Announcements
31 July 2026
Ursula Röthlisberger Receives the Inaugural Michele Parrinello Award
We are pleased to announce that the inaugural Michele Parrinello Award has been conferred upon Prof. Ursula Röthlisberger, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to computational chemistry and molecular simulation, particularly through her pioneering work in ab initio molecular dynamics and QM/MM multiscale simulation methods. This award celebrates researchers whose work embodies the spirit of scientific innovation and rigor that Professor Parrinello has championed throughout his career. We warmly congratulate Prof. Röthlisberger on this well-deserved recognition.
The achievements of Prof. Ursula Röthlisberger highlight the profound impact of computational methods on our understanding of complex chemical, biological, and materials systems. We invite the global scientific community to join us in celebrating her outstanding contributions to computational science.
“Professor Ursula Röthlisberger has been recognized by the 2026 Michele Parrinello Award Committee as an exceptional leader in computational chemistry and molecular simulation. Her innovative research has significantly advanced the predictive modeling of complex chemical and biological systems and has created lasting impact across multiple scientific disciplines. Through her outstanding scientific achievements, dedication to education, and leadership in the international research community, she has played a vital role in shaping the development of modern computational science.”
—Prof. Dr. Xin-Gao Gong, Chair of the Award Committee
2026 Michele Parrinello Award Laureate
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Ursula Röthlisberger |
Prof. Ursula Röthlisberger is a professor at the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, EPFL, Switzerland, where she leads the Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry. Her research focuses on developing computational methods for molecular simulation, including ab initio molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) multiscale approaches, to study complex chemical, biological, and materials systems. Her work has contributed to the advancement of computational frameworks for understanding molecular processes at the atomic level. She has also applied computational approaches to investigate next-generation photovoltaic materials, including dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, providing insights into material properties, stability, and performance through collaboration with experimental researchers. |
2026 Award Committee
Committee Chair:
- Prof. Dr. Xin-Gao Gong, Fudan University, China.
Committee Members (listed in alphabetical order):
- Prof. Alessandro Laio, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Italy;
- Prof. Michiel Sprik, University of Cambridge, UK;
- Prof. David J. Srolovitz, the University of Hong Kong, China;
- Prof. Mark E. Tuckerman, New York University, USA;
- Prof. Su-Huai Wei, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China.
Note: The 2026 Award Committee comprises six members, including one anonymous member.
2026 Award Ceremony
The inaugural Michele Parrinello Award Ceremony will take place on 7 November 2026, at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China, as part of the 2026 MDPI Materials Science Conference. Further information and updates will be available on the official Michele Parrinello Award website.
About the Michele Parrinello Award
The Michele Parrinello Award was established in November 2025 to honor Professor Michele Parrinello’s enduring legacy in advancing computational science. This biennial international award recognizes senior researchers who have made outstanding contributions to computational physical sciences, encompassing physics, chemistry, and materials science. The recipient will receive a monetary prize of 50,000 EUR, a commemorative medal, and a certificate.
For further information about the award and the laureate, please visit the Michele Parrinello Award website.
9 September 2026
Empowering Academic Growth with MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop at Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, 13 November 2026
We are delighted to announce the MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop, organized in partnership with the Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok. This collaborative initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening research capacity and supporting the academic community in navigating the evolving landscape of scholarly publishing.
As part of our ongoing dedication to researcher development, the workshop is designed for young investigators, PhD and master’s students, and early career researchers. Participants will gain practical guidance on writing scientific papers in English, selecting the right journal for their work, and understanding how artificial intelligence is shaping scientific publishing today. The session also offers a direct opportunity to engage with MDPI editors and to build lasting connections between authors and the Editorial Office.
Date: 13 November 2026
Time: 13:00–16:00
Location: SC4 210, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Language: English
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R2WDF5
| Time | Program | Speaker |
| 13:00–13:10 | Opening Speech | Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uthai Wichai |
| 13:10–13:30 | MDPI and Journal Introduction | Dr. Sawarot Phetsuk and Dr. Krit Inthajak |
| 13:30–14:20 | How to Write Scientific Papers in English | Dr. Krit Inthajak |
| 14:20–14:30 | Q&A Session | |
| 14:30–15:00 | Journal Selection (How to Find the Right Journal) | Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai |
| 15:00–15:10 | Q&A Session | |
| 15:10–15:40 | Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Publishing | Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon |
| 15:40–15:50 | Q&A Session |
Chair:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gareth Ross is a polymer and biomaterials researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Naresuan University, Thailand. He earned his BSc (Hons) in chemistry and PhD in biomaterials and polymer science from Aston University, UK, where his doctoral research examined ocular biotribology and contact-lens lubrication mechanisms. He has worked at Naresuan University since 2012. His research focuses on hydrogel synthesis and characterization, macromer technology, polymer–surfactant interactions, and the controlled entrapment and release of hydrophilic compounds for materials and biomedical applications. |
Opening Speaker:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uthai Wichai is Dean of the Faculty of Science and a chemist in the Department of Chemistry at Naresuan University, Thailand. He holds a BSc in chemistry from Mahidol University and MS and PhD degrees in chemistry from the University of Alabama, USA. His research focuses on the synthesis and applications of capsaicinoids, capsinoids, and related derivatives, alongside broader work involving functional polymeric and bioactive materials. Before becoming Dean, he held several university leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Chemistry; Vice Dean for Policy, Strategy, and Planning; and Vice President for Strategic and Planning Affairs. |
MDPI Speakers:
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Dr. Sawarot Phetsuk graduated from Chiang Mai University with a PhD in chemistry. She joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor for Polymers in the Polymer Science Section and later progressed to become a Section Managing Editor for Polymers. Since 2023, she has also served as a Group Leader, overseeing editorial operations and supporting the development of editorial teams. |
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Dr. Krit Inthajak obtained his PhD in engineering and technology from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University. He joined MDPI in March 2020 as an Assistant Editor for Molecules. He was appointed as a Section Managing Editor in 2021 and worked as a Group Leader from 2021 to 2024. He is now one of MDPI’s Regional Engagement Editors for the Asia–Pacific region. |
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Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai obtained her PhD in applied chemistry from the Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand. She joined MDPI in December 2022 as an Assistant Editor for Catalysts. In 2024, she was promoted to Section Managing Editor, later becoming a Chief Section Managing Editor in April 2025. Currently, she is one of MDPI’s Regional Engagement Editors for the Asia–Pacific region. |
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Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon obtained her master’s degree in chemistry from Thammasat University in 2020 and joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor for Crystals in the same year. She became a Section Managing Editor in 2021 and a Group Leader in 2022. She is currently one of MDPI’s Regional Engagement Editors for the Asia–Pacific region. |
Organizer:
MDPI – Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Website: www.mdpi.com
9 September 2026
Meet Us at the 2nd National Conference on Analytical Science and Instrumentation, 30 October–2 November 2026, Wuhan, China
2 September 2026
Molecules | A Special Collection—”30 Years, 30 Papers”
1 September 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #38 – 2 Million Published Articles, Outstanding Reviewers, Michele Parrinello Award, AIS 2026 & WSF-12
Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.
In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.
Opening Thoughts
MDPI Reaches 2 million Published Articles
This month, MDPI reached an important milestone: the publication of our two-millionth article.
It is a number that would have been difficult to imagine in 1996, when MDPI’s first journal, Molecules, published its first volume of 74 papers. It took 25 years to reach our first million published articles in December 2022, and less than four years to reach the second million in August 2026.
From 74 Papers to Two Million Articles
The milestone also comes during our 30th anniversary year, providing another opportunity to reflect on how both MDPI and Open Access publishing have developed over the past three decades. Today, more than half of the world’s published research is Open Access, while MDPI has grown into a portfolio of journals supported by more than 70,000 Editorial Board Members. In 2025 alone, articles published in MDPI journals received 1.9 billion views and downloads.
While two million is an impressive number, what matters most is what sits behind it. Every article represents research conducted and shared by authors, editorial decisions made by academic editors, expertise contributed by reviewers, and the work of colleagues across MDPI supporting the publication and dissemination of research.
Many of the stories in this month’s CEO Letter reflect these communities. We recognize the contributions of the more than 209,000 reviewers who supported MDPI journals in 2025, celebrate scientific excellence through the inaugural Michele Parrinello Award, and look at how communities continue to develop through AIS 2026 and the 12th World Sustainability Forum.
“In 2025 alone, articles published in MDPI journals received 1.9 billion views and downloads”
Publishing at Scale, with Purpose
Reaching two million articles is an important milestone in MDPI’s history, but it is also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with publishing at this scale. As we look ahead, our focus remains on quality, research integrity, strong editorial standards, and providing researchers with reliable and efficient ways to share their work openly with the world.
Thank you to our authors, editors, reviewers, institutional partners, and colleagues around the world who have contributed to this journey.
Impactful Research
Recognizing Scientific Excellence: The Michele Parrinello Award
Supporting researchers means more than publishing and disseminating scientific work. It also means recognizing the researchers, editors, reviewers, and scholars whose contributions advance their fields.
I’m pleased to highlight the inaugural Michele Parrinello Award, which has been awarded to Prof. Ursula Röthlisberger of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. Prof. Röthlisberger was recognized for her contributions to computational chemistry and molecular simulation, particularly her pioneering work in ab initio molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) multiscale simulation methods.
Prof. Röthlisberger leads the Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry at EPFL, developing computational approaches to understand complex chemical, biological, and materials systems at the atomic level. Her work also extends to next-generation photovoltaic materials, demonstrating the interdisciplinary reach of computational science.
The Michele Parrinello Award was established in 2025 to honor Prof. Michele Parrinello's pioneering contributions to atomistic simulation and computational science. Presented biennially, it recognizes senior researchers who have made significant contributions across physics, chemistry, and materials science. The recipient receives a EUR 50,000 prize, commemorative medal, and certificate.
Awarding Scientific Excellence
The selection was overseen by an international Award Committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Xin-Gao Gong of Fudan University and a group of researchers from institutions in China, Italy, the UK, and the USA. Nominations were evaluated based on rigor, integrity, and academic excellence. In announcing the winner, Prof. Gong highlighted the impact of Prof. Röthlisberger’s research across multiple scientific disciplines, alongside her contributions to education and leadership within the international research community.
Recognizing Contributions Across the Research Community
The Michele Parrinello Award is part of MDPI’s broader commitment to recognizing excellence across different disciplines, contributions, and career stages.
Our journal awards include:
- Best Paper Awards – recognizing outstanding published research
- Young Investigator Awards – supporting exceptional early-career researchers
- Best PhD Thesis Awards – recognizing promising emerging scholars
- Outstanding Reviewer Awards – acknowledging the essential contribution of peer reviewers
- Travel Awards – helping early-career researchers participate in international conferences
- Editor of Distinction Awards – recognizing exceptional contributions from Editorial Board Members.
Alongside these journal awards, MDPI supports flagship initiatives including the Tu Youyou Award, the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and now the Michele Parrinello Award.
Learn More:
Inside MDPI
Recognizing the People Behind Peer Review: MDPI’s 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Awards
Behind every published article is a network of people contributing their expertise to the scholarly record. Among them, reviewers play an essential role, providing independent assessment, feedback, and subject expertise that help editors make informed decisions and authors build on their research.
In 2025, more than 209,000 individuals contributed their expertise as reviewers for MDPI journals. This represents an enormous contribution of time and knowledge from researchers around the world, occurring often alongside their own research, teaching, and professional responsibilities.
I’m pleased to share the recipients of MDPI’s 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Awards, recognizing reviewers who have shown great dedication, expertise, and responsiveness throughout the peer-review process.
Outstanding Reviewers
As at July 2026, 181 MDPI journals have presented Outstanding Reviewer Awards to 412 recipients, highlighting their work across disciplines ranging from biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine to environmental sciences, public health, and the social sciences. To learn more about the list of outstanding reviewers, please visit the following pages:
- Biology and Life Sciences;
- Business and Economics;
- Chemistry and Materials Science;
- Computer Science and Mathematics;
- Engineering;
- Environmental and Earth Sciences;
- Medicine and Pharmacology;
- Physical Sciences;
- Public Health and Healthcare;
- Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
While these awards highlight a select group of outstanding contributors, they also create an opportunity to acknowledge our entire reviewer community. Peer review depends on researchers sharing their knowledge and experience with others. Their feedback can improve manuscripts, support editors in making informed decisions, and contribute to maintaining the quality and integrity of the scientific record.
“Reviewers play an essential role, providing independent assessment, feedback, and subject expertise”
Supporting the Academic Community
The Outstanding Reviewer Awards are part of MDPI’s awards program, through which our journals recognize contributions across the academic community, including those from researchers, early-career scholars, reviewers, and Editorial Board Members.
Bringing these contributions to the forefront is important because much of the work that supports scholarly publishing happens behind the scenes. The time, expertise, and critical feedback provided by reviewers are essential to a rigorous and constructive peer-review process.
As MDPI celebrates its 30th anniversary, I would like to thank the more than 209,000 reviewers who contributed to our journals in 2025 and to congratulate the 412 Outstanding Reviewer Award recipients recognized for going above and beyond in supporting their respective research communities.
Coming Together for Science
AIS 2026: Growing a Community Around AI and Sensor Research
One of the most rewarding aspects of our conference program is seeing scientific communities develop over time. A conference may begin by bringing together researchers around an emerging field, but with each edition it can create new relationships, collaborations, and opportunities for researchers to reconnect and exchange ideas.
The 3rd International Conference on AI Sensors and Transducers (AIS 2026) is a good example of this growth.
“What stands out is the community developing around AIS”
This year’s conference took place from 2 to 7 August in Jeju, South Korea, welcoming over 560 participants – an increase of 225 attendees compared with 2025 and 160 compared with the inaugural conference of 2024. Across the program, participants contributed 373 presentations and 109 poster displays, including four plenary presentations, 52 keynote speeches, 192 invited talks, and 125 oral presentations.
Building an International Research Community
Beyond the numbers, what stands out is the community developing around AIS. Many researchers have now participated in all three editions of the conference, with delegates already expressing their intention to return for AIS 2027. The program also brought together established researchers from across the field for discussions on AI sensors and emerging sensing technologies.
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Building Engagement in South Korea
This year’s conference reflects our continued engagement with the research community in South Korea. AIS 2026 welcomed 150 participants from the Korean academic community and strengthened our cooperation with the Korean Sensors Society.
This is an important part of what our conferences can achieve. By bringing researchers together in person, we create opportunities to present the latest research and build relationships between scholars, institutions, societies, and at MDPI that can continue after an event concludes.
Looking Ahead
With this momentum, AIS 2027 is planned for 29 July to 3 August 2027 in Kunming, Yunnan, China, with the participation of an international group of Conference Chairs already confirmed from institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Three editions into AIS, the continued growth of this conference shows what is possible when we invest consistently in scientific communities. The objective is not simply to organize larger conferences each year but to create spaces where researchers return, new collaborations develop, and scientific communities become stronger.
Many thanks to the Conference Chairs, speakers, sponsors, supporting organizations, participants, and all MDPI colleagues who contributed to AIS 2026. Growing an international event takes years of relationship-building and considerable work behind the scenes, and this year’s conference reflects that collective effort.
Closing Thoughts
World Sustainability Forum 12: Coming Together for a More Sustainable Future
Sustainability challenges rarely sit within a single discipline, institution, or country. Addressing them requires researchers, policymakers, industry, and communities to exchange ideas and work across traditional boundaries.
This is one of the ideas behind the World Sustainability Forum (WSF), which has now reached its 12th edition.
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From 21 to 24 August, the 12th World Sustainability Forum (WSF-12) took place in Hong Kong, bringing together more than 300 experts, scholars, policymakers, and industry representatives from over 100 universities and research institutions across 53 countries and regions. The Forum received 543 abstract submissions, showcasing international interest in sustainability research.
Connecting Research, Policy, and Industry
Across four days, the scientific program featured 230 onsite presentations, including plenary, keynote, invited and oral presentations, together with 53 poster presentations. The program also included a plenary panel discussion, Connecting Sustainability Solutions Across Sectors, presenting perspectives from academia, government, and industry.
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This interdisciplinary exchange is particularly important in sustainability research. Challenges relating to our cities, environment, energy systems, economies, and societies are increasingly interconnected, and progress depends on creating opportunities for different disciplines and sectors to learn from one another.
WSF-12 also generated opportunities for industry participation. As a Strategic Partner, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) E-Light International Communication Brand contributed to industry engagement throughout the Forum.
MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards
Another highlight of WSF-12 was the presentation of three MDPI Sustainability Foundation Awards, celebrating the 2025 and 2026 winners of the World Sustainability Award and the 2026 winner of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award.
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Recognizing researchers and emerging leaders in their fields is an important part of supporting scientific communities. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate individual achievements and highlight research that contributes to a more sustainable future.
Looking Ahead to WSF-13
After twelve editions, WSF is a great example of how a scientific community can develop over time. This is also what we hope to achieve through MDPI’s broader conference program. Scientific meetings should be more than individual events: by investing consistently in research communities, we can create spaces where people return, new relationships develop, different perspectives meet, and collaboration continues beyond the conference itself.
The next chapter is already taking shape. The 13th World Sustainability Forum(WSF-13) will take place from 8 to 11 June 2027 in Nice, France. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Adel Ben Youssef and organized by MDPI and the journal Sustainability in collaboration with Université Côte d’Azur, WSF-13 will continue the Forum’s interdisciplinary approach across the natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
Thank You
Many thanks to the Conference Chairs, speakers, strategic partners, sponsors, supporting organizations, participants, and all MDPI colleagues who contributed to WSF-12. Events of this scale require considerable coordination and collaboration behind the scenes, and the continued growth of WSF reflects the collective efforts of the MDPI Conference Department and a global community committed to sustainability research, innovation, and collaboration.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
28 August 2026
Meet Us at the 27th IUPAC International Conference on Physical Organic Chemistry (ICPOC-27), 6–9 September 2026, Munich, Germany
27 August 2026
Meet Us Virtually at The 2nd International Online Conference on Photochemistry, 10–11 June 2027
20 August 2026
Meet Us at the 77th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry, 6–11 September 2026, Sydney, Australia
17 August 2026
Recruiting Early Career Editorial Board Members for Molecules
14 August 2026
Meet Us at the 33rd CSCST-SCI Conference, 1–2 September 2026, Cambridge, UK
