Announcements

22 May 2026
Meet Us at the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science, 7–12 June 2026, Nanjing, China


Conference:
The 23rd World Congress of Soil Science
Date: 7–12 June 2026
Location:
Nanjing, China

MDPI will be attending the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science as an exhibitor, and we are welcoming researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

The 23rd World Congress of Soil Science brings together leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to exchange the latest advances in soil science. The congress focuses on promoting sustainable soil management and addressing key global challenges such as soil health, climate change, land degradation, and ecosystem resilience. It provides a dynamic platform for scientific discussion, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary collaboration across all areas of soil research.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to contact us. 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://www.23wcss.org.cn.

21 May 2026
International Day for Biological Diversity —“Acting Locally for Global Impact”, 22 May 2026


The International Day for Biological Diversity, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, is celebrated on 22 May. The theme of the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Acting Locally for Global Impact”. Biodiversity is critical to life—healthy ecosystems provide food, clean water, climate regulation, and disease control, supporting all forms of existence on Earth. Local actions such as restoring habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable agriculture collectively generate global benefits for nature and people. However, rapid biodiversity loss continues to undermine these vital contributions, with profound impacts on human well-being and planetary stability. Echoing the mission of protecting biodiversity for a resilient future, established MDPI journals in the Biology&Life Sciences subject serve as platforms for scientific communication, fostering collaboration and innovation in biodiversity conservation to tackle the global nature crisis.

 

Invited speakers:

Prof. Dr. Edward L. Braun, Department of Biology, University of Florida, USA

Dr. Isabel L. Maurício, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal

Dr. Vittorio Capozzi, Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Italian National Research Council, Italy

Register for this webinar for free here!

Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)
by Apostolis Stefanidis, Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Konstantina Zografou, Georgios Fotiadis, Luc Willemse, Olga Tzortzakaki and Vassiliki Kati
Ecologies 2025, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6010005

Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea
by Elena Bisinicu, Valeria Abaza, Laura Boicenco, Filimon Adrian, George-Emanuel Harcota, Oana Marin, Andra Oros, Elena Pantea, Alina Spinu, Florin Timofte et al.
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114449

Using Citizen Science to Document Biodiversity on a University Campus: A Year-Long Case Study
by Peter M. Baker, Brendon Samuels and Timothy J. A. Hain
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 533-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030032

Illegal Activities for Survival: Understanding the Influence of Household Livelihood Security on Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 339-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030022

Algal Biodiversity of Nine Megaliths in South-East Bulgaria
by Maya Stoyneva-Gärtner, Miroslav Androv, Blagoy Uzunov, Kristian Ivanov and Georg Gärtner
Life 2024, 14(8), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080948

Shifts in Microbial Community Structure and Co-occurrence Network along a Wide Soil Salinity Gradient
by Yan Li, Juan Wang, Eryang Li, Xiaodong Yang and Jianjun Yang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071268

Exploring mtDNA Databases to Evaluate the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean: Implications for the Conservation of a Small, Offshore Populatio
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Ecologies 2024, 5(2), 170-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5020011

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Improve Nutrient Uptake and Microbial Diversity Relative to Dryland Site-Specific Soil Conditions
by Rosalie B. Calderon and Sadikshya R. Dangi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040667

Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding
by Liyang Wang, Hongxuan Wu, Wei He, Guihong Lai, Junxi Li, Siling Liu and Qiang Zhou
Insects 2024, 15(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040228

Weed Species’ Diversity and Composition as Shaped by the Interaction of Management, Site, and Soil Variables in Olive Groves of Southern Greece
by Petros Vahamidis, Demosthenis Chachalis, Antigoni Akrivou, Evangelos Karanasios, Maria Ganopoulou, Apostolia Argiri, Athanasia Mandoulaki, Evangelos Hatzigiannakis, Georgios Arampatzis, Andreas Panagopoulos et al.
Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030640

Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation via Urban Ecosystem Regeneration
by Gad Perry and Robert D. Cox
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030131

Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern
by Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Tanja Pipan and David C. Culver
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030157

Odonata Assemblages in Urban Semi-Natural Wetlands
by Marina Vilenica, Andreja Brigić, Ana Štih Koren, Toni Koren, Mirela Sertić Perić, Bruno Schmidt, Tomislava Bužan and Sanja Gottstein
Insects 2024, 15(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030207

The Influence of Sugar Beet Cultivation Technologies on the Intensity and Species Biodiversity of Weeds
by Barbora Kotlánová, Pavel Hledík, Stanislav Hudec, Petra Martínez Barroso, Magdalena Daria Vaverková, Martin Jiroušek and Jan Winkler
Agronomy 2024, 14(2), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14020390

Diversity and Phylogeny of Fungi
Guest Editor: Dr. Napalai Chaiwan
Deadline for submissions: 30 September 2026

Effect of Biological Invasion on Aquatic Ecosystem
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Jay Stauffer
Deadline for submissions: 30 August 2026

Microbial Diversity in Different Environments
Guest Editor: Dr. Silvena B. Boteva
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

Diversity, Adaptation, and Biogeography of Gastropods
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Andrzej Falniowski
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

Island Ecosystems as Natural Laboratories: Biodiversity, Threats, and Conservation Opportunities
Guest Editors: Dr. Yiannis G. Zevgolis,Dr. Christodoulos Sazeides and Dr. Giorgos Stavrianakis
Deadline for submissions: 15 October 2026

Changing Coral Reef Biodiversity and Function in the Anthropocene
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Morgan Pratchett
Deadline for submissions: 15 August 2026

21 May 2026
Agronomy | Special Issue Reprints Published in 2025


We are delighted to share with you nine reprints of Special Issues published in 2025 in Agronomy (ISSN: 2073-4395). They were selected by the Agronomy Editorial Office, each with 10 or more articles published. You can read more reprints of the Special Issues published by Agronomy.

1. “Advances in Crop Molecular Breeding and Genetics”
Guest Editors: Zhiyong Li, Chaolei Liu and Jiezheng Ying
ISBN 978-3-7258-2910-1 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-2909-5 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-2909-5
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/10478-advances-in-crop-molecular-breeding-and-genetics 
2. “Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality”
Guest Editors: Mariola Staniak, Ewa Szpunar-Krok and Małgorzata Szostek
ISBN 978-3-7258-3646-8 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-3645-1 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-3645-1
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/10710-conservation-agricultural-practices-for-improving-crop-production-and-quality 
3. “Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Somatic Embryogenesis”
Guest Editors: Justyna Lema-Rumińska, Danuta Kulpa and Alina Trejgell
ISBN 978-3-7258-3682-6 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-3681-9 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-3681-9
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/10784-plant-tissue-culture-and-plant-somatic-embryogenesis 
4. “Current Research on Hyperspectral and Multispectral Imaging and Their Applications in Precision Agriculture II”
Guest Editors: Jinling Zhao and Chuanjian Wang
ISBN 978-3-7258-3017-6 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-3018-3 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-3018-3
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/10879-current-research-on-hyperspectral-and-multispectral-imaging-and-their-applications-in-precision 
5. “Flowering and Flower Development in Plants”
Guest Editors: Jinzhi Zhang and Avi Sadka
ISBN 978-3-7258-3801-1 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-3802-8 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-3802-8
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/10997-flowering-and-flower-development-in-plants
6. “It Runs in the Family The Importance of the Lamiaceae Family Species”
Guest Editor: Antonios Chrysargyris
ISBN 978-3-7258-4433-3 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-4434-0 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-4434-0
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/11078-it-runs-in-the-family
7. “Biological Pest Control in Agroecosystems”
Guest Editor: Dirceu Pratissoli
ISBN 978-3-7258-4580-4 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-4579-8 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-4579-8
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/11248-biological-pest-control-in-agroecosystems 
8. “Climate Change and Agriculture”
Guest Editors: Jinlong Dong, Junjie Lin, Yang Yang, Zhongxiu Sun and Nazim Gruda
ISBN 978-3-7258-5253-6 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-5254-3 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-5254-3
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/11550-climate-change-and-agriculture 
9. “Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection”
Guest Editors: Kai Li, Yu Gao and Zhaofeng Huang
ISBN 978-3-7258-5443-1 (Hardback)
ISBN 978-3-7258-5444-8 (PDF)
https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-7258-5444-8
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/11677-recent-advances-in-legume-crop-protection 

21 May 2026
Meet Us at the 61st Croatian and 21st International Symposium on Agriculture, 31 May–5 June 2026, Brač, Croatia


MDPI will be attending the 61st Croatian and 21st International Symposium on Agriculture in Brač, Croatia, which will take place from 31 May to 5 June 2026. This event is organized by the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer, University of Osijek, and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, in collaboration with numerous esteemed partners. The conference aims to showcase groundbreaking scientific, professional, and educational contributions from both Croatian and international experts, facilitating their effective translation into agricultural practice. It also seeks to strengthen collaboration among scientists from various universities, research institutes, university alliances, and industry specialists—including producers from Croatia, Europe, and around the world—all united by a shared commitment to advancing science and agricultural innovation. 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:

15 May 2026
Meet Us at the 32nd Intentional Horticultural Congress (IHC2026), 23–28 August 2026, Kyoto, Japan

Conference: The 32nd Intentional Horticultural Congress
Organization: The Japanese Society for Horticultural Science
Date: 23–28 August 2026
Place: The Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto) in Kyoto, Japan

Compared to other agricultural and plant science fields, horticultural science is the field of science that focuses on a great diversity of plants from domesticated plants (crop plants) to wild plants. Furthermore, horticulture covers a wide range of fields from social sciences to medical sciences. It also covers a wide range of professions in the horticultural industry, including scientists, growers, distributors, and marketers.

The theme of IHC2026 is “Exploring the Diversity of Horticulture”, which seeks to highlight the diversity of horticulture and share its applications to contribute to the richness of future human life.

Please come explore with us the integrated science of horticulture, combining social science, natural science, the best in basic agricultural practices, the latest technological advances in robotics, genetics, and applications. From small household operations for local farmer’s markets, to large-scale integrated supply chain management and logistics for global production, the IHC2026 will present the latest horticultural findings, practices, and future directions.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you are attending this 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.

12 May 2026
International Day of Plant Health—“Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, 12 May 2026


Observed annually on 12 May, the International Day of Plant Health is a United Nations initiative that calls global attention to the critical role of healthy plants and the urgent need to protect them from pests and diseases. The theme for 2026, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, positions plant biosecurity as the first line of defense for the world’s food systems.

As a committed academic partner in plant protection, crop science, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture, MDPI leverages its open‑access publishing platform to disseminate cutting‑edge research. On the International Day of Plant Health 2026, MDPI journals in in the Biology & Life Sciences actively supports cross‑disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange on plant health, crop biosecurity, and food systems by showcasing relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals. Our goal is to help strengthen phytosanitary capacities across countries and regions, thereby building a solid barrier for the security and stability of global food supply chains.

Plant Hormone Regulation of Competitive Growth: Implications for Agriculture and Inclusive Fitness
by Jasmina Kurepa and Jan A. Smalle
Appl. Biosci. 2026, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci5020024

Genomic and Phylogenetic Evidence for a Novel Emaravirus Infecting Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Amazonas, Peru
by Angel F. Huaman-Pilco, Nicola Fiore, Oscar P. Hurtado-Gonzales, Larissa Carvalho Costa, Xiaojun Hu, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Jorge R. Díaz-Valderrama and Alan Zamorano
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040142

Linking Soil Microbial Functional Profiles to Fungal Disease Resistance in Winter Barley Under Different Fertilisation Regimes
by Mariana Petkova, Petar Chavdarov and Stefan Shilev
Plants 2025, 14(20), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203199

Antioxidant Defense Systems in Plants: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Biotechnological Strategies for Enhanced Oxidative Stress Tolerance
by Faustina Barbara Cannea and Alessandra Padiglia
Life 2025, 15(8), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081293

Deciphering Cowpea Resistance to Potyvirus: Assessment of eIF4E Gene Mutations and Their Impact on the eIF4E-VPg Protein Interaction
by Fernanda Alves de Andrade, Madson Allan de Luna-Aragão, José Diogo Cavalcanti Ferreira, Fernanda Freitas Souza, Ana Carolina da Rocha Oliveira, Antônio Félix da Costa, Francisco José Lima Aragão, Carlos André dos Santos-Silva, Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon and Valesca Pandolfi
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081050

Unlocking Plant Resilience: Metabolomic Insights into Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops
by Agata Głuchowska, Bartłomiej Zieniuk and Magdalena Pawełkowicz
Metabolites 202515(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15060384

Microbially Enhanced Biofertilizers: Technologies, Mechanisms of Action, and Agricultural Applications
by Sylwia Figiel, Piotr Rusek, Urszula Ryszko and Marzena Sylwia Brodowska
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051191

Effective Strategies for Managing Wheat Diseases: Mapping Academic Literature Utilizing VOSviewer and Insights from Our 15 Years of Research
by Ioannis Vagelas
Agrochemicals 2025, 4(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals4010004

Humic Substances: Bridging Ecology and Agriculture for a Greener Future
by Angela Maffia, Mariateresa Oliva, Federica Marra, Carmelo Mallamaci, Serenella Nardi and Adele Muscolo
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020410

Plant Biostimulants to Enhance Abiotic Stress Resilience in Crops
by Luciana Di Sario, Patricia Boeri, José Tomás Matus and Gastón A. Pizzio
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031129

ROS, an Important Plant Growth Regulator in Root Growth and Development: Functional Genes and Mechanism
by Jialin Su, Yumei Liu, Fengqing Han, Fuxin Gao, Fangyi Gan, Ke Huang and Zhansheng Li
Biology 2024, 13(12), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13121033

Exploring the Origins of Hexaploid Wheats: Typification of Archaeological Triticum vulgare var. antiquorum and Description of Modern Triticum sphaerococcum subsp. antiquorum (Poaceae: Triticeae)
by Diego Rivera, Pedro Pablo Ferrer-Gallego, Concepción Obón, Francisco Alcaraz, Emilio Laguna and Nikolay P. Goncharov
Taxonomy 2024, 4(4), 780-794; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4040042

Cadmium Stress Signaling Pathways in Plants: Molecular Responses and Mechanisms
by Valentina Vitelli, Agnese Giamborino, Andrea Bertolini, Alessandro Saba and Andrea Andreucci
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 6052-6068; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060361

Plant Health in the Context of Fungal and Other Microbial Threats: Systematics, Pathogenesis and Integrated Management
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Yi Zhou, Dr. Jinglong Zhou and Dr. Jianwei Jiang
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

Fungal Diseases of Cereals
Guest Editors: Dr. Lorenzo Covarelli and Dr. Giovanni Beccari
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

   

Plant Life: Integrating Multi-Omic Approaches from Molecules to Environment
Guest Editors: Dr. Sen Meng and Dr. Fang He
Deadline for submissions: 25 September 2026

Plant Stress Resilience: Unveiling Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies
Guest Editor: Dr. Giuseppe Mannino
Deadline for submissions: 20 November 2026

   

Biological Control: Insect-Plant Interactions for Sustainable Pest Management
Guest Editors: Dr. Helena Maura Torezan-Silingardi, Dr. Rostislav Zemek and Dr. Eduardo Soares Calixto
Deadline for submissions: 10 December 2026

Monitoring, Management and Ecotoxicological Implications of Plant Fungal Disease Control
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Gil Rodrigues dos Santos and Dr. Eugenio E. Oliveira
Deadline for submissions: 31 December 2026

   

The 3rd International Online Conference on Agriculture
Organizers: MDPI and Agriculture
Volume Editor: Bin Gao
Highlights:

Click here to read the full list of papers.

9 May 2026
Meet Us at the Insects to Feed the World (IFW 2026), 9–12 June 2026, Torino, Italy


Conference:
Insects to Feed the World
Date: 9–12 June 2026
Location: Torino, Italy
Booth: #8

IFW is the premier academic and industry conference of the insect farming industry for both insect as food and insect as feed.

The first “Insects to Feed the World” (IFW) conference took place in 2014 in the Netherlands and was hosted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Ten years after the first successful edition, IFW has become a leading global event in the insect farming sector, bringing together academics and industry professionals from around the world—a perfect combination to foster a culture of continuous development in this growing field and to enhance knowledge sharing in a stimulating scientific environment.

Topics:

  • Insect genetics, physiology, and health and welfare;
  • Insect production, engineering, and processing;
  • Insects in waste management and sustainability;
  • Insects in food/feed systems and nutrition;
  • Society, perception, and cultural dimensions;
  • Global perspectives and applications;
  • Impact and applications of insect-derived products.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.ifw2026.org/.

8 May 2026
Agronomy Webinar | Strategies for Effective Integrated Pest Management in Staple Crop Production, 14 May 2026


Message from the webinar Chair:

I welcome you to attend this webinar organized by Agronomy, which is entitled “Strategies for Effective Integrated Pest Management in Staple Crop Production”.

The increasing demand for staple crops to feed a world population, expected to reach nearly 10 billion in 2050, requires sustainable pest control strategies that not only achieve high crop yields but also preserve the environment and the whole beneficial entomofauna in the production agroecosystem. Overreliance on chemical insecticides has raised serious concerns regarding their negative side effects. Thus, integrated pest management (IPM) is the best way to protect yield through integrating different pest control tools, based on plant resistance (including Bt cultivars); adopting economic thresholds (ETs); pest-monitoring procedures; and using selective insecticides, biological control, botanical insecticides, RNAi, and CRISPR-based control strategies, among other sustainable alternatives for managing arthropods population into agroecosystems. Therefore, innovative research on integrated pest management in different staple crops is urgently needed. Consequently, Agronomy is promoting this webinar to discuss the most recent innovations in arthropod control to sustainably manage outbreaks in those agroecosystems (staple crops), shifting research from the laboratory to application in the field to make food production more efficient and sustainable.

Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. CDT | 1:00 p.m. EDT | 7:00 p.m. CEST

Register now for free.

Program:

Speaker/Presentation

Time in CDT

Time in CEST

Klaudia Kasprowicz (Agronomy Deputy Managing Editor)

Journal Introduction & Overview of Submission Process

12:00–12:05

19:00–19:05

Dr. Adeney De Freitas Bueno

Chair Introduction & Relevant Special Issue Introduction

12:05–12:15

19:05–19:15

Dr. Weidson Plauter Sutil

Sustainable Integrated Pest Management in Soybean and Maize: Advances and Challenges in the use of Egg Parasitoids in Brazil

12:15–12:40

19:15–19:40

Dr. Yelitza Coromoto Colmenarez

Advancing Sustainable Production Through Integrated Pest Management: Enablers and Constraints in Latin America

12:40–13:05

19:40–20:05

Q&A Session

13:05–13:15

20:05–20:15

Dr. Adeney De Freitas Bueno

Closing of Webinar

13:15–13:20

20:15–20:20

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Feel free to register anyway; the session will be recorded, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

Call for Papers:
Strategies for Effective Integrated Pest Management in Staple Crop Production
Edited by Dr. Adeney De Freitas Bueno (Guest Editor) and Dr. Weidson Plauter Sutil (Guest Editor Assistant)
Submission deadline: 31 August 2026

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Agronomy-11?subscribe.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact agronomy@mdpi.com.

Agronomy Webinar Secretariat

8 May 2026
Meet Us at the National Congress of Plant Biology 2026, 6–10 November 2026, Hangzhou, China


Conference:
 National Congress of Plant Biology 2026
Organization: Chinese Society for Plant Biology
Date: 6–10 November 2026
Place: Hangzhou, China

With the vigorous development of plant science in China over the past fifteen years, the National Congress of Plant Biology has been continuously strengthened in terms of organizational scale and influence and has become the largest event in the field of plant science in China.

This conference covers topics including plant metabolism and synthesis, cell and development, genetics and genome, light signaling and photosynthesis, evolution and conservation, molecular breeding, plant–microbe interactions, abiotic stress biology, interdisciplinary studies and AI design, and smart agriculture. The conference will also feature a special forum on youth development and journal development, a graduate student forum, and a poster fund. These initiatives aim to foster new academic growth points, promote interdisciplinary integration and industry–academia research collaboration, strengthen the training of young talents, and encourage plant biology researchers to reach new academic heights, thus injecting momentum into the development of plant biology in China and internationally.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you attend this 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.

6 May 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #34 - MDPI US Office, Coatings 2026, Media and Partnerships, Recapping Poland Summit & Serbia 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

MDPI Opens First US Office in Philadelphia

I am delighted to highlight an important milestone in MDPI’s continued global development: the recent opening of our first office in the United States, located in Philadelphia.

This marks a significant step in building our engagement with one of the world’s most important research communities. The new office will serve as a hub for supporting scholars across the US, creating closer connections and more localized support.

As highlighted in recent coverage by our press release in InPublishing, this expansion reflects MDPI’s broader commitment to growing our international presence while remaining focused on the needs of the research community.

A Key Market for Research and Collaboration

The United States continues to play a central role in global research. To date, MDPI has published more than 237,000 articles affiliated with US institutions, and we collaborate with nearly 12,000 Editorial Board Members across the country. These relationships are fundamental to our mission of supporting Open Access and advancing scientific communication.

The opening of this office is not just about geography; it is about proximity to the communities we serve. It allows us to better understand the evolving needs of researchers while continuing to build collaboration and trust within the academic ecosystem.

The Team Behind this Milestone

This milestone reflects the efforts of teams across MDPI. I extend a special thank-you to Bob Vrooman (Head of Business Development, MDPI), who is leading this expansion, as well as to our colleagues in Toronto and across our North American teams for their continued support.

Bob shared: “MDPI is already a trusted partner of the North American research community, due in no small part to our dedicated team in Canada. Launching our first US office in Philadelphia is a great first step towards expanding MDPI’s market share and recognition in the US. I’m thrilled to be a part of this new phase in MDPI’s journey.”

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on supporting researchers globally and advancing Open Access with integrity.

Impactful Research

Coatings 2026: Highlights from Our Latest MDPI Conference (20-22 April)

I am pleased to share the successful completion of MDPI conference Coatings 2026, which took place last week in Athens from 20 to 22 April 2026. This conference brought together a diverse international community of researchers, industry experts, and partners, highlighting MDPI’s role not only as a publisher but also as a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.

Conference Highlights

Coatings 2026 in numbers:

  • The event attracted approximately 140 participants from 25 countries
  • 143 submissions and a strong scientific program of talks and posters
  • 2 keynote speakers and a wide range of invited contributions
  • 7 sponsors and 11 media partners supporting the event

Scientific Programme

The program centered on “Safe and Sustainable by Design,” reflecting the growing importance of sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and technological innovation in materials science. Topics ranged from advanced coating technologies and additive manufacturing to AI-driven simulations and strategies to phase out potentially harmful substances in industrial processes.

Importantly, the conference brought together both academic and industrial perspectives, creating a space for dialogue on how research can translate into real-world impact. This is important as industries navigate environmental challenges, evolving regulations, and the need for more sustainable and circular approaches to production.

Thank You!

I would like to thank the entire conference team for their work in organizing this successful event. As we continue to grow, conferences like this play an important role in building our connection with global research communities, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, and positioning MDPI at the intersection of science, technology, and societal impact.

Members from Exelisis and MDPI EU Conference & Social Media team at the Coatings 2026 Conference in Athens, Greece.

Inside MDPI

Recent Media Coverage and Partnerships

Over the past two months, news from MDPI has enjoyed strong visibility across international publishing and academic media, reflecting our continued expansion and the increasing relevance of our work within the research community.

Below are some highlights covering partnerships, institutional agreements, and milestones that continue to shape our position in publishing – some of which are featured in leading industry platforms such as InPublishing, which is highly selective and reflects the growing recognition of MDPI’s growth within the publishing ecosystem.

Key Press Releases & Coverage (March–April 2026)

  • MDPI × Sikt (Norway): Partnership Renewal

    We renewed our national Open Access agreement with Sikt, a key consortium partnership, continuing to support researchers across Norway through this partnership. The renewal was covered by several international publishing trade outlets.

    Covered by: Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Europe Says

  • MDPI × Jisc (UK): New Two-Year Open Access Agreement

    A new two-year agreement with Jisc significantly expands MDPI’s footprint across UK academic institutions. Coverage appeared across major publishing industry titles in the UK and internationally.

    Covered by: InPublishing, Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI Opens First US Office

    The opening of our first US office marks an important milestone in our North American expansion to build engagement with one of the world’s leading research communities.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, InPublishing, EdTech Innovation Hub, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI × SIGG: Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics

    We established a new partnership with the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), adding to our growing portfolio of society collaborations.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI × Fast Track Health: New Journal Launch

    The launch of a new journal in partnership with Fast Track Health reflects our continued expansion into emerging areas of health innovation.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, Scienmag, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI 2025 Annual Report

    Our 2025 Annual Report was also widely covered across international media, highlighting a 12% increase in submissions and continued investment in research integrity, infrastructure, and partnerships.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Choice 360

Coverage also spanned multiple regions including Poland, Romania and South Korea, reflecting our ongoing efforts to communicate more effectively with regional research communities.

Looking Ahead

This coverage shows that MDPI is growing and building on its position through partnerships, visibility, and engagement across regions. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on supporting researchers globally, building on our institutional collaborations, and advancing Open Access with integrity.

Thank you to all teams involved in delivering these initiatives, and to our External Affairs team for ensuring our work is effectively communicated across the global publishing landscape!

Coming Together for Science

Recapping MDPI Poland Summit 2026 in Krakow (23 April)

On 23 April 2206, we hosted the first MDPI Poland Summit 2026 in Kraków, bringing together an engaged group of editors, researchers, and academic leaders from the country.

The Poland Summit welcomed some 45 participants, including Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members, many with strong academic track records and international recognition.

Our engagements were open and constructive, focusing on MDPI’s positioning and reputation in Poland, alongside community interest in supporting our development, with active participation across our sessions, including Q&A and panel discussions.

MDPI Poland Summit Programme

From research integrity and peer review quality to AI in publishing and the future of academic communication, the agenda featured important topics currently shaping our industry.

During the day, MDPI colleagues shared a series of presentations covering:

  • MDPI’s performance, growth, and impact in Poland: Stefan Tochev (CEO)
  • Engagement with Academic Community: Dr. Marta Colomer (Public Affairs Lead)
  • Research Integrity and Publication Ethics: Anna Pena (Research Integrity Manager)
  • MDPI Editorial Process and Peer-Review Quality Metrics: Dr. Liliane Auwerter (Conference Organizer)
  • AI in the Publishing Industry – Challenges, Innovation and MDPI’s vision: Dr. Enric Sayas (AI Product Owner)
  • Panel Session: The Future of Academic Publishing, moderated by Dr. Marta Colomer 

Poland as a Key Market for Open Access

The summit also highlighted the importance of Poland within the global research landscape.

In 2025:

  • 75% of publications in Poland were made in Open Access
  • 71% of those in Gold Open Access
  • and over 344,000 publications produced in the last five years

MDPI plays a significant role in the Polish publishing ecosystem:

  • #1 Open Access publisher in Poland
  • 17% share of Open Access publications in 2025
  • More than 12,500 publications from Polish institutions in 2025
  • More than 91,000 publications overall since 1996

Looking Ahead

Events like the Poland Summit are an important part of how we evolve as an organization. They allow us to share the latest developments of MDPI and listen directly to our researchers and editors to better understand the market and align our development with the needs of the local community.

As MDPI continues to grow, this type of engagement will remain essential in ensuring that we are not only scaling globally, but doing so in a way that is aligned, trusted, and collaborative.


With Igor Matic (Office Manager, Krakow, Poland, MDPI) at the MDPI Poland Summit in Krakow.

Closing Thoughts

Recapping MDPI Serbia Salon 2026 in Belgrade (22 April)

On 22 April 2026, we hosted the MDPI Serbia Salon 2026 in Belgrade. The Salon welcomed over 50 participants, including more than 40 invited scholars from leading Serbian institutions, alongside colleagues from MDPI. The event also marked two important milestones: 30 years of MDPI and 10 years of our presence in Serbia, making it a celebration and an opportunity for reflection.

A Platform for Exchange

The Salon was designed not just as a series of presentations, but as a place for dialogue. Throughout the day, discussions focused on important topics around publishing today: research integrity and editorial standards, journal indexing and visibility, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and funding and support for Open Access publishing.

Program Overview

  • Opening the Salon MDPI Serbia 2026 – Serbia results and direction: Emir Ramadani (Operations Manager)
  • Update on MDPI’s performance and growth: Stefan Tochev (CEO)
  • Collaboration with MDPI – A personal perspective: Prof. Dr Srećko Stopić (Editorial Board Member)
  • Linking Scientific Quality and Visibility: The role of indexing in publishing
  • Research integrity and editorial ethics: Ana Stanković (Research Integrity Specialist)
  • Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Publishing – Challenges, innovations and vision of MDPI: Dr Miloš Čučulović (Head of Technology Innovation)

It was encouraging to see the high level of engagement and discussion with the local academic community.

Publishing in Serbia

With 10 years of MDPI in Serbia (since 2016) and over 620 colleagues across 10 departments spread across offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad, MDPI continues to invest in the long-term development of the research community in Serbia and beyond.

Some high-level indicators illustrate both the strength of the local research ecosystem and MDPI’s role within it:

  • 12,910 total publications in Serbia in 2025, of which 8,708 (67%) were Open Access (of which, in turn, 75% were Gold OA)
  • A total of more than 55,000 publications (2021–2025), with 68% published Open Access
  • 2,122 MDPI publications from Serbian institutions in 2025
  • 25% of all Open Access publications in Serbia are published with MDPI
  • More than 11,000 MDPI publications from Serbian institutions since 1996
  • More than 75 Editorial Board Members from Serbia, including Editors-in-Chief and Associate Editors.

These figures reflect the growth of OA publishing in Serbia and the strong collaboration between MDPI and Serbia's research community.

Top 5 Publishers in Serbia (MDPI #1 with steady growth)

Looking Ahead

Research integrity and artificial intelligence will remain central topics for the industry. At the same time, clear communication of editorial processes will be essential in building trust and transparency.

Workshops and direct engagement remain among the most effective ways to strengthen these connections. As Open Access funding models continue to evolve, new opportunities for collaboration are emerging across institutions, publishers, and the broader research community.

Thank You!

The excellent feedback from participants shows the value of creating spaces where ideas can be exchanged openly and constructively. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event: our speakers, participants, and especially the MDPI Serbia team for their great organization and support.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

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