Upcoming key dates

A. Castellani PhD Meeting | Application deadline
15 April 2026

PROBio-LatAm Fellowships | Application deadline
19 April 2026

FEBS Congress 2026 | Late-breaking abstract deadline
20 April 2026

FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award | 2027 Nomination deadline
15 May 2026

FEBS Education and Training Supported Society Events | Application deadline
15 June 2026

FEBS Press | FEBS Letters cover contest
31 August 2026

FEBS Advanced Courses | 2027 Call for applications 
1 September 2026

FEBS announcements

Israel Pecht Award 2026

Prof. Francesco Bonomi (University of Milan, Italy) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Israel Pecht Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the biomolecular sciences community and his long-standing commitment to FEBS and its Constituent Societies.

This award honours individuals whose dedication, leadership and service have significantly strengthened the FEBS network and supported the development of the scientific community.

???? The award will be presented at the Opening Ceremony of the FEBS 2026 Congress in Maastricht
???? Read the full announcement on the FEBS website

FEBS Education Award 2026

Professor Luciane Vieira de Mello (University of Liverpool, UK) has been awarded the FEBS Education Award 2026 in recognition of her outstanding and sustained contributions to bioscience education.

Her work has significantly advanced how complex subjects such as bioinformatics are taught, combining research-informed approaches with a strong focus on student engagement, transferable skills and curriculum innovation. Her impact extends internationally, influencing educational practices across Europe and beyond.

???? The award will be presented at the FEBS 2026 Congress in Maastricht (4–8 July)
???? Read more on the FEBS website

The FEBS Congress 2026: latest news

We look forward to welcoming you to the milestone 50th FEBS Congress in Maastricht this summer for the big picture across the molecular life sciences.

Don’t miss the late-breaking abstract submission deadline. Posters play an important part in the knowledge exchange and networking at a FEBS Congress, and there is still just time to join the event to present your work this way. Find all the details on abstract submission, including nearly 40 abstract topics, in the Congress website’s late-breaking abstract call. Deadline: 20 April 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Get ready for FEBS Press poster prizes. In recognition of the contribution of posters to the event, prizes for outstanding scientific posters at the Congress will be awarded by The FEBS Journal, FEBS Letters, Molecular Oncology and FEBS Open Bio, with the daily prize-winners shortlisted for overall prizes to be announced during the closing session. Find more details in a news post here. Good luck!

The new FEBS Rita Levi-Montalcini Medal and Lecture will be awarded for the first time at the 50th FEBS Congress. This first medal for outstanding achievements in biochemistry and molecular biology or related areas, with an emphasis on work on the molecular basis of disease or treatment, goes to Nobel laureate Emmanuelle Charpentier, who will deliver a plenary lecture at the Congress on ‘Transforming life sciences through the power of microbiology’. Find out about the inspiring life of Rita Levi-Montalcini, renowned for her work leading to the discovery of nerve growth factor, and the new FEBS medal named in her honour, on the Congress website here.

For more on the exciting range of headline lectures at the event, see the full plenary speaker list.

Congress Special Sessions expand the programme. Amidst plenary lectures, symposia, speed talks and posters, look out for the Congress ‘special sessions’ to broaden your outlook. The FEBS Education special session focuses on wellbeing this year, while the FEBS Press special session highlights publication ethics and best practices in scientific publishing. Also among the special sessions, a joint FEBS and KSBMB (Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) session offers perspectives on cutting-edge techniques in biochemistry, and a joint FEBS and EACR (European Association for Cancer Research) session will look at the interplay of tumour cells, non-tumour cells and their microenvironment in cancer development.

The FEBS Journal

The FEBS Journal is happy to share a new issue on Molecular Microbiology. This focus issue highlights the latest advances in the genetic, molecular and biochemical processes that govern microbial physiology, pathogenesis and evolution. We welcome you to this celebration of all things bugs, drugs, and “biochem”.

FEBS Letters

FEBS Letters is very pleased to announce the publication of a new special issue on Circadian Clocks. This issue, guest edited by Carrie Partch of UC Santa Cruz, features 14 high-quality Review articles by experts in the field, including Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar, on the molecular basis of circadian rhythms, their pervasive and powerful control of biology, and new frontiers in the field, including approaches to modulate biological timekeeping to improve human health. We encourage you to read the full issue for free here.  

FEBS Open Bio

We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest Special Issue on “Bioplastics and Biopolymers”, guest-edited by Valeria L. Giosafatto,  Raffaele Porta. The five Review articles in this issue focus on the recent advances on the production, characterization and biodegradation of sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel derived plastics. Together, they propose a more environmentally friendly approach to material design.

We hope you enjoy reading this In the Limelight issue and invite you to check out all of our Special Issues here.

Molecular Oncology

At Molecular Oncology, we are looking forward to attending and participating in the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR 2026) held 08-11 June in Budapest, Hungary.

As the affiliate journal of the EACR, we are pleased to host a booth at the central ‘non-profit’ hub in the main Congress foyer, right next to the EACR stand. We will also be supporting a Meet the Editor session and a joint EACR - EACS - Molecular Oncology Session on the ’The Dark Proteome’.

If you are interested in attending EACR 2026 don’t miss out on Early rate registration by 21 April 2026 and come visit us at booth C5.

Stay tuned: the EACR 2026 congress abstracts will be published in Molecular Oncology following the congress.

FEBS Advanced Courses

Want to deepen your knowledge and skills in your field, meet peers and world-renowned speakers in a friendly setting, build a community in your research area, or explore new topics? Try a FEBS Advanced Course! Covering advanced topics in the molecular life sciences at locations across Europe, they provide research updates, training, and networking, and are especially valuable to PhD students and Postdocs. Some courses are jointly funded with EMBO or IUBMB.

FEBS Advanced Courses 2026 – Participants

There are still many FEBS Advanced Courses open for registration, from those on advanced proteomics, biochirality, and MASLD, to the extracellular matrix, redox signalling, synaptic vesicle dynamics, and epigenetics. We invite you to browse the full Advanced Courses calendar on the FEBS website.

FEBS Advanced Course 2027 – Organizers

If you are considering organizing a course, the next deadline is 1 September 2026 (for courses in 2027). We are delighted to flag that the new Joint FEBS/IUBMB Advanced Course will still be accepting applications for that deadline. This course type is co-funded equally by FEBS and IUBMB and can be held in any country that has an IUBMB Adhering Bodies and Associate Adhering Bodies, including those with a FEBS Constituent Society. Please monitor the FEBS website for news and refer to the latest guidelines.

As always, we appreciate the sharing of this information, and links to course websites, with interested contacts and relevant networks.

FEBS Education and Training

FEBS Education and Training Supported Society Events

FEBS provides funding to support education activities organised by members of its Constituent Societies, including sessions at national congresses and face-to-face training events. Grants of up to €2,000 are available for in-person events, and up to €750 for online courses.

???? Deadline: 15 June 2026 (for events taking place July–December 2026)

FEBS 2026 Congress Education Special Session

Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a key factor in shaping research environments and career development. This session brings together researchers, mentors and educators to explore how wellbeing influences learning, supervision and long-term success in science.

Featuring:

• Cormac Taylor (University College Dublin, Ireland)
• Kay Guccione (University of Glasgow, UK)

???? 7 July 2026, 16:00–17:45
???? Explore the full Congress programme

Fellowships

Applications are still open for the PROBio-LatAm Fellowships 2026, supporting early-career researchers from Latin America to undertake research visits in laboratories across FEBS countries.

This joint initiative by FEBS, IUBMB and PABMB promotes international collaboration and provides access to advanced methodologies, technologies and scientific expertise.

Fellowships offer funding of up to €7,000 for research stays of up to six months, covering travel and living costs.

⏳ Only a few days left to apply
???? Deadline: 19 April 2026
 

Careers of Young Scientists

Final opportunity for PhD students: Apply today to attend the “A. Castellani” Meeting

This is the final opportunity to apply for FEBS support to attend the 36th “A. Castellani” Annual Meeting for PhD Students in Biochemical Sciences, taking place in Brallo di Pregola (Italy) on 25–29 May 2026. FEBS will cover registration fees, accommodation, and travel costs for selected PhD students. The meeting provides an excellent platform to present research, exchange ideas, and build connections within an international PhD student community.

Application deadline: 15 April. Read the full call and submit your application here.

Women in Science

If you have not yet submitted a nomination, there is still time to recognise an outstanding woman scientist whose work is advancing the life sciences. This joint FEBS and EMBO initiative celebrates excellence in research while highlighting the importance of visible role models in science.

The award honours one female scientist each year for major achievements in Europe, with a €10,000 prize, a statuette, and a plenary lecture at the FEBS Congress.

???? Deadline for nominations: 15 May 2026
➡️ Submit a nomination via the EMBO website and consult the full guidelines for details.

Upcoming deadlines

Careers of Young Scientists | “A. Castellani” PhD Meeting applications 
20 March 2026

FEBS-IUBMB-ENABLE Conference 2027 | Scientific Organizing Committee nomination
10 April 2026

PROBio-LatAm Fellowships | Application 
19 April 2026

FEBS Congress 2026 | Late-breaking abstract 
20 April 2026

FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award | 2027 Nomination 
15 May 2026

FEBS Press | FEBS Letters cover contest
31 August 2026

FEBS Advanced Courses | 2027 Call for applications 
1 September 2026

The FEBS Congress 2026: have you booked your place?

We are looking forward to an inspiring few days of learning, updates and networking across the molecular life sciences at the big FEBS event of the year, and hope you can be part of it.

Late-breaking abstract submission is open. Recently had a research breakthrough, or missed the earlier abstract deadline? Find out about the late-breaking abstract call for posters, and take this extra opportunity to come and present your work. Deadline: 20 April 2026

Get to know plenary speakers ahead of the Congress. Several have shared interesting general perspectives on life as a researcher, as well as introduced their subject areas, through Q&As on the FEBS Network site:

• Ivan Đikić: "I believe leadership means leading by example."
• Angela M. Gronenborn: "I enjoy being confronted with a totally unexpected result..."
• Ulrike Kutay: "...biological science is most insightful when conducted in diverse teams..."
• Peter Ratcliffe: "...I love discussing new data with lab members and planning new work."
• Nektarios Tavernarakis: "Molecular and cell biologists...should be actively interested in research beyond their immediate specialization..."
• Carola Vinuesa: "I appreciate independent thinkers..."
• Alexander Wlodawer: "And that is how I became a structural biologist.”

See the full plenary speaker list on the Congress website.

Discover Maastricht. Located in the southern Netherlands along the River Meuse, Maastricht offers a distinctive setting for the 50th FEBS Congress. Known for its Roman heritage, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural life, the city combines history and contemporary European character in a compact and walkable urban centre. See you there!

The FEBS Journal - Special issue coming soon

Image courtesy of Maria dM. Vivanco and colleagues

Proteases continuously remodel the extracellular matrix. This dynamic process underpins key aspects of cellular physiology and determines several pathological conditions, such as osteoarthritis, fibrosis, and cancer.

The FEBS Journal is pleased to announce a new Special Issue on Extracellular Matrix Crosstalk with Proteases. Guest edited by Nikos Karamanos, this issue will feature review articles from leaders in the field, and will be published later in 2026. ​

Don’t miss out on this excellent selection of cutting-edge reviews.

Molecular Oncology

Molecular Oncology, the affiliate journal of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR), is proud to announce the recipient of the third  EACR-Molecular Oncology publishing fellowship. This program supports and educates early-career scientists by providing hands-on experience in the academic publishing process. We are delighted to welcome Amel Aziba, a PhD candidate at the University of Würzburg, and are happy to host at the Molecular Oncology office as she gains in-depth knowledge across our various editorial workflows.

FEBS Open Bio

On the 10 February 2026, FEBS Open Bio hosted a free webinar titled "Tumor-Stroma Interactions: A Roundtable Discussion" to accompany our recent ‘In the Limelight’ special issue on Tumor-Stroma Interactions. The webinar, hosted by Guest Editor Isabel Fabregat, (Principal Investigator at The Institute of Biomedical Research of Bellvitge), brought together leading researchers to explore how the tumor microenvironment influences tumor growth and metastasis and, ultimately, treatment.

The webinar video as well as all previous FEBS Open Bio webinars can be found here. We look forward to welcoming you to our next free webinar!

FEBS Letters

FEBS Letters has launched a new cover contest—the journal invites researchers and students in the molecular life sciences to submit striking images that capture the beauty of scientific data. The winning entry will be featured on the cover of FEBS Letters, and the winner will receive a prize of €500. We will publish an article featuring the winning image and runners-up in the Scientists' Forum, in which the creators will provide a paragraph about the image and their research. The deadline is 31 August 2026; please see full details on the contest here.

The journal has also recently published the latest article in its ongoing series of interviews with patient advocates, which seeks to present the positive effects on patients’ lives of pioneering research into the mechanisms underlying rare genetic disorders. We interviewed Francesca Manodoro, Vice-President of Associazione Famiglie COL4A1-A2, which provides support for patients with collagen disorders and their families, together with Tom Van Agtmael, Professor of Matrix Biology and Disease at the University of Glasgow, and Simona Balestrini, Associate Professor of Child Neurology at the University of Florence. We invite you to read the article here.

FEBS Advanced Courses

FEBS Advanced Course 2027 – Organisers

We are pleased to flag the next deadline for the FEBS Advanced Course 2027 call for applications from course organisers: 1 September 2026. Please monitor the FEBS website for news and refer to the latest guidelines.

FEBS Advanced Courses 2026 – Participants

Interested in attending a FEBS Advanced Course in 2026? Don’t miss out! Scroll through the pages of the FEBS Advanced Courses Calendar to find the right course for you or someone you know.

Topics include integrative structural biology, tumour microenvironment, extracellular matrix, transglutaminases, retina as an ex-vivo model, MASLD, human fungal pathogens, epigenetics, advanced proteomics, redox signaling in physiopathology, synaptic vesicle dynamics, membranes in organelle biogenesis, cancer research, ion channels and transporters, functional imaging of cellular dynamics, biochirality, and protein termini.

And if you want to get an impression of what these courses are like, visit the FEBS Network for posts from past participants and organisers.

FEBS Education and Training

FEBS is supporting a training event on Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) organised by the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) and the Research Education Coordination at Izmir University of Economics in collaboration with the Turkish Biochemical Society.

This one-day training will explore approaches and methodologies used in discipline-based education research and will bring together participants interested in advancing teaching and learning practices in the biochemical sciences.

???? 24 March 2026
⏰ 09:00 – 17:00

Further information, including the programme and registration form, is available below.

FEBS Education and Training Conference

???? 25–29 March 2026
???? Kuşadası, Türkiye

Although early bird registration and oral submissions have closed, poster submissions are still welcome and regular registration remains open.

Fellowships

The PROBio-LatAm Fellowships Programme 2026 is now open for applications. This initiative, jointly supported by FEBS, IUBMB and PABMB, enables PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and early-career researchers from Latin America to carry out research stays of 3–6 months in laboratories based in FEBS countries.

The programme aims to strengthen scientific exchange and support access to specialised technologies and expertise that may not be readily available in researchers’ home institutions.

Fellowships provide funding of up to €7,000 for a six-month visit, covering travel and living expenses.

???? Application deadline: 19 April 2026

Careers of Young Scientists

Open call for FEBS Constituent Societies: Nominate a young researcher to organize the 2027 FEBS‑IUBMB‑ENABLE Conference

FEBS Constituent Societies are invited to nominate one of their young members (PhD student or junior postdoc) to join the Scientific Organizing Committee for the 2027 FEBS‑IUBMB‑ENABLE Conference. This role offers early‑career researchers a unique chance to shape the scientific programme of an international event. Nominations must be submitted by 10 April.

More information and the nomination form are available here.

Funding opportunity for PhD students: Apply now to attend the “A. Castellani” Meeting

FEBS will cover registration fees, accommodation, and travel costs for six selected PhD students to attend the 36th “A. Castellani” Annual Meeting for PhD Students in Biochemical Sciences, taking place in Brallo di Pregola (Italy) on 25–29 May 2026. This meeting offers an excellent platform to present your research, exchange ideas, and build connections within a vibrant community of fellow PhD students. Applications close on 20 March.

Don’t miss this opportunity: read the full call and submit your application here.

Nominations are now open for the FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award 2027, which recognises outstanding achievements by women scientists in the life sciences.

Established in 2007, this joint initiative of FEBS and EMBO highlights the important contributions made by women researchers and aims to provide inspiring role models for future generations.

The award honours one scientist each year for exceptional research achievements and major advances in the life sciences within the last five years in Europe. The winner receives a €10,000 prize, a statuette, and delivers a plenary lecture at the FEBS Congress.

???? Deadline for nominations: 15 May 2026

➡️ Submit a nomination via the EMBO website and consult the full guidelines for details.