Announcements

4 March 2026
MDPI’s 2025 Best Paper Awards—Award-Winning Papers Announced


MDPI is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Best Paper Awards, celebrating exceptional research for its scientific merit and broad impact. After a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Academic Editors, this year’s awards showcase papers that stand out for their innovation, relevance, and high-quality presentation.

Out of a highly competitive pool, 396 winning papers have been recognized for their exceptional contributions. We congratulate these authors for pushing the boundaries of their respective disciplines.

At MDPI, we are dedicated to broadening the reach of innovative science. To learn more about the award-winning papers and explore research projects in your field of study, please visit the following links:

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the global research community and enhance academic dialogue, MDPI journals regularly host award programs across diverse scientific disciplines. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and whose work drives the advancement of their fields.

Explore the Best Paper Awards open for participation, please click here.

 

21 April 2026
Meet Us at the European Academy of Management Annual Conference (EURAM 2026), 16–19 June 2026, Kristiansand, Norway


Conference:
European Academy of Management Annual Conference (EURAM 2026)
Date: 16–19 June 2026
Location: The University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway

MDPI will be attending the European Academy of Management Annual Conference (EURAM 2026), which will be held from 16 to 19 June 2026, in Kristiansand, Norway.

The EURAM 2026 conference focuses on a wide range of research on strategies that enable organizations to effectively operate in times of uncertainty. It will explore key areas such as organizational resilience, paradox management, agility, risk management, and innovative business models, examining how management scholarship can address complexity through innovative theories, methodologies, and practical applications. The conference will serve as a global meeting place, bringing together more than 2,000 academics and practitioners—including professors, PhD students and assistants, and practitioners—from around the world.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please do not hesitate to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://conferences.euram.academy/2026conference/.

21 April 2026
Meet Us at the Language Resources and Evaluation Conference 2026, 11−16 May 2026, Palma, Spain


Conference: Language Resources and Evaluation Conference 2026
Organization: ELRA Language Resources Association
Date: 11−16 May 2026
Place: Palma, Spain
Booth Number: 7

A number of MDPI journals will be exhibiting at the Language Resources and Evaluation Conference 2026, an exciting event that will be held in Palma, Spain, from 11 to 16 May 2026. The exhibition time is from 12–15 May 2026.

The Language Resources and Evaluation Conference (LREC) has been biennially organised by the ELRA Language Resources Association since 1998 with the support of institutions and organisations involved in Human Language Technologies (HLT). The conference will bring together researchers and practitioners in computational linguistics, speech, multimodality, and natural language processing, with special attention to evaluation and the development of resources that support work in these areas. Over the years, LREC has become the major international conference in the field of Language Resources and Evaluation. For the past editions, the event has gathered 1800+ participants from both academic institutions and industrial companies all over the world.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

  • Information;
  • Languages;
  • AI;
  • Analytics;
  • BDCC;
  • Computation;
  • Computers;
  • Future Internet;
  • Informatics;
  • Knowledge;
  • MAKE;
  • Data.

If you are attending the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth, booth #7. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

Of the participating journals, these are celebrating their 10th anniversary:

The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Languages, a peer-reviewed open access journal on discussions and developments of multidisciplinary research with broad practical applications for the study of languages in the modern world. With an Impact Factor of 1.2 and a CiteScore of 1.8, the journal is covered in the ESCI, Scopus, and other databases, and has published more than 1000 papers from more than 3000 authors. In addition, more than 2000 reviewers have conducted at least one review for Languages. We are grateful for the contributions made by our editors, authors, and reviewers.

The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Data, a peer-reviewed open access journal on data science. With an Impact Factor of 2.0 and a CiteScore of 5.0, the journal is covered in Scopus, ESCI, Ei Compendex, Inspec, DOAJ, and other databases. The journal has published more than 1200 papers from more than 5300 authors. More than 3000 reviewers have reviewed the journal at least once. We equally value the contributions made by our editors, authors, and reviewers.

17 April 2026
Summary of the MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan

MDPI was proud to join forces with Rajamangala University of Technology Isan on 1 April for a fruitful workshop focused on enhancing academic publishing and scholarly communication. The session gathered specialists to discuss emerging trends and breakthroughs across various scientific disciplines. Through interactive discussions and peer‑to‑peer exchange, attendees acquired hands‑on knowledge in writing scientific papers, addressing reviewer feedback, and understanding the main reasons for manuscript rejection during the preliminary editorial stage.

Dr. Anirut Pipatprapa, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, delivered the opening speech at the event. In his remarks, Dr. Anirut highlighted that MDPI journals adhere to international publishing standards and are widely recognized and trusted globally. He noted that the journal quality is carefully evaluated and that the efficient processing time is particularly impressive, emphasizing that publication is not merely based on Article Processing Charge payment but on meeting academic standards. He described the session as a valuable opportunity for participants to gain deeper insights into MDPI’s editorial processes and journal portfolio. He encouraged attendees to develop strong skills in writing for international journals, particularly in structuring a clear and compelling research narrative. He also pointed out the distinction between national and international research, noting that while local studies often focus on area-based topics, international publications should address issues of broader, global interest.

During the first presentation, Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai, Regional Journal Relations Specialist at the MDPI Bangkok Office, delivered an overview of open access journals and discussed MDPI’s current position as a leading academic publisher in the open access field. She also introduced several high-quality MDPI journals indexed in Quartile 1 and Quartile 2, including leading Tier 1 journals in the field of business and management.

The second session, “How to Write Scientific Papers”, was delivered by Dr. Juthathip Poofery, Editorial Team Leader and Regional Journal Relations Specialist. The session provided an overview of manuscript preparation, including the structure of a scientific paper: front matter, main text, and back matter. Key points included writing a clear introduction that identifies research gaps, describing methods with sufficient detail for reproducibility, and distinguishing between results and their interpretation in the discussion. Additional focus was placed on title design, abstract writing, keyword selection, and concise, impactful writing. The session also covered ethical and transparency aspects, including authorship, funding, data availability, informed consent, and conflict of interest. Methodological considerations for systematic review articles were highlighted. Participants expressed particular interest in English editing services and manuscript formatting support.

The third session, titled “How to Respond to Peer Reviewers”, was presented by Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana, a Regional Journal Relations Specialist. She discussed the peer-review process at MDPI and provided guidance on how to revise the manuscript professionally. This session also included the key tips of revision preparations and how we can organize a response in an effective way. In conclusion, she encouraged the audience to remain positive, open-minded, and professional when replying to reviewers.

The third session of the Editorial Series, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Scientific Publishing”, was presented by Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon, Regional Journal Relations Specialist at MDPI’s Bangkok Office. The session began with a comprehensive introduction to AI technologies and their increasing influence on academic research and scholarly publishing. During the talk, she explored the capabilities and current limitations of generative AI, particularly widely used Large Language Models. She noted that although these tools can effectively assist with various research tasks, it remains essential for researchers to apply careful judgment and not rely on AI-generated outputs uncritically. Consistent with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the session also outlined MDPI’s policies regarding the responsible use of AI by both authors and reviewers, with a strong emphasis on transparency and appropriate disclosure practices. To conclude, participants were introduced to a range of AI-powered tools developed by MDPI’s internal AI team, aimed at optimizing editorial processes and enhancing the overall publishing experience for authors and editors.

The fourth session, “How to Write a Well-Formatted Paper,” was delivered by Ms. Varattaya Saengchaisukhonkit. She emphasized the importance of proper formatting in improving readability, facilitating the editorial process, and enhancing the overall professionalism of a manuscript. The session introduced MDPI’s formatting framework, covering key elements such as template structure, layout format, and the effective organization of front matter, main text, and references. Emphasis was placed on how proper formatting enhances readability, streamlines the editorial and peer-review process, and increases the overall professionalism of a manuscript. The session also highlighted frequent formatting issues encountered by authors—such as low-resolution figures, inconsistent citation styles, and poorly structured tables—and provided practical guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls and meet journal requirements more effectively.

The final session, “How to Use Figures and Tables in Scientific Papers”, presented by Ms. Sirathikarn Teoh, highlighted effective visual communication techniques, including figure design and table presentation.

Overall, the workshop successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of the publication process while reinforcing collaborative ties between MDPI and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. The event also laid a solid foundation for future academic cooperation and continued support for researchers in advancing their scholarly output.

16 April 2026
MDPI’s Newly Launched Journals in the First Quarter of 2026


Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In the first quarter of 2026, nine new journals released their inaugural issues and three transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of clinical medicine, chemistry, computer science & mathematics, engineering, environment & ecology, and social sciences & psychology.

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these brand-new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, ensuring impactful open access scholarship.

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.

New Journals

Founding Editor(s)-in-Chief

Journal Topics (Selected)

Prof. Dr. Matt Oehlschlaeger,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA
Editorial | view inaugural issue

AI-based chemical data analysis, prediction, and discovery; AI-enabled chemical reaction prediction, synthesis planning, and retrosynthesis; AI in bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology; digital twins and simulation of chemical processes; AI-powered chemical education and pedagogy |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Guang Jia,
Peking University, China
Editorial | view inaugural issue

occupational hazards and exposure science; occupational health effects and susceptibility; occupational risk assessment and management; occupational health intervention, promotion, and policy |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Alessandro Miani,
Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), Italy
University of Milan, Italy
Prof. Dr. Jing Shang,
Peking University, China
Editorial | view inaugural issue

environmental exposures and health; the built environment and public health; One Health approach; environmental justice and health equity; environmental policies and interventions |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Miriam H. A. Bopp,
Marburg University, Germany
Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Germany
Prof. Dr. Christopher Nimsky,
Marburg University, Germany
Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Germany
Editorial | view inaugural issue

neuroimaging technology and tool; multimodal neuroimaging integration and analysis;
dynamic modeling of brain networks; neuroimaging big data and cloud computing; translational and preclinical neuroimaging |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Raul A. Urrutia,
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
Editorial | view inaugural issue

personalized translational and clinical oncology research that contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer diagnoses, prognoses, prevention, and treatment specifically for individual patients |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Pierre Boulanger,
University of Alberta, Canada
Editorial | view inaugural issue

AI in disease detection, diagnosis, prediction, and treatment; medical informatics; AI in genomics and precision medicine; AI in drug discovery and development;
AI in healthcare; intelligent devices and instruments |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Zhaokui Wang,
Tsinghua University, China
Editorial | view inaugural issue

astrodynamics; spacecraft technology; satellite technology; space transportation; space vehicle design, propulsion, and avionics; space energy, power and propulsion |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Richard J Hauer,
University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, USA
Editorial | view inaugural issue

park design, planning, and evaluation; park and art; park, industrialization, urbanization, and civilization; park and education; park and smart society; park role in SDGs;

park services for humans |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Stacey L. Connaughton,
Purdue University, USA
Editorial | view inaugural issue

conflict resolution; peacebuilding; peacemaking; mediation, reconciliation, and transitional justice; sustaining peace |
view journal scope | submit an article

Transferred Journals

Editor(s)-in-Chief

Journal Topics (Selected)

Prof. Dr. Gianluigi Vendemiale,
University of Foggia, Italy
Editorial | view first issue

physiology and pathology of aging; biogerontology; epidemiology; clinical geriatrics; pharmacology; geriatric nursing |
view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Michele Maffia,
University of Salento, Italy
Prof. Dr. Prisco Piscitelli,
Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, Italy
Editorial | view first issue

cellular and developmental biology; physiology, pathophysiology and endocrinology; diagnostic tools, therapies and public health |
view journal scope | submit an article

Dr. Warren S. Joseph,
American Podiatric Medical Association, USA
Editorial | view first issue

foot and ankle medicine; podiatric medicine |
view journal scope | submit an article

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).

2 April 2026
2026 Tu Youyou Award—Open for Nominations


We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Tu Youyou Award. Named after Nobel Laureate Tu Youyou, whose discovery of artemisinin has saved millions of lives, this award recognizes researchers whose work advances the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, while also contributing to human health.

Prize

– CHF 100,000;
– A medal;
– A certificate.

The monetary prize will be shared equally should there be multiple recipients.

Who May Be Nominated?

– Scientists with outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Nominees must be individuals; team or group nominations are not permitted. Nominations are valid only for the current award cycle.

Who May Submit a Nomination?

– The director of the nominee’s host research institution or recognized scientists within the field.

Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nomination Materials

– A biographical sketch;
– A detailed description of the nominee’s contributions;
– 5–10 representative academic publications;
– A list of academic honors, awards, and funded projects;
– A nomination letter signed by two nominators.

How to Submit?

Submit nominations online via the following link: https://tuyouyouprize.org/nomination

Important Dates

– Nomination Deadline: 31 October 2026
– Winner Announcement: March 2027

For further information, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website (https://tuyouyouprize.org/). For any inquiries, please contact the Tu Youyou Award Team at tuyouyouaward@mdpi.com.

31 March 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #33 - 2025 Annual Report, Preprints.org, IWD, Recapping Viruses 2026 & Romania Salon

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

Scaling Open Access with Integrity: MDPI Annual Report 2025

I am pleased to share the release of MDPI’s 2025 Annual Report, reflecting our continued progress as one of the world’s leading open access publishers. The report highlights not only our growth, but also the continued evolution of our publishing model and our commitment to quality, transparency, and collaboration.

You can explore the full report here: https://mdpi-res.com/data/mdpi_annual_report_2025_0401.pdf?1775045421

Or visit the interactive page: https://www.mdpi.com/annual-report-2025/

A Year of Growth and Responsibility

2025 was a year of significant growth for MDPI. We received over 669,000 manuscript submissions, the highest in our history, while maintaining a rejection rate above 60%, reinforcing our commitment to both scale and quality.

We published 261,576 peer-reviewed open access articles across a portfolio of 500 journals, supported by a global community of more than 68,000 Editorial Board Members and 209,000 reviewers.

Scaling with Integrity

Growth alone is not the objective; how we grow matters.

Our 2025 Annual Report, Scaling Open Access with Integrity, reflects our continued focus on building the systems and processes that support reliable and trustworthy publishing. As submission volumes increase globally, so too does the importance of robust editorial workflows, research integrity frameworks, and the infrastructure required to support them.

In 2025, we continued to invest in:

  • Research integrity and quality assurance processes
  • Editorial support and reviewer engagement
  • Transparency across the publishing workflow

These efforts ensure that scale does not come at the expense of rigor, but rather reinforces it.

Validation Through Indexing and Visibility

As MDPI continues to grow, validation of quality remains essential.

In 2025, the number of MDPI journals indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection increased from 298 to 329, while Scopus coverage reached 355 journals, including 45 new acceptances. Coverage in major biomedical databases (PMC/Medline/PubMed) expanded to 95 journals, and indexing in Ei Compendex increased significantly.

These milestones reflect the strength of our editorial processes and the trust placed in our journals by independent indexing bodies.

Importantly:

  • 96% of all MDPI articles are indexed in Web of Science databases
  • More than 1.75 million articles are indexed, with an average of 13 citations per article

Recognition through Journal Citation Reports also continues to grow:

  • 298 journals received Impact Factors
  • 65% ranked in the top half of their categories
  • 61 journals achieved top-quartile positions

These developments demonstrate that growth and quality are advancing together, supported by strong editorial oversight and consistent performance across our journal portfolio.

Strengthening Partnerships and Community

Open access is a collaborative endeavor.

In 2025, we expanded our institutional partnerships to more than 1,000 IOAP agreements, helping simplify publishing for researchers and institutions worldwide.

We also hosted 60 in-person conferences and virtual events, bringing together more than 28,000 participants to exchange ideas, share research, and strengthen connections across the global scientific community.

At the heart of everything we do is this community of authors, editors, reviewers, and partners who make open science possible.

Looking Ahead

Open access continues to move toward becoming the standard model for sharing research globally. With that growth comes increased responsibility.

Our focus moving forward is to continue building a publishing ecosystem that is:

  • Collaborative, to serve the research community
  • Rigorous, to ensure quality
  • Transparent, to support trust
  • Scalable, to meet global demand

We believe that open access, when combined with strong editorial standards and integrity, is the most effective way to accelerate scientific progress.

Thank you to all the scholarly community who collaborated with us and our MDPI staff for your continued dedication and contributions in making 2025 a successful year.

Impactful Research

Celebrating Ten Years of Preprints.org: Accelerating Open Research

In 2026, MDPI’s preprints server Preprints.org marked its 10th anniversary as a platform dedicated to accelerating the dissemination of research. Since its launch, Preprints.org has grown into a global platform that hosts more than 120,000 preprints contributed by hundreds of thousands of researchers worldwide, generating tens of millions of views and downloads and demonstrating the value of sharing research openly and rapidly.

At MDPI, we are proud to celebrate ten years of Preprints.org supporting the mission of open science. Over the past decade, we have seen how early sharing of research can accelerate collaboration and help ideas move more quickly from discovery to impact.

The Evolution of Preprints

While Preprints.org launched in 2016, the idea behind it has deeper roots. The concept of rapid research dissemination has existed for decades, with early preprint servers showing how open sharing can accelerate scientific progress.

Over the past decade, preprints have become an increasingly important part of scholarly communication. Researchers across disciplines are looking at faster ways to share their discoveries, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from the global scientific community.

Preprints in a Growing Research Ecosystem

The global preprint landscape has expanded significantly over the past decade, with multiple platforms serving different research communities. The figure below (sourced from James Butcher newsletter), based on data from Dimensions (Digital Science), shows the growth of preprint outputs across several major platforms over time.

Among these platforms, arXiv (the pioneering preprint server) has experienced great growth in recent years. At the same time, other platforms have continued to expand their reach across disciplines, capturing increasing global interest in early research sharing.

Preprints.org contributes to this evolving ecosystem by providing a multidisciplinary platform that works in synergy with academic journals, helping researchers bridge the gap between rapid dissemination and the formal publication process.

Celebrating the First Decade

To commemorate this milestone, Preprints.org launched a 10th Anniversary celebration hub highlighting the impact of preprints and the researchers who contribute to them.

One of the central initiatives is the Popular Preprints of the Decade Award, recognizing influential preprints published between 2016 and 2026 across multiple research fields. Through community voting, the award will recognize research that has generated high engagement and visibility within the global research community.

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Preprints

As research communication continues to evolve, preprints will continue to play an important role in enabling faster collaboration, improving transparency, and expanding access to knowledge. The next decade may bring further integration between preprint platforms and journals, new tools for discovery and evaluation, and greater global participation in open science.

At MDPI, we remain committed to supporting researchers through platforms that encourage the open exchange of ideas. The success of Preprints.org over the past ten years reflects the engagement and trust of the global research community – authors, readers, reviewers, and collaborators who believe in the value of sharing knowledge openly.

Congratulations to everyone involved in the development and growth of Preprints.org over the past decade!

Inside MDPI

Beyond International Women’s Day: Supporting Women in Research

International Women’s Day (IWD) offers an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women around the world and reflect on how we can continue building a more inclusive future. In research and academia, this conversation carries particular importance, as scientific progress depends on diverse perspectives, and supporting women in science is essential to strengthening the global research ecosystem.

For MDPI, IWD is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in research and highlight the initiatives, conversations, and collaborations that help support researchers across disciplines and career stages.

Highlighting Women in Science Across MDPI

This year, MDPI marked International Women’s Day with a global campaign highlighting research, awards, and perspectives that support women in science. Throughout the week, our teams shared content across MDPI’s social media channels sharing the work of women researchers and encouraging engagement across the academic community.

As part of this initiative, MDPI published several blog articles exploring important themes related to gender equity in research. One article, Give Support, Gain Progress: Retaining Women in Science, discusses the importance of mentorship, institutional support, and inclusive research environments in helping women build sustainable scientific careers.

Another featured article, Bridging the Gap in Women’s Health Research, highlights the ongoing need to address disparities in health research and ensure that women’s health receives the scientific attention and investment it deserves.

These topics capture the notion that supporting women in science benefits not only individual researchers but the entire scientific community. When researchers from diverse backgrounds can contribute their perspectives and ideas, the scope and impact of scientific discovery expand.

Creating Spaces for Dialogue

Beyond online content, MDPI is also supporting conversations about women in research through community engagement.

On 10 March, MDPI UK hosted the “Women in Research” event, bringing together researchers and professionals to share experiences and discuss the opportunities and challenges women face throughout their scientific careers. Events like these are an opportunity for open dialogue, mentorship, and networking to create more inclusive research communities.

Looking Beyond a Single Day

While IWD is an important moment of recognition, progress requires ongoing effort.

Supporting women in research involves many forms of engagement: from mentorship and collaboration to creating inclusive environments in which diverse voices are heard and valued. Publishers, institutions, and researchers all play a role in building this ecosystem.

At MDPI, we remain committed to supporting the global research community and to promoting open access publishing as a foundation for accessible and inclusive knowledge-sharing.

As we reflect on IWD this year, we recognize the many women who contribute to research as authors, reviewers, editors, mentors, and educators; we also recognize the impact they continue to have on the advancement of science. The influence of women in research extends far beyond a single day of recognition, reminding us that supporting them is a commitment that continues throughout the year.

Coming Together for Science

Highlights from Viruses 2026 – New Horizons in Virology (11–13 March)

Through 11–13 March, we successfully delivered the Viruses 2026 – New Horizons in Virology MDPI conference in Barcelona, bringing together an international community of researchers, editors, and partners dedicated to advancing the field of virology.

Conference Highlights

Viruses 2026 in numbers:

  • 198 total registrations, with 171 attendees on site
  • 233 submissions, with 122 accepted
  • 42 short talks, 9 flash talks, and 80 posters
  • 13 invited speakers and 1 keynote speaker

The strong level of participation and quality of submissions once again demonstrate the relevance of the Viruses community.

A standout moment was the keynote lecture by Dr. Ho, which also attracted an NBC documentary film crew, highlighting the broader impact of the research being presented.

Scientific Programme

The conference programme covered areas across modern virology, including viral replication, pathogenesis, immunology, and public health. Sessions explored topics on antiviral therapeutics and vaccines, innate immunity, virus–host interactions, and the structure and mechanisms of virus replication.

Together, these discussions highlighted both the fundamental biology of viruses and the translational challenges of addressing emerging infectious diseases, reflecting the breadth and continued importance of virology research in a global context. The programme also included a sponsored workshop on research data management in virology, further emphasizing the importance of data practices in advancing the field.

Thank You

Feedback from participants has been very positive, and I would like to thank the Conference team for the organization and delivery of this year’s event.

Thank you to our Viruses journal team and all colleagues involved behind the scenes in supporting the delivery of the event. As noted by Dr. Eric Freed (EiC of Viruses), the success of this edition gives us strong momentum as we look ahead to the next conference in 2028, with opportunities to further expand participation and engagement.

Closing Thoughts

Recap from MDPI Romania Salon in Cluj-Napoca (24 March)

On 24 March, we had the opportunity to meet with members of the Romanian research community in Cluj-Napoca at our MDPI Romania Salon. The event was a space for presentations, open discussion, and the exchange of perspectives on publishing and the research landscape in Romania.

We welcomed 39 participants, including 27 researchers from institutions across Romania, representing cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Reșița. Among them were Editorial Board Members, Associate Editors, and Guest Editors, all of whom play an important role in collaborating with MDPI and shaping the quality and direction of academic publishing.

A Shared Commitment to Research Excellence

These events reflect MDPI’s commitment to connecting with and supporting researchers by means of transparency, dialogue, and collaboration. During the day, MDPI colleagues shared a series of presentations covering different parts of our publishing ecosystem:

  • MDPI’s presence in Romania – Anamaria Vartolomei (Journal Relationship Specialist (JRS), Section Managing Editor (ME))
  • MDPI’s performance, growth, and impact in Romania – Stefan Tochev (CEO)
  • Academic services, initiatives, and projects supporting researchers – Ioana Preda (JRS, Section ME)
  • Best practices and standards in publication ethics – Lavinia Rogojina (Research Integrity Manager)
  • Panel session on ethics, AI, and peer review – Lavinia Rogojina, Ioana Preda, Doris Larisa Albu (JRS, Section ME), Cristina Georgiana Spelmezan (JRS, Section ME)
  • Closing remarks – Lavinia Dumitrela Cozma (Operations Manager, Section ME)

Feedback from participants was very positive, particularly regarding the quality of discussions, the relevance of the topics, and the opportunity to engage directly with MDPI colleagues. What stood out most was the openness of the discussion. These events are important not only for the purposes of presenting what we do, but also as an opportunity to listen, understand concerns, and continue to build alignment with the research community.

Romania and the Growth of Open Access Publishing

The Romanian research landscape continues to show growth in open access (OA) publishing.

In 2025:

  • 72% of all publications in Romania were published as OA
  • Of these, 74% were Gold Open Access

Over the past five years, Romania has produced more than 109,000 publications, with approximately 71% available openly, highlighting a sustained shift toward accessibility and knowledge-sharing.

Within this landscape, MDPI continues to play a significant role:

  • MDPI is the leading OA publisher in Romania, contributing 42% of all OA publications in 2025
  • More than 37,000 articles have been published with MDPI by Romanian institutions since 1996
  • This figure includes over 7,500 publications in 2025 alone
  • More than 400 Editorial Board Members from Romania collaborate with MDPI across disciplines

These trends show the growth of OA and the strength of collaboration between MDPI and the Romanian research community.

Looking Ahead

As academic publishing continues to evolve, maintaining open and transparent communication with researchers is essential. Events such as our Salons and Summits provide great opportunities to exchange perspectives and to build trust and collaboration.

Thank you to all participants who joined us in Cluj, and to our teams in Romania for delivering a successful event. A special thank-you to Alina-Florina Agafitei (Marketing Specialist) for her care and attention to detail in delivering the Salon.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

25 March 2026
Acknowledging the Contributions of Our Reviewers in 2025


As a pioneer in open access publishing, MDPI maintains rigorous publication standards. This mission relies on the dedication and expertise of our reviewers, who invest their time and knowledge to ensure the quality and integrity of the research we publish.

In 2025, over 209,000 reviewers contributed to the peer-review process at MDPI, providing more than 1.3 million review reports for our journals. To express our gratitude, MDPI’s Reviewer Recognition Program highlights reviewers across over 400 journals, featuring those who have assessed at least one manuscript and agreed to be acknowledged.

In addition, MDPI has identified its Top 1000 Reviewers of 2024 to recognize those whose expertise, dedication, and thoughtful evaluations were particularly outstanding.

Many journals have also established Outstanding Reviewer Awards to honor our reviewers’ commitment to publication excellence. Together with the Exceptional Reviewer List, we showcase the importance of reviewers’ work and their time and dedication.

These initiatives serve to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude towards the whole reviewer community. In recognition of their contributions, we also welcome new researchers to join this community. If you would like to contribute to open access publishing, learn more about the reviewers’ benefits and sign up to join us.

20 March 2026
Meet Us at the 7th Asia Pacific International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, 25–27 March, Bangkok, Thailand


MDPI will be attending the 7th Asia Pacific International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Bangkok, Thailand, which will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026. The conference will provide an opportunity for academics, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and explore recent developments in the field of industrial engineering and operations management. The conference is also expected to foster networking, collaboration, and joint effort among the conference participants to advance theory and practice, as well as to identify major trends in industrial engineering and operations management. The IEOM Society International, a nonprofit professional organization registered in Michigan, USA, is a premier global platform dedicated to the advancement of industrial engineering and operations management discipline for the betterment of humanity. IEOM is a global platform for academics, researchers, scientists, and practitioners to exchange ideas. Most importantly, it provides insights into the latest technologies, tools, and advancements in the fields of industrial engineering and operations management. If you are attending the conference, please visit our booth; our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

  • JTAER (leading);
  • AI;
  • MAKE;
  • Knowledge;
  • Mathematics;
  • Logistics;
  • World;
  • Journal of Innovation.

13 March 2026
MDPI’s Journal Cluster of Business, Management & Digital Commerce: Academic Publishing Workshop at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, 1 April 2026


MDPI is pleased to announce the Academic Publishing Workshop, organized in collaboration with the Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing interdisciplinary research that addresses global challenges through innovative methodologies, cross-sector engagement and impactful solutions.

Serving as the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on strengthening research capacity, this workshop is designed to support and empower the academic community at the Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. The workshop will showcase emerging trends across multiple disciplines, promote best practices in open access publishing, and offer participants direct opportunities to engage with journal editors and industry professionals. Designed with early-stage researchers and innovators in mind, the sessions will equip attendees with practical tools to amplify their academic impact and cultivate international research connections.

Date: 1 April 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Location: Room 901, 9th Floor, Business Administration Building, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JPVJJHF

Speaker

Program

Time

Dr. Anirut Pipatprapa, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan

Opening Speech

10:00–10:10 a.m.

Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai

MDPI Introduction

10:10–10:30 a.m.

Dr. Juthathip Poofery

Editorial Series: How to Write Scientific Papers

10:30–11:00 a.m.

 

Q&A Session

11:00–11:10 a.m.

Ms. Hathaipat Kittoriojan

Editorial Series: How to Respond to Peer Reviewers

11:10–11:40 a.m.

 

Q&A Session

11:40–11:50 a.m.

Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon

Editorial Series: Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Publishing

11:50 a.m.–12:20 p.m.

 

Q&A Session

12:20–12:30 p.m.

 

Lunch Break

12:30–1:30 p.m.

Ms. Varattaya Saengchaisukhonkit

Production Series: How to Write a Well-Formatted Paper

1:30–2:00 p.m.

 

Q&A Session

2:00–2:10 p.m.

Ms. Sirathikarn Teoh

Production Series: How to Make Good Figures for Scientific Papers

2:10–2:40 p.m.

 

Q&A Session

2:40–2:50 p.m.

Ms. Sirathikarn Teoh

Production Series: How to Design Tables in Scientific Papers

2:50–3:20 p.m.

 

Q&A Session

3:20–3:30 p.m.

Chair:

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapong Champahom is an Associate Professor of Transportation Engineering and a lecturer at the Faculty of Business Administration, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. Dr. Thanapong completed his combined MS & PhD degree in transportation engineering at Suranaree University of Technology. His research interests include transportation safety, road safety, transportation planning, public transportation, logistics management, and injury severity research. Dr. Thanapong has published numerous papers in various international journals.

MDPI Speakers:

 

Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai obtained her PhD in applied chemistry from the Faculty of Science, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. She joined MDPI in December 2022 as an Assistant Editor for Catalysts. In 2024, she was promoted to Section Managing Editor, and as of April 2025, she has been serving as the Chief Section Managing Editor.
Dr. Juthathip Poofery holds a PhD in biochemistry from the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. She began working at MDPI in 2021 as an Assistant Editor for Medicina and advanced to the position of Section Managing Editor in 2022. Since 2023, Dr. Poofery has been serving as the Group Leader of the “Medical Science” Section, where she oversees editorial operations and contributes to the advancement of research in the field.
Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana obtained her master’s degree in food science and biotechnology from Teesside University. She joined MDPI in December 2020 as an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Imaging. She was appointed as a Section Managing Editor in March 2023 and a Regional Journal Relations Specialist for the Asia–Pacific region in July 2024.
Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon obtained her master’s degree in chemistry from Thammasat University, Thailand, in 2020 and joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor for the journal 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 Journal Relations Specialists for the Asia–Pacific region.

Ms. Varattaya Saengchaisukhonkit graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She joined MDPI in October 2022 as a Production Assistant. In 2024, she was promoted to the position of Production Group Leader, where she oversees production workflows, supports team development, and ensures high-quality publication standards. She also contributes to staff training and process improvement within the Bangkok Production team.

Ms. Sirathikarn Teoh graduated from Naresuan University with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She joined MDPI in August 2024 as a Production Assistant and has since consistently demonstrated high productivity and strong work quality. She has quickly adapted to new management responsibilities and is recognized for her strong communication skills and effective problem-solving abilities.

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