Announcements

Dr. Adam Wesley Whisnant earned his PhD in molecular genetics and microbiology from Duke University, where he studied retrovirus–microRNA interactions. Prior to that, he completed three bachelor's degrees (zoology, biochemistry, and chemistry) at North Carolina State University, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He is currently an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at Hannover Medical School, Germany, having previously spent nearly a decade at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg.

Dr. Adam Whisnant is a virologist at Hannover Medical School (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover), whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gene regulation, host–virus interactions, and the viral manipulation of transcriptional control. His work has combined innovative transcriptomic and multi-omics approaches with classical virology, producing high-impact contributions to the understanding of HSV-1 biology and models for viral latency and reactivation. He has authored several publications in journals such as Nature Communications and the Journal of Virology, and his ongoing projects promise to make significant advances in the field. He contributed to a paper published in Nature, which shows that HSV-1 and influenza A virus-induced disruption of transcription termination results in long aberrant nuclear RNAs that form Z-RNA, leading to ZBP1 activation and subsequent cell death.

The following is a short interview with Dr. Adam Whisnant:

1. First of all, congratulations on winning the Microorganisms Travel Award. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current research interests?
I would first like to thank Microorganisms and the review committee for this honor. My research focuses on how herpes simplex virus (HSV) hijacks host cells, particularly through changes in RNA transcription and RNA stability. I aim to identify the mechanisms by which HSV redirects cellular pathways to promote viral replication while simultaneously interfering with their normal function to suppress host antiviral responses.
While my work has historically focused on the lytic phase, the stage leading to cell death and viral progeny production, I have recently expanded my scope into neuronal latency. This is where the virus remains cloaked from the immune system for decades and periodically reactivates. Understanding these reservoirs of recurring reactivation and shedding is the next frontier in my work, and this award provides vital momentum for that transition.

2. Can you share with us your feelings after winning the award?
I am truly delighted to be selected. Given the high caliber of research published in this field, I am certain there were many excellent applications, and I am honored to be chosen from among them. Beyond personal pride, this award carries tangible weight as I move toward the next milestone of my career: establishing an independent research group. Having this merit recognized by a respected journal is a significant asset in that journey.

3. Can you briefly introduce which conference you plan to attend with this award? What is the significance of attending such conferences in expanding your international collaboration or enhancing your academic influence?
I will attend the International Herpesvirus Workshop, held this year in Montreal, Canada. It is the pre‑eminent meeting in my field, bringing together young researchers with those who literally wrote the book on herpesviruses. It is the best venue to learn about new findings and techniques before they appear in print and to discuss future directions both formally and informally.
In my experience, international collaboration is rarely born from a cold email to a busy PI. These meetings are essential because they allow for personal impressions. Some of my most productive collaborations have started over a coffee or a glass of wine during the workshop’s downtime. It is in these informal settings that people get to know you as both a researcher and a human being, rather than just a name on a Google Scholar list.

4. As a winner, how do you view the role of open access journals (such as Microorganisms) in academic communication? Will you consider reviewing or contributing to them in the future?
Open access journals such as Microorganisms play an essential role in modern scientific communication. Many institutions now prioritize or require open access publishing, and these journals ensure that research findings are available to the global community without barriers. We are currently navigating a “post-truth” era where public trust in scientific institutions is frequently challenged. Open access removes the paywall between the public and the research their tax dollars fund, allowing for transparency and direct engagement with basic research.
I have reviewed several manuscripts for Microorganisms, and over 100 for open access journals in general. I have also contributed three articles to sister journals such as Viruses and AI, and look forward to continuing my involvement with Microorganisms both as a reviewer and an author.

5. Could you share some advice for early career researchers who hope to make an impact in microbiology?
This advice is a synthesis of my own journey and advice I’ve gathered from Nobel Laureates at the Lindau Meetings. First, choose a topic that genuinely stimulates your curiosity. The topic should be something that drives you to not just read the top papers from the last few years, but to dive into the history of the field. When you understand how the current dogma was built, you can better identify where the gaps are. And you will be more confident when you have new findings that fit into, challenge, and expand existing models.
It is also valuable to find a niche that is not already saturated with large, well‑established groups. In less crowded areas, early‑career researchers can make meaningful contributions more quickly and develop a distinct scientific identity. Ultimately, curiosity and persistence are the most important drivers of impactful research.

6. Based on your experience, do you have any specific suggestions for the continued development of therapeutic targets?
Many groups are making important progress in identifying new therapeutic targets. While direct pathogen inhibitors remain essential, targeting host pathways required for infection is particularly promising. Since the host does not face the same selective pressure as the pathogen, this approach significantly reduces the emergence of drug resistance.
However, scientific breakthroughs must be paired with global accessibility. We often see a paradox where populations in low-income regions serve as cohorts for clinical trials yet cannot afford the resulting treatments once they reach the market. For pharmaceutics to truly evolve as a global health solution, we must consider affordability and licensing as core components of the development pipeline. A miracle drug only works if the people who bear the highest disease burden can access it, and not just wealthier populations that may already have access to alternative treatments.

Microorganisms Editorial Office

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.

A welcome message from the Webinar Chair:

I am very pleased to welcome you to this webinar on Gut Microbiota in Health and Diseases, focusing on the role of pro-, pre-, syn-, and postbiotics in the gut–liver–brain axis. This event brings together key perspectives from a field that continues to transform our understanding of human health, highlighting how microbial ecosystems influence systemic physiology and disease processes.

The gut microbiota plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis, acting as a bridge between environmental exposures, metabolic pathways, and neuro-immune communication. Increasing evidence underscores how targeted modulation of this ecosystem through probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics can open new avenues for prevention and therapy across a wide range of conditions.

Today’s program reflects this complexity and progression of knowledge. We will begin with Prof. Agostino Di Ciaula, who will explore the environmental determinants of the gut microbiota, shedding light on how external factors shape microbial composition and function. This presentation will be followed by Prof. Mohamad Khalil, who will discuss the mechanisms and clinical applications of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, offering valuable insights into their translational potential. Finally, Prof. Fabio Pace will address an important and often debated topic, the rationale and clinical outcomes of multi-strain versus single-strain probiotics.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all speakers, organizers, and participants for making this event possible. I am confident that today’s discussions will not only deepen our understanding but also inspire new ideas, collaborations, and future research directions. I wish you all a stimulating and rewarding webinar!

Date: 7 May 2026
Time: 9:00 am EDT | 3:00 pm CEST
Webinar ID:  841 3837 8952
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com

Register now for free!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information 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 watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Mohamad Khalil, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy;
• Prof. Agostino Di Ciaula, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy;
• Prof. Fabio Pace, Gastroenterology Unit, ASST Bergamo Est, Italy.

Related Special Issue:

“Gut Microbiota in Health and Diseases: The Role of Pro-/Pre-/Syn-/Post-Biotics in the Gut–Liver–Brain Axis”
Guest Editors: Prof. Mohamad Khalil and Prof. Dr. Piero Portincasa
Deadline for submission: 15 June 2026

We are honored to announce that Prof. Dr. William Gerwick will serve as the Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.

A world-renowned authority in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick is a Distinguished Professor at both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His pioneering work at the intersection of ocean sciences and drug discovery makes him a fitting leader for an award centered on transformative medicinal breakthroughs.

Under Professor Gerwick’s stewardship, the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee will focus on recognizing innovative and impactful research in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, particularly work with the potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.

To provide further insight into his perspectives, we include below an interview with Professor Gerwick, in which he reflects on his scientific journey, his views on the field, and his vision for the Tu Youyou Award.

A Conversation with the Chair

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your research journey?

My research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their application in medicine, their biosynthesis using genomic approaches, and innovative methods in the structure elucidation of natural products.

I received my BS degree from the University of California at Davis, my PhD from the University of California at San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut. After a couple of years in a junior faculty position at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, I spent 21 years as Professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. In 2005, I returned to my PhD institution at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, where I am currently a Distinguished Professor of Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing the field through both leadership and mentorship. I have served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, chaired and co-chaired several major research conferences, and served as an associate editor for the Journal of Natural Products. I am a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. I have trained over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, and my research group has published nearly 500 papers and more than 25 patents on topics in the natural product sciences and medicinal chemistry.

2. What motivated you to accept the role of Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee?

Of course, I am a huge supporter of all awards that are given in recognition of excellent scientific research, and especially so in the natural products sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, this award is truly special in that it recognizes scientific excellence as well as impact, and is given in the name of an individual, Tu Youyou, who clearly had many challenges along the path to reach the pinnacle of her success. Not only was she the first Chinese person to win a Nobel prize in this area, but she was also the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel prize, and this was achieved without graduate education in China or elsewhere. It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision. To read the history of her extraordinary approach to discovering novel antimalarial compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine is truly inspirational. It is, therefore, the inspiration provided by the extraordinary life and career of Tu Youyou that motivated me to accept the Chair of the Award Committee for 2026.

3. How do you view the role of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry in today’s scientific landscape, and what major advances over the past decade have shaped this field?

A quite remarkable integration of fields is currently transforming natural products science and medicinal chemistry. In natural products, we are seeing integration of different omics methods, from metabolites to proteins to nucleic acids. Sophisticated biological and pharmacological approaches are driving the discovery of exquisitely potent and selective natural products. Advances are being made to integrate molecular-level recognition of natural products with chemical ecological studies, and sophisticated methods of structure determination using Artificial Intelligence or pioneering new tools such as microED are being applied with increasing frequency. High-level synthetic methodologies, such as protecting group-free synthetic routes, are enhancing medicinal chemistry, accelerating the identification of lead molecules with attractive pharmaceutical properties at an increasing pace.

4. How do you consider the balance between fundamental discovery (e.g., new molecules or mechanisms) and practical impact (e.g., therapeutic applications)?

Many individuals are excellent scientists and mentors, and have essential roles in developing our culture that values science and the scientific method. It should also be pointed out that not all scientific discoveries are going to have a broad societal impact, but they are nevertheless critical to the overall body and structure of science. But it is a truly remarkable individual who makes a key scientific discovery, recognizes its potential value to society in general, and then has the skills and determination to bring it forward as a useful product. That was the type of person the Tu Youyou is, and that is the type of person who is honored by the prize in her name.

5. What do you see as the key challenges or opportunities currently facing the field?

We are on the crux of an amazing revolution in many of the sciences, including natural products and medicinal chemistry; the purposeful application of Artificial Intelligence to solving many of the difficulties involved in the search for new pharmaceuticals from Nature. AI is transforming how we select organisms for study, what pharmaceutical targets to go after, rapidly resolving the chemical structures of new compounds, identifying efficient routes to their chemical synthesis, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action, and finally, designing their clinical application. The role of people in these pursuits is changing. Increasingly, the human role will be providing overall vision: what can we do? What should we do? And it is important to remember that AI is providing hypotheses, not truth. Scientists with expert domain knowledge will be critical for discerning the correctness of hypotheses put forth by AI. Altogether, advances in technology, expanding knowledge, and the appropriate use of AI methods are preparing society to be able to address emerging diseases, such as pandemics, as well as conditions that are not effectively treated by currently existing therapeutics.

6. How do you expect the Tu Youyou Award to contribute to the advancement of natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and human health over the coming years?

The Tu Youyou Award is potentially transformative for the broad fields of natural products science and medicinal chemistry as it brings a significantly increased level of visibility to these topics and their contributions to human health. It will be crucial to have excellent communication to news agencies, social media and other communication outlets so that the general public is informed and educated on the high impact of these natural product/medicinal chemistry contributions. This will bring increased funding, attract promising students, and generally enrich the interface of these fields with the health sector.

7. What message would you like to convey to the research community and the public during this open nomination phase?

This prize gives broad societal visibility to the role that natural products have had in shaping a majority of our current medicines, as well as understanding the life forms with whom we share the planet. Further, it recognizes a woman scientist working under sub-optimal conditions who could persevere and make discoveries of global impact. The prize and what it represents, therefore, inspires current and future generations to engage in the study of Nature and its relationship to Human Health, to overcome adversity, and to aspire to making one’s life impactful.

About the Tu Youyou Award

Established in 2016, the Tu Youyou Award seeks to honor those who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This award offers a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided among the winners if there is more than one, with each recipient receiving an award medal and a certificate.

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026. We encourage all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award not only honors individual achievement but also encourages further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website for more information on the nomination requirements.

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

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 delighted to announce the three winners of the Microorganisms 2026 Travel Award. This award supports early career researchers by facilitating their participation in key international conferences in the field of microbiology research in 2026, enabling them to present their outstanding work and engage with the global scientific community.

Please join us in congratulating the following winners:

• Manjul Gautam, from Australian National University, Australia
  Conference: 21st International Conference on Innate Immunity
  Presentation title: “M. obb fuels NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages”

• Adam Whisnant, from Hannover Medical School, Germany
  Conference: International Herpesvirus Workshop
  Presentation title: “Single-Cell and Multi-omics Analyses of HSV-1 Manipulation of Host Transcription”

• Greta Bajetto, from the University of Turin, Italy
  Conference: 39th International Conference on Antiviral Research (ICAR)
  Presentation title: “Antiherpetic Activity of Imiquimod-Based Ruthenium Metal Complexes”

We extend our warmest congratulations to the winners. Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) 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.

Microorganisms Editorial Office
Email: microorganisms@mdpi.com

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.