The nomination deadline for the Tu Youyou Award is fast approaching. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, we warmly invite you to do so before the deadline.

Here, we will overview this award and share the nomination details and eligibility requirements.

Tu Youyou Award

The Tu Youyou Award is an international honor celebrating excellence in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Inspired by the Nobel laureate Professor Tu Youyou, whose groundbreaking discovery of artemisinin revolutionised malaria treatment and saved millions of lives, this biennial award recognizes exceptional scientists advancing research and innovation in these fields.

The 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.

Nomination details

With the deadline approaching on 31 October 2026, it is important to submit your nominations before it is too late.

Below, we outline the essential criteria for making a successful submission.

Who may be nominated?

Scientists with outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry may be nominated.

Importantly, nominees must be individuals. Nominations for a team or research group are not permitted.

Also, nominations only apply to this edition of the award, meaning that nominations from previous cycles, such as the 2024 Tu Youyou Award, will not be carried over.

Who may submit a nomination?

The director of their host research institution or recognized scientists within the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Self-nominations will not be considered.

What needs to be submitted?

In order to submit a nomination, multiple documents must be provided. These include:

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

Submit your nominations now

Submit your nomination by 31 October 2026 to celebrate outstanding contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

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.

To submit your nomination, access the form here.

Alternatively, visit the Tu Youyou Award homepage where you can find everything you need to know about the award itself and its previous laureates.