MDPI Open Access Insights: A Successful First Editors Salon for MDPI Canada
On 5 February 2025, MDPI Canada hosted its first-ever Academic Editors Salon at the University of Toronto, bringing together over 30 prominent MDPI editors and staff for an engaging day of discussions and presentations. The Toronto Editors Salon was designed to foster collaboration and deepen relationships within MDPI's editorial community, while exploring the future of open access publishing and sharing MDPI's vision for our shared future ahead.
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The afternoon featured a series of in-depth presentations, with key highlights including an opening speech and introduction to MDPI and our broader initiatives, the fundamentals of open access, our Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), and MDPI Publication Ethics. We extend heartfelt appreciation for the presentations by Caleb Snider, who introduced MDPI’s mission and services, Ryan Siu, who detailed the benefits of the IOAP, and Anna Pena, who outlined MDPI's stance on publication ethics, all sparking insightful conversations among attendees. |
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Following these presentations, attendees participated in dynamic roundtable discussions, delving into topics such as editorial decision-making processes, the importance of effective reviewer matching, and emerging trends in the research and editorial communities. These sessions provided editors with valuable opportunities to share experiences and collaborate on addressing common challenges, which provided MDPI with knowledge of editor perception and valuable feedback. |
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One of the standout moments of the event was the presentation of the MDPI Best Contribution Awards, which recognized the outstanding contributions of several Editorial Board Members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing research within our journals. The award ceremony honored Dr. Margaret Fitch, Dr. Jens Coorssen, and Dr. Paul Higgs for their significant contributions to MDPI's academic mission |
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A special editor's dinner followed the awards ceremony, providing an elegant yet relaxed setting for further networking and conversation. Attendees had the chance to connect over a variety of dishes, deepening the professional bonds that were formed earlier in the day.
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The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, many of whom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect in person, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. Several editors also noted that they were looking forward to future MDPI events in Canada, a sentiment that MDPI Canada is eager to build upon as it expands its reach across North America.
MDPI Canada is committed to fostering meaningful conversations and providing more opportunities for collaboration with our editors across North America. Stay tuned for updates on future MDPI events and initiatives that will further advance the advancement of open access and the MDPI mission.
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A massive and final heartfelt thank you to all editors and staff who played a part in the success of MDPI Canada’s very first Editors Salon!