As 2025 closed, we received a request that perfectly embodies why Addgene exists: a researcher in Laos needed a unique set of plasmids to advance their research. Thanks to five different labs across the U.S. who deposited their plasmids with Addgene to share with the rest of the world, the plasmids arrived in the researcher’s lab in under two weeks, making Laos the 112th country that we support.
This story is a vivid example of how the global scientific community’s generosity makes it possible for researchers worldwide to access the tools they need, accelerating scientific progress across borders.
This past year, we welcomed over 500 new depositing labs who entrusted us with their research materials. Addgene materials contributed to 9,000 publications in 2025 alone, each representing questions answered, hypotheses tested, and knowledge advanced. Behind every publication is another great story, like researchers in India using Addgene-shared tools to develop new vaccine approaches against emerging viral threats, or scientists in Colombia leveraging plasmids from Addgene's CRISPR collection to uncover how key plant defense genes protect crops from devastating disease. The collective willingness of researchers to share their materials enables countless breakthroughs, ensures that scientific inquiry builds on prior discovery, and advances new knowledge.
Turning Researcher Feedback into Real Improvements
In a world where funding cycles shift, regulations change, and supply chains strain, Addgene remains a constant. Behind the scenes, we continue to refine our processes to enhance efficiency and quality — both fundamental to maintaining the reliability you depend on.
In 2025, we focused on what researchers needed most: reliable access to quality materials and associated data to be able to use them effectively. In response to the constant evolution of scientific tools and computational approaches, we ensured that access to reliable plasmid information keeps pace. Opening our plasmid data through the Developer's Portal means that researchers can integrate Addgene's rich data into workflows and unlock new tools and discoveries.
We also responded to your feedback. Many of you asked for a smaller size for our on-demand viral vector packaging service to better match experiment needs and budgets, and we made that happen. Others needed a faster way to find plasmids with specific sequences, so we introduced Search by Sequence to help you locate exactly the right tools for your experiments. Still others told us about the need for more open-source, highly characterized recombinant antibodies, so we're partnering with leading neuroscience and antibody experts to expand this collection.
Stronger Partnerships, Broader Impact
As we move into 2026, our focus turns to strengthening the networks that make science possible. We're expanding our collections strategically and forging new partnerships that will bring more tools to more researchers in academia – but also for researchers in industry, as we make our collections more comprehensively accessible to scientific entrepreneurs. From emerging technologies to underrepresented research areas, we're working to ensure that when scientists need materials, Addgene can help.
In the coming year, you'll see us focus even more intently on efficiency without compromising the quality that defines Addgene. Many of these improvements will happen quietly in the background, but you'll feel their impact in faster turnaround times and more reliable service.
We also have some exciting developments on the horizon. New partnerships are taking shape. Novel products are in development. And we'll be refreshing our look to reflect how we’ve evolved while staying true to our mission. Stay tuned! We're eager to share more details in the months ahead.
Looking Ahead Together
As I reflect on 2025 and step into 2026, I'm inspired by the resilience and generosity of the global scientific community.
Whether you're depositing plasmids, ordering viral vectors, or exploring our educational resources, you're an essential part of a worldwide community helping scientists access the tools they need to advance knowledge, fuel collaborations, and drive breakthroughs.
None of this progress happens in isolation. It’s made possible by a shared commitment to openness, collaboration, and supporting one another’s work.
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about new collections, services, and resources designed to support your research.
Thank you for letting us be part of your story, and for being such an important part of ours.
We’re grateful to move into 2026 alongside you, strengthening the foundations of science together.
References and Resources
Ñañez, J., Valdes, S., Cruz Gallego, M., Rebolledo, M. C., Lorieux, M., Alvarez, M. F., & Chavarriaga, P. (2025). Revealing the role of the AGO4 gene against rice hoja blanca virus: from transformation to protein structure. Frontiers in plant science, 16, 1517321. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1517321
Singh, O. N., Berry, U., Joshi, G., Asuru, T. R., Chandrasekar, K., Narayanan, S., Srivastava, P., Tiwari, M., Chattopadhyay, S., Mehdi, F., Panda, B. N., Nayak, D., Mani, S., Shrivastava, T., Batra, G., Ranjith-Kumar, C. T., Guchhait, P., & Surjit, M. (2025). Comparison of immunogenicity and protection efficacy of self-amplifying and circular mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. iScience, 28(10), 113498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.113498
Topics: Addgene News
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