MDPI Open Science Insights: Scientific Publishing Workshop at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 9 July 2025

MDPI is excited to collaborate with the Chinese University of Hong Kong to host an exclusive author workshop aimed at empowering researchers with the knowledge and tools required to be successful in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection and the editorial workflow. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from experienced professionals in the field. This session promises to equip scholars with valuable skills to take their publishing journey to the next level.

Date: 9 July 2025
Time: 14:00–16:00
Venue: Mong Man Wai Building; Lecture Theatre 2 (MMW LT2), CUHK
Registration link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X6N5WNK

Schedule:

Speaker	Program	Time
Dr. Nelson Kei	Opening Speech	14:00–14:10
Ms. Sally Li	Open Access Insights and MDPI Introduction	14:10–14:40
	Q&A Session	14:40–14:45
Dr. Jeffery Liu	How to Write and Structure a Journal Article	14:45–15:15
	Q&A Session	15:15–15:20
Dr. Nelson Li	How to Respond to Peer Reviewers’ Comments	15:20–15:50
	Q&A Session	15:50–15:55
	Closing of Program	15:55–16:00

Chair:

Prof. Cheung obtained his Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales in Australia and is the current Postgraduate Division Head of the School of Life Sciences, Director of Food Research Centre, and Associate Director of the Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prof. Cheung’s primary research interest is on functional foods, with a main focus on dietary fiber/non-starch polysaccharides, especially their beneficial effects on human health and diseases as well as their potential applications as novel prebiotics and nanotherapeutics. He is the current associate editor of Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fiber and Editorial Board Member of a number of international food journals. He is the author or co-author of over 190 SCI publications; vice-chair of the International Food Safety Association; and advisor to Hong Kong nutrition groups.

Co-Chair:

Dr. Nelson Kei earned his B.Sc. (first class honors) and Ph.D. in food and nutritional sciences from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He is currently a Research Associate at CUHK’s School of Life Sciences and Food Research Centre. His research focuses on the health benefits of dietary fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, as well as the role of the gut microbiome in metabolic diseases.

Speakers:

Ms. Sally (Sijia) Li graduated from the University of Sydney and joined MDPI in 2019. Previously, she served as Assistant Editor for Sustainability and Managing Editor for Urban Science, JTAER, and Hardware. She currently works as the Journal Development Editor for Sustainability and Head of Marketing Events. Based in MDPI’s Hong Kong office, she is responsible for market expansion and scholar services in the Greater Bay Area. She is committed to providing researchers with efficient and professional publishing support.

Dr. Jeffrey Liu holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. In 2021, he joined CMAC Digital Medicines Manufacturing Research Centre as a Research Associate. In 2024, he became a Publishing Specialist at MDPI, supporting editorial teams in open access publishing, journal development, and business promotion.

Dr. Nelson Li graduated from Beijing Normal University and joined MDPI in September 2022. He currently serves as a Publishing Specialist at MDPI, mainly responsible for promoting the long-term development of journals, facilitating a productive exchange between editorial teams and scholars, and providing scholars with high-quality publishing services.