Scientific meetings play a critical role not only in disseminating new knowledge, but also in recognizing and encouraging high-quality research, particularly from early-career scientists. With this perspective, Molecular Oncology, a FEBS Press journal, was pleased to support and deliver the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 1st Regional SDIR–HDIR–MOKAD (Serbian, Croatian and Turkish Societies of Molecular Oncology) Congress celebrated in Belgrade, Serbia, on 8–10 October 2025—an international meeting bringing together researchers working on inflammation, disease mechanisms, and cancer biology.

During the closing ceremony of the congress, as a Junior Ambassador of Molecular Oncology, I had the opportunity to first introduce Molecular Oncology to the audience. The journal operates as a non-profit, society-driven publication under FEBS Press, with all article processing charges (APCs) reinvested into the scientific community through bursaries, fellowships, travel grants, and educational initiatives. This model reflects FEBS’ long-standing commitment to supporting researchers beyond publication itself—particularly early-career scientists navigating an increasingly competitive research environment.

The journal introduction was followed by the announcement of the Best Oral Presentation Award, sponsored by Molecular Oncology. The award was presented to Dr Muhlis Akman (Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye) for the outstanding oral presentation entitled: “TFEB controls chemoresistance in NSCLC”.

The talk was recognized for its scientific rigor, clarity of presentation, and its contribution to understanding mechanisms of chemoresistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a topic of clear translational relevance. By linking TFEB-regulated pathways to therapy response, the work offered mechanistic insight with potential implications for future therapeutic strategies.

Molecular Oncology regularly supports talk and poster prizes at international meetings as part of its broader mission to promote excellence in cancer research and to actively engage with the scientific community. These awards are not only acknowledgements of individual achievement, but also a reflection of FEBS Press’s reinvestment of publishing resources back into science and scientists.

We congratulate the awardee and thank the SDIR, HDIR, and MOKAD organizing committees for hosting a scientifically stimulating congress. Molecular Oncology looks forward to continuing its engagement with the community and supporting emerging voices in cancer research.

About Molecular Oncology

Molecular Oncology is a FEBS Press journal published on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies. It publishes high-quality basic, translational, and clinical cancer research, operating under a non-profit model in which APCs directly support FEBS scientific activities and researcher bursaries.

^{Photo by MJH SHIKDER on Unsplash.}