: National Congress of Plant Biology 2026
Organization: Chinese Society for Plant Biology
Date: 6–10 November 2026
Place: Hangzhou, China

With the vigorous development of plant science in China over the past fifteen years, the National Congress of Plant Biology has been continuously strengthened in terms of organizational scale and influence and has become the largest event in the field of plant science in China.

This conference covers topics including plant metabolism and synthesis, cell and development, genetics and genome, light signaling and photosynthesis, evolution and conservation, molecular breeding, plant–microbe interactions, abiotic stress biology, interdisciplinary studies and AI design, and smart agriculture. The conference will also feature a special forum on youth development and journal development, a graduate student forum, and a poster fund. These initiatives aim to foster new academic growth points, promote interdisciplinary integration and industry–academia research collaboration, strengthen the training of young talents, and encourage plant biology researchers to reach new academic heights, thus injecting momentum into the development of plant biology in China and internationally.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Plants;
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS);
• Biomolecules;
• Life;
• Stresses;
• Epigenomes;
• International Journal of Plant Biology (IJPB);
• AgriEngineering;
• Genes;
• Agronomy;
• Phycology.

If you attend this conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.