The bacterial cell cycle is crucial to microbial physiology, impacting fields like host-microbe interactions and synthetic biology. Understanding this process not only illuminates bacterial cell functions, but also generates implications for industrial biotechnology, human health and the origins of life.

Charles E. Helmstetter's seminal contributions, spanning decades of dedicated research and innovation from the 1960s to the close of the 20th century, not only laid the groundwork for modern investigations into bacterial cell physiology, but also set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire researchers today. The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize stands as a testament to the profound impact of his pioneering work in advancing our understanding of the bacterial cell cycle. Recipients of the prize not only receive recognition for their innovative work but also contribute to the ongoing advancement of scientific understanding in this vital field. In 2022, the prize was awarded to Dr Philip C Hanawalt, Dr Moselio Schaechter and Dr Conrad L Woldringh in Ein Gedi, Israel.

In 2025, the winner of The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize will be chosen from distinguished candidates and announced at the Microbial Physiology Workshop Deciphering Microbial Physiology: Mass Growth, DNA Replication, Nucleoid Segregation, and Cell Division.