Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology 2021 Best Paper Award

At Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology (SBB), we have always aimed to promote the communication of original research in synthetic and systems biology, while ensuring a strong emphasis on applications towards biotechnology. We are very appreciative to have received so many articles on high-quality research, particularly in the past two years, when the world has experienced many unprecedented events and changes.

And so, this year’s Best Paper Awards for papers published in Volume 5 (2020) and Volume 6 (2021) are extra special, because those that receive the recognition represent not only their own unique brilliance in presenting some of the best novel, impactful research, but also reflect the resilience and determination of the scientific community.

We are indeed very proud and happy to announce the recipients of the 2021 Best Paper Awards. Please join us in congratulating the winners!

Research article:

Programmable polyketide biosynthesis platform for production of aromatic compounds in yeast 

Tadas Jakočiūnas, Andreas K. Klitgaard, Eftychia Eva Kontou et al.

Review article:

Methodologies for preparation of prokaryotic extracts for cell-free expression systems 

Stephanie D. Cole, Aleksandr E. Miklos, Abel C. Chiao et al.

The winning articles were selected by the SBB Editorial Leadership based on the following criteria:

• Originality
• Rigour
• Potential benefits to society
• Significance of findings
• Conceptual contribution
• Technical challenges overcome

The award includes a trophy and an official certificate, together with the chance to publish in SSB with article publication fees* waived. The profile of the award winners will be perennially showcased on the main SBB website.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our authors and reviewers for their vital and valued contributions to our journal.

*Manuscript must be peer-reviewed and accepted before 31 December 2023.