In recognition of the exceptional career and enduring impact of Nobel Prize laureate Professor Tu Youyou, MDPI established its biennial Tu Youyou Award in 2016.

10 years later, 6 exceptional scholars have received the prestigious title of Tu Youyou laureates; all of whom stand as embodiments of scientific excellence and innovation which the award seeks to inspire.

Set to continue with the previous years’ success, MDPI is delighted to announce that the 2026 edition of the award is now open for nominations for scholars in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the Tu Youyou Award, whilst also taking a closer look at this current edition of the award and its important nomination details.

Honoring Professor Tu Youyou at MDPI

The Tu Youyou Award recognizes researchers whose work advances the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, while also contributing to human health.

Professor Tu Youyou is most widely celebrated for her own profound impact on global health through her discovery of ground-breaking antimalarial treatments. Her team’s discovery of artemisinin has significantly reduced the global mortality rates of individuals with malaria. Further, Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the standard treatment for malaria.

MDPI’s longstanding commitment to celebrating the career of Professor Tu Youyou traces back to 2009, when Dr. Shu-Kun Lin, MDPI’s founder, launched a Special Issue in Molecules in commemoration of Professor Tu Youyou’s 80th birthday. The Tu Youyou Award would later be established in 2016.

Learn more about Tu Youyou’s impact here. Alternatively, read our interviews with the 2024 Tu Youyou laureates Professor Richard DiMarchi and Professor Rolf Müller.

2026 Tu Youyou award

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award holds a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided should there be multiple recipients. Winners also receive an award medal and a certificate.

The award celebrates senior scientists whose innovative and impactful research holds potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.

The award operates on a nomination-only basis, and nominations may be submitted by the director of the respective nominee’s host research institution or recognized scientists within the field.

You can find the important eligibility requirements and nomination details here.

Award Committee Chair: Professor Dr. William Gerwick

Recently, MDPI was delighted to announce Professor Dr. William Gerwick as Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.

A Distinguished Professor and world-renowned scholar in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick will oversee the process of identifying the next recipients of the award.

Professor Gerwick is a committed mentor and tenured academic. Having served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, and currently holding fellowship status across the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Society of Pharmacognosy, Professor Gerwick’s experience across academia and with industry partners makes him an ideal candidate for this position.

His own research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their biomedical applications, their biosynthesis and characterization at the molecular genetics and genomic level, and innovative methods for structural elucidation of natural products.

In an interview with MDPI, Professor Gerwick shares how Professor Tu Youyou’s resilience and extraordinary career motivated him to undertake the position of Award Committee Chair:

“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 […] It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision.”

Read the full 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.

Submit your nominations today

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026.

MDPI encourages all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award honors individual achievement whilst also encouraging further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.

Visit the Tu Youyou Award homepage, where you can find everything you need to know about the award itself, previous laureates, and the all important nomination details.