Molecule of the year
At their core, biochemistry and molecular biology are all about how molecules interact.
Molecules catalyze reactions, form structural components and help carry important signals from one end of a system to the other. Proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, metabolites and small molecules all play important roles in the vast network of life’s processes.
We invite you to nominate what you consider to be the most influential molecular discoveries and innovations for our inaugural "Molecule of the Year" contest.
Here’s how it works:
- From now until May 17, you can submit your nomination for the molecule of the year.
- From May 27 until June 14, all ASBMB members will have the chance to vote for the molecule they think is deserving of the title “Molecule of the Year.”
This is your chance to recognize the discoveries at the heart of groundbreaking advancements, whether it's a revolutionary drug, an important metabolite or an incredible enzyme. Nominate your choice for the Molecule of the Year and let's shine a spotlight on the molecules that make the world go round.
Questions? Contact Joanna Kotloski, membership director.

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition monthly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Science
Science highlights or most popular articles

Mapping fentanyl’s cellular footprint
Using a new imaging method, researchers at State University of New York at Buffalo traced fentanyl’s effects inside brain immune cells, revealing how the drug alters lipid droplets, pointing to new paths for addiction diagnostics.

Designing life’s building blocks with AI
Tanja Kortemme, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, will discuss her research using computational biology to engineer proteins at the 2026 ASBMB Annual Meeting.

Cholesterol as a novel biomarker for Fragile X syndrome
Researchers in Quebec identified lower levels of a brain cholesterol metabolite, 24-hydroxycholesterol, in patients with fragile X syndrome, a finding that could provide a simple blood-based biomarker for understanding and managing the condition.

How lipid metabolism shapes sperm development
Researchers at Hokkaido University identify the enzyme behind a key lipid in sperm development. The findings reveal how seminolipids shape sperm formation and may inform future diagnostics and treatments for male infertility.

Mass spec method captures proteins in native membranes
Yale scientists developed a mass spec protocol that keeps proteins in their native environment, detects intact protein complexes and tracks drug binding, offering a clearer view of membrane biology.

Laser-assisted cryoEM method preserves protein structure
University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers devised a method that prevents protein compaction during cryoEM prep, restoring natural structure for mass spec studies. The approach could expand high-resolution imaging to more complex protein systems.