Announcements

Six new journals covering a range of subjects launched their inaugural issues in June 2025. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access. We are pleased to present the latest research and to make it accessible to all.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the Editorial Board Members for their commitment and expertise. 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.

Journal	Founding Editor-in-Chief	Journal Topics (Selected)
	Prof. Dr. Chang-Pu Sun, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing, China; Computational Science Research Center, China Editorial | View inaugural issue	quantum information and phenomena; condensed matter physics and statistical physics; atomic, molecular, and optical physics; computational physics and mathematical methods View journal scope | Submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Hualiang Lin, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Prof. Dr. Jose L. Domingo, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain Editorial | View inaugural issue	green and organic food; green infrastructures; green exercise; environmental impact of the healthcare sector; effects of climate change on human health | View journal scope | Submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Francesco Veglio, University of L’Aquila, Italy Editorial | View inaugural issue	ultra-pure substances; water purification; air purification; gas purification; inorganic chemical purification; purification technologies View journal scope | Submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Junxing Zheng, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China Editorial | View inaugural issue	computer-aided design and engineering; artificial intelligence and machine learning; building information modeling (BIM) and digital twins; robotics and automation in construction; smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT); intelligent control systems and facilities management View journal scope | Submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Assunta Di Vaio, University of Naples Parthenope, Italy Editorial | View inaugural issue	sustainability, managerial, and biodiversity accounting; carbon management accounting; corporate social responsibility; artificial intelligence and disclosure View journal scope | Submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Changjun Liu, Sichuan University, China Editorial | View inaugural issue	bioeffects of electromagnetic waves; electromagnetic science and engineering; microwave, millimeter-wave, and terahertz technologies; metamaterials and metasurfaces; communication, sensing, and networks; energy, power, and sustainable applications; quantum and emerging technologies; artificial intelligence and advanced fabrication View journal scope | Submit an article

We would like to invite you to attend the 3rd International Online Conference on Agriculture (IOCAG 2025), organized by MDPI’s journal Agriculture (ISSN: 2077-0472, Impact Factor: 3.6, CiteScore: 6.3), which will take place from 22 to 24 October 2025.

Conference Chair: Prof. Dr. Bin Gao, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA.

The topics of interest:

S1. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Practices, Determinants, Productivity, and Efficiency;

S2. Ecosystem, Environment, and Climate Change in Agriculture;

S3. Agricultural Systems and Management;

S4. Zero-Pollution Solutions in Crop Protection;

S5. Agricultural Water Management;

S6. Smart Farming: From Sensor to Artificial Intelligence;

S7. Agricultural Soil;

S8. Crop Production;

S9. Farm Animal Production;

S10. From Field to Consumers: Challenges and Approaches to High-Quality Agricultural Products;

S11. Crop Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding.

Important Dates:

Deadline for abstract submission: 18 July 2025;

Notification of acceptance: 18 August 2025;

Registration deadline: 15 October 2025.

Guide for Authors

To submit your abstract, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1230.

To register for this event, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/IOCAG2025?section=#registration.

For details regarding abstract submission, poster and slide submission, and publication opportunities, please refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section via the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/IOCAG2025?section=#instructions.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact iocag2025@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at IOCAG 2025.

We are pleased to share that Agronomy was awarded an increased Impact Factor of 3.4 in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports™ released by Clarivate™ in June 2025. Agronomy ranks in in Q1 (21 of 129) in the “Agronomy” category and Q1 (68 of 273) in the “Plant Sciences” category.

The 2024 Journal Impact Factor is calculated by dividing the number of citations received in 2024 to all publications in the journal from 2022 and 2023 by the total number of citable publications from those same years.

To learn more, visit our journal statistics website for detailed metrics or check out our news for general information.

The support and dedication of all the editors, reviewers, authors, and readers are an integral part of the journal’s performance. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have contributed to the journal.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. João Everthon Da Silva Ribeiro is one of the winners of the Agronomy 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award. The Award is presented annually to recognize reviewers who contribute their time to reviewing papers and display thoroughness, professionalism, and timeliness while doing so.

We are honored to have had the opportunity to interview Dr. João Everthon Da Silva Ribeiro, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into his research journey and his insights into being a reviewer.

It is an honor to receive this recognition. I'm João Everthon da Silva Ribeiro, a researcher in the field of plant physiology with a focus on abiotic stresses, especially salinity and water deficit. My main research interests involve the use of biostimulants, growth regulators, and other strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of challenging environments on crops. I have been working on projects with crops of economic importance for semi-arid regions.

Reviewing for Agronomy is a way to contribute to the quality and integrity of science actively. What motivates me is the possibility of collaborating with the advancement of knowledge and promoting rigor and clarity in scientific communication.

Innovation is essential for the progress of science, but it needs to go hand in hand with methodological rigor. I always analyze whether the proposed approach is well-founded, even if it is not conventional. A recent example was a study that used micronutrient nanoparticles in crops under salt stress. Although the proposal was innovative, I suggested adjustments to the experimental controls and statistical analyses to ensure the reproducibility of the results. Originality was maintained but with greater scientific robustness.

A recurring problem is the fragility of the method descriptions, which compromises reproducibility. In addition, many manuscripts lack critical discussion of the results, being limited to descriptions or superficial comparisons with the literature. The organization of the text and clarity of writing are also aspects that often require attention. I recommend that authors dedicate time to linguistic revision and seek technical support before submission.

The main challenge is time: reconciling professional demands with thorough and responsible reading. For a good report, I usually adopt a clear structure, dividing the comments into sections (e.g., Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods) and distinguishing between major and minor points. I also strive to be constructive, offering practical suggestions and providing relevant references. The goal is always to contribute to the improvement of the work rather than just pointing out flaws.

This type of recognition strengthens our academic performance and values the often silent work of peer review. It enhances professional visibility and can open doors to collaborations and invitations to editorial committees. In addition, it serves as motivation to continue exercising this activity with responsibility and dedication.

Agronomy already stands out for its transparency and editorial agility. As a suggestion, training initiatives for authors and reviewers—such as webinars or mini-guides on good practices—would be welcome, especially for early-career researchers. I also believe that the promotion of special thematic issues can stimulate dialogue between research groups and strengthen emerging areas of research.

The Agronomy Young Investigator Award was established in 2019 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of agronomy and agroecology. Nominations are accepted from May to December each year, with the winner notified by the end of March the following year.

Prizes:

• CHF 2000;
• An electronic certificate;
• A voucher to fully cover applicable article processing charges (valid for one year).

Number of Winners: 1.

Eligibility and requirements:

• The candidate must have received their Ph.D. no more than 10 years prior to 31 December 2025;
• The candidate must have produced ground-breaking research and made a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainability and sustainable development;
• Candidates must be nominated by senior scientists.

List of documents for nomination:

• A detailed curriculum vitae, including an updated publication list and a list of the researcher’s own research grants;
• A scanned copy of the candidate’s doctorate certificate;
• Signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists.

Schedule:
Nomination deadline: 31 December 2025;
Winner announcement: 31 March 2026.

How to submit nominations:
The nominations must be submitted online at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/agronomy/awards/submit/3403.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at agronomy@mdpi.com if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Agronomy Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that Agronomy (ISSN: 2073-4395) will be once again granting the Travel Award for junior scientists. The applications will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee consisting of senior scholars from the Agronomy Editorial Board. 

The annual Agronomy Travel Award was launched in 2017 to encourage junior scientists to present their latest research at academic conferences in the field of agronomy and agroecology, expanding their profile. The application process is open from April to October every year, and the winners are announced by the end of December. 

Prizes:

• CHF 500;
• A certificate. 

Number of winners: 2. 

Eligibility and requirements:

• Postdoctoral fellows or Ph.D. students;
• Plans to attend an international conference in 2026 (oral presentation or poster). 

List of the documents needed to apply:

• Information regarding the conference the applicant is planning to attend and the abstract that will be submitted;
• Curriculum Vitae and list of publications;
• Justification letter describing the focus of the research (max. 800 words);
• Letter of recommendation from the supervisor, research director, or department head, which also confirms the applicant’s status. 

For more information about the award, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/agronomy/awards/3404. 

Agronomy Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Fernando França Cunha is one of the winners of the Agronomy 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award. The Award is presented annually to recognize reviewers who contribute their time to reviewing papers and display thoroughness, professionalism, and timeliness while doing so.

We are honored to have had the opportunity to interview Dr. Fernando França Cunha, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into his research journey and his insights into being a reviewer.

1. Congratulations on being an Outstanding Reviewer for 2024! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your research interests?
I hold a bachelor’s degree in agronomy (2003), a master's degree (2005), and a Ph.D. (2009) in agricultural engineering from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil. I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering (DEA) at UFV, where I teach undergraduate and graduate courses. I am an active member of the Graduate Program in agricultural engineering (PPGEA), advising both master's and doctoral students. My research focuses on irrigation management and engineering, with an emphasis on efficient water use in agriculture, fertigation, water and energy sustainability, and the application of technologies such as sensors, modeling, and alternative materials in irrigation systems.

2. What factors motivate you to be a reviewer for Agronomy, and what do you find most rewarding about the peer review process?
Serving as a reviewer for Agronomy is a way of contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge by helping to ensure the quality of published research. Since many reviewers also contribute by evaluating my manuscripts, I feel I have to give back to the scientific community by actively participating in the review process. Moreover, I consider this activity an excellent learning opportunity. Reading submitted manuscripts carefully motivates me to conduct further research and reading, which broadens my knowledge. As a native speaker of Portuguese, I also see peer review as a valuable opportunity to improve my use of English, the predominant language in scientific communication. What I find most rewarding is realizing that through constructive and well-founded suggestions, it is possible to substantially improve the clarity, methodological robustness, and relevance of a manuscript, thereby contributing ethically and meaningfully to the advancement of science.

3. As a reviewer, how do you balance the encouragement for research innovation with the strict requirements for method reliability? Can you give an example?
I believe that innovation and methodological rigor must go hand in hand. An innovative idea only has real scientific value if it is supported by a robust, well-described, and replicable method. When reviewing a manuscript, I try to identify whether the study provides an original and relevant contribution to the field, while also carefully evaluating whether the experimental procedures are well-controlled, the variables appropriately monitored, and the data able to support the conclusions drawn. For instance, in a recent review of a study on the use of ozone in irrigation water, an innovative approach, I recognized the potential of the topic but highlighted the need for clearer methodological descriptions and stricter control of variables such as ozone concentration, exposure time, and the physicochemical characteristics of the water to ensure result reliability. Additionally, I consider it important how authors contextualize their innovation. Excessive self-citation, for example, may suggest a weak theoretical foundation or an attempt to overvalue their work, which can bias scientific analysis. I encourage authors to use diverse, updated, and high-quality references from different research groups to enhance the credibility of their work and demonstrate genuine integration into the scientific community.

4. Based on your rich reviewing experience, could you please share some common problems that authors face?
The most frequent issues I observe are related to the structure and scientific consistency of the manuscripts. It is common to find poorly developed introductions that lack a clear focus or compelling justification for the problem addressed, and that fail to formulate specific hypotheses. Another critical point is the insufficient methodological description, which compromises the reproducibility of the study. Limited discussions are also frequent, where authors merely compare their results to other studies without adequately interpreting their data. Furthermore, conclusions often do not respond to the objectives outlined at the beginning of the work or lack sufficient depth. Formal issues also stand out, such as poor graphic presentation of figures and tables, the use of outdated or low-quality references, and inadequate or redundant titles and keywords, which can impair the visibility and indexing of the article in scientific databases. Paying greater attention to these aspects can significantly improve the quality and impact of the publications.

5. What are the biggest challenges you face as a reviewer, and what are your tips for preparing a high-quality review report?
One of the greatest challenges I face as a reviewer is time constraints. As a university professor, I divide my time between teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising students, participating in extension activities, conducting research, and handling administrative duties. Producing a high-quality review requires dedication, careful reading, and critical analysis of the entire manuscript, all of which takes time. Only after a thorough reading is it possible to fully understand the study and accurately identify its strengths, methodological flaws, gaps in reasoning, or opportunities for improvement. Another challenge is maintaining a balance between rigorous criticism and a constructive tone. A good review should not only point out problems but also offer feasible suggestions for improvement. To achieve this, I usually organize my reviews by sections (such as title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions), highlighting positive aspects and identifying the points that need improvement, always with technical justification. My advice is that reviewers should strive to be objective, consistent, and respectful. A good review contributes to the development of the manuscript and, consequently, to the advancement of science. It is also important to remember that the reviewer’s role is not merely to judge but to collaborate with authors in building a more robust and relevant scientific work.

6. We hope that the Outstanding Reviewer Award will open new opportunities for you. How does an award like this help to support the career of a researcher such as yourself?
Receiving the Outstanding Reviewer Award is a great source of joy and reinforces my sense of meaningfully contributing to science. This recognition boosts my self-esteem and motivates me to continue working with dedication and integrity in the evaluation of scientific manuscripts. It also confirms that I am on the right path and strengthens my commitment to research quality and academic integrity. Awards like this have a direct impact on an academic career, as they enhance the researcher’s visibility within the scientific community, reinforce their credibility, and open doors to new opportunities such as international collaborations, invitations to join editorial boards, and participation in broader research networks. Without a doubt, it is a valuable incentive to continue contributing actively to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

7. Do you have any suggestions on how our journal could further support researchers and the academic community?
Agronomy already plays an important role in promoting high-quality science and in recognizing the efforts of its reviewers, such as through the voucher system, which I consider an excellent initiative. However, as a professor in a developing country, one of the greatest challenges I face is the limited availability of resources, both for conducting research and for covering publication fees. In this context, expanding financial support policies for authors from developing countries, through progressive discounts or waivers based on scientific quality, would be a major contribution. Furthermore, I believe Agronomy could expand its initiative by promoting more special thematic issues with open calls, encouraging review articles by invited authors, and offering short, targeted training for new reviewers. Creating discussion forums or webinars focused on emerging topics could also strengthen interactions among authors, reviewers, and editors, thereby enhancing the journal's impact and fostering integration within the scientific community.

In order to further enhance the international influence of the journal Agronomy (ISSN: 2073-4395), promote the academic exchange of young scientists, and support the Editorial Board with additional expertise, Agronomy is inviting interested and eligible early career researchers to apply for Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) membership.

A total of 25 Early Career Editorial Board Members are planned to be recruited. Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) members will hold the position for two years with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

Application eligibility:

• Completed their doctorate/Ph.D. degree in the past 10 years (considering exceptions for career interruptions, including medical and family leave);
• Evidence of significant research achievements in the field of agronomy;
• Willingness to dedicate their time to the development of the journal with passion and enthusiasm;
• Researchers that are active and engaged in their community (e.g., experienced at presenting at academic conferences or involved in professional organizations).

Benefits of an Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• A certificate of appointment as an Early Career Editorial Board Member will be provided;
• The achievements of Early Career Editorial Board Members are publicized on journal media platforms to improve academic visibility;
• An opportunity to be promoted to Editorial Board Member based on contributions;
• The journal will regularly acknowledge those who participated in the peer-review process on the journal website;
• Opportunities to participate in or host annual meetings and online seminars organized by the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board Members.

Responsibilities of an Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• Publicizing and promoting the journal at academic conferences and among peers;
• Selecting high-quality articles and preparing bilingual media content for promotion;
• Reviewing at least four manuscripts per year;
• Providing input on any new initiatives of journal development;
• Inviting submissions from local and overseas world-leading scientists in respective research fields.

Applications:
Please fill in the application form here.

Please send the application form and your academic resume to agronomy@mdpi.com with the subject of “Agronomy Early Career Editorial Board Application + Name + Institute + Research Expertise”.

Application deadline: 31 December 2025.

Selection process and announcement:

The selection process: initial screening of application materials → selection by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members → email notification → issuing a certificate of appointment.

The selection will be made within two months of the application deadline, and the results will be announced on the journal website.

We are pleased to share that Agronomy (ISSN: 2073-4395) has received an increased CiteScore of 6.7 in June 2025. The CiteScore ranks the journal 66 out of 414 titles (Q1) in the “Agronomy and Crop Science” category, an impressive achievement for a journal running in Volume 15.

You can find more statistics on our website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/agronomy/stats.

The current CiteScores measure the average number of citations within a journal over a four-year window (2021–2024). The Scopus database provides a comprehensive suite of metrics that support informed publishing strategies, research evaluation and enable benchmarking of journal performance.

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our authors, reviewers, and editors. Together we will continue to track the progress of Agronomy and its growing impact in the “Agronomy and Crop Science” category.