Announcements
15 October 2024
MDPI Webinar | World Food Day Webinar 2024, 16 October 2024
In celebration of World Food Day 2024, MDPI is launching a special webinar to encourage researchers to unite, take action, and showcase how collective knowledge can address the pressing challenges of food security, sustainable agriculture, and resource management.
World Food Day, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aims to foster awareness about the importance of food security and the urgent need to eradicate hunger worldwide. In line with this mission, our upcoming webinar invites researchers and experts to discuss innovative solutions for achieving sustainable agriculture, improving resource management, and tackling food insecurity worldwide.
We are very much looking forward to seeing you at MDPI World Food Day Webinar 2024. Please find below an up-to-date outline of the presenters.
Date: 16 October 2024 at 01.30 p.m. CEST | 7:30 a.m. EDT | 7:30 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 835 7950 1147
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available.
Register now for free!
| Speaker/Presentation | Time in CEST | Time in EDT |
| MDPI Introduction | 1:30 p.m.–1:40 p.m. | 7:30 a.m.–7:40 a.m. |
| Prof. Dr. Giorgia Spigno Valorisation of Food Residues for the Food Industry: Opportunities and Challenges |
1:40 p.m.–2:10 p.m. | 7:40 a.m.–8:10 a.m. |
| Prof. Dr. Ramakrishnan Ramanathan Technological Approaches for Reducing Food Waste |
2:10 p.m.–2:40 p.m. | 8:10 a.m.–8:40 a.m. |
| Q&A Session | 2:40 p.m.–2:55 p.m. | 8:40 a.m.–8:55 a.m. |
| Closing of Webinar | 2:55 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | 8:55 a.m.–9:00 a.m. |
Keynote Speakers:
- Prof. Dr. Giorgia Spigno, Department for Sustainable Food Process, Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy;
- Prof. Dr. Ramakrishnan Ramanathan, Department of Management, College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
15 October 2024
Meet Us at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Molecular Biology Society of Japan, 26–29 November 2024, Fukuoka, Japan
11 October 2024
Meet Us at the 21st Annual Meeting of CIFST, 2–4 November 2024, Chongqing, China
10 October 2024
Meet Us at the 64th International Conference on Bioscience of Lipids (ICBL 2024), 15–18 October 2024, Taipei, Taiwan
4 October 2024
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #16 - UNGA79 Science Summit, OASPA, Peer Review Week
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 Joins the Science Summit at UNGA79 (23–27 September 2024, New York)
On Friday 27 September, I had the privilege of giving the opening talk at the “Youth at the Science Summit” panel during the Science Summit conference, held in New York at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Together, we discussed the future of science, publishing, innovation, and sustainable development.
It was a great opportunity to learn from our young leaders, whose voices must be included in the conversation as science shapes the future of artificial intelligence, climate mitigation, healthcare, technology, and more. This was also a powerful reminder of how essential global collaboration is in solving the major challenges we face. I left inspired by the dedication of these young researchers to making the world a better place!
Today’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are already leading the change today.
Stefan Tochev (second from left) at the UNGA Science Summit 2024: “A great opportunity to learn from our young leaders.”
MDPI Supports the Future Generation of Scientists
This aligns with MDPI’s mission to support the next generation of scientists and early-career researchers by recognizing their achievements through our various MDPI awards, including the Young Investigator Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Travel Awards, and more.
Our presence at this global event showed our commitment to advancing Open Science as a key driver for sustainable development. As a leading Open Access (OA) publisher, MDPI’s role at the summit was to emphasize the critical importance of democratizing scientific knowledge, making it accessible to all, and promoting global collaboration.
Through OA publishing, we aim to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, and inequality, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We aim to address pressing global challenges”
MDPI and the SDGs
In 2020, the SDG Publishers Compact was launched to accelerate implementation of the SDGs by promoting content that informs, develops, and inspires action. MDPI joined this initiative in 2021 and subsequently launched the MDPI SDG Hub in 2022, offering free access to recent research within the scope of each of the 17 SDGs.
During the summit, we highlighted the connection between Open Science and the SDG Publishers Compact, supporting the core objective to “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB). The transformative promise of the SDGs relies heavily on the Open Access model, which serves as a fundamental enabler of Open Science. We advocate for the wider adoption of Open Science practices in order to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Impactful Research
Presenting at the 1st International Conference of Environmental Medicine
In September, MDPI and our journals IJERPH and Diseases sponsored and participated in the 1st International Conference of Environmental Medicine: Environmental Threats to Human Health: From Genetics to Epigenetics, held in Chieti, Italy.
The conference was organized in collaboration with various societies, including the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), one of more than 160 societies partnering MDPI journals.
The conference brought together influential figures from the Italian scholarly community, such as Antonio Felice Uricchio (President of the National Agency for University Research Assessment [ANVUR]), Alessandro Miani (President of SIMA), and Liborio Stuppia (Director of ‘Gabriele d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara), among others.
MDPI was the sole publishing sponsor of the conference, at which I had the opportunity to present on behalf of the company. I provided an overview of MDPI, covering key facts and figures, the peer-review process, our strong collaboration with the Italian market, and insights into Nobel Prize winners who have published with MDPI, ahead of Sir Richard Roberts’ Nobel lecture.
“As at September 2024, 44 Nobel laureates have contributed to over 115 articles across 35 MDPI journals”
The keynote speaker at the event was Sir Richard Roberts, Nobel Laureate and 1993 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, recognized for his discovery of split genes.
Nobel Laureates’ Contributions to MDPI
As at September 2024, 44 Nobel laureates have contributed to over 115 articles across 35 MDPI journals. I’ll share more details on this in the October newsletter.
Hosting such prominent figures in their respective fields, who play a significant role in advancing the OA movement, of which we are leaders in, resonates deeply with our editorial teams.
Sponsoring and supporting academic conferences is something we do on a large scale, and it continues to grow. Attending and speaking about MDPI shows our commitment by taking the time to connect with the scholarly community in person.
MDPI’s Presence in Italy
Italy ranks third globally in total MDPI publications, with nearly 130,000 contributions. We collaborate with about 12,000 Editorial Board Members in Italy, over 6,100 of whom have an H-index of more than 25.
We have 83 Editors-in-Chief and 209 Section Editors-in-Chief from Italy. We also support 20 Italian universities through our Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) agreements with major institutions such as Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Milan, and the University of Pisa, among others.
Inside MDPI
Celebrating Peer Review Week, 23–27 September 2024
As we conclude another productive month at MDPI, I am pleased to highlight our participation in this year’s Peer Review Week (PRW), which took place from 23–27 September 2024. This global, community-driven celebration underscores the vital importance of peer review in maintaining the integrity and reliability of academic work. PRW provide a platform for institutions, publishers, and scholars to come together and reflect on the processes that uphold the quality of scholarly communication.
“We remain committed to enhancing the peer review process”
The theme for PRW 2024 was ‘Innovation and Technology in Peer Review.’ At MDPI, we were proud to contribute through various online and in-person events, including webinars from Europe, Asia-Pacific, and a roundtable discussion on innovation and technology in peer review. These events offer an opportunity to explore new tools and technologies that are shaping the future of peer review, particularly the integration of AI. As a company, we remain committed to enhancing the peer review process with innovative solutions while preserving the essential human expertise that makes it effective.
Peer Review Innovation and Technology at MDPI
Our efforts to improve peer review extend beyond the activities of this week. We also released a blog article discussing New Tools for Advancing Research Integrity and Peer Review, where we highlight two tools that MDPI has developed to support research integrity: Eureka – Reviewer Recommender and Online Proofreader. We are continually refining SuSy, our in-house submission system, to provide a seamless experience for authors and reviewers alike.
Listening to MDPI’s Authors and Reviewers
We highly value the time of our reviewers, and so do the authors who contribute to our journals. Our editorial process is bolstered by a network of dedicated reviewers, a team of over 6,000 diligent, well-trained staff members, and an in-house article submission platform designed to ensure efficient processes.
We make it a point to continually improve the experiences of both our authors and our reviewers throughout the entire editorial process, from submission to publication. This is why we regularly ask for feedback by conducting surveys. Here is what some of our respondents recently had to say about working with MDPI:
Coming Together for Science
ICM 2024 – Advances in Material Innovation
I am pleased to share that we held The 5th International Conference on Materials: Advances in Material Innovation (ICM 2024) in Basel, Switzerland this past 25–27 September.
This intimate event brought together leading scientists, researchers, and industry experts to exchange insights on recent advancements in materials characterization, processing, and manufacturing. Key focus areas included nanotechnology in material sciences and engineering, optical, electrical, and magnetic materials, soft, biological, and biomaterials, fibres, membranes, thin films, sensing materials, as well as materials and devices for energy and solar fuels. In addition, discussions featured the integration of AI and machine learning in materials research.
We received 90 abstract submissions. Over the course of the three-day event, 18 posters were displayed, and 34 talks were delivered, including three plenary speeches, seven invited talks, and 24 selected oral presentations.
A special thank-you to our partnering societies The Polish Membrane Society and The North American Thermal Analysis Society, as well as our sponsor, Nanomegas, for their support of the ICM conference. I am also pleased to share that we presented three awards, including the Best Presentation Award and two Best Poster Awards, recognizing the outstanding contributions of our participants.
Upcoming In-Person Event
7–9 October 2024
Non-coding RNA World 2024: Exploring Mechanisms, Designing Medicines
Location: Basel, Switzerland
ncRNA 2024 will explore the latest advances in the field, covering topics from basic biology to medical and technological applications.
Find more upcoming MDPI events here.
Closing Thoughts
Reflections from OASPA 2024 Conference in Lisbon (16–18 September)
Amidst my September travels, I also had pleasure of attending the OASPA 2024 Conference in Lisbon from 16–18 September. It’s the first in-person Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA) event in five years, and being in the sunny city of Lisbon made it even better! MDPI has long been a member of OASPA, and attending this conference gave us an opportunity to connect with other key members of the organization to see the latest developments in the OA movement.
“I believe that publishers have a lot to offer in terms of data and insights”
Main Themes from OASPA 2024
The main themes covered were equity and inclusivity, diamond OA, AI and openness, OA books, research integrity, and how OA can address broader societal challenges such as climate change. While it was great to see the latest developments in these areas, it was also clear that certain voices were missing, particularly those of major publishers. Although it’s not easy to incorporate every perspective, I believe that publishers, including MDPI, have a lot to offer in terms of data and insights. During the membership meeting, a few of us raised the point that large-scale publisher input could add value to these discussions.
It’s important to participate in industry conferences such as OASPA in order to be part of the discussions and remain at the forefront of the OA movement.
It’s an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with organizations that share our commitment to OA.
While sponsorship is one way to show our support, it’s clear that being part of the conversation through participating in the OASPA groups and committee is what really makes a difference.
It took the last 20 years for more than 50% of the world's research to be published via open access. This provides a sobering reminder that flipping the remaining 50% will be a big challenge.
An important takeaway for me was that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution for OA challenges: different regions and different stakeholders need different forms of support, whether it is infrastructure, funding, education, or policy, for example. I also enjoyed Rebecca Ross' presentation on how OA can drive action on climate. A few panellists shared the need for transparency in the peer-review process, advocating for open review reports, which is something we have been offering since 2014.
Speaking of openness, we are excited to celebrate Open Access Week 2024 with the scholarly community from 21–27 October. I look forward to sharing a recap of our activities in the next newsletter.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
30 September 2024
International Day of Older Persons 2024—Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide
Older individuals are vital to society as the custodians of history, culture, and wisdom. Their experiences enrich communities and provide essential perspectives for decision-making and the nurturing of intergenerational connections. As the global population ages, recognizing the contributions and dignity of the elderly has never been more critical. Many societies overlook the unique challenges faced by older adults, such as access to healthcare, social services, and legal protections. Since their daily functions rely on factors beyond physical capabilities or limitations, by prioritizing the establishment of frameworks to strengthen the care and support systems of older individuals, we can empower them to maintain their autonomy and thrive in their later years.
In recognition of this day, we recommend the following related articles, Special Issues, and journals spanning multidisciplinary fields, including public health and healthcare, as well as social sciences, arts and humanities. We believe that sharing such research can enhance the understanding of ageing’s challenges and opportunities. By disseminating these findings, we hope to inspire positive change, advocate for innovative caregiving approaches, and support the global community in its efforts to improve the quality of life for all ages, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
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“Dyadic Satisfaction and Shared Affectivity Are Associated with Psycho-Sexual Functioning in Elderly Men and Women”
by Erika Limoncin, Daniele Mollaioli, Andrea Sansone, Elena Colonnello, Giacomo Ciocca, Giancarlo Balercia, Nguyễn Hoài Bắc, Thắng Nguyễn Cao and Emmanuele Angelo Jannini
Sexes 2022, 3(1), 68–77; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes3010006
“Health, Functional Ability, and Environmental Quality as Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Physically Active Older Adults ”
by Rafael Zapata-Lamana, Felipe Poblete-Valderrama, Andres Ledezma-Dames, Patricia Pavón-León, Ana María Leiva, María Trinidad Fuentes-Alvarez, Igor Cigarroa and María Antonia Parra-Rizo
Soc. Sci. 2022, 11(6), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11060265
“Planning for Aging and Frailty: A Qualitative Study on Older Adults’ Perceptions, Facilitators, and Barriers”
by Erica Frechman, Harleah Buck, Mary S. Dietrich, Bethany A. Rhoten, Amanda Davis and Cathy A. Maxwell
J. Ageing Longev. 2023, 3(1), 72–89; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal3010006
“Metacognitive Illusions: A Positivity Effect in Judgments of Learning for Older but Not Younger Adults”
by Xiaojun Sun and Yingjie Jiang
J. Intell. 2023, 11(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030040
“Is Social Participation Associated with Successful Aging among Older Canadians? Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)”
by Mabel Ho, Eleanor Pullenayegum and Esme Fuller-Thomson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6058; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126058
“The Quiet Epidemic: An Overview of Emerging Qualitative Research Trends on Sedentary Behavior in Aging Populations”
by André Ramalho and João Petrica
Healthcare 2023, 11(15), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11152215
“The Experiences of Older Adults with Dementia of “Balance Wise”—An Individual or Group-Delivered Exercise Programme: A Qualitative Study”
by Normala Mesbah, Meredith Perry, Keith D. Hill, Donald Manlapaz and Leigh Hale
Disabilities 2024, 4(1), 11–26; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4010002
“Reducing Loneliness and Improving Social Support among Older Adults through Different Modalities of Personal Voice Assistants”
by Valerie K. Jones, Changmin Yan, Marcia Y. Shade, Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Zhengxu Yan, Hyeon Jung Heselton, Kate Johnson and Victoria Dube
Geriatrics 2024, 9(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9020022
“Spiritual Needs of Older Adults Living with Dementia: An Integrative Review”
by Katherine Carroll Britt, Augustine C. O. Boateng, Hui Zhao, Francesca C. Ezeokonkwo, Chad Federwitz and Fayron Epps
Healthcare 2023, 11(9), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11091319
“Effects of Future Subjective Expectations on Cognitive Decline and Dementia among Middle-Aged and Older Adults ”
by Minsung Sohn, Xianhua Che and Hee-Jung Park
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050421
| Topical Collection “Ageism, the Black Sheep of the Decade of Healthy Ageing” | Special Issue “Promoting Healthy Cognitive Aging: Psychological Approaches and Interventions” |
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| Special Issue “Mental Health and Wellbeing in Elderly People: The Forgotten Loneliness” | Special Issue “The Health-Related Quality of Life of Older People with Chronic Disease” |
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29 September 2024
MDPI New Journal Proposal—Invitation to Shape the Future of Open Science Together
27 September 2024
MDPI’s 2023 Travel Awards—Winners Announced
11 September 2024
MDPI’s 2023 Best PhD Thesis Awards—Winners Announced
10 September 2024
Meet Us at the 2024 International Conference of the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology, 8–11 October 2024, Jeju, Republic of Korea
