Announcements

A welcome message from the webinar Chair:

It is our pleasure to host this webinar on drug design in the artificial intelligence era. We are living through a transformative period in pharmaceutical science, where artificial intelligence and advanced computational methods are reshaping how we identify targets, design molecules, and bring new therapies closer to patients.

This webinar brings together two experts who are contributing to this rapidly evolving landscape. Their perspectives will highlight both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead as we integrate AI more deeply into drug discovery.

Thank you all for being here. I hope this webinar inspires insightful discussion and new scientific connections.

Date: 4 May 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CEST | 9:00 a.m. EDT | 9:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 878 8692 5680

Register now for free!

Program:

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’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chairs and Keynote Speaker:

• Prof. Dr. Osvaldo A. Santos-Fihlo, Center of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Computational Structural Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
• Prof. Dr. Bill J. Baker, Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, USA;
• Prof. Dr. Jose L. Medina-Franco, DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Avenida Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
• Prof. Dr. Alexander Tropsha, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, USA.

Relevant Special Issues:

“Computer-Aided Drug Design and Molecular Synthesis”
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Osvaldo Andrade Santos-Filho and Dr. Arthur Eugen Kummerle
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 May 2026

“Marine Drug Discovery Powered by AI”
Guest Editor: Dr. Yin-Chu Wang
Manuscript submission deadline: 30 June 2026

“Advances in AI-Driven Drug Delivery Systems”
Guest Editors: Dr. Junhuang Jiang and Prof. Dr. Xin Pan
Manuscript submission deadline: 30 June 2026

“Computational Methods in Drug Development”
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Yunjie Zhao
Manuscript submission deadline: 26 May 2026

“AI Use in Pharmacy and Pharmacy Education”
Guest Editors: Dr. Bernadette Cornelison and Dr. Christopher J. Edwards
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 July 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.

We are thrilled to share the updated Exceptional Reviewers List 2026. This program was established to recognize and honor scholars who have consistently delivered exceptional review reports to our journal. Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, the journal acknowledges the vital role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to surveys conducted in 2025, 93% of our authors rated the peer review process as good or excellent, reflecting the strength and effectiveness of our reviewer community.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in Pharmaceuticals’s peer-review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

The Exceptional Reviewers List was introduced in April 2025. Each quarter, we will be selecting a group of outstanding reviewers and introduce them here.

Q1:
Name: Dr. Nikolaos Lougiakis
Affiliation: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Name: Dr. Michiel Van De Voorde
Affiliation: Belgium Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN), Belgium

Name: Dr. Pere Fontova
Affiliation: Universitat de Barcelona, Spain

Name: Dr. Amine Elbouzidi
Affiliation: Université Mohammed Premier, Morocco
“Review experiences: Rigorous, timely, and constructive peer review is essential to ensure scientific integrity and advance high-quality research in natural product-based drug discovery.”

Name: Dr. Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
Affiliation: University of Naples Federico II, Italy
“I find the peer-review process an invaluable opportunity to contribute to scientific quality, exchange ideas, and support the advancement of biomedical research.”

MDPI will be attending the 15th International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance (ISAAR 2026), which will be held on Hong Kong, China, from 12 to 14 June 2026.

The conference addresses the pressing theme of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)—a challenge that transcends borders and demands collective expertise and commitment. ISAAR 2026 will provide an ideal platform that attracts researchers and experts in the field of infectious disease, microbiology, public health, pharmaceuticals and biomedical sciences to foster collaboration, share innovative research ideas and findings, advance our understanding of infectious diseases, and explore effective strategies to combat AMR. ISAAR 2026 looks forward to the participation of all attendees and is excited to share innovations, insights, and best practices.

The topics addressed by this conference are as follows:

• Antimicrobial Agents and PK/PD;
• Antimicrobial Resistance in Animals;
• Antimicrobial Stewardship Program;
• Bacteriology;
• Clinical Case Report;
• COVID-19;
• Diagnostics in Microbiology;
• Fungal Infection and Medical Mycology;
• Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention/Control;
• HIV;
• Microbiome;
• Resistance In Gram-Negative Bacteria;
• Resistance In Gram-Positive Bacteria;
• Tuberculosis and other Mycobacterial Infections;
• Vaccines;
• Viral Infection (All Viruses other than HIV And SARS-Cov-2);
• Others.

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

• Antibiotics;
• Microbiology Research;
• Diagnostics;
• Immuno;
• Bacteria;
• Pharmaceuticals;
• Hygiene;
• Medicines;
• JMAHP.

We invite you to visit MDPI’s booth (#C01) to meet our representatives, explore our latest initiatives, and discuss potential collaborations. For more details about the conference, please visit the official website: https://www.isaar2026.org/.

We look forward to connecting with you in Hong Kong!

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).

MDPI is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at Paul Ehrlich MedChem 2026 conference, taking place in Cagliari, Italy, from 20 to 22 May 2026.

The conference is designed to be a significant showcase for young PhD students and researchers in the field of medicinal chemistry. It promotes knowledge exchange by sharing research results and involving production activities.

The following MDPI journals will be presented at the conference:

• Pharmaceuticals;
• DDC;
• Antioxidants;
• Medicines.

If you are attending this conference, please get in touch with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://sites.unica.it/pe2026/.

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

Prize

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

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

Who May Be Nominated?

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

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

Who May Submit a Nomination?

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

Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nomination Materials

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

How to Submit?

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

Important Dates

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

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

We are pleased to share an interview with Dr. Marwa H.S. Dawoud, from MSA University, Egypt, who received the Best Poster Award at the 1st International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics (ECMC-P2025).

1. Could you please briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Marwa Hamdy Dawoud, and I am an Associate Professor of pharmaceutics at the Faculty of Pharmacy, MSA University, Egypt. My academic role integrates teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision, with a strong focus on pharmaceutical formulation, drug delivery systems, and translational pharmaceutics.

2. Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?
My current research focuses on the design, optimization, and evaluation of advanced drug delivery systems, particularly nano-based and lipid–polymer hybrid platforms, with the aim of improving the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic performance of poorly soluble and repurposed drugs.
In parallel, my work increasingly integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches to support rational formulation development. These tools are employed to model complex formulation–process–performance relationships, predict critical quality attributes, and optimize formulation variables with reduced experimental burden. By combining experimental pharmaceutics with data-driven modeling and in silico prediction, this research enhances formulation efficiency and supports a Quality by Design-oriented framework.
Currently, several studies are underway that combine AI-assisted formulation optimization with in vitro characterization and in vivo pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic evaluation, with outcomes under peer review or in advanced experimental phases. This integrative strategy aims to bridge laboratory-scale formulation development with predictive and translational pharmaceutical research.

3. From your perspective, what are the benefits of attending an academic conference?
Academic conferences provide a unique platform for knowledge exchange, scientific visibility, and professional networking. They allow researchers to present ongoing work, receive constructive feedback, and stay informed about emerging trends and methodologies. Equally important, conferences foster interdisciplinary collaboration and inspire new research directions, particularly when engaging with diverse international perspectives.

4. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
I am deeply honored to receive this award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the conference organizers and the scientific committee for this recognition. I am also thankful to my peer colleagues, mentors, and students, whose collaboration and support have been integral to my academic journey. This award is both an encouragement and a responsibility to continue contributing meaningfully to research and education in pharmaceutics.

5. Could you kindly share with us your thoughts and outlook on this E-conference?
This E-conference represents an excellent model of accessible and inclusive scientific engagement. The virtual format enables broader participation across geographical boundaries while maintaining high scientific standards. I believe such platforms play an increasingly important role in advancing research dissemination, fostering collaboration, and supporting early-career researchers. I look forward to seeing this conference grow as a dynamic hub for innovation and academic dialogue.

We are pleased to share an interview with Dr. Jéssica Lopes Nunes, from Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, who received the Best Communication Award at the 1st International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics (ECMC-P2025).

1. Could you please briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Jéssica Lopes Nunes, and I obtained my PhD in biomedicine from the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in 2025. My doctoral research was conducted at UBI in collaboration with the Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-UTAD), Portugal, under the project entitled “Nucleic acid-based nanosystem for Human Papillomavirus related lesions”. I am currently serving as an Invited Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, University of Beira Interior, in Covilhã, Portugal.

2. Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?
My scientific interests are mainly within the field of biomedicine. I began my research career in neuroscience, focusing on the role of transcriptional corepressors in Parkinson’s disease. Now, my research focus has shifted toward cancer nanomedicine. Currently, my work is centered on the development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and therapeutic innovation, with a particular emphasis on targeted strategies for cancer treatment.

3. From your perspective, what are the benefits of attending an academic conference?
Participating in academic conferences is always a valuable and enriching experience. These events provide an excellent platform to stay up to date with the latest advances in our field, broaden scientific knowledge, and gain new perspectives that may inspire future research directions. Additionally, conferences foster networking opportunities, enabling interactions with other researchers and the establishment of potential scientific collaborations.

4. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award is deeply motivating, as it reinforces the value of our work and acknowledges the dedication invested in scientific research. It also serves as an encouragement to continue pursuing research that aims to generate both scientific advancement and meaningful social impact.