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: Nutrients 2026—Clinical Nutrition: From Research to Practice
Date: 22–24 October 2026, CEST, Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026

We cordially invite you to attend this event organized by MDPI’s Nutrients (ISSN: 2072-6643, impact factor: 5.0, CiteScore: 9.1). It will take place on 22 to 24 October 2026, CEST, in Barcelona, Spain.

Conference Chairs:

• Prof. Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez, University of Connecticut, USA;
• Prof. Dr. Lluis Serra Majem, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.

The Topics of Interest:

S1. Personalized nutrition based on diet–gene interactions;
S2. Innovations in clinical nutrition;
S3. Novel dietary recommendations for specific chronic diseases;
S4. Understanding the role of microbiota in clinical practice;
S5. The potential role of AI in clinical practice;
S6. Lifestyle and prevention of chronic diseases.

Important Dates

Deadline for abstract submissions: 24 June 2026;
Notification of acceptance: 20 July 2026;
Deadline for early bird registration: 24 July 2026;
Deadline for covering author registration: 24 July 2026.

Guide for Authors

To submit your abstract, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1496.

To register for the event, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026?section=#registration.

For details regarding abstract submission, poster and slide submission, and publication opportunities, you may refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section below: https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026?section=#instructions.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact nutrients2026@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at Nutrients 2026.

Nutrients (ISSN: 2072-6643) is pleased to announce the addition of the following researchers to the journal’s Early Career Editorial Board. We would like to congratulate them on becoming part of the Nutrients community!

Conference: The 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2026)
Organization: European Association for the Study of Diabetes
Date: 28 September–2 October 2026
Place: Allianz MiCo—Milan Convention Centre, Milan, Italy
Booth Number: L.03

The 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) is set to take place from 28 September to 2 October 2026 at the Allianz MiCo - Milan Convention Centre in Milan, Italy. This global diabetes conference will convene thousands of delegates from all across the globe to explore the latest advancements in diabetes research, treatment, and care.​

The scientific programme will feature hundreds of presentations, including keynote lectures, symposia, and oral sessions, offering insights into cutting-edge developments in both basic and clinical diabetes research. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the international diabetes community.​

The Organization of this conference, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes e.V. (EASD), is a membership-based academic non-profit organization. It was founded in 1965 and is based in Düsseldorf, Germany. The aims of EASD are to encourage and support research in the field of diabetes, the rapid diffusion of acquired knowledge and to facilitate its application.

The following open access journals will be represented:

• Biomedicines;
• Diabetology;
• JCM;
• Medicina;
• Endocrines;
• IJERPH;
• Antioxidants;
• Biomolecules;
• Epidemiologia;
• JMAHP;
• Nutrients;
• Trends in Public Health.

If you are attending the 62nd EASD Annual Meeting, we invite you to visit us at our booth #L.03. Our representatives will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, the benefits of open access, and answer any questions that you may have.

Join us in Milan to discover what is next in diabetes science and care! For more information about the conference, please visit its official website at https://www.easd.org/annual-meeting/easd-2026/.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Prof. Dr. Clara Balsano, who is one of the keynote speakers of the upcoming in-person conference, Nutrients 2026— Clinical Nutrition: From Research to Practice, which will be held from 22 to 24 October 2026 at Casa Convalescencia, Barcelona, Spain. She will give a keynote speech for Session 5: The potential role of AI in clinical practice, with the speech title, “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges”.

In the following interview, she introduced us to her current research and findings, and shared with us how she overcame the difficulties she faced in her research, as well as her views on the emerging trends in the next few years. Prof. Dr. Balsano also recommended key publications and systematic reviews addressing the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, which conference attendees can read beforehand.

1. Self-Introduction
My name is Clara Balsano. I am a full professor of Internal Medicine at the University of L’Aquila, Italy, and I currently serve as the Head of the Complex Unit of Geriatrics at SS. Filippo e Nicola Hospital in Avezzano. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I direct research laboratories focused on molecular biology and intelligent systems applied to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. I am also the President of the Francesco Balsano Foundation and am actively involved in initiatives related to artificial intelligence in medicine.

2. Research Background and Current Focus
What first sparked your interest in this field, and who or what has been most influential in shaping your research journey?
My interest in this field originated during my medical training and was significantly shaped by my early research experiences in international laboratories, particularly in France and the United States. These environments fostered the strong integration of basic science and clinical research, which has remained a defining feature of my scientific career.

Could you describe your current research focus and share any recent developments or key findings with us?
My research focuses on the study of chronic liver diseases, particularly metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD/NAFLD), exploring its molecular basis, epigenetic regulation, and progression toward more severe conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
More recently, my research has concentrated on the integration of multi-omics data and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This includes the use of advanced computational models to analyze complex, non-linear biological systems and to improve early diagnosis and patient stratification.

What major challenges have you encountered in your research, and how have you addressed them?
One of the major challenges in my research has been the effective integration of heterogeneous datasets, including clinical, molecular, and imaging data. To address this, I have promoted a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise from medicine, biology, and data science. Another challenge has been translating experimental findings into clinical practice; this has been tackled through a translational research framework and participation in multicenter studies.

3. Keynote Talk
What is the title of your keynote lecture at Nutrients 2026, and which conference session does it align with?
My keynote lecture at Nutrients 2026—Clinical Nutrition: from Research to Practice is entitled, “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges”, which falls into Session 5: The potential role of AI in clinical practice, focusing on the integration of advanced computational tools into modern healthcare.

Could you briefly outline the main themes of your talk and explain why this topic is particularly relevant today?
The lecture will explore several interrelated themes at the intersection of artificial intelligence and clinical practice:
First, I will address the evolution of AI methodologies, particularly machine learning and deep learning approaches, in the analysis of complex biomedical datasets. These tools are transforming our ability to identify patterns that are not detectable through traditional statistical methods.
Second, the talk will focus on personalized nutrition, emphasizing how AI can integrate genomic, metabolomic, microbiota, and lifestyle data to develop individualized dietary interventions. This represents a paradigm shift from generalized dietary recommendations to precision-based approaches tailored to the individual patient.
Third, I will discuss the clinical application of predictive models, including risk stratification for chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disorders. AI-driven tools can support clinicians in early diagnosis, prognosis estimation, and therapeutic decision making.
Another key aspect will be the integration of AI into clinical workflows, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. These include issues related to data quality, the interpretability of algorithms, ethical considerations, and the necessity of maintaining a patient-centered approach in technologically advanced environments.

Are there any key publications or resources you would recommend for attendees who wish to prepare for your talk?
Several key publications underpin the concepts presented in this lecture. These include the following:

• Foundational studies on machine learning applications in clinical nutrition and metabolic diseases, which demonstrate the predictive power of AI models in identifying disease risk and treatment response;
• Recent systematic reviews addressing the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with particular attention to clinical decision support systems and digital health platforms.

Some of the most important are listed below:
1. “Driving AI Health Innovation through the European Health Data Space: Opportunities and Challenges for Non-EU Country Participation”. Cervera de la Cruz P., Hazel J.W., J.D., Shabani M., Glenn Cohen I., J.D. NEJM, 2026;
2. “AI-Enabled Precision-Education Systems — Transforming Lifelong Learning in Medicine”. Desai S.V.,, Khan S., and Lomis K. NEJM, 2026;
3. “Measuring the Return on Investment for Clinician-Facing Artificial Intelligence Technologies”. Rotenstein L.S., Wachter R.M., Bates D.W. JAMA, 2026;
4. “As of my last knowledge update: How is content generated by ChatGPT infiltrating scientific papers published in premier journals?” Strzelecki A., Learned Publishing, 2024.
5. “Academics as adopters of generative AI: an application of diffusion of innovations theory”. Strzelecki A., Education and Information Technologies, 2026.

The integration of nutritional science with advanced computational tools represents a promising frontier in modern medicine; therefore, the proposed meeting is expected to play a crucial role in updating participants on emerging developments and fostering informed discussion.

4. Nutrients 2026
In your view, what distinguishes Nutrients 2026 from other conferences in the field?
In my view, Nutrients 2026 stands out among international conferences due to its strong interdisciplinary focus, bringing together experts in clinical nutrition, molecular biology, and translational medicine. This integrated perspective is essential for addressing complex health challenges.

As a keynote speaker, what do you hope this conference will offer to scholars and researchers worldwide?
As a keynote speaker, I hope that this conference will foster meaningful scientific exchange, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and provide a platform for discussing innovative approaches to patient care and research.

From your perspective, what are the main benefits of participating in this conference?
Participation in this conference offers several benefits, including exposure to cutting-edge research, opportunities for networking with leading scientists, and the possibility of establishing new collaborative projects. It also allows young researchers to engage with experienced investigators and gain valuable insights into emerging trends.

5. Open Access Publishing
What are your views on recent trends and developments in open-access publishing, particularly in the field of nutrition research?
Open-access publishing has significantly transformed the dissemination of scientific knowledge. In the field of nutrition research, it has facilitated rapid and widespread access to data, promoting transparency and accelerating scientific progress.
However, it is essential to maintain high standards of peer review and scientific rigor. While open access increases visibility and accessibility, it also requires careful regulation to ensure quality and to avoid the proliferation of low-impact or non-validated studies.
Overall, I believe that open-access publishing represents a valuable opportunity for the scientific community provided that quality control mechanisms remain robust.

6. Emerging Trends and Key Discussion Topics
What do you see as the most important emerging or “hot” topics in clinical nutrition over the next few years, and why?
In the coming years, I believe that several key areas will emerge as particularly important in clinical nutrition and hepatology. Among these, the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic regulation and disease progression will be central.
Another critical topic is the application of artificial intelligence in clinical practice, particularly for early diagnosis, risk prediction, and personalized treatment strategies. The integration of multi-omics data, including genomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, will further enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms.
Additionally, there will be increasing attention to gender differences in metabolic diseases, as well as to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches, including the use of natural compounds and bioactive molecules.
These emerging trends reflect a shift toward precision medicine, where treatment strategies are tailored to the individual patient based on complex biological and environmental factors.

Nutrients 2026: Abstract Submission and Early Bird Registration
For those interested in joining Prof. Dr. Clara Balsano and other leading experts in clinical nutrition and healthcare research at Nutrients 2026—Clinical Nutrition: From Research to Practice, please visit the links below for more information and registration details.

Submit your abstract and present your research at Nutrients 2026: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1496.

Register now for Early Bird prices: https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026?section=#registration.

The Nutrients 2026 organizing committee actively encourages partnerships with professional societies, clinical nutrition organizations, food industry companies, and research institutions.

The conference creates an ideal environment for forging connections with leading researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers who are actively shaping the future of clinical nutrition. Industry representatives will find valuable opportunities to explore research initiatives and learn about emerging market trends in clinical nutrition.

For more details, please visit Nutrients 2026 official website, https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026, or contact us at nutrients2026@mdpi.com.

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.

Name: Prof. Francisco J. Amaro Gahete

Affiliation: Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and share your current research focus?

I am a physician and medical physiologist, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Granada, within the Faculty of Medicine. I lead the Functional and Exercise Physiology Research Group and direct the Radiodiagnostic Facility at the iMUDS Research Center. In addition, I am coordinating the implementation of a new translational medicine unit, expected to become operational in the coming years. My research is based on the premise that lifestyle interventions are not merely complementary but represent biological interventions with measurable physiological effects. We study how exercise and nutrition influence metabolism, endocrine signaling, inflammation, and body composition, and translate these mechanisms into randomized controlled trials in areas such as obesity, diabetes, sleep, and oncology. Ultimately, my goal is to help move exercise and nutrition from general advice to clinical prescription.

2. How did you first learn about the journal Nutrients? What were your initial impressions of it?

I first encountered Nutrients during my doctoral training around 2014–2015 while exploring literature related to metabolism and clinical nutrition. Over time, I have seen the journal evolve into an important platform for multidisciplinary research. Having served as Guest Editor for three Special Issues, I have also gained insight into its editorial processes, which I find efficient and supportive of emerging research areas such as lifestyle medicine and translational metabolism.

3. Do you have any other suggestions for how the journal and publisher can further support young researchers and the academic community?

In my view, early-career researchers need three key elements: rigor, visibility, and responsibility. Rigor refers to strong methodological standards and transparency. Visibility involves providing opportunities for young scientists to contribute meaningfully, for example, by co-editing Special Issues under senior mentorship. Responsibility means entrusting them with genuine editorial and scientific roles early in their careers. If we aim to build a strong future for science, we must actively cultivate future leaders.

4. What challenges have you encountered in your work, and how did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges in lifestyle medicine is achieving scientific credibility, as exercise and nutrition are sometimes perceived as secondary to pharmacological treatments. To address this, we design studies with robust endpoints, advanced imaging, and mechanistic validation to demonstrate their biological impact. Another challenge was establishing an independent research structure early in my career, particularly following the retirement of a mentor. This required building a strong team, fostering international collaborations, and creating an environment where talent can thrive. Science is inherently collaborative, and success depends on collective effort.

5. What trends or developments in nutrition do you find most exciting right now?

I see three major developments. First, the integration of nutrition with chronobiology, as timing appears to be as important as nutrient composition. Second, the interaction between modern pharmacological treatments—such as GLP-1-based therapies—and structured lifestyle interventions. Third, the shift from weight-centered models toward broader concepts of metabolic health and functional resilience. Overall, nutrition research is evolving from a focus on calories to a systems-level understanding of physiology.

6. Looking ahead, what are your main goals or projects for the coming years?

I am currently leading large-scale translational trials that integrate molecular biology, imaging technologies, and clinical endpoints, particularly in metabolic diseases and oncology. Institutionally, I am focused on establishing a translational medicine unit to bridge laboratory research and clinical application. Strategically, my goal is to contribute to embedding lifestyle medicine into standard clinical care pathways.

7. How did you find out about this award? How would you like to continue collaborating with Nutrients?

I learned about the award through official communication from the journal. It was both unexpected and deeply meaningful, as it represents recognition from peers in the field and reflects our commitment to scientific rigor. I see several avenues for continued collaboration: first, submitting high-quality mechanistic and clinical research from our group; second, leading future Special Issues, particularly in areas such as translational lifestyle medicine and the interaction between nutrition and exercise; third, contributing more actively at the editorial level, should the opportunity arise. I believe the journal is well-positioned to lead developments at the intersection of nutrition, metabolism, and clinical physiology.

The goal of the Editor’s Choice Articles project is to promote high-quality articles published in Nutrients (ISSN: 2072-6643). We are pleased to share the following articles selected by the journal’s scientific editors, which we believe will be of interest to you.

1. “Efficacy of Probiotic Treatment in Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies”
by Konrad Sosnowski, Robert Kucharski and Adam Przybyłkowski
Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040608
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/4/608

2. “From Dysbiosis to Distress: The Gut–Brain Connection in Trauma-Related Disorders”
by Giuseppe Marano, Luca Lo Giudice, Elettra Specogna, Luca Chisari, Caterina Brisi, Gianandrea Traversi, Osvaldo Mazza and Marianna Mazza
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030530
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/3/530

3. “The First 1000 Days: Maternal Nutrient Intake—A Window of Opportunity for Pulmonary Hypertension—A Narrative Review”
by Alina-Costina Luca, Solange Tamara Roșu, Cosmin Diaconescu, Dana Elena Mîndru, Cristina Gavrilovici, Adriana Vizireanu, Viorel Țarcă, Eduard Vasile Roșu and Elena Țarcă
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030424
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/3/424

4. “The Multidirectional Biological Activity of Resveratrol: Molecular Mechanisms, Systemic Effects and Therapeutic Potential—A Review”
by Łukasz Kogut, Czesław Puchalski, Danuta Katryńska and Grzegorz Zaguła
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020313
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/2/313

5. “A Conceptual Digital Health Framework for Longevity Optimization: Inflammation-Centered Approach Integrating Microbiome and Lifestyle Data—A Review and Proposed Platform”
by Sasan Adibi
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020231
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/2/231

6. “Prebiotics and Gut Health: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Directions”
by Cinara Regina A. V. Monteiro, Eduarda G. Bogea, Carmem D. L. Campos, José L. Pereira-Filho, Viviane S. S. Almeida, André A. M. Vale, Ana Paula S. Azevedo-Santos and Valério Monteiro-Neto
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030372
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/3/372

7. “Alcohol, Wine, and Sleep in Adults: Insights from a Narrative Review”
by Jean-Philippe Chaput
Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040585
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/4/585

8. “The Impact of Malnutrition Risk and Perioperative Complications in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients Undergoing Elective Major Surgery: A Prospective Observational Multicenter Study”
by Manuel Durán-Poveda, Gil Rodríguez Caravaca, Alejandro Suárez-de-la-Rica, Diego Rodríguez Villar, Andrés Sánchez Pernaute, Emilia Cancer Minchot, Julia Ocón Bretón, Tamara Díaz-Vico and Brezo Martínez-Amores on behalf of the PREMAS Study Group
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020325
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/2/325

9. “The Gut Microbiota in Perimenopausal Anxiety: A Novel Therapeutic Pathway Through Diet”
by Giuseppe Marano, Claudia d’Abate, Ilaria Ianes, Giuseppe Sorrenti, Gianandrea Traversi, Rosanna Esposito, Francesco Pavese, Tatiana D’Angelo, Paola Fuso, Gianluca Franceschini et al.
Nutrients 2026, 18(5), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050743
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/5/743

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Francisco Jose Perez Cano, who is one of the event chairs of the upcoming in-person conference, Nutrients 2026–Clinical Nutrition: From Research to Practice, which will be held 22—24 October 2026 at Casa Convalescencia, Barcelona, Spain.

Dr. Perez Cano will also give a keynote speech at Nutrients 2026 for Session 4: Understanding the role of microbiota in clinical practice.

In this interview, he shares valuable insights into his current research focus, emerging trends in clinical nutrition, key research challenges and potential solutions, as well as his personal recommendations for must-read papers.

1. To begin, could you please introduce yourself, including your name, current position, and institutional affiliation?
My name is Francisco J. Pérez-Cano. I am an academic at the Department of Biochemistry and Physiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science in the University of Barcelona (UB), Spain. I am also the director of the Institute of Research in Nutrition and Food Safety (INSA-UB).

2. What first sparked your interest in this field, and who or what has been most influential in shaping your research journey?
I started working in the interaction between diet and immunity just after my degree in pharmacy. Our group, “Autoimmunity and Tolerance”, was at that moment making a shift towards the impact of nutrition on the immune system, and since then, more than 20 years ago, we reinvented ourselves as the “Autoimmunity, Immunonutrition and Tolerance (AIT) Research Group”.

The most influential person in this journey has been my advisor, Prof. Margarida Castell, who has led the group excellently, driving it from more basic research in terms of immunology to a more applied approach in relation to the diet.

3. Could you describe your current research focus and share any recent developments or key findings with us?
Our research group is approaching the immunonutrition field under different approximations. We first started evaluating the effect of polyphenols on immunity in 2002, focusing first on systemic immunity/inflammation models, later on moving to the intestinal immunity, and later involving the microbiota as an important actor in their effects. Nowadays, we are working on their immunoprogramming effect, together with the role of dietary fiber.

We are also interested in microbial modulators, and in collaboration with several companies, we have provided evidence of the potential of several probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics on immunity, especially in early life and in the context of infections.

Additionally, breast milk as a link between maternal and infant immunity has been a key object of study in our group. We have studied how to modulate maternal immune composition through diet, but also how breast milk constituents can be retained after their processing or conservation in Human Milk Banks.

Finally, Coeliac disease has now caught our attention as we have found different approaches to modulate its course, especially by the invention of an enzyme with high gluten-degrading activity.

4. What major challenges have you encountered in your research, and how have you addressed them?
One of the major challenges in science is to use the appropriate model for the demonstration of our hypotheses. We have been adapting during all this period by adapting or generating animal models that are useful for our objectives: from early life infection to systemic inflammation, from diarrhoea to stress, and from prematurity to immune challenges. They exist as a way to experimentally test the bioactivity of a compound.

5. What is the title of your keynote lecture at Nutrients 2026, and which conference session does it align with?
My talk is focused on “Breast Milk and Infant Immune Development: From Preclinical Data to Clinical Advice.” It is placed in Session 4, “Understanding the Role of Microbiota in Clinical Practice”, as I will also talk about how, by modulating maternal diet, we can impact breast milk composition and therefore have an influence on later-life infant outcomes.

6. Could you briefly outline the main themes of your talk and explain why this topic is particularly relevant today?
Research on breast milk is essential to advance our understanding of early-life nutrition and its impact on infant growth, immune development, and long-term health. Human milk is a complex and dynamic biological fluid containing nutrients, immune factors, microbiota-modulating components, and numerous bioactive molecules that shape neonatal physiology. Studying its composition and variability provides insights into maternal–infant interactions and the mechanisms underlying protection against infections and chronic diseases. Moreover, breast milk research supports the development of improved clinical practices, donor milk processing strategies, and optimized infant feeding recommendations. Ultimately, this knowledge contributes to evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting healthier developmental trajectories in early life.

7. Are there any key publications or resources you would recommend for attendees who wish to prepare for your talk?
This article describes what we know about the immunoglobulins in breast milk, and this article describes how maternal diet can influence the defensive capacity of their offspring by a clinical and preclinical approach.

8. As a keynote speaker, what do you hope Nutrients 2026 conference will offer to scholars and researchers worldwide?
An international conference like this one brings together scientists, researchers, and health professionals from different countries to share the latest research and discoveries in the field. It includes keynote lectures, research presentations, and poster sessions on hot topics. Nutrients 2026 also links the conference to the publication of abstracts and full-length articles.

Attendees will not only have the keynote lectures, but they will also have opportunities to network, collaborate, and discuss new ideas with experts in the field. The conference will highlight emerging trends, innovative methods, and global nutrition challenges. It will also provide a platform for young scientists to present their work and receive feedback from the scientific community. Scientists can learn about the latest research trends in nutrition science at the same time that they have the opportunity for valuable networking, to discover career opportunities, research funding possibilities, and new directions for future studies.

9. What are your views on recent trends and developments in open-access publishing, particularly in the field of nutrition research?
I think that open access (OA) publishing is significantly reshaping nutrition research by improving the accessibility and dissemination of scientific findings. This model allows immediate and free access to research outputs, which increases visibility, citation potential, and the ability of clinicians, policymakers, and researchers worldwide to use the evidence.

10. What do you see as the most important emerging or “hot” topics in clinical nutrition or the role of microbiota in clinical practice over the next few years, and why?
In my opinion, one of the most important emerging topics in clinical nutrition is precision nutrition based on the gut microbiome, where dietary interventions are tailored according to an individual’s microbial profile to improve health outcomes. Another key area is the development of microbiome-based therapeutics. Advances in multi-omics and computational tools are also enabling a deeper understanding of diet–microbiota interactions and their role in metabolic, inflammatory, and neurological diseases.

Nutrients 2026 Abstract Submission and Early Bird Registration
For those interested in joining Dr. Francisco José Pérez-Cano and other leading experts in clinical nutrition and healthcare research at Nutrients 2026–Clinical Nutrition: From Research to Practice, please visit the links below for more information and registration details.

Submit Your Abstract and Present Your Research at Nutrients 2026: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1496.

Register Now for Early Bird Prices: https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026?section=&utm_source=journal_web&utm_medium=regis&utm_campaign=interview_ec#registration.

For more details, please visit Nutrients 2026 official website, https://sciforum.net/event/Nutrients2026, or contact us at nutrients2026@mdpi.com.

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).