WMS 2025 Awards – Celebrating Scientific Excellence in Mitochondrial Medicine

Awarded to Dr. Simon Grelet, 
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mitchell Cancer Institute,
University of South Alabama, USA

The World Mitochondria Society is proud to award its most prestigious distinction to Dr. Simon Grelet, recognizing an exceptional scientific contribution that reshapes our understanding of mitochondria in cancer.

In his outstanding presentation, “Nerve-to-Cancer Mitochondrial Transfer: A Key Driver of Metastasis,” Dr. Grelet revealed a striking discovery: neurons can transfer their mitochondria to cancer cells, enhancing their metabolic flexibility and metastatic capacity.

Using advanced in vivo and in vitro models, together with the innovative MitoTRACER genetic system, his team demonstrated that cancer cells acquiring neuronal mitochondria are preferentially found at metastatic sites. This work uncovers a previously unrecognized biological dialogue between the nervous system and cancer.

Presented by Marvin Edeas and Volkmar Weissig, this award honors not only scientific excellence, but also the spirit of dynamic mitochondrial medicine, where metabolism, communication, and therapy converge.

Dr. Grelet’s work reminds us that mitochondria are not static powerhouses — they are mobile, communicative organelles shaping disease progression and systemic health.

Best Short Oral Communication Award 2025

Awarded to Dr. Dylan Sarver
Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology,
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA

The World Mitochondria Society is delighted to recognize Dr. Dylan Sarver for an elegant and original presentation entitled:
“Time-Restricted Feeding, Whole-Body Mitochondrial Synchronization, and Health Status.”

Dr. Sarver’s work shows that time-restricted feeding (TRF) is more than a dietary intervention — it acts as a system-wide signal that synchronizes mitochondrial gene expression across organs.

By analyzing 22 tissues over a full 24-hour cycle, his study revealed that TRF enhances cross-tissue mitochondrial coordination, linking circadian rhythms, bioenergetics, and overall health.

Presented by Volkmar Weissig and Marvin Edeas, this award celebrates a powerful idea:
when we eat matters — not only for metabolism, but for harmonizing the body’s mitochondrial rhythm.

Best Poster Award 2025

Awarded to Ms. Yuina Otani and Team
Tokyo University of Science, Japan
(Yuka Nozaki, Yukie Mitsunari, Masaki Kobayashi, Dr. Yoshikazu Higami)

The World Mitochondria Society proudly announces the Best Poster Award 2025 to Ms. Yuina Otani and her team for their work:
“Caloric Restriction Shows Its Effect via Upregulating Quantity and Quality of Mitochondria.”

This study demonstrates how caloric restriction enhances both mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial quality control, through GH/IGF-1–dependent signaling pathways. Under the leadership of Dr. Yoshikazu Higami, the work provides deep mechanistic insight into how nutritional signals rejuvenate mitochondria and support healthy aging.

Presented by Marvin Edeas and Volkmar Weissig, this award highlights the importance of young investigators, strong mentorship, and fundamental science in advancing mitochondrial medicine.