The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials (JIMM) awarded the nine best papers in 2023 presenting cutting edge research. Here, we introduce brief summaries of the awarded papers as current trends in research of Materials Transactions. Among the nine best papers, four were specially selected for young scientists whose ages are 35 or below. The awarded papers cover a wide range of metals and materials such as magnesium-based, aluminum-based and titanium-based alloys including high-entropy alloys, SUS304 stainless steel, Si/solder/Si joints and fine copper powder. In association with all the awarded papers, special issues edited in Materials Transactions are also briefly introduced to show the recent activities of Materials Transactions.