Announcements

The editorial team of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) would like to congratulate the winners of the Metals 2025 Editor of Distinction Award, who were chosen by a selection committee chaired by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Yong Zhang. Following a formal review process by the Award Evaluation Committee, two Editorial Board Members were selected as winners. The recipients are as follows:

We warmly congratulate the award recipients and sincerely thank all Editorial Board Members for their continued commitment and valuable contributions to Metals.

We are honored to announce that Prof. Dr. William Gerwick will serve as the Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.

A world-renowned authority in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick is a Distinguished Professor at both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His pioneering work at the intersection of ocean sciences and drug discovery makes him a fitting leader for an award centered on transformative medicinal breakthroughs.

Under Professor Gerwick’s stewardship, the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee will focus on recognizing innovative and impactful research in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, particularly work with the potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.

To provide further insight into his perspectives, we include below an interview with Professor Gerwick, in which he reflects on his scientific journey, his views on the field, and his vision for the Tu Youyou Award.

A Conversation with the Chair

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your research journey?

My research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their application in medicine, their biosynthesis using genomic approaches, and innovative methods in the structure elucidation of natural products.

I received my BS degree from the University of California at Davis, my PhD from the University of California at San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut. After a couple of years in a junior faculty position at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, I spent 21 years as Professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. In 2005, I returned to my PhD institution at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, where I am currently a Distinguished Professor of Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing the field through both leadership and mentorship. I have served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, chaired and co-chaired several major research conferences, and served as an associate editor for the Journal of Natural Products. I am a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. I have trained over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, and my research group has published nearly 500 papers and more than 25 patents on topics in the natural product sciences and medicinal chemistry.

2. What motivated you to accept the role of Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee?

Of course, I am a huge supporter of all awards that are given in recognition of excellent scientific research, and especially so in the natural products sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, this award is truly special in that it recognizes scientific excellence as well as impact, and is given in the name of an individual, Tu Youyou, who clearly had many challenges along the path to reach the pinnacle of her success. Not only was she the first Chinese person to win a Nobel prize in this area, but she was also the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel prize, and this was achieved without graduate education in China or elsewhere. It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision. To read the history of her extraordinary approach to discovering novel antimalarial compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine is truly inspirational. It is, therefore, the inspiration provided by the extraordinary life and career of Tu Youyou that motivated me to accept the Chair of the Award Committee for 2026.

3. How do you view the role of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry in today’s scientific landscape, and what major advances over the past decade have shaped this field?

A quite remarkable integration of fields is currently transforming natural products science and medicinal chemistry. In natural products, we are seeing integration of different omics methods, from metabolites to proteins to nucleic acids. Sophisticated biological and pharmacological approaches are driving the discovery of exquisitely potent and selective natural products. Advances are being made to integrate molecular-level recognition of natural products with chemical ecological studies, and sophisticated methods of structure determination using Artificial Intelligence or pioneering new tools such as microED are being applied with increasing frequency. High-level synthetic methodologies, such as protecting group-free synthetic routes, are enhancing medicinal chemistry, accelerating the identification of lead molecules with attractive pharmaceutical properties at an increasing pace.

4. How do you consider the balance between fundamental discovery (e.g., new molecules or mechanisms) and practical impact (e.g., therapeutic applications)?

Many individuals are excellent scientists and mentors, and have essential roles in developing our culture that values science and the scientific method. It should also be pointed out that not all scientific discoveries are going to have a broad societal impact, but they are nevertheless critical to the overall body and structure of science. But it is a truly remarkable individual who makes a key scientific discovery, recognizes its potential value to society in general, and then has the skills and determination to bring it forward as a useful product. That was the type of person the Tu Youyou is, and that is the type of person who is honored by the prize in her name.

5. What do you see as the key challenges or opportunities currently facing the field?

We are on the crux of an amazing revolution in many of the sciences, including natural products and medicinal chemistry; the purposeful application of Artificial Intelligence to solving many of the difficulties involved in the search for new pharmaceuticals from Nature. AI is transforming how we select organisms for study, what pharmaceutical targets to go after, rapidly resolving the chemical structures of new compounds, identifying efficient routes to their chemical synthesis, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action, and finally, designing their clinical application. The role of people in these pursuits is changing. Increasingly, the human role will be providing overall vision: what can we do? What should we do? And it is important to remember that AI is providing hypotheses, not truth. Scientists with expert domain knowledge will be critical for discerning the correctness of hypotheses put forth by AI. Altogether, advances in technology, expanding knowledge, and the appropriate use of AI methods are preparing society to be able to address emerging diseases, such as pandemics, as well as conditions that are not effectively treated by currently existing therapeutics.

6. How do you expect the Tu Youyou Award to contribute to the advancement of natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and human health over the coming years?

The Tu Youyou Award is potentially transformative for the broad fields of natural products science and medicinal chemistry as it brings a significantly increased level of visibility to these topics and their contributions to human health. It will be crucial to have excellent communication to news agencies, social media and other communication outlets so that the general public is informed and educated on the high impact of these natural product/medicinal chemistry contributions. This will bring increased funding, attract promising students, and generally enrich the interface of these fields with the health sector.

7. What message would you like to convey to the research community and the public during this open nomination phase?

This prize gives broad societal visibility to the role that natural products have had in shaping a majority of our current medicines, as well as understanding the life forms with whom we share the planet. Further, it recognizes a woman scientist working under sub-optimal conditions who could persevere and make discoveries of global impact. The prize and what it represents, therefore, inspires current and future generations to engage in the study of Nature and its relationship to Human Health, to overcome adversity, and to aspire to making one’s life impactful.

About the Tu Youyou Award

Established in 2016, the Tu Youyou Award seeks to honor those who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This award offers a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided among the winners if there is more than one, with each recipient receiving an award medal and a certificate.

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026. We encourage all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award not only honors individual achievement but also encourages further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website for more information on the nomination requirements.

The “Welding and Joining” Section of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) showcases groundbreaking research on the welding, joining, and repair of metallic materials across various industrial sectors. This Section fosters a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in welding technologies, joining techniques, and their application to a wide range of metals and alloys.

Key areas of interest include the development of novel welding processes, the impact of heat input on material properties, the weldability of advanced alloys, the fatigue and fracture behavior of welded joints, and the enhancement of weld integrity in extreme environments. We also emphasize innovative strategies for improving joint performance, such as post-weld treatments, coating technologies, and welding of dissimilar materials.

We encourage both fundamental and applied research, focusing on both theoretical advancements and experimental methodologies that contribute to the optimization of welding and joining processes for industrial applications. As all papers published in Metals are open access, readers benefit from free and unrestricted access to all full texts. We invite you to explore our most highly cited papers from 2024 and 2025, listed below:

1. “Quality Assurance in Resistance Spot Welding: State of Practice, State of the Art, and Prospects”
by Panagiotis Stavropoulos and Kyriakos Sabatakakis
Metals 2024, 14(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14020185
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/2/185

2. “Exploring Resistance Spot Welding for Grade 2 Titanium Alloy: Experimental Investigation and Artificial Neural Network Modeling”
by Marwan T. Mezher, Diego Carou and Alejandro Pereira
Metals 2024, 14(3), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14030308
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/3/308

3. “Brazing of Copper Pipes for Heat Pump and Refrigeration Applications”
by António B. Pereira, João M. S. Dias, José P. Rios, Nélia M. Silva, Sathishkumar Duraisamy and Ana Horovistiz
Metals 2024, 14(2), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14020171
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/2/171

4. “Effect of Solution and Aging Treatment on the Microstructure and Properties of LAZ931 Mg-Li Alloy by Friction Stir Processing”
by Zhe Fang, Shuaiwei Xu, Zhixin Wang and Yufeng Sun
Metals 2025, 15(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15030314
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/15/3/314

5. “High Energy Density Welding of Ni-Based Superalloys: An Overview”
by Riccardo Donnini, Alessandra Varone, Alessandra Palombi, Saveria Spiller, Paolo Ferro and Giuliano Angella
Metals 2025, 15(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15010030
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/15/1/30

6. “Residual Stress Evolution during Slot Milling for Repair Welding and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing of High-Strength Steel Components”
by Karsten Wandtke, Amadeus Becker, Dirk Schroepfer, Arne Kromm, Thomas Kannengiesser, Ronny Scharf-Wildenhain, André Haelsig and Jonas Hensel
Metals 2024, 14(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14010082
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/1/82

7. “A Physically Motivated Heat Source Model for Laser Beam Welding”
by Philipp Hartwig, Nasim Bakir, Lisa Scheunemann, Andrey Gumenyuk, Jörg Schröder and Michael Rethmeier
Metals 2024, 14(4), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040430
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/430

8. “Reliability Simulation of IGBT Module with Different Solders Based on the Finite Element Method”
by Haoran Ma, Min Gou, Xingjian Tian, Wei Tan and Hongwei Liang
Metals 2024, 14(10), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14101141
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/10/1141

9. “Ultrasound-Enhanced Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Alloy 6082: Advancements in Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Refinement”
by Marat Rebrin, Andreas Gester, Dmitrii Ozherelkov, Christiane Wächtler, Toni Sprigode, Martin Mädlow and Guntram Wagner
Metals 2024, 14(11), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14111241
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/11/1241

10. “Process Optimization in Laser Welding of IN792 DS Superalloy”
by Giuseppe Barbieri, Francesco Cognini, Chiara de Crescenzo, Alessandra Fava, Massimo Moncada, Roberto Montanari, Maria Richetta and Alessandra Varone
Metals 2024, 14(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14010124
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/1/124

The “Metal Failure Analysis” Section of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) features pioneering research focused on understanding the causes, mechanisms, and prevention of metal failures in various engineering applications. This Section emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to studying the failure behaviors of metals, including fracture, fatigue, wear, and corrosion, through both experimental and computational methods.

Key areas of interest include failure analysis techniques, stress and strain analysis, fracture mechanics, microstructural investigations, and the role of environmental factors in material degradation. We also highlight advancements in predictive modeling, diagnostic tools, and non-destructive testing methods for identifying early signs of failure and improving the reliability and longevity of metallic components.

We invite contributions from both theoretical and experimental research, in addition to applied studies that address real-world challenges in metal failure analysis and prevention. As all papers published in Metals are open access, readers enjoy free and unrestricted access to all full texts. We encourage you to explore our highly cited papers from 2024 and 2025, listed below:

1. “Impact of Heat Treatment and Building Direction on Tensile Properties and Fracture Mechanism of Inconel 718 Produced by SLM Process”
by Seokha Heo, Yujin Lim, Nawon Kwak, Chami Jeon, Moonhee Choi and Ilguk Jo
Metals 2024, 14(4), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040440
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/440

2. “Quantitative Study on Hydrogen Concentration–Hydrogen Embrittlement Sensitivity of X80 Pipeline Steel Based on Hydrogen Permeation Kinetics”
by Rundong Zhang, Songyuan Ai, Mujun Long, Lihua Wan, Yifan Li, Danbin Jia, Huamei Duan and Dengfu Chen
Metals 2024, 14(7), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14070763
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/7/763

3. “A Comprehensive Review of Fatigue Strength in Pure Copper Metals (DHP, OF, ETP)”
by Eduardo Jiménez-Ruiz, Rubén Lostado-Lorza and Carlos Berlanga-Labari
Metals 2024, 14(4), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040464
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/464

4. “Effect of Roller Burnishing and Slide Roller Burnishing on Fatigue Strength of AISI 304 Steel: Comparative Analysis”
by Galya Duncheva, Jordan Maximov, Angel Anchev, Vladimir Dunchev, Kalin Anastasov and Yaroslav Argirov
Metals 2024, 14(6), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14060710
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/6/710

5. “Fracture Toughness Assessment of Pipeline Steels Under Hydrogen Exposure for Blended Gas Applications”
by Hesamedin Ghadiani, Zoheir Farhat, Tahrim Alam and Md. Aminul Islam
Metals 2025, 15(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15010029
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/15/1/29

6. “Monotonic and Fatigue Behaviour of the 51CrV4 Steel with Application in Leaf Springs of Railway Rolling Stock”
by Vítor M. G. Gomes, Carlos D. S. Souto, José A. F. O. Correia and Abílio M. P. de Jesus
Metals 2024, 14(3), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14030266
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/3/266

7. “Modified Split Mandrel Method and Equipment to Improve the Fatigue Performance of Structural Components with Fastener Holes”
by Jordan Maximov, Galya Duncheva, Angel Anchev, Vladimir Dunchev and Petya Daskalova
Metals 2024, 14(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14030303
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/3/303

8. “Fatigue Response of Additive-Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel”
by Melody Chepkoech, Peter Omoniyi and Gbadebo Owolabi
Metals 2024, 14(9), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14090988
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/9/988

9. “Recent Advances in Creep Modelling Using the θ Projection Method”
by William Harrison
Metals 2024, 14(12), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14121395
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/12/1395

Message from the Chair:

Welcome to the webinar “Green Solvent Extraction for Critical Metal Recovery”. The search for new critical raw material sources has increased pressure to improve extraction efficiency whilst adhering to sustainable mining demands. As a result, more scientific advances are required to meet technical, economic, and sustainable goals. In this Special Issue, we seek studies that explore scientific developments using green reagents in all steps of the critical raw material extraction process.

In this webinar, we will discuss topics from recycling of Li-ion batteries to recovery of metals from mining process and the development of new separation processes. This webinar aims to bring together scientists and engineers to discuss new solutions and developments for a greener recovery of critical metals.

Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 14:00–16:00 (CEST) | 9:00–11:00 (BRT)
Webinar ID: 812 1614 9500

This is a free webinar. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Amilton Barbosa Botelho Junior (Chair), Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway;
• Mr. Usman Saleem, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway;
• Dr. Rogério C.S. Navarro, Chemical and Materials Engineering Department (DEQM), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Brazil;
• Mr. Gabriel Medeiros, Chemical and Materials Engineering Department (DEQM), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Brazil;
• Mr. Vitor Loureiro Gontijo, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

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.

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).

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Metals 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award. The Editorial Board and editorial team of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) wish to acknowledge the time and energy dedicated by reviewers to checking manuscripts submitted to this journal. It is due to their efforts that the high-quality reputation and quick turnaround of Metals are maintained.

Winners:

• Dr. Byung-Hyun Shin, Pohang Institute of Materials Industry Advancement, Republic of Korea;
• Dr. Yilun Gong, University of Oxford, UK.

Prizes:

• CHF 500;
• An electronic certificate;
• A voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for one submission in Metals (subject to peer review)—valid for one year.

Metals Editorial Office

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.

We are pleased to announce that four new scholars have been appointed as Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701). We wish our new members success in both their research and their efforts to develop the journal.

Name: Prof. Dr. Mounim Lebrini
Affiliation: Laboratory of Materials and Molecules in Aggressive Environment, University of the Antilles, 97233 Schoelcher, France
Interests: corrosion of metals; corrosion inhibition; green inhibitors; coatings; surface modification techniques; biochar

Name: Dr. Maria Richetta
Affiliation: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
Interests: layered double hydroxides (LDHs); functional coatings; anticorrosion; biomedical materials; biointerfaces; additive manufacturing; material characterization; mechanical properties; X-ray techniques; membranes; nuclear materials

Name: Prof. Dr. Hao Wang
Affiliation: Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
Interests: material genomes; titanium alloys

Name: Prof. Dr. Ernesto Chicardi
Affiliation: Department of Engineering and Materials Science and Transportation, University of Seville, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: cermets; cemented carbides; powder metallurgy; ceramics; combustion reactions; high entropy alloys

For further details about the Editorial Board of Metals, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/metals/editors.

The journal is currently recruiting new Editorial Board Members. If you are interested in this position, please contact the Editorial Office at metals@mdpi.com.