MDPI is pleased to announce the Award Committee for the inaugural Michele Parrinello Award, presented alongside the announcement of the 2026 laureate.
Established in 2025 in honor of Prof. Michele Parrinello’s pioneering contributions to atomistic simulation and computational science, the Michele Parrinello Award is presented biennially to recognize distinguished senior scientists who have made significant contributions to computational physical sciences, encompassing physics, chemistry, and materials science, with particular emphasis on fundamental research.
To ensure the highest standards of evaluation, the Award Committee brings together internationally recognized experts whose expertise spans computational physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, and materials science. Chaired by a distinguished scientist in the field, the committee provides independent perspectives to evaluate nominations based on rigor, integrity, and academic excellence.
Committee Chair:
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Prof. Dr. Xin-Gao Gong
Fudan University, China
Prof. Dr. Xin-Gao Gong is a distinguished physicist specializing in computational physical sciences and condensed matter physics. As a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has made pioneering contributions to the development of theoretical and computational methodologies that have significantly advanced the understanding of complex material systems. His research has played a key role in shaping computational physical sciences and deeply influenced materials theory and simulation.
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Committee Members:
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Prof. Alessandro Laio
Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Italy
Prof. Alessandro Laio is a leading researcher in computational physics and statistical mechanics. His research focuses on the development of analysis techniques for complex data landscapes and on the development of algorithms for enhancing the capability of computer simulations to provide predictive answers for complex heterogeneous systems. He is widely recognized for co-developing metadynamics, a groundbreaking atomistic simulation technique that has become a powerful tool in computational physics, chemistry, materials science, and biology.
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Prof. Michiel Sprik
University of Cambridge, UK
Prof. Michiel Sprik is a renowned researcher in theoretical chemistry and materials modeling. His research focuses on physical chemistry of electrochemical interfaces, combining atomistic simulations, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamic theory to understand energy conversion processes and the behavior of complex materials systems. His contributions have advanced the fundamental understanding of electrochemical and energy-related materials.
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Prof. David J. Srolovitz
The University of Hong Kong, China
Prof. David J. Srolovitz is the Chair Professor of materials theory and Dean of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong. His research spans materials theory and computational materials science, with interests in defects, interfaces, microstructural evolution, mechanical deformation, radiation effects, and advanced simulation methods for emerging materials systems. He has authored more than 500 scientific publications and received numerous honors, including the Materials Theory Award from the Materials Research Society.
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Prof. Mark E. Tuckerman
New York University, USA
Prof. Mark E. Tuckerman is an internationally recognized expert in theoretical and computational chemistry. His research centers on molecular dynamics, free-energy methods, molecular crystal structure prediction, and machine learning applications in chemical and materials sciences. He is widely known for pioneering advances in molecular and path integral simulations and computational methods for complex molecular systems.
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Prof. Su-Huai Wei
Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China
Prof. Su-Huai Wei is a distinguished scientist in computational materials science and electronic-structure theory. His research specializes in the first-principles calculation of electronic structures and the exploration of optoelectronic, magnetic, and energy-related properties of semiconductors, nanomaterials, and emerging functional materials. His work has made significant contributions to the understanding and design of advanced materials for energy and electronic applications.
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Note: The 2026 Award Committee comprises six members, including one anonymous member.
We sincerely thank the committee members for their valuable contributions and dedication to the Michele Parrinello Award. Their expertise and commitment are essential to maintaining the academic excellence and integrity of this international award.
For more information about the Michele Parrinello Award, please visit the official award website: https://mparrinelloaward.org/.
