SMBE is calling for nominations for Best Graduate Student Papers of 2025. These awards provide recognition for outstanding papers in both our SMBE journals, Molecular Biology & Evolution (MBE) and Genome Biology & Evolution (GBE). There will be one Best Graduate Student Paper award for each journal. Like last year, each journal may also name up to 3 ‘honorable mentions’ for outstanding runners-up.

All articles published in the calendar year 2025 are eligible for nomination. This corresponds to papers published in the printed volume 41 in MBE and volume 17 in GBE.

Please see below for additional information on eligibility, and links to the online nomination forms.

Winners will receive a prize each of $500USD, runners up a prize each of $100USD.

Best Regards,
Juliette de Meaux
President, SMBE

Eligibility & Nomination Instructions:

1. All articles published in the two SMBE journals, Molecular Biology & Evolution and Genome Biology & Evolution (one prize for each journal), in the calendar year 2025 are automatically eligible if the final publication date of the nominated paper is not more than two years later than the date of the nominee's Ph.D.

2. The nominated graduate student must be the first author or joint first-author of the nominated paper.

3. An article and its first author can be nominated by anyone; self-nominations are acceptable.

4. A signed letter from the Ph.D. advisor, MSc advisor, or equivalent, confirming that the paper was part of the nominee’s thesis or graduate work is required.

5. The deadline for submitting nominations is 8am EDT, February 27th, 2026.

How to Enter:

• Submit Nomination for GBE
• Submit Nomination for MBE

Questions? Please contact smbe@am.kwglobal.com