The 2025 FEBS Open Bio Article Prize was awarded to Giulia Lunghi (University of Milano, Segrate, Italy) for her remarkable research on the neuroprotective effects of GM1 ganglioside on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

In their study, Giulia and colleagues demonstrated the protective ability of GM1 in counteracting the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in motor neurons, a key factor in ALS progression. Their findings provide insight into the role of GM1, particularly GM1-OS, as a potential drug candidate for ALS and other neurological disorders.

The winning paper published in the journal’s 2023 December issue, was selected by a jury of Editorial Board Members including Ivana Novak (Split), Jan S. Potempa (Kraków), and Cláudio M. Soares (Oeiras), for its scientific significance and strong experimental design.

As part of the award, Giulia has been invited to present her work at the 49^th FEBS Congress in Istanbul, taking place in July of this year; a fantastic opportunity to disseminate her findings to the wider scientific community.

We invite you to read Giulia’s paper and join us in celebrating her achievement!