Announcements

MDPI is excited to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University to host an engaging Scientific Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection, the editorial workflow, and the essentials of publication ethics. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from an experienced professional. This session promises to equip attendees with valuable skills to elevate their publishing journey.

Workshop Highlights:

• Learn How to Better Write and Structure a Research Article;
• How to Choose Where to Publish Academic Work;
• How to Respond to Reviewer Comments;
• Reasons for Rejection During Pre-Check;
• How to Navigate Through Ethics and AI Use.

Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Pharmaceutics Outstanding Reviewer Award: Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi, Dr. Zhengwei Huang and Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović.

Name: Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi

Affiliation: Research Scientist Drug Product Design & Development, USA

Research interests: solid oral dosage forms; amorphous solid dispersions; solubility enhancement; hot melt extrusion; FDM 3D printing; twin-screw granulation; high-shear granulation; tableting; encapsulation; spray drying; roller compaction; lipid-based formulation

Below is a short interview with one of the winners, Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi.

1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers? What is your current research area?

I am Dinesh Nyavanandi, currently working as a research scientist in small molecule drug product development at AbbVie, with over four years of industrial experience. I earned my Ph.D. in pharmaceutics and drug delivery from the University of Mississippi, where my research focused on exploring novel applications of hot melt extrusion (HME)—both as a standalone technique, such as twin-screw granulation, and in combination with additive manufacturing methods like fused deposition modeling (FDM).

My research interests include advanced manufacturing platforms, continuous processing, solubility enhancement strategies, and tackling stability-related challenges to address unmet needs in oral drug delivery.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

In the coming years, I believe the research community will place strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing technologies that enable precision, scalability, and sustainability in drug product development. Key areas of interest include:

• Continuous Manufacturing;
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing);
• Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement;
• Formulation for Emerging Modalities;
• Digital and AI-Driven Formulation Design;
• Green and Sustainable Pharma;
• Early Development Strategies for Speed-to-Clinic.

3. What factors motivate you to be a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

As a formulation scientist with a strong academic foundation and industry experience in small molecule drug product development, I am deeply committed to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences. Serving as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics allows me to stay current with cutting-edge research, particularly in areas aligned with my expertise—such as hot melt extrusion, continuous manufacturing, and solubility enhancement strategies.

Reviewing also gives me an opportunity to contribute to the scientific community by supporting the publication of high-quality, rigorous research. It sharpens my critical thinking, fosters professional growth, and offers a meaningful way to give back by helping authors improve their work through constructive feedback.

Ultimately, I see peer review as both a responsibility and a privilege—one that helps uphold the integrity of scientific literature while reinforcing my own commitment to research excellence.

4. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

Serving as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics has been a highly rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience. It has allowed me to critically engage with cutting-edge research in areas closely aligned with my expertise, including solid oral dosage forms, hot melt extrusion, additive manufacturing, and enabling technologies for poorly soluble drugs.

Through the peer review process, I have had the opportunity to evaluate manuscripts spanning a wide range of formulation and drug delivery strategies. I strive to provide detailed, constructive, and fair feedback that not only assesses scientific merit but also supports authors in improving the clarity, rigor, and impact of their work.

This role has also helped me stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field, sharpen my critical thinking skills, and contribute to maintaining the scientific quality and integrity of published literature. I view peer reviewing not just as a professional duty, but as an integral part of my contribution to the global pharmaceutical sciences community.

5. What are the key factors and aspects that you consider most when reviewing a manuscript?

When reviewing a manuscript, I focus on several critical aspects to ensure the work meets the standards of scientific rigor, novelty, and relevance:

• Scientific Merit and Originality;
• Relevance to the Journal and Field;
• Experimental Design and Methodology;
• Data Quality and Interpretation;
• Clarity and Organization;
• Ethical Standards and Transparency;
• Impact and Applicability.

6. What are your opinions about the scientific publication market, and what do you think about the open access model?

From my perspective, open access:

• Fosters greater visibility and impact of published work, often leading to wider readership and more citations;
• Promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing across regions and disciplines;
• Aligns with the mission of scientific advancement, ensuring that publicly funded research is accessible to the public and stakeholders.

7. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

I am truly honored and grateful to receive this recognition. This award is not only a validation of my research journey but also a reflection of the incredible support, mentorship, and collaboration I have been fortunate to experience.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael A. Repka, my Ph.D. advisor at the University of Mississippi, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my scientific thinking and research direction. His unwavering support and encouragement allowed me to explore innovative approaches in drug delivery and advanced manufacturing, which continue to inspire my work today.

I also extend my thanks to my colleagues, collaborators, and peers—both in academia and industry—whose shared passion for pharmaceutical science has enriched my professional journey. Finally, I am deeply appreciative of my family and friends, whose constant support keeps me grounded and motivated.

This recognition energizes me to continue contributing to the field, and I hope to inspire future scientists the same way I have been inspired throughout my career.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Pharmaceutics Outstanding Reviewer Award: Dr. Dinesh Nyavanandi, Dr. Zhengwei Huang and Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović.

Name: Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović

Affiliation: University of Novi Sad, Serbia

Research interests: pharmaceutical technology; solid dispersion; ASD; compounding; formulation development; drug permeability

Below is a short interview with one of the winners, Dr. Mladena Lalić-Popović.

1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers? What is your current research area?

My name is Mladena Lalić-Popović. I am a full professor teaching pharmaceutical technology and pharmaceutical practice within the broader scientific field of pharmaceutical technology, industrial pharmacy, and cosmetology at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad. I am a healthcare specialist in the field of pharmaceutical technology and am involved with the Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Investigations and Quality Control (CEMPhIC).

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

I believe that science is increasingly focused on applicability. We face great challenges, especially in medicine and pharmacy. Research aimed at improving the utilization of existing drugs is important from clinical, ecological, and economic perspectives. Technological solutions that enable the effective and safe use of drugs are crucial not only from a scientific standpoint but also from the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry. In this regard, research into modern pharmaceutical forms such as 3D-printed and nanodrugs will be the focus of scientific investigations in the coming years.

3. What factors motivate you to be a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

Pharmaceutics is a pertinent journal in the field to which I belong. I believe that MDPI has developed one of the most efficient systems currently, appropriate for authors, scientific audiences, and reviewers. I am always impressed by the speed of the entire process and the quality of the published papers. It is a pleasure to collaborate with journals such as Pharmaceutics.

4. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Pharmaceutics?

During the review process, I had the opportunity to stay updated on current developments in the field of pharmaceutics. Pharmaceutics receives a significant number of high-quality and up-to-date papers, addressing topics of great scientific importance using contemporary scientific methods. The respect for my decisions in the subsequent decision-making process concerning the publication of papers is of special significance.

5. What are the key factors and aspects that you consider most when reviewing a manuscript?

First, I look for originality and then novelty. The manuscript should be well-organized and easy to follow in terms of the research. The aim should be clearly defined, and the methodology should be presented in a way that logically supports the achievement of the aim.

6. What are your opinions about the scientific publication market, and what do you think about the open access model?

The economic aspects of publishing papers are undoubtedly a challenging circumstance for every researcher. Paying for paper publication is as difficult as paying for access to information from other colleagues. For these reasons, I believe the MDPI system is fair and fosters competitiveness of researchers who lack financial and institutional support.

Any success should be supported by a team. Human resources are the most important part of scientific research. The transfer of knowledge and experience is essential for the improvement of individuals. I am deeply grateful to all my mentors, professors, and colleagues who have contributed to my undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as to my scientific collaborations.

We are honored to introduce the award committee for the 2024 Tu Youyou Award, composed of distinguished scientists from around the world whose research covers diverse areas of natural product chemistry, pharmacognosy, and drug discovery. Their broad expertise and pioneering contributions have significantly advanced medicinal and natural products research.

Through their collective insights, rigorous evaluation, the committee has carefully selected this year’s award recipients, recognizing exceptional achievements in the field.

We sincerely thank these distinguished scholars for their efforts and dedication to upholding the standards of the Tu Youyou Award.  Below is the list of committee members. For more information about the Tu Youyou Award, please visit https://tuyouyouprize.org/. 

Chair:

Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn Ohio State University, USA

Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn is a leading expert in pharmacognosy and natural products research. He is recognized for his key contributions to discovering bioactive compounds from plants, especially in anticancer, cancer chemopreventive, and substances with a sweet taste and taste-modifying agents. His prolific contributions include over 590 peer-reviewed works and book chapters and edited or co-edited 40 scientific volumes.

Prof. Angelo Fontana University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy	Angelo Fontana is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Naples “Federico II” in Italy and serves as Director of the Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry at the National Research Council (CNR). His research focuses on bioactive small molecules derived from marine eukaryotes, with a particular interest on their pharmaceutical applications in immunology and oncology. He also explores their potential as molecular tools for probing and modulating complex biological systems. Prof. Fontana is a co-founder of BioSEArch SRL and has been recognized with numerous grants and honors, including the Apivita Award from the Phytochemical Society of Europe.
Prof. Binghe Wang Georgia State University, USA	Prof. Binghe Wang’s lab works on drug design, drug delivery, click chemistry, chemical biology, new diagnostics, and gaseous signaling molecules such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. His interdisciplinary research supports advances in cancer, infectious diseases, organ protection, inflammation, and other areas.
Dr. Diana Pinto University of Aveiro, Portugal	Dr. Diana Pinto, an Associate Professor at the University of Aveiro, specializes in organic synthesis of bioactive heterocyclic compounds, sustainable catalysis (organo-, heterogeneous, and biocatalysis), and natural product research, including isolation, characterization, and total synthesis.
Prof. Hideaki Kakeya Kyoto University, Japan	Prof. Hideaki Kakeya conducts cutting-edge research in chemical biology, high-throughput screening, and biosynthesis of bioactive natural products for system chemotherapy and other therapeutic applications.
Dr. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel University of Strathclyde, UK	Prof. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel heads the Natural Products Metabolomics Group (NPMG), specializing in marine natural products discovery and metabolomics-driven drug development. A recognized expert in bioactive metabolites, she collaborates with industry and academia to address antimicrobial resistance and sustainable bioprospecting. She serves on the Editorial Board of Marine Drugs and holds two patents in the field.
Prof. Thomas Prisinzano University of Kentucky, USA	Prof. Thomas Prisinzano combines medicinal and natural product chemistry to explore neurotransmitter systems and develop treatments for drug abuse and pain. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Innovator Award from the College on Problems of Drug Dependence.
Prof. Wei Li University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA	A distinguished professor and Director of the Drug Discovery Center, Prof. Wei Li is also the founder of SEAK Therapeutics, and the 2025 Chair-Elect of the Drug Discovery and Development Division of the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). His work focuses on medicinal chemistry and small molecule drug discovery, with over 200 publications and 15 issued US patents.

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Tu Youyou Award has been conferred upon Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller, in recognition of their significant contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Richard DiMarchi Indiana University, USA	Prof. Richard DiMarchi is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University, USA. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. DiMarchi is a former Group Vice President at Eli Lilly and later at Novo Nordisk. He is recognized for his contributions to the discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humulin®, Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. His academic research has broadened the understanding of glucagon and incretin physiology and pioneered the discovery of single-molecule multi-mechanism agonists for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The central element to success has been the chemical vision and technology to install within single molecules simultaneous agonism at related G-protein coupled receptors, coupled to the counter-intuitive discovery that glucagon and GIP agonism could synergize the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1. These peptides and their conceptual approach have transformed the management of excessive body weight to a condition comparable to how hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, and excess cholesterol are medicinally managed.
“Professor DiMarchi was recognized by the 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members as being an exceptional leader in the medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins of natural origin, and as a pioneer in the field of chemical biotechnology. His very important discoveries have led to breakthroughs in new drugs related to the therapy of diabetes and obesity. He has been named as an inventor on a very large number of patents, and he has had initially a highly successful scientific and administrative career in industry, which was followed by over two decades in academia as a distinguished professor.” —Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee
Rolf Müller Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infections Research (HZI), Germany; Saarland University, Germany	Prof. Rolf Müller is the Founding and Managing Director of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Saarland University, Germany. Having received his training from the University of Bonn, he held research positions at the University of Washington, USA, and Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany, prior to his appointment as professor to Saarland University. His laboratory has dedicated itself to the exploration of bacterial natural-product biosynthetic pathways for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in working with myxobacteria and other microbial producer strains. Starting from the isolation and characterization of new microorganisms, the scope of work includes microbiology-, biotechnology-, bioinformatics-, and chemistry-based approaches to exploit these isolates as sources of new drugs with a special focus on novel anti-infectives. Müller and his team apply a variety of state-of-the-art analytical methods and biological assays to perform biological and chemical characterizations of the identified compounds. Prof. Müller has received several awards, including the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, the PHOENIX Pharmacy Research Award, the DECHEMA Prize, and the Inhoffen Medal, as well as being an elected member of acatech, Leopoldina, and the German Academy of Sciences and Literature.
“The 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members were highly impressed by the truly outstanding past and ongoing contributions of Professor Müller in both microbial natural products isolation chemistry and in biosynthesis, as well as in the development of lead compounds for their potential in treating human diseases, through his global connections with various major funding agencies. He is also a dedicated teacher who has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and he has lectured on his research in countries all over the world.” —Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee

The achievements of Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller highlight the transformative impact of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. We congratulate them and invite the global academic community and public to join us in celebrating their significant contributions.

2024 Award Committee
Committee Chair:

• Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Ohio State University, USA.
  

Committee Members (listed in alphabetical order):

• Prof. Angelo Fontana, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy;
• Prof. Binghe Wang, Georgia State University, USA;
• Dr. Diana Pinto, University of Aveiro, Portugal;
• Prof. Hideaki Kakeya, Kyoto University, Japan;
• Dr. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel, University of Strathclyde, UK;
• Prof. Thomas Prisinzano, University of Kentucky, USA
• Prof. Wei Li, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.

About the Tu Youyou Award:
The 2024 Tu Youyou Award includes a total monetary prize of 100,000 Swiss Francs and a medal for each recipient. Established in 2016 to honor the pioneering spirit of Nobel laureate Tu Youyou, the Tu Youyou Award is an international award honoring exceptional scholars dedicated to the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

For further information about the award and the winners, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website.

We are pleased to share the updated Pharmaceutics Exceptional Reviewers List for 2025. This program was designed to recognize and honor scholars delivering consistently exceptional review reports to our journal.

Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, Pharmaceutics (ISSN: 1999-4923) recognizes the significant role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to surveys conducted in 2024, 92% of our authors rate the peer-review process as good or excellent, thanks to our pool of excellent reviewers.

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

The Exceptional Reviewers List was introduced in April 2025. Every quarter, we select a group of outstanding reviewers and introduce them here.

Q1:
Name: Dr. Jacinta O. Pinho
Affiliation: Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago 3810-193 Aveiro; Portugal
Reviewer profile: Jacinta Pinho holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy, specialty Pharmaceutical Technology, awarded by the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisboa. Currently, she is a researcher at the Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro. As a researcher and author, Jacinta interests focus on lipid-based nanosystems, cancer theranostics, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and One Health approach. Jacinta often collaborates with journals as a reviewer and since 2023 has completed 34 reviews, with 6 of them for Pharmaceutics. This is a very enriching experience that provides valuable insights to both authors and reviewers, helping the scientific community to share knowledge and promote research advancements.

Name: Dr. Sara Demartis
Affiliation: Institute of genetic and biomedical research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Sassari, Italy
Interests: skin drug delivery; skin diseases; melanoma drug delivery; rosacea drug delivery; lipid nanoparticles; liposomes

Name: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jaiswal
Affiliation: Texas A&M University, College Station Texas 77843, USA
Interests: medicinal chemistry; biochemistry; organocatalysis; natural product synthesis; stereoselective synthesis; electrochemistry; Ti-Li enolate chemistry; anti-infectious agents; anticancer agents; chiral methodology; nanomaterial synthesis; antitubercular agents; antimicrobial agents; antioxidant agents

Name: Dr. Weikang Hu
Affiliation: School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
Interests: 3D printing; biomaterials; electrospun nanofibers; hydrogels; regenerative medicine; biomedical polymers

Name: Dr. Joanna Kołodziejczyk-Czepas
Affiliation: Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 141/143 Pomorska, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
Interests: hemostasis; oxidative stress; antioxidants; plant-derived compounds; anticoagulants; blood platelets; biochemistry

Name: Dr. Barbara Conway
Affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
Interests: pharmacy; drug delivery; formulation

Q2:
Name: Dr. Yuri Dancik
Affiliation: Certara Predictive Technologies, Sheffield, UK, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield S1 2BJ, UK
Interests: skin absorption; permeation; transdermal drug delivery; PBPK modeling

Name: Dr. Ronit Sionov
Affiliation: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Interests: cancer biology; immunology; microbiology; pharmacology; pharmaceutics

Name: Dr. Daocheng Wu
Affiliation: The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: drug delivery system; nanoparticles; biomaterials; cancer

Name: Dr. Agnieszka A. Gola
Affiliation: Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: n-isopropylacrylamide; n-vinylcaprolactam; polymerization

Name: Dr. Shikai Jin
Affiliation: Gilead Sciences Inc, USA
Interests: protein folding; deep learning; protein design; enzyme engineering; biophysics

Name: Dr. Paul Pantano
Affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
Interests: nanotoxicology and nanosafety

Q3:
Name: Dr. Alberto Ospina Stella
Affiliation: Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Interests: medical science; molecular medicine; global health
Reviewer profile: Experienced reviewer and editorial board member for leading medical science journals; recognized for strengthening scientific rigor and raising the standard of excellence in global health research.

Name: Dr. Ana Rita Pereira
Affiliation: LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: lignin; dialysis; phenolic compounds; antioxidant; nanoparticles

Name: Natalia V. De Moraes
Affiliation: Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
Interests: pharmacokinetics; special populations; pharmacometrics; quantitative pharmacology

Name: Nagarjuna Narala
Affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
Interests: dissolution; controlled drug delivery; dosage form development; pharmaceutical development; targeted drug delivery; pharmaceutical research and development; solubility; bioavailability; encapsulation

Name: Anna Froelich
Affiliation: Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3D Printing Division, 3 Rokietnicka, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
Interests: microemulsions; drug delivery; rheology; colloids; self-emulsifying drug delivery systems

Name: M. Teresa Viciosa
Affiliation: Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: amorphous state; dielectric relaxation; calorimetry; pharmaceutics; polymers

We announce Dr. Junjie Li as the winner of the Pharmaceutics 2025 Young Investigator Award. The Pharmaceutics Young Investigator Award was established in 2018 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of pharmaceutics. All winners were chosen by the journal’s award committee.

Name: Dr. Junjie Li
Affiliation: Kyushu University, Japan
Research interests: biomaterials; nanotechnology; drug delivery

We were honored to interview Dr. Junjie Li. Let us hear his opinions and hear about his experiences with scientific research and awards. The interview is summarized below:

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers? Can you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?

I am Junjie Li, an Associate Professor at Kyushu University, Japan, specializing in polymer-based pharmaceutics and bioactive materials. My research centers on the design and development of stimuli-responsive polymeric biomaterials for advanced biomedical applications, with a particular focus on drug delivery systems, biocompatible coatings, and tissue engineering strategies. Over the years, I have been especially dedicated to creating new nanoplatforms—such as polymersome-based nanoreactors—to tackle key challenges in targeted drug delivery and controlled therapeutic release. Since joining Kyushu University, I have broadened the scope of my work to include the design of macroscopic, surface-engineered polymer coatings that are both biocompatible and bioactive, aimed at enhancing the performance of medical devices. A central theme of my research is the exploration of biointerface interactions, which is critical for optimizing the functionality, safety, and clinical translation of these materials.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

I believe that the convergence of smart, stimuli-responsive materials with cutting-edge fabrication techniques—such as 3D printing and AI-driven design—has the potential to revolutionize the field of biomedical engineering. Equally transformative is the development of bioactive materials capable of modulating the immune system or the microbiome, which opens promising avenues for the treatment of complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. A particularly exciting frontier lies in merging polymer chemistry with the principles of structural biology and computational design to create foldable, functional macromolecules. These next-generation materials not only expand the existing toolkit for targeted drug delivery but also pave the way for entirely new therapeutic paradigms, such as synthetic biocatalysts and adaptive biomaterials that can evolve in real time in response to dynamic biological cues.

3. Could you share any particularly interesting or unexpected results you have discovered so far in your research?

One particularly intriguing finding from our work on polyion complex materials challenges a long-held paradigm in the design of stealth biomaterials. While probing mechanisms underlying immune evasion, we discovered that the stabilization of intermolecular ion-pair networks—rather than the conventional emphasis on maximizing steric repulsion—can significantly reduce protein adsorption and macrophage uptake. This “steric stabilization-independent stealth effect” runs counter to traditional approaches that rely heavily on flexible polymer brushes, such as PEG, to achieve stealth properties. What makes this discovery compelling is its potential to shift the design paradigm from entropy-driven strategies toward a more structurally holistic framework, opening new avenues for creating stealth and functional materials with enhanced biological performance.

4. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?

You don’t need a perfectly mapped-out life plan to thrive in science. Many researchers—myself included—find their way through exploration, uncertainty, and gradual self-discovery. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about where you’re headed or whether your work is meaningful. What matters most is staying curious and committed. Trust that curiosity-driven work holds value, even if its full impact isn’t immediately obvious. Surround yourself with mentors who see your potential and collaborators who challenge and inspire you. Sometimes, when your own confidence wavers, it helps to lean on others’ belief in you. Making a meaningful impact often takes time—it’s rooted in developing deep understanding and expertise. Don’t shy away from long, difficult projects; those are the ones that shape your skills and credibility.

Think of yourself as an explorer, not just a competitor. Focus on the journey of discovery, embrace the uncertainty and let that guide you forward.

5. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the many individuals who have shaped my journey as a researcher.

Prof. Kazunori Kataoka, a pioneer in polymer-based drug delivery systems—his visionary mentorship has profoundly shaped the direction and ambition of my research. I still vividly remember his words during a group meeting: “When you get results that you don't want at all, think differently—that's exactly your opportunity.” That mindset has stayed with me and continues to guide how I approach challenges in science.

Prof. Masaru Tanaka, an innovator in biocompatible materials—his deep insight into biointerfaces continue to expand my perspective.

Prof. Zhishen Ge, my Ph.D. advisor—his unwavering support and rigorous training laid the foundation for my scientific career.

This award reaffirms the value of pushing the boundaries in pharmaceutics and biomaterials. I hope it can serve as encouragement to young scientists to approach unsolved problems with boldness, curiosity, and persistence. Together, let us continue to redefine what’s possible in drug delivery and beyond.

We cordially invite you to attend The 1st International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics (ECMC-P 2025). This conference is organized by the MDPI journals Pharmaceuticals (ISSN: 1424-8247; Impact Factor: 4.3) and Pharmaceutics (ISSN: 1999-4923; Impact Factor: 4.9), and it will take place virtually from 1 to 30 November 2025.

Conference Chairs:

• Prof. Dr. Maria Emília Sousa, Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal;
• Prof. Dr. Patrick J. Sinko, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA;
• Dr. Alfredo Berzal-Herranz, Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, (IPBLN-CSIC), Spain.

Topics of Interest:

• Small molecules as drug candidates;
• Biomolecules, natural products, phages, and cells as therapeutic tools;
• Biological targets and biomarkers;
• Radiopharmaceutical sciences, radiochemistry, (hybrid) imaging, and nuclear medicine;
• Nanotechnology;
• Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
• Pharmaceutical preparations and drug delivery.

Important Dates:

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 21 September 2025;
• Acceptance Notification Deadline: 5 October 2025;
• Registration Deadline: 31 October 2025.

Guide for Authors:

To submit your abstract, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1358.

To register for the event, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/ECMC-P2025?subscribe&section=#registration.

For details regarding abstract submission and poster and slide submission, please refer to the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/ECMC-P2025?section=#instructions.

Awards:
The open access, peer-reviewed journals Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutics will present awards totaling CHF 1600 for the Best Poster, Best Slideshow, Best Flash Communication, and Best Communication, as well as an award totaling CHF 500 for the Best Invited Lecture. Additionally, one participant will be granted the opportunity to engage in a One-Day Microwave Practice/Test.

For any inquiries regarding the event, please contact ecmc-p@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 1st International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics.

We announce Dr. Cláudia Martins and Dr. Luca Casula as the winners of the Pharmaceutics 2025 Travel Award. The Pharmaceutics Travel Award was launched in 2017 and is presented each year to encourage junior scientists to present their latest research at academic conferences in the field of science and technology of pharmaceutics, helping to enhance their influence. As the winners of this award, they will receive CHF 800 each and a certificate. All winners were chosen by the journal’s award committee (Dr. Patrick Sinko, Chairman; Dr. Murali Yallapu; Prof. Donato Cosco; Prof. Dr. Montse Mitjans Arnal; Prof. Roderick Bryan Walker; Prof. Dr. Anna Carbone).

We were honored to interview Dr. Cláudia Martins and Dr. Luca Casula. The interview is summarized below:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your field of research?

Dr. Cláudia Martins: I am Cláudia Martins, a Junior Postdoctoral Researcher at i3S—the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto (Portugal). I hold a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of Porto, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham (UK) and the University of Louvain (Belgium). My research focuses on biomaterials, targeted cancer nanomedicine, brain drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Over the years, I have worked across academia and industry, secured competitive funding, and contributed extensively to science outreach.

Dr. Luca Casula: I am Dr. Luca Casula, a postdoctoral researcher in the Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery group at the University of Cagliari, Italy. My research focuses on pharmaceutics and drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative drug formulations and optimizing delivery strategies to improve therapeutic effectiveness and patient outcomes. In particular, I explore the applications of nanomedicine to the following topics:

• Address challenges associated with poorly water-soluble drug formulations;
• Develop biodegradable wound dressings through electrospinning;
• Optimize aerosolisable nano- and micro-drug delivery systems.

2. In your previous collaborations with MDPI, what impressed you most?

Dr. Cláudia Martins:  What impressed me the most was the straightforward and simple application process, the transparency in receiving updates on the application status, and the responsiveness and supportiveness of the journal’s staff.

Dr. Luca Casula: Having engaged with MDPI in past research endeavors, I have been particularly impressed by the journal’s rapid and transparent peer-review process, as well as its commitment to publishing high-quality, impactful research. The accessibility of MDPI’s open access platform ensures that valuable scientific findings reach a global audience, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

3. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

Dr. Cláudia Martins:  Brain drug delivery will remain a major research focus, particularly innovative strategies to overcome the blood-brain barrier. Advancing out-of-the-box approaches to efficiently transport therapeutic agents to the brain is crucial for treating neurological disorders.

Dr. Luca Casula: In the coming years, I believe the research community will focus heavily on the following topics:

• Nanotechnology-based drug delivery, particularly in oncology, gene therapy, and targeted drug delivery;
• Biodegradable and smart polymers for sustained and controlled drug release;
• AI-driven drug formulation and predictive modeling to optimize drug design and reduce development time;
• mRNA therapeutics and novel vaccine platforms beyond COVID-19, applied to various infectious diseases and cancers.

4. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

Dr. Cláudia Martins:  Special acknowledgment goes to my all-time scientific mentor, Prof. Bruno Sarmento (i3S, University of Porto, Portugal). From the very first days of my research journey, he has provided me with invaluable guidance, encouragement, and countless opportunities that have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. His mentorship has been fundamental in helping me to establish my career goals and navigate the challenges of the scientific world.

Dr. Luca Casula:  I am incredibly honored to receive the Pharmaceutics 2025 Travel Award, and I sincerely thank the MDPI committee for this recognition. This award represents not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the hard work and collaboration that drives impactful research. I would like to express my gratitude to my mentors, colleagues, and research collaborators who have supported my journey, as well as my institution for fostering an environment of scientific curiosity and innovation. Lastly, I thank MDPI and Pharmaceutics for their dedication to advancing pharmaceutical sciences through open access research dissemination. I look forward to continuing to make contributions to this dynamic and evolving field.