Announcements

This conference is the first of its kind and is organized by the Professional Committee on Resource Activation and Urban Renewal, China Society of Natural Resources; Professional Committee on Population and Resources, China Society of Natural Resources; and Editorial Work Committee, China Society of Natural Resources. This conference brings together universities colloquially known in China as the “Old Eight Universities” of Urban Planning and Architecture—including Peking University, Nanjing University, South China Normal University, Hunan University and so on. These institutions are not only top-tier “Project 985” universities but also pioneers at the forefront of the latest advancements in the fields of urban studies and architecture. Collaborating with professors from these universities will not only expand the regional influence of journals in MDPI but also enhance the journal's domestic reputation, thereby attracting a greater volume of submissions and facilitating the development of more Special Issues.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Urban Science;
• World;
• Architecture;
• Land;
• Administrative Sciences.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us online. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the conference and answering any questions that you have. For more information about this event, please visit the following website: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/4ZwHwjITWMERk_XqnntMdg?scene=1.

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.

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).

MDPI will be attending the 22nd International May Conference on Strategic Management (IMCSM 2026) in Belgrade, Serbia, which will take place from the 28 to 29 of May 2026. The Technical Faculty in Bor, University of Belgrade (Department of Engineering Management), has organized the conference since 2002. Each year, it has attracted an increasing number of participants, both domestic and international, from the fields of strategic management and related disciplines—including engineering management, risk management, project management, environmental management, information technologies, economics, quality management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and human resource management. 

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Accounting and Auditing;
• Administrative Sciences;
• Businesses;
• Economies;
• International Journal of Financial Studies;
• Journal of Risk and Financial Management;
• Logistics. 

If you are attending the conference, please feel free 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 link: https://mksm.tfbor.bg.ac.rs/.

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.

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.

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

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.

Dr. Alixander Sikander Khan is currently a postdoc at the MR Research Centre of Aarhus University, working on using Deuterium Metabolic Imaging (DMI) and hyperpolarized ¹³C pyruvate to measure the conversion of glucose to other products for probing brain disease. We would like to congratulate Dr. Alixander Sikander Khan on winning the Tomography 2026 Travel Award.

The following is an interview with Dr. Khan:

1. Congratulations on winning the Tomography 2026 Travel Award. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research at the MR Research Centre, Aarhus University?

Thank you so much for this award, it is a real honor. I am a postdoc at the MR Research Centre, looking at metabolic imaging of the brain using novel MR methods. We are working on using Deuterium Metabolic Imaging (DMI) and hyperpolarised ¹³C pyruvate to measure the conversion of glucose to other products for probing brain disease.

This offers highly sensitive measurement of metabolic changes that current methods may be unable to measure. At the MR Research Centre, Aarhus University, we have been working on its application to a number of diseases that could offer improved understanding of the disease, earlier diagnosis, and better clinical management. This award has allowed me to present our work investigating the application of Deuterium Metabolic Imaging for measurement of Glioblastoma treatment response, which was performed in collaboration with Cambridge University’s Department of Radiology. This work in particular vital given the current challenges in managing glioblastoma, where prognosis is often poor and determining treatment efficacy early remains difficult.  

2. When and how did you become aware of the Tomography journal, and what motivated you to apply for the Tomography 2025 Travel Award?

Tomography publishes several relevant articles in my field, and so I have followed the journal for some time and often enjoy reading its articles. A colleague in my department (Dr. Esben Hansen) saw the award and suggested I apply for it. I was unsure if it was worth applying for, as I did not expect to be awarded it, but I am very glad that I did!

3. How will you promote the Tomography journal at the conference? Apart from conferences, what are your preferred avenues for promoting Tomography within your community?

I will, of course, thank the journal for their support during my presentation, as well as discussing the publication with colleagues. Tomography is an excellent journal, and beyond the conference, I will encourage and promote publishing research in the journal and promote articles from the journal.

4. Do you have any other suggestions regarding how our journal could further support young researchers and the academic community?

I think Tomography is currently doing a great job with award offerings such as the travel award and PhD thesis awards that reward young researchers for their achievements. Mentorship programs can help young researchers to learn from experienced senior researchers, especially in the context of editorial boards, which can be complex and difficult to navigate for young early-career researchers.

5. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with our readers or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

I have been lucky to be surrounded by kind and supportive mentors throughout my (short!) research career. Professor Ferdia Gallagher and Dr. Mary McLean were my supervisors during my PhD at the University of Cambridge, and they were phenomenal and were fundamental to ensuring that I successfully completed my PhD! They were always so encouraging and happy to help, and I will always be grateful for that. During my PhD, my sanity was also kept in check by fellow students, in particular Dr. Ines Horvat-Menih who started her PhD at the same time as me and helped to make sure we stayed on track and were having fun!

Finally, I am deeply grateful to Professor Christoffer Lausten, who took me under his wing after my PhD and welcomed me into his research group. He is a great example of a mentor who is always open for an interesting discussion about new ideas. Despite moving to a new country, admittedly not too far from home, he has made sure I feel welcome in the group, and I continue to learn a great number of things from him!

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:

• Biology and Life Sciences;
• Business and Economics;
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
• Computer Sciences and Mathematics;
• Engineering;
• Environmental and Earth Sciences;
• Medicine and Pharmacology;
• Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities;
• Physical Sciences;
• Public Health and Healthcare.

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.