Announcements

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Tu Youyou Award has been conferred upon Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller, in recognition of their significant contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Richard DiMarchi Indiana University, USA	Prof. Richard DiMarchi is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University, USA. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. DiMarchi is a former Group Vice President at Eli Lilly and later at Novo Nordisk. He is recognized for his contributions to the discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humulin®, Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. His academic research has broadened the understanding of glucagon and incretin physiology and pioneered the discovery of single-molecule multi-mechanism agonists for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The central element to success has been the chemical vision and technology to install within single molecules simultaneous agonism at related G-protein coupled receptors, coupled to the counter-intuitive discovery that glucagon and GIP agonism could synergize the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1. These peptides and their conceptual approach have transformed the management of excessive body weight to a condition comparable to how hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, and excess cholesterol are medicinally managed.
“Professor DiMarchi was recognized by the 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members as being an exceptional leader in the medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins of natural origin, and as a pioneer in the field of chemical biotechnology. His very important discoveries have led to breakthroughs in new drugs related to the therapy of diabetes and obesity. He has been named as an inventor on a very large number of patents, and he has had initially a highly successful scientific and administrative career in industry, which was followed by over two decades in academia as a distinguished professor.” —Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee
Rolf Müller Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infections Research (HZI), Germany; Saarland University, Germany	Prof. Rolf Müller is the Founding and Managing Director of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Saarland University, Germany. Having received his training from the University of Bonn, he held research positions at the University of Washington, USA, and Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany, prior to his appointment as professor to Saarland University. His laboratory has dedicated itself to the exploration of bacterial natural-product biosynthetic pathways for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in working with myxobacteria and other microbial producer strains. Starting from the isolation and characterization of new microorganisms, the scope of work includes microbiology-, biotechnology-, bioinformatics-, and chemistry-based approaches to exploit these isolates as sources of new drugs with a special focus on novel anti-infectives. Müller and his team apply a variety of state-of-the-art analytical methods and biological assays to perform biological and chemical characterizations of the identified compounds. Prof. Müller has received several awards, including the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, the PHOENIX Pharmacy Research Award, the DECHEMA Prize, and the Inhoffen Medal, as well as being an elected member of acatech, Leopoldina, and the German Academy of Sciences and Literature.
“The 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members were highly impressed by the truly outstanding past and ongoing contributions of Professor Müller in both microbial natural products isolation chemistry and in biosynthesis, as well as in the development of lead compounds for their potential in treating human diseases, through his global connections with various major funding agencies. He is also a dedicated teacher who has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and he has lectured on his research in countries all over the world.” —Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee

The achievements of Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller highlight the transformative impact of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. We congratulate them and invite the global academic community and public to join us in celebrating their significant contributions.

2024 Award Committee
Committee Chair:

• Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Ohio State University, USA.
  

Committee Members (listed in alphabetical order):

• Prof. Angelo Fontana, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy;
• Prof. Binghe Wang, Georgia State University, USA;
• Dr. Diana Pinto, University of Aveiro, Portugal;
• Prof. Hideaki Kakeya, Kyoto University, Japan;
• Dr. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel, University of Strathclyde, UK;
• Prof. Thomas Prisinzano, University of Kentucky, USA
• Prof. Wei Li, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.

About the Tu Youyou Award:
The 2024 Tu Youyou Award includes a total monetary prize of 100,000 Swiss Francs and a medal for each recipient. Established in 2016 to honor the pioneering spirit of Nobel laureate Tu Youyou, the Tu Youyou Award is an international award honoring exceptional scholars dedicated to the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

For further information about the award and the winners, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website.

The following is an interview with Dr. Igor Vujović:

Congratulations on being an outstanding reviewer for the year 2024! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your research interests? 
Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Igor Vujović, and I am an electrical engineer and full professor at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Croatia. I obtained my Ph.D. in 2011 from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Naval Architecture at the University of Split. Throughout my career, I have participated in several research projects and currently serve as the project leader for two of them. I am also involved in a project funded by the European Space Agency, as well as another project managed at the faculty level. I am a member of several Editorial Boards, including those of the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (MDPI), Electronics (MDPI), and Editor-in-Chief of Transactions on Maritime Science, which is our faculty’s journal indexed in both Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, I am serving as a Guest Editor for a Special Issue in Applied Sciences, focusing on biomedical signal processing and machine learning techniques. I have received the Rector’s Award for Science from the University of Split. I currently head two laboratories: the Signal Processing Analysis and Advanced Diagnostics Research Laboratory (SPADRAL) and the Laboratory for Electrical Engineering. I also lead the scientific research group New Technologies in Maritime. Previously, I was the head of the Ph.D. study program, and I am now the head of the Department for Marine Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies. Over the years, I have published more than 200 scientific papers, including journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and textbooks. I have also conducted over 700 peer reviews for journals, conferences, books, and research projects. My primary research interests lie in signal processing and analysis, with applications in biomedical engineering, video surveillance, and other advanced technologies relevant to the maritime field.

What motivated you to become a reviewer? 
I also serve as the Editor-in-Chief of my own journal. As I’ve mentioned before, I often face challenges when it comes to finding reviewers, as many of them decline the invitation to review. Because of this, I’m very sympathetic toward other editors who reach out to me for support. If someone believes I can help, and if I have the time and the topic is within my area of expertise, I always try to accept the invitation. Naturally, I won’t take on reviews in areas outside my field; for example, I wouldn’t review a paper in surgery. But if I feel confident in the subject matter, I do my best to contribute. My journey as a reviewer with MDPI started when I was first invited by the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. I believe they appreciated my performance, which led to further invitations from other MDPI journals. Ultimately, my motivation stems from my own experiences. Since I know how difficult it can be to find reliable reviewers, I try to support others in the same situation. In that sense, you could say it’s a bit of a sympathetic motivation.

How do you approach the peer review process to ensure fairness and constructive feedback? 
I’ve attended many seminars that discuss how to review scientific papers, but I often find that they drift into philosophy rather than practical advice. In reality, reviewing isn’t that abstract. I begin by scanning the manuscript to get a general impression. That first impression is important and in most cases, it turns out to be accurate. Of course, I’m not infallible, and there have been a few occasions where I’ve been mistaken. But generally, the initial feeling gives me a strong indication of the paper’s quality and relevance. Once I’ve formed that initial judgment, I try to verify it. I look through the paper to find evidence that either supports or contradicts my first impression. Sometimes, my assessment changes during this deeper review. For example, I might initially think the paper needs only minor revisions, but later decide that major revisions are necessary. There have even been cases where I’ve reconsidered a rejection and suggested a major revision instead. This process is far more complex than what can be explained in a single lecture or seminar. It requires a deep understanding of your own research area and a sensitivity to what the authors are trying to communicate. You need to develop a kind of intuition that only comes with experience. After reviewing more than 700 papers, I’ve learned to recognize the signs of a strong or weak manuscript very quickly, often at first glance. That doesn’t mean I skip the details, but rather that I’ve developed a sense for quality that helps guide the rest of the review process. Many younger colleagues ask me how to do this, and I try to explain it but it’s not something that can be easily taught. Reviewing is a nuanced, layered process. It’s about combining expertise, experience, and a careful reading of the manuscript to reach a fair and informed decision

What are the biggest challenges you face as a reviewer, and how do you handle them? 
One of the biggest challenges I face as a reviewer is dealing with the different review forms that journals use. Each journal tends to have its own format, with specific questions or notes they want addressed. While it's important to follow these structures, I sometimes find that they shift the focus away from the actual content and meaning of the paper. But the real emerging challenge is artificial intelligence. Right now, it's difficult, if not impossible, to be certain whether or not a manuscript was written, at least in part, using AI tools. Some authors might rely heavily on AI-generated content, while others may not use it at all. This isn’t a distant concern; it’s a near-future problem that we are already beginning to face. At the moment, I can often recognize AI-generated texts by certain patterns like excessive use of superlatives or oddly polished phrases that don’t match the rest of the paper. But AI is learning quickly. Eventually, it will adapt, and these cues may disappear. What then? Unfortunately, the tools we have for detecting AI-written content are still in the early stages of development. That, in my opinion, is one of the most urgent challenges we’ll need to address in the peer-review process. Of course, similarity detection remains a concern too. Different tools are excellent for spotting overlap, but even here, we need to be careful. A 20% similarity score doesn’t mean much without context. If that 20% comes from properly cited references, that’s perfectly fine. But if the overlap is found in the results or discussion sections, then there’s a serious issue. So, overall, I’d say the biggest challenges in peer review today are adapting to AI-generated content, interpreting similarity scores with care, and navigating the complexity of different journal review formats all while staying focused on the quality and originality of the science.

What is your experience with our service from the point of view of a reviewer? 
That’s an interesting question. Honestly, I’ve had a very positive experience with your services. I collaborate with various journals, and I find yours to be particularly well organized and efficient.
The review forms are clear, with straightforward questions that are easy to address. I especially appreciate the flexibility to add comments where necessary without being required to justify every minor detail. For example, including state-of-the-art references in the motivation section is a standard expectation in scientific writing, and your system respects that by not demanding unnecessary explanations. This makes the review process much smoother. One of the greatest advantages you offer is the speed of your process. For researchers or project coordinators who need to plan publication timelines for instance, in line with funding or project deadlines predictability and quick decisions are essential. Your fast turnaround enables better planning and decision-making. Of course, I understand that such timelines can be demanding for reviewers, especially when balancing multiple responsibilities. The review period is a little short, which can be challenging. However, from an author’s or project manager’s perspective, it’s extremely beneficial. Additionally, your online platform is very user-friendly. The ability to access the review directly through the email link without needing to log in each time makes the process even more convenient. I usually only log in when I need to claim vouchers or manage submissions. Overall, I greatly appreciate how seamless and efficient the entire process is.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields? 
When it comes to general advice, one of the big challenges I see today is how we share information, especially between generations of researchers. I often talk to both younger and more experienced researchers about this. For Ph.D. students, things are very different now compared to when I was in their shoes. As soon as they publish a paper, it becomes immediately accessible to anyone in the world. That means they have to work faster, and most importantly, they have to be original. So, while sharing information can be a good thing, it can also pose a risk for younger researchers who are still developing their ideas and trying to stand out. At the same time, that openness allows them to benefit from the experience of other researchers. They can learn from what's already out there but they still have to find their own unique angle and move quickly. For senior researchers like myself, the challenge is different. I’ve noticed that older generations like Gen X or even early millennials are generally better at focusing on a specific research direction. We’re used to setting long-term goals and sticking to them. But when I work with younger generations, like Gen Z and even the emerging Gen Alpha, I see a different pattern. Many of them seem to struggle with focus; they want to try everything, and that can be a problem. As a Ph.D. advisor, part of my job is to help them channel that energy. I try to guide them toward defining their goals early on. Do they want to be outstanding researchers, pushing the boundaries of science? Or are they aiming to finish their Ph.D. and move into industry to make money? Both paths are valid, but they require different mindsets and strategies. It's important they understand what they really want from the start.

Applied Sciences is an open access journal. How do you think open access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community? 
Yes, open access is actually a requirement now in Europe, largely due to the Open Science policy. And honestly, I think it’s a great thing, especially from the perspective of a reader or a scientist who needs quick access to research. The ability to share knowledge instantly is a huge advantage. Think about it: if publishing takes months and then your paper ends up behind a paywall, you either have to buy it or go through some complicated subscription process. With open access, it's simple: you just click and read. No barriers. That’s incredibly useful, especially when you're actively working on something and need information fast. So, I’m definitely in favor of open access from the user's point of view. I really appreciate the openness and speed it brings to modern science. Things are evolving quickly these days, and we can’t afford to wait months or even weeks to access new knowledge. Of course, the publishing side of the equation is a different story. There are real challenges around how to finance open access. That’s a separate issue that needs to be addressed. But as a scientist and a reader, I absolutely support it.

Do you have any suggestions on how our journal could further support researchers and the academic community?
I’ve been thinking about your awards like the Ph.D. awards, travel grants, and so on. Honestly, they’re great initiatives, but I don’t think they’re visible enough. One idea that came to mind is that you could try coordinating with Erasmus coordinators at universities. That could be a great way to connect your European-based awards with existing international exchange programs, which would make the awards more visible and promote international cooperation as well. At the end of the day, increasing visibility, whether for young or senior researchers, means more opportunities, more collaboration, and more impact. I believe that could really help extend the reach of your programs. Of course, I know some people have already suggested using social networks, and that’s totally valid—LinkedIn, ResearchGate, even Instagram in some cases. Visibility through those channels is crucial nowadays. The argument regarding publication speed does not fully hold and can, in fact, be presented as a positive aspect. It is important to maintain active communication with scientific communities in different countries to help them better understand MDPI’s commitment to open access and transparency in publishing. The aim is to make science accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background. Through initiatives such as reviewer vouchers, MDPI supports researchers who may not have access to funding, ensuring they still have opportunities to publish. While many traditional journals operate within closed networks, MDPI provides an open and inclusive platform—an approach that is valuable and deserves greater promotion.

Conference: The 14th Conference of the European Society for Fuzzy Logic and Technology
Date: 21–25 July 2025
Location: Riga, Latvia

MDPI will be attending the 14th Conference of the European Society for Fuzzy Logic and Technology (EUSFLAT 2025) as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

The conference is organized by the European Society for Fuzzy Logic and Technology. The aim of the 14th Conference of the European Society for Fuzzy Logic and Technology, EUSFLAT 2025, which will take place in Riga, Latvia, is to provide a forum for researchers addressing the theory and applications of computational intelligence, fuzzy logic, fuzzy systems, and soft computing to discuss their work. EUSFLAT 2025 brings together researchers, practitioners, and students from around the world to exchange ideas and advance the state of the art in fuzzy logic, soft computing, computational intelligence, and related fields. With a dynamic program of keynote talks, special sessions, workshops, and social events, the conference provides the perfect platform for collaboration and innovation.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:
Axioms;
Mathematics;
Algorithms;
AppliedMath;
Applied Sciences;
Computers;
International Journal of Topology;
J. Imaging;
Logics;
Stats.

A range of MDPI journals will be represented.

WCCE12 and APCChE2025, with the theme of “Paradigm Shifting in Chemical Engineering for Global Challenges”, will focus on education, industrial foundations, emerging industries, and smart innovation. With over 600 presentations and 30+ themes, it will attract more than 5,000 delegates, including Nobel laureates and industry leaders. They will share cutting-edge tech and insights into further advancing the global chemical industry.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at WCCE12:

• Processes;
• Thermo;
• Fuels;
• Separations;
• JMMP;
• AppliedChem;
• Sustainable Chemistry;
• Applied Science;
• ChemEngineering.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to drop by our booth and start a conversation with us; we look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit https://www.wcce12.com/ or contact the Editorial Office.

Name: Dr. Itzhak Aviv
Affiliation: MTA and University of Haifa, Israel
Research interests: open architecture; cloud computing; IoT; blockchain; cybersecurity

The following is a short interview with Dr. Itzhak Aviv:

1. Congratulations on being an outstanding reviewer for Q3 2024! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your research interests? 
I am the Chief of the Data Science Program at MTA in Israel and an affiliated researcher at Vienna University. My specialization includes cybersecurity, Web3, and blockchain. Lastly, I work hard on various topics in artificial intelligence.

2. What motivated you to become a reviewer? 
I enjoy doing reviews for journals because it gives me exposure to high-quality research. Applied Sciences is a high-quality journal, so a lot of works that I review for the journal are pretty good, have pretty good quality, and when doing a review, it takes me deep into research and I’m accomplishing two objectives—a deep dive into research and helping a journal to reveal the best papers to publish.

3. How do you approach the peer-review process to ensure fairness and constructive feedback?
First of all, I have a checklist to prepare my review. For example, I’m first looking for a research gap. I try to understand if research closes any existing gap and if research will be interesting for readers, because not all research innovates something new. Secondly, I’m working hard on the methodology section because I’m looking for research that provides structured methodologies, and for me, what is very interesting is the reproducibility issue.
So, if I judge research that is not reproducible from the results, I believe it’s not good for a Q1 or Q2 journal. These two points involving a research gap, a structured methodology comes first, and if the research passes the requirements, then I will read the results, research, and discussion and try to understand if the researchers succeeded in telling a story.

4. What are the biggest challenges you face as a reviewer, and how do you handle them? 
My specialty is in cybersecurity and Web3; the field is vast, and occasionally I have to review topics outside my direct expertise. However, this is an opportunity to update my knowledge and skills despite the time demands.

5. What is your experience with our service from the point of view of a reviewer? 
The logistics of the journal’s review system is simple and user-friendly, making the process comfortable. I also appreciate that when I recommend rejecting a paper, the journal often follows my suggestions, helping maintain high standards.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields?
I think that as a reviewer, I have a structured recommendation on how to review papers.
In terms of what journals are looking for from the methodology, innovation, reproducibility, results, demonstration, and discussion, I believe most researchers must perfectly learn the requirements of a specific journal or in general. I would advise researchers to carefully follow a journal’s specific requirements, ensuring their research is structured and reproducible. It is important to create research that is generalizable and can be applied in various contexts.

7. Applied Sciences is an open access journal. How do you think open access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community?
I believe open access publishing enhances the visibility and accessibility of research, allowing a wider audience to benefit. However, it is not cheap, and, in recent years, MDPI has a balanced system and offers some discounts and programs to address the cost of publishing, which is great.

8. Do you have any suggestions on how our journal could further support researchers and the academic community? 
I suggest that the journal could improve the process of choosing the right journal for a research paper. I propose implementing an AI system where authors can ask questions in natural language to help identify the best journal for their work, simplifying the decision-making process. It’s not easy to navigate and to decide which journal is most suitable for specific research.

The following is an interview with Dr. Antonio Comi:

1. Congratulations on your publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and summarize the main content and key findings of your title story article for our readers?
Thank you! It is a pleasure to be here. I am Antonio Comi, a full professor in transportation at the University of Roma Tor Vergata, within the Department of Enterprise Engineering “Mario Lucertini”. I lecture in the Theory of Transportation Systems and Freight Transportation. My main research areas include transportation planning, passenger and freight transportation, city logistics, and discrete choice modeling. Recently, I have been focusing on electric mobility and the opportunity offered by telematics in improving travel experiences both for passengers and commercial drivers. One of the key studies that we have been working on is exploring how electric vehicles can offer new opportunities for electric grids. In the study that we (co-authored with Dr. Ippolita Idone) published in Applied Sciences, we discussed the potential of using electric vehicles to support the grid, specifically through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows the energy stored in parked electric vehicles to be used to support grid demands.

2. What motivated you to submit your paper to our journal? And in your opinion, what benefits do authors gain when publishing in Applied Sciences?
I was delighted to submit because I have published in Applied Sciences before. I had two papers published—one on city logistics focusing on the benefits coming from the use of eco-friendly vehicles, and one on the use of electric vehicles to support the needs of the electricity grid. I think Applied Sciences is a high-level journal with a wide reach. It allows researchers to share their work with a large audience worldwide, which is crucial for spreading knowledge. It is important that our research reach a global audience, and Applied Sciences is a platform that does just that, as evidenced by the large number of views from various countries.

3. What inspired you to conduct research on this topic related to the title story article?
I was involved in a national project focused on improving electric grids, specifically how to utilize the energy stored in electric vehicle batteries. We often think of electric vehicles as just a means of transportation, but during the day when many vehicles are parked, their batteries hold significant amounts of energy. This energy can be used to support the grid during peak demand times, helping to stabilize energy grids and reduce the need for additional energy production, with high sustainability benefits.

4. What do you think sets your paper apart and what contributed to its selection as the title article?
I believe that the paper stands out because it highlights new opportunities for improving sustainability, not just within cities but also globally. As energy demands continue to increase, it is essential to find ways to optimize energy production and consumption. The concept of using electric vehicles to support the grid helps to achieve this by utilizing stored energy instead of letting it go unused, which is what makes this research so valuable.

5. What advice would you give to researchers aiming to publish high-impact papers?
To publish high-impact papers, researchers need to have a clear vision of their research and understand its position within the broader context. It is important to articulate how their work advances knowledge and contributes to innovation in a way that is easy to understand. The contribution should be clear from the very first line of the paper, and the methodology should be straightforward. This helps to ensure that the research reaches a broad audience and attracts interest from others in the field.

6. Did you encounter any significant challenges while conducting your research? If so, how did you overcome them?
My research spans various areas, from freight transportation to city planning, transit, micromobility, evacuation, and electric mobility, and with each new field, we face unique challenges. However, it is essential to look toward the future and focus on creating a sustainable world, which motivates us to keep pushing forward. We are not just focusing on low-emission solutions but also on economic and social sustainability. Applied Sciences provides a great platform for sharing these insights beyond our specific field, which is beneficial in addressing these challenges.

7. Since Applied Sciences is an open access journal, how do you think open access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community?
I think open access is the future of publishing. It allows researchers to share their findings quickly with a wide audience, accelerating the spread of knowledge and innovation. Traditional publishing methods limit access to a select group, but open access makes research accessible to anyone, anywhere. This facilitates faster innovation and ensures that important discoveries reach those who can benefit from them, regardless of their ability to access traditional publications.

We are pleased to announce that the paper of Dr. Luis Lugo, “Assessing Anatase TiO₂ Nanofluids Performance: Experimental Heat Transfer Coefficients vs. Mouromtseff Number Ratios”, has been chosen for the Issue Cover of Applied Sciences, Volume 14, Issue 17 (September-1 2024).

The Applied Sciences Issue Cover project aims to offer a promotional opportunity for high-quality papers in each issue of every published journal, to encourage scientists to present their latest research in the field of applied sciences, which helps to increase their influence.

The following is an interview with Dr. Luis Lugo:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and summarize the main content and key findings of your featured issue cover paper for our readers?
The focus of this paper is the comparison between the experimental determination and predictive ability of the behavior of nanofluids in heat transfer applications, specifically examining heat transfer coefficients and pressure drops. The paper used experimental data for comparison with predictions based on experimental thermophysical properties. The research highlights the importance of nanofluids in heat transfer and uses dimensional analysis to make predictions.

2. What motivated you and your research team to submit the paper to Applied Sciences? From your point of view, what benefits do authors gain when publishing in Applied Sciences?
There were several motivations for submitting to Applied Sciences. First, the application-focused nature of the journal aligned with the study’s goal. Additionally, the paper was derived from a Ph.D. student's work, and the team needed to publish it quickly. The journal’s relatively quick turnaround time and open access nature were also key factors in the decision.

3. What inspired you to research this specific topic?
Our motivation stemmed from over a decade of work with nanofluids and the application of certain methodologies in this area. This long-term involvement naturally led to our increasing interest in understanding and developing more precise models and applications for nanofluids in heat transfer.

4. What do you think sets your paper apart and what contributed to it being selected as the cover story?
I am uncertain about what specifically sets my paper apart, especially since the journal featured over 600 papers in the Featured Issue. However, our extensive background in this area of fluids and the special applications of this type of materials are possible reasons for selecting this paper.

5. What advice would you give to researchers aiming to publish high-impact papers?
Publishing high-impact papers requires targeting journals with a strong reputation. The level of research quality has risen in recent years, making it essential to aim for journals with high impact factors to ensure that the publication is both relevant and widely recognized. The reputation of the journal plays a major role in the paper’s reach and credibility.

6. Which research topics do you think will be of interest to the research community in the coming years?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot and transformative topic for the future. AI is changing industries and has become more influential than some of the most groundbreaking innovations in history. Additionally, research topics focusing on improving the quality of life and sustainability, such as reducing emissions and enhancing environmental practices, will be of growing importance.

7. Did you encounter any significant challenges while conducting your research? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, building a strong, multidisciplinary team was a key factor in overcoming research challenges. The importance of fostering a team with high ethical standards, a commitment to quality, and an understanding of the societal impacts of the work was evident. Ensuring that the team was well rounded and ethically grounded was central to the success of the research.

8. How do you think Open Access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community?
I express some reservations about Open Access publishing, questioning whether it truly contributes to improving people’s quality of life. Open Access could be a good process, but I have concerns about its implications for maintaining the scientific rigor of published work or for ensuring that research is conducted in areas that society really needs to focus on. The most important factor in publishing is that papers should aim to improve society as a whole and quality of life, and I am not sure if Open Access always does this.

Celebrating the International Day of Light, we reflect on light’s essential role in connecting scientific discovery with daily life. Guided by the 2025 theme, “Light, Innovation, Society”, we explore how light transcends boundaries—driving innovations across disciplines, enhancing human experiences, and fostering collaborative solutions to shared challenges. As both a universal symbol and a scientific tool, light continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections in an ever-evolving world.

MDPI invites researchers and readers to engage with our open access journals, Special Issues, and collaborative platforms dedicated to advancing light-related research. Discover freely accessible studies spanning from foundational principles to emerging applications, participate in global discussions through interdisciplinary forums, and contribute to open science efforts that bridge ideas and communities. Together, let us harness light’s simplicity and depth to spark dialogue, empower collective progress, and illuminate pathways toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

“Preparation and Photoelectric Properties of Nanostructured Native Oxide of Gallium Monoselenide with Applications in Gas Sensors”
by Veaceslav Sprincean, Alexandru Macovei, Liviu Leontie, Aurelian Carlescu, Silviu Gurlui and Mihail Caraman
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(4), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9040194

“Optical Forces on Chiral Particles: Science and Applications”
by Weicheng Yi, Haiyang Huang, Chengxing Lai, Tao He, Zhanshan Wang, Xinhua Dai, Yuzhi Shi and Xinbin Cheng
Micromachines 2024, 15(10), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15101267

“Innovative Integration of Dual Quantum Cascade Lasers on Silicon Photonics Platform”
by Dongbo Wang, Harindra Kumar Kannojia, Pierre Jouy, Etienne Giraud, Kaspar Suter, Richard Maulini, David Gachet, Léo Hetier, Geert Van Steenberge and Bart Kuyken
Micromachines 2024, 15(8), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15081055

“Extremely Weak Electro-Optic Kerr Effect in Methyl Silicone Oils”
by Marek Izdebski, Rafał Ledzion and Szymon Węgrzynowski
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081850

“Estimating Compressive and Shear Forces at L5-S1: Exploring the Effects of Load Weight, Asymmetry, and Height Using Optical and Inertial Motion Capture Systems”
by Iván Nail-Ulloa, Michael Zabala, Richard Sesek, Howard Chen, Mark C. Schall, Jr. and Sean Gallagher
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061941

“A Review of Solar Forecasting Techniques and the Role of Artificial Intelligence”
by Khadija Barhmi, Chris Heynen, Sara Golroodbari and Wilfried van Sark
Solar 2024, 4(1), 99-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/solar4010005

“Pulp Particle Classification Based on Optical Fiber Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques”
by Stefan B. Lindström, Rabab Amjad, Elin Gåhlin, Linn Andersson, Marcus Kaarto, Kateryna Liubytska, Johan Persson, Jan-Erik Berg, Birgitta A. Engberg and Fritjof Nilsson
Fibers 2024, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib12010002

“A Review of State-of-the-Art and Short-Term Forecasting Models for Solar PV Power Generation”
by Wen-Chang Tsai, Chia-Sheng Tu, Chih-Ming Hong and Whei-Min Lin
Energies 2023, 16(14), 5436; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145436

“Long-Cavity M-Plane GaN-Based Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers with a Topside Monolithic Curved Mirror”
by Nathan C. Palmquist, Ryan Anderson, Jared A. Kearns, Joonho Back, Emily Trageser, Stephen Gee, Steven P. Denbaars and Shuji Nakamura
Photonics 2023, 10(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10060646

“Direct Fabrication of Ultrahydrophobic Laser-Induced Graphene for Strain Sensors”
by Devanarayanan Meena Narayana Menon, Matteo Giardino and Davide Janner
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4935; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084935

“Photonic Crystals Fabricated by Two-Photon Polymerization with Mechanical Defects”
by Victoria Paige Stinson, Nuren Shuchi, Dustin Louisos, Micheal McLamb, Glenn D. Boreman and Tino Hofmann
Optics 2023, 4(2), 300-309; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt4020021

“Beyond Conventional Sensing: Hybrid Plasmonic Metasurfaces and Bound States in the Continuum”
by Dominic Bosomtwi and Viktoriia E. Babicheva
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071261

“Novel Approaches for High Speed Optical Communication” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Roger Dorsinville and Dr. Amin Malek Submission deadline: 20 June 2025	“New Prospects in Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Xingwei Wang and Dr. Xu Guo Submission deadline: 25 June 2025
“Photonic Integrated Circuits for Information, Computing and Sensing” Guest Editors: Dr. Andrea Salamon, Dr. Liam O’Faolain and Dr. Simone Iadanza Submission deadline: 30 June 2025	“Microrheology with Optical Tweezers” Guest Editor: Dr. Manlio Tassieri Submission deadline: 30 June 2025
“Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials” Guest Editor: Dr. Hong Zhou Submission deadline: 18 July 2025	“Recent Trends in Light-Assisted Reactions for CO2 Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals” Guest Editors: Dr. Antonietta Mancuso, Dr. Vincenzo Vaiano and Dr. Olga Sacco Submission deadline: 31 October 2025

MDPI is excited to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University to host an engaging Scientific Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection, the editorial workflow, and the essentials of publication ethics. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from an experienced professional. This session promises to equip attendees with valuable skills to elevate their publishing journey.

Workshop Highlights:

• Learn How to Better Write and Structure a Research Article;
• How to Choose Where to Publish Academic Work;
• How to Respond to Reviewer Comments;
• Reasons for Rejection During Pre-Check;
• How to Navigate Through Ethics and AI Use.

Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with nearly 1.2 million people killed and as many as 50 million people injured each year. They are the leading killer of young people aged 5–29 years. Globally, more than one of every four deaths occurs among pedestrians and cyclists.

The 8th UN Global Road Safety Week offers an opportunity to spur action at national and local levels to make walking and cycling safe, by highlighting concrete and specific interventions that can be taken by different stakeholders: governments, international agencies, civil society, businesses, and schools.

MDPI believes these actions will help promote and facilitate a shift to walking and cycling, which are more healthy, green, sustainable, and economically advantageous modes of transport. This will also contribute, directly and indirectly, to the attainment of many Sustainable Development Goals. As a global enterprise, it is our duty to advance responsible practices that will ensure a bright future for our planet.

“Advances in Traffic Congestion Prediction: An Overview of Emerging Techniques and Methods”
by Aristeidis Mystakidis, Paraskevas Koukaras and Christos Tjortjis
Smart Cities 2025, 8(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities8010025

“Advancing Road Safety: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Object Detection Models for Commercial Driver Monitoring Systems”
by Huma Zia, Imtiaz ul Hassan, Muhammad Khurram, Nicholas Harris, Fatima Shah and Nimra Imran
Future Transp. 2025, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp5010002

“Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructure Characterization of Pervious Concrete Incorporating Polypropylene Fibers and Fly Ash/Silica Fume”
by Hassan Bilal, Xiaojian Gao, Liborio Cavaleri, Alamgir Khan and Miao Ren
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(11), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8110456

“Spatial Cluster Analysis of the Social Determinants of Health and Fatal Crashes Involving US Geriatric and Non-Geriatric Road Users”
by Oluwaseun Adeyemi, Charles DiMaggio, Corita Grudzen, Sanjit Konda, Erin Rogers, Saul Blecker, JohnRoss Rizzo and Joshua Chodosh
Trauma Care 2024, 4(4), 266–281; https://doi.org/10.3390/traumacare4040023

“Impact of Mixed-Vehicle Environment on Speed Disparity as a Measure of Safety on Horizontal Curves”
by Tahmina Sultana and Yasser Hassan
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(10), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15100456

“Enhancing Road Safety Strategies through Applying Combined Treatments for Different Crash Severity”
by Mohammad Nour Al-Marafi, Taqwa I. Alhadidi, Mohammad Alhawamdeh and Ahmed Jaber
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030109

“Safety Impact Prediction of Redesigning National Roads Crossing Residential Areas: An Italian Case Study”
by Maurizio Crispino, Kevin Camozzi, Misagh Ketabdari, Arianna Antoniazzi and Emanuele Toraldo
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 4984; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14124984

“An Overview of the Efficiency of Roundabouts: Design Aspects and Contribution toward Safer Vehicle Movement”
by Konstantinos Gkyrtis and Alexandros Kokkalis
Vehicles 2024, 6(1), 433–449; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles6010019

“Properties and Characterization Techniques of Graphene Modified Asphalt Binders”
by Rodrigo Polo-Mendoza, Tatiana Navarro-Donado, Daniela Ortega-Martinez, Emilio Turbay, Gilberto Martinez-Arguelles and Rita Peñabaena-Niebles
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050955

“Reconstruction of Asphalt Pavements with Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixture in Cold Region: Material Characterization, Construction, and Performance”
by Dongzhao Jin, Dongdong Ge, Jiaqing Wang, Lance Malburg and Zhanping You
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051874

“Vehicle Dynamics and Control: Advanced Mobility Technologies and Transportation Safety” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Nadir Yilmaz Submission deadline: 20 September 2025	“Advanced Road Materials and Pavement Engineering: Design, Structure, Performance and Characterization” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Shihui Shen Submission deadline: 20 October 2025
“Vehicle Safe Motion in Mixed Vehicle Technologies Environment” Guest Editors: Dr. Stergios Mavromatis, Prof. Dr. Yasser Hassan and Prof. Dr. George Yannis Submission deadline: 31 October 2025	“Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Evolution: Technological, Social and Environmental Perspectives” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Luigi dell’Olio, Dr. Andres Rodriguez and Dr. Silvia SIpone Submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Innovative Transportation Systems: Shaping Smart and Sustainable Urban Mobility” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Maria Nadia Postorino and Dr. Caterina Malandri Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

Eng. Proc., 2024, SMTS 2024 The Sustainable Mobility and Transportation Symposium 2024 Győr, Hungary | 14–16 October 2024 Volume Editors: András Lajos Nagy, Széchenyi István University, Hungary Boglárka Eisinger Balassa, Széchenyi István University, Hungary László Lendvai, Széchenyi István University, Hungary Szabolcs Kocsis-Szürke, Széchenyi István University, Hungary Gábor Dogossy, Széchenyi István University, Hungary Ferenc Szauter, Széchenyi István University, Hungary Full list of the conference proceedings