In honour of Italian physicist professor Michele Parrinello, open-access publisher MDPI has launched the Michele Parrinello Award – a biennial award recognising senior academics in computational physical science. As the deadline for 2026 nominations approaches, we reflect on professor Parrinello’s remarkable career and enduring legacy.

Known for his innovative approach to computational science, professor Parrinello’s role in the development of the Car–Parrinello method (with Roberto Car) remains one of his most influential contributions to molecular dynamics. He is similarly celebrated for his role in co-developing the Parrinello–Rahman method, alongside his recent work in metadynamics.

Testament to his global influence, professor Parrinello has received several accolades, such as the Rahman Prize, the Dirac Medal and the Erwin Schrödinger Institute for Mathematics and Physics Medal. He is also a member of several academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.

Reflecting on his advice to young researchers, professor Parrinello says that they should not fear new ideas. He has observed that many early-career scientists hesitate to go against the mainstream, often worrying about potential consequences. Instead, he encourages them to remain confident in the value and meaning of their work, and to avoid being overly influenced by the opinions of others.

Through the Michele Parrinello Award, it is hoped that professor Parrinello’s remarkable legacy will inspire future generations to pursue excellence in their fields.

The full interview with professor Parrinello is available online.

Michele Parrinello’s work has been characterised by its interdisciplinary impact. Accordingly, the award welcomes nominees from a range of related fields, including physics, chemistry and materials science.

Nominations will close on 31 March 2026, with the winner announced on 31 July 2026. The awardee will receive a monetary prize of EUR 50,000, alongside a commemorative medal and a certificate.

For more information about the nomination process, visit the award homepage.

The Michele Parrinello Award Committee is chaired by professor Xin-Gao Gong. Professor Gong studied with professor Parrinello in Italy during his early career. As an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a professor at Fudan University in China, he focuses his research on computational physical sciences and condensed-matter physics.

Much like how professor Parrinello inspired his early career, professor Gong hopes that “The Michele Parrinello Award will recognise scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed-matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit.”

Watch the full interview with professor Xin-Gao Gong online.

MDPI champions outstanding research

Recognising the exceptional work of academics lies at the heart of MDPI’s mission to foster open scientific exchange, and is reflected in its extensive awards programme.

The MDPI Sustainability Foundation furthers this mission through its commitment to advancing sustainable development, advocating for scientific progress and global collaboration.

Alongside the Michele Parrinello Award, the foundation oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award and the Tu Youyou Award.