En
The "EFMC-WuXi AppTec Award for Excellence in Chemical Biology" will recognise outstanding research in the field of chemical biology as defined by EFMC in The Chemical Biology-Medicinal Chemistry Continuum: EFMC’s Vision1, ChemBioChem 2021, 22, 2823-2825 link (free access). The Award is given biennially and consists of a diploma, € 7.500 and an invitation to present a lecture at an EFMC-ISCB symposium.
The Award shall be open to any scientist whose age does not exceed 50 years on January 1st of the year during which the Award is to be presented, and whose accomplishment has not yet been honoured by other EFMC awards. In accordance with the EFMC core values of equal opportunities and inclusiveness; Maternity leaves, as well as leaves taken for health or private reasons are considered upon making the final selection.
Nominations should consist of:
Self-nominations are also accepted.
The Award will be presented at the EuroChemBio 2027 to be held in Milan, Italy on October 5-8, 2027.
Deadline for submission: January 31, 2027 | Awardee will be announced around March 2027!
The 2025 EFMC-WuXi AppTec Award for Excellence in Chemical Biology has been awarded to:
Prof. Peng Chen (Peking University, China)
For his groundbreaking contributions to the field of live-cell chemistry. Through his innovative research, Peng has pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding, offering new perspectives and methods to explore the intricacies of biology in real time. His pioneering work on developing bioorthogonal reactions has profoundly transformed the way scientists study protein activities and interactions within living systems. These advanced tools have enabled more precise investigations and have opened new avenues in chemical biology, driving both fundamental and applied research. Peng Chen's achievements have been recognized globally, earning him numerous prestigious awards. He stands at the forefront of chemical biology, shaping its future and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Today, we recognize his remarkable dedication and brilliance, which continue to advance the frontiers of science. He is truly deserving of recognition as one of the foremost chemical biologists of our time
About Peng Chen:
Dr. Peng Chen is the Boya Distinguished Professor and Chair of Chemical Biology at Peking University, and the New Cornerstone Investigator from the New Cornerstone Foundation. Before joining Peking University in 2009, he obtained Ph.D with Prof. Chuan He at The University of Chicago and finished postdoctoral training with Prof. Peter Schultz at The Scripps Research Institute. He is currently also the Director of Chemical Biology Division at Chinese Chemical Society and the Executive Editor at ACS Chemical Biology.
His group is interested in developing and applying new chemistry tools to investigate protein-based interactions and activities in living systems. He has been leading the development of bioorthogonal cleavage reactions, which has enabled the gain-of-function study of proteins as well as other biomolecules in living cells and animals. This has created a new direction in bioorthogonal chemistry with broad utilities in life sciences and medicine.
1For a more complete definition of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology as understood by EFMC, please see Duca M, Gillingham D, Adam Olsen C, Sbardella G, van der Stelt M, Vasquez O, Vauzeilles B, Auberson YP. The Chemical Biology-Medicinal Chemistry Continuum: EFMC’s Vision. ChemBioChem 2021, 22, 2823– 2825. link
