Announcements

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


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

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

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

About MDPI Awards:

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

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

 

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


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

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

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

New Journals

Founding Editor(s)-in-Chief

Journal Topics (Selected)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transferred Journals

Editor(s)-in-Chief

Journal Topics (Selected)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 April 2026
2026 Tu Youyou Award—Open for Nominations


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

Prize

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

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

Who May Be Nominated?

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

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

Who May Submit a Nomination?

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

Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nomination Materials

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

How to Submit?

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

Important Dates

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

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

1 April 2026
Interview with Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun—Winner of the Alloys Travel Award


We are extremely honored to announce that Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun has been awarded the 2026 Conference Travel Award by Alloys (ISSN: 2674-063X)!

This Travel Award will cover the expenses for Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun to attend the WorldPM2026 conference held in Canada, where he will present his latest research findings and engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation with foreign experts.

Name: Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun
Affiliation: CEIT—Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Spain
Research interests: Cemented Carbides, Multicomponent alloy binders, Critical Raw Materials, Thermodynamic modelling, Recycling of cemented carbides

The following is a short interview with Dr. Tomás Soria Biurrun:

  1. Could you please briefly introduce your research interests? What inspired you to pursue this research field?
    My main research interests lie in the field of cemented carbides, the design of new multicomponent alloy binders, and the study of their sintering behavior and mechanical performance. Part of my work focuses on using thermodynamic and kinetic modelling tools to design and optimize alloy compositions and predict phase equilibria during processing. I was drawn to this field because it combines fundamental materials science with strong industrial relevance.
  2. How has receiving this award impacted your career? What are your future plans?
    Receiving this award has increased the visibility of my work within the cemented carbides community. It has strengthened my confidence in pursuing advanced alloy design strategies and has opened new opportunities for collaboration.
    In the future, I plan to continue developing innovative binder alloys for cemented carbides, combining experimental work with computational design. I also aim to expand collaborations with both academic groups and industrial partners to accelerate the development of next‑generation hard materials.
  3. Have you encountered any difficulties during your research, and how did you overcome them? What do you think is the secret to a fulfilling research life?
    Working with complex multicomponent alloys often brings challenges such as controlling composition, understanding phase transformations, and achieving reproducible sintering behavior. I have overcome these difficulties by combining careful experimental work with thermodynamic modelling, which helps guide alloy selection and interpret microstructural evolution. Collaboration with colleagues and industry partners has also been essential.
    I believe that curiosity, persistence, and a collaborative mindset are key to a fulfilling research life. Being open to learning from others and integrating different approaches makes research both productive and enjoyable.
  4. Which research topics do you think will receive particular attention from the research community in the coming years?
    In the field of cemented carbides, I expect several topics to gain significant attention. One of the most pressing issues is the increasing concern around critical raw materials, particularly tungsten and cobalt. The current high price and supply chain vulnerability of WC are pushing both industry and academia to explore alternative materials and recycling strategies.
    I also see growing interest in applications related to the nuclear and defense sectors. These areas demand materials with exceptional thermal stability, radiation resistance, and mechanical robustness. As a result, research on microstructure control, high-temperature performance, and advanced sintering routes will continue to expand.
    Overall, sustainability, strategic materials, and high-performance applications will shape much of the research landscape in the coming years.
  5. Do you have any other suggestions on how the Alloys journal can further support young researchers and the academic community?
    The journal could further support young researchers by promoting Special Issues dedicated to early-career scientists. Strengthening the connection between academia and industry through thematic issues or invited perspectives would also be valuable.
  6. What are your thoughts on the open access (OA) publication model?
    Open access is essential for ensuring that scientific knowledge is widely available, especially for researchers or institutions with limited access to subscription journals. It increases visibility, accelerates dissemination, and promotes collaboration. At the same time, it is important to ensure that publication fees do not become a barrier for early-career researchers. When accessibility and quality are balanced, OA is a very effective model for advancing science.

1 April 2026
Interview with Dr. Shuyan Zhang—Winner of the Alloys Travel Award


We are extremely honored to announce that Dr. Shuyan Zhang has been awarded the 2026 Conference Travel Award by Alloys (ISSN: 2674-063X)!

This Travel Award will support Dr. Shuyan Zhang to attend the 7th China Symposium on Amorphous Physics and Materials to be held in China in 2026. He will present his latest research findings and engage in in-depth exchanges and cooperation with domestic and international peers.

Name: Dr. Shuyan Zhang
Affiliation: Hangzhou Institute of National Extremely-Weak Magnetic Field Infrastructure, China
Research interests: Composition design and optimization, microstructure control, and multi-performance synergy improvement of novel disordered alloys (including medium-/high-entropy alloys, amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys, etc.)

We interviewed Dr. Shuyan Zhang about his current research and future directions.

1. Could you briefly introduce your research field? And what motivated you to devote yourself to this research area?
My research interests mainly lie in developing new disordered alloys that can accommodate multiple performance characteristics in complex marine environments, particularly in the design and performance study of medium-/high-entropy alloys and amorphous alloys. This is because I graduated from the Ocean College of Zhejiang University with a doctoral degree; after graduation, I conducted postdoctoral research at Beihang University. Out of my love for the ocean, I firmly chose this research field.

2. How has winning this award affected your career? What are your future plans?
Receiving the Travel Award from the Alloys journal has had numerous positive impacts on me, mainly manifested in the following three aspects:

  • Academic recognition and confidence boost: By the end of 2025, I will complete my postdoctoral research at Beihang University. During this crucial transitional period this year, the awards from major international journals are a strong endorsement of my previous research work (particularly in alloy design, microstructure characterization, and performance optimization). This not only proves the value of the research direction I chose but also greatly enhances my confidence in independently conducting cutting-edge explorations. It tells me that my work is attracting the attention of my peers, which is the most precious psychological construction for young scholars.
  • Expand international perspective and cooperation network: The primary function of the Travel Award is to fund my participation in top-level academic conferences in the field (such as the 7th National Conference on Amorphous Physics and Materials in 2026). This is not merely “going to the conference”, but rather “learning” and “communicating”. I plan to utilize this fund to listen to the latest academic presentations by top scholars in the field, with particular focus on high-entropy alloys, amorphous alloys, and the cutting-edge developments in alloy computational simulation. More importantly, I hope to take this opportunity to establish face-to-face connections with the research teams I am interested in, laying the foundation for further in-depth research.
  • Enhancing personal academic visibility: As an award winner, this is already a remarkable label. It helps me stand out at conferences, attracting more peers to listen to my presentation, thereby more effectively promoting my current research results on multi-component amorphous alloys. This is highly beneficial for building an academic reputation and accumulating citations.

3. Did you encounter any difficulties during your research process, and how did you overcome them? What do you think is the secret to a happy research life?
Of course, I did. I would like to sincerely thank my family for their consistent and unwavering support throughout my academic journey. I am also deeply grateful to my mentor for his continuous guidance and cultivation, which have had a crucial impact on my research work.
When facing difficulties, I would seek help from my friends, and I am also grateful for their selfless assistance. The secret to a happy research life, in my opinion, is to keep a calm mindset and strive to do the best. Believe that hard work will be rewarded, and efforts will definitely pay off.

4. Which research topics do you think will receive particular attention from the research community in the coming years?
As for myself, my research field is high-entropy and amorphous alloys. Personally, I believe that multi-component metallic materials can currently achieve a balance of many excellent physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Therefore, I think the research direction of multi-component alloys will definitely have great potential in the future.

5. Do you have any other suggestions on how the Alloys journal can further support young researchers and the academic community?
I believe that the Alloys journal can enhance its support for young researchers and the broader academic community through the following measures:

  • Establish the “Young Editor” or “Early-Career Editor” program: Invite newly appointed PIs (such as scholars who have received a Travel Award a few years ago) to join the Editorial Board to participate in the initial manuscript screening and the organization of Special Issues. This not only reduces the burden on senior editors but also enables young scholars to accumulate experience in the core link of academic publishing and enhance their sense of belonging to the journal.
  • Regularly hold “Online Symposium for Young Scholars”: Leveraging MDPI's powerful online publishing platform, we invite previous Travel Award winners and outstanding young authors to organize small-scale, high-frequency online thematic discussions. The topics can be more focused, such as “Structural Characterization and Performance Enhancement of High-Entropy Alloys” and “Optimization of Heat Treatment Processes for Additive Manufacturing Alloys”, allowing young colleagues worldwide to have in-depth exchanges.
  • Establish a “Career Development” column or blog: On the journal's official website or social media platforms, invite experienced scholars or previous award winners to share their experiences in career planning, fund application, laboratory establishment, etc. Such soft content is highly attractive to doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows who are in a confused state.

6. What are your thoughts on the open access (OA) publishing model?
In my opinion, the greatest contribution of the OA model lies in its complete dismantling of the barriers to academic information, perfectly aligning with the collaborative spirit of modern scientific research. Specifically, it significantly enhances the visibility and influence of research: for young scholars like me, what we most desire is that our work is seen, discussed, and cited. Under the traditional subscription model, my papers might be locked behind the paywalls of university libraries, and many colleagues (especially those in the industrial sector) would not be able to access them. However, the OA model means that as long as the internet is accessible, anyone can instantly and freely read my research results. This not only increases the downloads and citations of the papers but also accelerates the process of applying and verifying scientific discoveries. Moreover, in the field of metal materials, many studies ultimately serve the needs of public welfare. Publishing research funded by public fund agencies through OA precisely embodies the principle of “taking from the people and using for the people”. OA enables the research results funded by taxpayers’ money to truly return to the public domain.

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

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.

In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.


Opening Thoughts

Scaling Open Access with Integrity: MDPI Annual Report 2025

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

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

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

A Year of Growth and Responsibility

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

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

Scaling with Integrity

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

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

In 2025, we continued to invest in:

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

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

Validation Through Indexing and Visibility

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

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

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

Importantly:

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

Recognition through Journal Citation Reports also continues to grow:

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

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

Strengthening Partnerships and Community

Open access is a collaborative endeavor.

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

Impactful Research

Celebrating Ten Years of Preprints.org: Accelerating Open Research

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

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

The Evolution of Preprints

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

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

Preprints in a Growing Research Ecosystem

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

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

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

Celebrating the First Decade

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

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

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Preprints

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

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

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

Inside MDPI

Beyond International Women’s Day: Supporting Women in Research

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

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

Highlighting Women in Science Across MDPI

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

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

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

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

Creating Spaces for Dialogue

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

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

Looking Beyond a Single Day

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

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

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

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

Coming Together for Science

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

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

Conference Highlights

Viruses 2026 in numbers:

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

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

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

Scientific Programme

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

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

Thank You

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

A Shared Commitment to Research Excellence

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

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

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

Romania and the Growth of Open Access Publishing

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

In 2025:

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

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

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

25 March 2026
Acknowledging the Contributions of Our Reviewers in 2025


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

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

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

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

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

20 March 2026
Meet Us at the 2026 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit, 26 April–1 May 2026, Honolulu, USA


MDPI is pleased to announce our participation in the 2026 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit, which will be held from 26 April to 1 May 2026, in Honolulu, USA.

The conference will convene researchers, scientists, and industry professionals from around the world for a cross-disciplinary collaboration and scientific exchange. The Meeting & Exhibit will feature breakthroughs in areas such as sustainable manufacturing, advanced characterization, and energy materials—driving forward innovation on a global scale.

MDPI is committed to supporting and disseminating high-quality research in the field of materials science.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the event:

If you are attending the 2026 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit, we warmly invite you to visit our booth. Our representatives will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, open access benefits, and our commitment to advancing materials research.

For more information about the conference, please visit the official website here.

12 March 2026
Meet Us at the 10th National Young Scientists Forum on Additive Manufacturing, 17–19 April 2026, Beijing, China


Conference: The 10th National Young Scientists Forum on Additive Manufacturing
Date: 17–19 April 2026
Location: Beijing, China

The National Young Scientists Forum on Additive Manufacturing was first hosted by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2015. Since then, it has enjoyed nine successful iterations. Over the past decade, this forum has become one of the most influential academic platforms for young researchers in China’s additive manufacturing community.

The upcoming forum will focus on the theme “Frontier Interdisciplinary Integration and Innovation in Additive Manufacturing”. Experts and scholars in the field are invited to gather in Beijing to exchange ideas on the latest scientific advances and explore opportunities for future innovation and collaboration.

MDPI will be attending this event as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at this conference:

If you are planning to attend this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about this event, please visit https://meeting.cmes.org/?sid=1669&mid=417&v=100.

28 February 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #32 - MDPI China and Thailand, China Science Daily, 1,000 Partnerships, R2R

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

Reflections from China: Year-End-Celebrations and Open Access Publishing

In February, I had the pleasure of joining over a thousand colleagues from our Tongzhou and Haidian offices at their end-of-year annual celebration in Beijing.

Spending time with our teams in China is also a powerful reminder of the scale and complexity of MDPI as a global organization. Our colleagues in Beijing, Wuhan, and across the country play a significant role in our day-to-day operations and long-term development. I’m grateful for the hospitality, collaboration, and commitment shown by our managers and teams in China, alongside colleagues worldwide, who have helped steadily build MDPI, brick by brick, over the years.

Below are some data on Open Access (OA) publishing in China and our collaboration in this important research market.

Open Access Publishing in China

China has been the world’s leading country in research and review article publication volume since 2019, exceeding one million publications in 2025. Over the past five years, the gap between China and the second-ranked country, the United States, has continued to widen.

In 2025:

  • 47% of China’s research output was published Open Access
  • Of those OA publications, 76% were Gold Open Access (approximately 382,930 articles)
  • The overall OA distribution remained stable compared with 2024, with Gold OA increasing by 1%

Over the past five years (2021–2025):

  • China published 4,398,050 research and review articles
  • Approximately 48% of this output was OA

According to Dimensions, when comparing the top 20 countries by publication volume (2021–2025):

  • China ranks 1st worldwide in publication volume
  • China ranks 9th in citation performance within this group (for comparison, the US ranks 2nd in publication volume and 10th in citation ranking)
  • Average citations per article: 12.51

Among the top 10 universities globally by publication volume, six are Chinese institutions, alongside Harvard University (USA), the University of São Paulo (Brazil), the University of Toronto (Canada), and the University of Oxford (UK).

MDPI and China

China is an important and long-standing part of MDPI’s global publishing ecosystem:

  • In 2025, MDPI was the largest fully Open Access publisher in China
  • MDPI published 22% of China’s Gold Open Access output (82,133 papers)
  • We received 290,999 submissions from China-affiliated authors and published 82,133 articles
  • There are 8,500+ active Editorial Board Members based in China
    • 64% (5,438) have an H-index above 26
  • MDPI works with:
    • 117 Editors-in-Chief
    • 103 Section Editors-in-Chief
  • 71 China-based institutions currently hold IOAP agreements with MDPI, seven of which rank among the top 10 Chinese institutions by publication volume

China's scale in research output means that the publishing platforms chosen by Chinese scholars will continue to influence the direction of scholarly publishing. At the same time, MDPI’s strength comes from its international collaboration, with colleagues, editors, reviewers, and authors working together across regions and disciplines.

Thank you to all our colleagues in China, and around the world, who support MDPI’s publishing activities across departments and help advance open access research every day.

Impactful Research

“Progress in open science is built through trust, dialogue, and relationships”

Behind the Scenes: A Conversation with China Science Daily

During my trip to Beijing, I also had the opportunity to visit China Science Daily and take part in an interview and broader exchange with their team in Beijing. Visits like this matter because progress in open science is built not only through platforms and infrastructure, but also through trust, dialogue, and relationships across research communities and regions.

China Science Daily: History Museum

As part of the visit, I was given a tour of their History Museum, which offers a thorough perspective on the evolution of China’s first science and technology newspaper, established in 1959. The exhibition highlights how the organization developed into a trusted institution connecting research with the public and policymakers. It was a helpful reminder that at the core of publishing is stewardship, credibility, and long-term public engagement with science.

An Open Exchange on Open Science

During the visit, I met with Dr. Zhao Yan, Editor-in-Chief of ScienceNet. We had an open and engaging conversation about MDPI’s role in Open Access, the evolution of open science globally, and the potential for more collaboration going forward. He especially appreciated the candid and personal nature of our exchange, noting that this kind of dialogue feels important in a landscape where trust and transparency matter.

Interview on Open Access

I also participated in an interview with Ms. Yan Jie, from the Online Media Center and Editor-in-Chief of ScienceNet, China Science Daily. Our discussion covered the growth of Open Access over the past 30 years, MDPI’s mission and values, academic integrity, collaboration with the Chinese research community, and MDPI’s own 30th anniversary milestone. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how open science has matured, and where shared responsibility across publishers, institutions, and researchers continues to matter most.

“Progress in open science is built by more than scale and infrastructure”

I’m sharing a few photos from the visit as a glimpse behind the scenes. The full interview will be published by China Science Daily in due course, and I look forward to sharing it when it is available.

More broadly, visits like this reinforce something I’ve always believed in: progress in open science is built not only through scale and infrastructure, but also through continued dialogue, mutual respect, collaboration, and a willingness to listen across regions and perspectives. That remains central to our work, especially as MDPI reflects on 30 years of publishing, built together.

Inside MDPI

Bangkok Visit: Growth, Partnership, and Local Impact

In February, I also had the opportunity to visit our Bangkok office for the second time in two years to support their local meetings and deliver a training session on how we present MDPI at a corporate level.

It’s easy to spend time with our colleagues in Thailand. From Editorial and Production to Conferences, Marketing, Design, and our Regional Journal Relations Specialist (RJRS), the team continues to grow in scale and professionalism. I’d also like to recognize our local management and admin teams, who have been steadily expanding our office and supporting more than 500 colleagues on the ground.

Academic Partnerships

During the visit, we met with the Engineering Department at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). Our discussion focused on the recent MDPI developments, Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) opportunities, Author Publishing Workshops (APW), and the potential use of JAMS to support their institutional journal.

“MDPI is the third-largest OA publisher in Thailand”

We also shared insights into the growth of Open Access (OA) in Thailand and KMITL’s own publishing trends. These conversations matter because institutions are looking for sustainable ways to support their researchers. Our IOAP agreements are one simple example of how we can provide value in this area while maintaining accessibility for authors.

Thailand and MDPI: 2025 Snapshot

Our Bangkok office, officially launched in 2022, has been growing to support over 500 staff members while continuing to expand its engagement in scholar visits, workshops, and conference collaborations. As at 2025, Thailand submissions to MDPI have increased about 21% and publications by about 25%, maintaining a rejection rate close to the company average. MDPI is the third-largest OA publisher in Thailand, publishing 15% of all Gold OA output in 2025.

Representing MDPI Externally

During the visit, I delivered a training session on how we present MDPI at external events.

This session covered topics related to:

  • Our aim and guiding principles
  • High-level company milestones and Indexing facts and figures
  • Industry partnerships and collaborations
  • Market trends in OA and subscription publishing
  • Country-specific publishing data and collaborations with MDPI
  • Insights from our Voice of Community report

I find that while many colleagues are very familiar with the specific journal for which they have responsibility, fewer have visibility into the broader MDPI ecosystem and the company’s global positioning. These sessions help build alignment, confidence, and consistency in how we represent the company.

What stands out most is that MDPI’s growth is not abstract: it’s visible in the people, the partnerships, and the professionalism developing across our offices.

Coming Together for Science

1,000 Institutional Partners: A Milestone Built on Trust

This month, we reached an important milestone: more than 1,000 institutions worldwide are now part of MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP). On paper, that is a number. In practice, it represents trust.

This milestone symbolizes thousands of conversations with libraries and institutions. It stands for negotiations, renewals, consortium expansions, and, most importantly, relationships built over time. It reflects the work of colleagues across publishing, institutional partnerships, marketing, editorial, finance, and many other teams who contribute to making these agreements operational.

In 2025 alone, more than 61,300 research articles benefited from article processing charge (APC) discounts through IOAP agreements. Tens of thousands of authors were able to publish through a simplified and structured process. At the same time, institutional administrators gained clearer oversight and streamlined workflows.

Why IOAP Matters

When we launched IOAP, the objective was straightforward: to reduce barriers for researchers while supporting institutions in navigating the evolving OA landscape. Over the past decade, the research ecosystem has changed. Funder mandates, national policies, and Plan S–aligned requirements have accelerated the transition to OA.

Institutions need publishing partners who provide transparency, scalability, and operational efficiency. IOAP was designed to support that reality.

For colleagues who would like to better understand the program, this blog-post overview of MDPI’s IOAP provides additional context, including common questions around the transition to OA and how our institutional partnerships are structured.

“Institutions need publishing partners who provide transparency, scalability, and operational efficiency”

Recent Examples

Our agreements continue to evolve across regions:

These examples show that institutions seek structured, predictable models that support their researchers at scale.

Looking Ahead

Crossing the threshold of 1,000 partners tells us that institutions see MDPI not just as a publisher but as a reliable operational partner in advancing open science. This milestone is not a finish line. It is a reminder that the work continues.

Thank you to the entire IOAP team and to all colleagues who contributed to reaching this achievement.

P.S. You can read about this milestone across industry outlets, including STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Research Information, EurekAlert, Brightsurf, among others. You can also read about the coverage in Poland (e.g., media-room, bomega) Korea (newstap), and Romania (EduLike).

Closing Thoughts

Reflections from the Researcher to Reader Conference

During 24–25 February, I attended the 2026 Researcher to Reader Conference in London, UK. Leaders from across scholarly publishing, research infrastructure, libraries, and technology gathered to discuss AI and research integrity, peer review reform, metadata and infrastructure, community engagement, open research policy, and the evolving role of publishers in a rapidly shifting ecosystem.

The conversations were open and honest, and at times uncomfortable – exactly what we need at times. Below are a few reflections that stayed with me.

The Battle for Knowledge: What Becomes Accepted as ‘True’?

One recurring theme was not whether science evolves but whether our infrastructure is resilient enough to sustain trust at scale. Science does not promise certainty: it promises process. As publishing systems grow more complex and become more technologically mediated, the question is how intentionally we design, monitor, and strengthen that process.

Peer Review: Speed, Credentials, and Structural Loops

Researchers consistently call for faster peer review. At the same time, reviewer credentials are often tied to publication records. This creates a structural loop. Publishing history opens reviewing opportunities, reviewing strengthens credentials, and those without early access remain outside the cycle.

There is a need for us to reflect on how opportunity circulates within our systems: we should ask how we create more inclusive pathways for researchers globally to participate in peer review.

Community Engagement Workshop

One of the highlights of R2R was the workshop format, whereby small groups met repeatedly over two days and moved from ideas to tangible strategies.

I joined the Community Engagement workshop led by Lou Peck (CEO at The International Bunch) and Godwyns Onwuchekwa (Principal Consultant at Global Tapestry Consulting). We explored two deceptively simple questions: What is a community? and What does engagement truly mean?

“Engagement requires shared design and shared responsibility”

Too often, organizations equate communication with engagement. The framework discussed mapped a maturity spectrum – from enablement (broadcasting, informing and consulting) to true engagement (collaborating and co-creating).

It was a useful reminder of the fact that if we want trust and loyalty, engagement must go beyond announcements and surveys. It requires shared design and shared responsibility.

AI: Democratization or Digital Colonialism?

I especially enjoyed the thought-provoking presentation from Nikesh Gosalia (Chief Partnership Officer at Cactus Communications), which highlighted an uncomfortable reality:

  • 93% of AI-generated content is in English
  • Approximately 2% is in French
  • Approximately 2% is in German
  • More than 7,000 languages are represented in less than 5% of the content within large AI systems

The implications are profound. Is AI democratizing access to scholarly publishing (making it easier for researchers everywhere to participate in global knowledge production)? Or are we encoding colonialism at scale (entrenching linguistic and structural hierarchies, and making it harder for voices from the Global South to be heard)?

AI is already reshaping how research is created, reviewed, discovered, and shared. Its potential is enormous. But its impact depends not only on capability, but on governance, design, and intentionality. Publishers, funders, and researchers all share responsibility in shaping how these systems evolve.

Ethicality in practice (Lightening Talk)

It was also great to have our colleague Dr Miloš Čučulović (Head of Technology Innovation at MDPI) present MDPI’s Ethicality platform during a lightning talk.

“Technology alone is not the answer”

Ethicality embeds AI-driven checks directly into the submission workflow, supporting editors proactively rather than reacting after publication. As we scale, tools like this help balance trust, efficiency, and research integrity.

This goes back into the underlying theme of the conference that technology alone is not the answer. However, technology embedded thoughtfully within clear governance frameworks can strengthen confidence in the editorial process.

Final thought

The question is no longer whether technology will transform research infrastructure: it is already doing so. The real question is what role each of us will play in shaping that transformation deliberately, with structural maturity, inclusive governance, and engagement that moves from informing to co-creating.

Science needs to evolve, responsibly. And that responsibility extends not only to what we publish, but also to how the systems behind publication are designed. Some important topics to continue reflecting on both internally and within our broader community.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

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