Announcements
26 August 2026
Meet Us Virtually at the 7th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences, 14–16 December 2026
26 August 2026
Meet Us at the 10th Asia-Pacific Conference on Plasma Physics (AAPPS-DPP2026), 11–16 October 2026, Busan, Republic of Korea
25 August 2026
Meet Us at the 23rd European Conference on Eye Movements (ECEM 2026), 30 August–3 September 2026, Ulm, Germany
20 August 2026
Interview with Dr. Manuel Reis Carneiro—Winner of the Applied Sciences Best PhD Thesis Award
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Manuel Reis Carneiro has won the Applied Sciences 2025 Best PhD Thesis Award. The winner will receive CHF 800 and a chance to publish a paper free of charge after peer review in Applied Sciences in 2026.
- What motivated you to pursue a PhD in your field?
I started conducting research during my master’s degree, where I worked on wearable electronics. Through that experience, I realized there was still a great deal to be explored and developed in the field. This inspired me to pursue a PhD focused on soft electronics, wearable devices and biomedical instrumentation.
- Could you please give us a brief overview of your research topic? What motivated you to pursue this research topic?
During my master’s research I became aware of the many limitations of current biomedical monitoring devices. Most existing systems are bulky, rigid, and uncomfortable, making them difficult to use outside clinical settings.
My research focuses on developing soft, wearable biomedical devices that can be comfortably worn for extended periods and even integrated into clothing. The goal is to improve patient comfort and enable continuous monitoring in everyday life while maintaining the same signal quality as conventional clinical-grade devices. This challenge and potential impact motivated me to pursue this research direction.
- How did you manage your time and prioritize your tasks during your PhD program, and what strategies did you use to stay focused and motivated?
A PhD is a long journey. Mine lasted five years, from 2020 to 2025, and staying motivated all the time is simply not realistic. Taking breaks, holidays, and time to recharge is important.
My main advice is to choose a topic you genuinely enjoy, because you will spend many years and countless hours working on it. In terms of organization, I have always been a structured person. I typically divided my day into laboratory work and writing tasks. I preferred to do experimental work in the morning, when I felt most productive, and dedicate the afternoons to reading papers and writing. Aligning tasks with my energy levels helped me remain effective throughout the day.
- What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your PhD journey, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was undoubtedly beginning my PhD during the COVID-19 pandemic. I started my PhD at the University of Coimbra in Portugal and later moved to Carnegie Mellon University in the United States during my second and third years. Relocating alone from Europe to the United States during such an uncertain period brought many personal and professional challenges. Adapting to a new country and working through the restrictions associated with the pandemic made this the most difficult part of my PhD experience.
- Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your PhD?
Overall, I am very satisfied with how my PhD turned out and have very few regrets. If I were to change one thing, I would probably place greater emphasis on maintaining a healthier work–life balance.
There were occasions when I spent very long hours in the laboratory, sometimes well beyond the end of the working day. In hindsight, I would prioritize rest and personal well-being a little more. Nevertheless, I am happy with the outcome of my PhD journey.
- What advice would you give to students starting or coming to the end of their theses?
First and foremost, choose a topic that you truly enjoy. Passion for your work is essential when undertaking a long-term project such as a PhD.
I would also encourage students to make the most of every opportunity available to them. This includes applying for funding, travel grants, awards, and other professional development opportunities. Organizations and journals offer many valuable programs, but if you do not apply, you cannot benefit from them. Taking initiative is extremely important.
- When and how did you access Applied Sciences? What prompted you to apply for this award, and what is your experience with Applied Sciences?
I have been serving as a reviewer for Applied Sciences for approximately two years and have reviewed several manuscripts. Through this involvement, I learned about the Best PhD Thesis Award. What I particularly appreciate about Applied Sciences and MDPI journals in general is the efficiency and transparency of communication. Interactions are always straightforward, timely, and professional. Whenever I need assistance, I receive prompt responses, which greatly enhances the overall experience.
- Finally, how do you plan to continue building on your research in the future, and what are your long-term career aspirations?
I am currently a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, a position I have held for nearly a year. At present, I am applying for assistant professor positions, as my long-term goal is to continue in academia in a more permanent and independent role.
This award comes at an ideal time because it will help me initiate a new line of research focused on multimodal sensing. Up to now, my work has largely centered on devices that measure a single physiological parameter, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs).
Going forward, I aim to develop wearable systems capable of measuring multiple types of data simultaneously, including ECG, blood pressure, movement, or sweat biomarkers. Such devices could provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's health and physiological condition.
19 August 2026
Applied Sciences | Invitation to Read the Updated Editor’s Choice Articles
19 August 2026
Meet Us at The 30th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences (µTAS 2026), 18–22 October 2026, Granada, Spain
18 August 2026
Empowering Academic Growth with the MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop at the Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, 7 September 2026
We are delighted to announce the MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop, organized in partnership with the Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand. This workshop reflects a shared commitment to promoting research excellence, advancing scholarly communication, and supporting academic publishing through international collaboration and open access dissemination.
As part of MDPI’s ongoing dedication to researcher development, the workshop aims to improve academic writing skills, facilitate scholarly communication between authors and the Editorial Office, and guide researchers in selecting appropriate journals for publication. Participants will also gain practical insights into MDPI’s editorial process, how to respond effectively to peer reviewers, publication ethics, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in scientific publishing. Designed for early career researchers, PhD and master’s students, international students, potential authors, and Editorial Board Members, the workshop will provide practical knowledge for enhancing the quality, visibility, and impact of scholarly research while fostering meaningful engagement with MDPI editors and publishing professionals.
Date: 7 September 2026
Time: 13:00–16:00
Location: Gearlaxy Space, Faculty of Engineering, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Language: English
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R2WDF5
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Speaker |
Program |
Time |
| Asst. Prof. Dr. Ananchai Ukaew |
Opening Speech |
13:00–13:15 |
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Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai |
MDPI and Journal Introduction |
13:15–13:40 |
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Dr. Juthathip Poofery |
Writing Scientific Papers |
13:40–14:10 |
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Q&A Session |
14:10–14:20 |
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Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana |
MDPI Editorial Process and How to Respond to Peer Reviewers |
14:20–15:00 |
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Q&A Session |
15:00–15:10 |
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Dr. Krit Inthajak |
Publication Ethics for Authors and Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Publishing |
15:10–15:50 |
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Q&A Session |
15:50–16:00 |
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Chair: |
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Asst. Prof. Dr. Ananchai Ukaew is a prominent researcher and academic in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Naresuan University, Thailand. He also serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Development and holds a key role at the DRIVE (Development and Research of Innovative Vehicle Engineering) Center. He earned his BEng, MS, and PhD in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University, USA. His research focuses on automotive vehicle engineering, with expertise in electric vehicle retrofitting, vehicle system simulation, and safety optimization. |
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MDPI Speakers: |
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Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai obtained her PhD in applied chemistry from the Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. She joined MDPI in December 2022 as an Assistant Editor for Catalysts. In 2024, she was promoted to Section Managing Editor, and served as a Chief Section Managing Editor in April 2025. Currently, she is one of MDPI’s Regional Engagement Editors for the Asia–Pacific region. |
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Dr. Juthathip Poofery holds a PhD in biochemistry from the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. She began working at MDPI in 2021 as an Assistant Editor for Medicina and advanced to the position of Section Managing Editor in 2022. Since 2023, Dr. Poofery has been serving as the Group Leader of the Medical Science Section, where she oversees editorial operations and contributes to the advancement of research in the field. She currently works as a Regional Engagement Editor for the Asia–Pacific region. |
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Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana obtained her master’s degree in food science and biotechnology from Teesside University. She joined MDPI in December 2020 as an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Imaging. She was appointed as a Section Managing Editor in March 2023 and a Regional Engagement Editor for the Asia–Pacific region in July 2024. |
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Dr. Krit Inthajak obtained his PhD in engineering and technology from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University. He joined MDPI in March 2020 as an Assistant Editor for Molecules. He was appointed as a Section Managing Editor in 2021 and worked as a Group Leader from 2021 to 2024. He is now one of MDPI’s Regional Engagement Editors for the Asia–Pacific region. |
10 August 2026
Advancing Academic Publishing with MDPI: Gold-Tier Sponsorship of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering Graduate Research Symposium (FEGRS) and Academic Publishing Workshop, 18 August 2026
MDPI is pleased to participate in the Faculty of Engineering Graduate Research Symposium (FEGRS) 2026 at the University of Alberta as a gold-tier sponsor by hosting an Academic Publishing Workshop for graduate students and early career researchers. As a premier platform for showcasing research and fostering academic collaboration, FEGRS brings together emerging scholars from across engineering disciplines to exchange ideas, advance innovation, and to network within professional and academic spaces.
The interactive workshop will provide a practical introduction to scientific publishing and the skills needed for publication success. Participants will begin with an overview of the evolution of scholarly publishing before exploring today's publishing landscape. The second part of the workshop will focus on the peer review process, offering a step-by-step guide to navigating manuscript review and best practices for conducting peer reviews. Each session will conclude with a dedicated Q and A segment, allowing attendees to discuss publishing questions and challenges with experienced publishing professionals. In addition, MDPI representatives will be present at the Industry Mixer on August 18, engaging with participants to share insights into MDPI and opportunities to contribute as authors, reviewers, and editors.
By supporting educational initiatives such as FEGRS, MDPI remains committed to promoting transparency, accessibility, and excellence in scholarly communication while empowering the next generation of researchers to maximize the impact of their work.
For additional information on the event and our sponsorship, please see the event website here.
Date: 18 August 2026
Time: 14:30–15:30 (ET)
Venue: University of Alberta, Faculty of Engineering, DICE 8-207
Schedule:
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Program |
Time |
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Scientific Publishing: An Introduction |
14:30–15:00 |
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Responding to Peer Reviewers |
15:00–15:30 |
MDPI Speakers:
Moderator and Panelist: Dr. Barnaby Crook, Regional Engagement Editor, MDPI
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Dr. Barnaby Crook completed an MA in philosophy and neuroscience at the Humboldt University of Berlin in 2021 and a PhD in the philosophy of artificial intelligence at the University of Bayreuth in 2025. After moving from Germany to Toronto, Dr. Crook began working for MDPI as an Assistant Editor with the journal IJERPH. He now works as a Regional Engagement Editor for North America. In this role, Dr. Crook builds and maintains relationships with academic stakeholders, fostering collaboration and developing partnerships. He is passionate about scientific communication and research integrity. |
Panelist: Ms. Diana Tosato, Deputy Managing Editor, MDPI
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Ms. Diana Tosato holds an MSc in development and environmental sciences and a second MSc in biology from Brock University. After completing her studies, she joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor for the journals Remote Sensing and Heritage. She currently serves as Deputy Managing Editor for journals across North and South America. In addition, Diana serves as External Affairs Coordinator for MDPI, with a focus on Brazil, where she develops and maintains relationships with academic stakeholders, fosters collaboration, and supports strategic partnerships within the research community. |
Organizers:
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The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering Graduate Research Symposium (FEGRS) is an annual event where graduate students can present their research to their colleagues and professors across all disciplines. This event gives many early-career researchers a place to present their ideas to an interdisciplinary audience without the pressures of larger conferences. Additionally, multiple career development workshops are organized with industry partners and professional organizations, and the event ends with an Industry–Student Mixer. The whole event is organized and planned by graduate student volunteers. |
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A pioneer in scholarly open access publishing, MDPI has supported academic communities since 1996. Based in Basel, Switzerland, MDPI’s mission is to foster open scientific exchange in all forms and across all disciplines. |
5 August 2026
Interview with Dr. Daniele Fattorini—Winner of the Applied Sciences Exceptional Reviewer Award
1. Could you please share a bit about your research interests and recommend some hot topics in your field?
My research interests focus on environmental science, environmental chemistry, and ecotoxicology, particularly on the interactions between natural processes and human activities. Throughout my career, I have primarily investigated the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of contaminants to better understand how environmental pressures affect ecosystem quality and how living organisms adapt to high concentrations of natural or anthropogenic chemical substances.
Microplastic pollution and emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and PFAS, are undoubtedly among the most pressing topics in environmental research today due to their widespread occurrence, persistence, and still only partially understood ecological and human health implications.
While these issues are rightly attracting considerable scientific attention, I believe that environmental sciences should not lose sight of a broader perspective. Understanding the complex interplay between natural dynamics and anthropogenic pressures remains essential for explaining how ecosystems evolve, adapt, and respond to ongoing environmental challenges. In my view, this integrated approach will continue to be one of the most important directions for future research.
2. How do you approach the peer review process to ensure fairness and constructive feedback?
I like to view the peer review process as a constructive exchange between peers. Ideally, it should generate value for everyone involved (authors, reviewers, and editors). For this reason, I always try, whenever possible, to provide comments and suggestions that are genuinely constructive, regardless of whether my overall evaluation is positive or negative.
My goal is to offer observations that can serve as useful points for reflection and help authors identify opportunities to strengthen the quality of their work. I believe that effective peer review should not simply identify weaknesses, but also provide clear guidance on how they can be addressed.
Nobody enjoys receiving criticism for its own sake. When writing my reviews, I always keep in mind that behind every manuscript there are researchers who have invested considerable time, effort, and dedication into completing their study. Respecting that commitment while maintaining scientific rigor is, in my view, one of the most important responsibilities of a reviewer.
3. How do you think the peer review process could be improved in scientific publishing?
This is a very intriguing question, and certainly not an easy one to answer. From a reviewer’s perspective, one improvement I would particularly appreciate would be receiving periodic feedback from publishers on the quality of my reviews. For example, annual or monthly assessments could provide insights into how useful, reliable, and constructive my evaluations are perceived to be, as well as identify areas where they could be strengthened. Such feedback would help reviewers become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses and encourage continuous professional development.
Another important aspect is reviewer training. Unlike many other academic activities, there is no formal “school” for peer reviewers. Most researchers learn how to review manuscripts through experience, often by trial and error. I believe that early career researchers should be encouraged to engage in the peer review process from the beginning of their careers, ideally under the guidance of experienced senior researchers acting as mentors. In this regard, publishers could play a key role by providing dedicated training resources and platforms that facilitate mentor–mentee interactions in peer review. Such initiatives would not only help develop the next generation of reviewers but could also contribute to improving the overall quality, consistency, and effectiveness of the peer review process.
4. What is your experience with our service from the point of view of a reviewer?
My experience has been very positive overall. I have always appreciated the professionalism of the editorial staff, the clear and courteous communication, and the prompt responses whenever interaction with the editors was needed.
The review platform is intuitive, accessible, and easy to use, making the entire review process efficient and straightforward. Another aspect I particularly value is the generally good quality of the manuscripts I receive for evaluation. Even when a manuscript requires substantial revisions, it is usually scientifically sound and worthy of consideration, which reflects the high standard of the editorial screening and pre-check procedures.
In the specific case of Applied Sciences, I also appreciate its multidisciplinary nature. It often gives me the opportunity to review manuscripts that, while remaining within my areas of expertise, address topics or approaches that are new and intellectually stimulating. This makes the review process not only a professional responsibility but also a valuable opportunity for continuous learning and scientific growth.
5. Do you have any other suggestions on how our journal could further support young researchers and the academic community?
I believe that MDPI already offers a wide range of initiatives that effectively support early career researchers, including awards, training opportunities, academic events, and activities that help increase visibility within the scientific community. Looking ahead, one opportunity could be to further strengthen the connection between scientific publication and research dissemination. In today's academic landscape, producing excellent research is only part of the challenge; ensuring that scientific findings reach the appropriate audiences is becoming increasingly important. Young researchers are often very active on digital and social media platforms and are eager to communicate their work beyond traditional publishing channels. Journals could further support this process by expanding initiatives that promote the visibility of high-quality research and by providing guidance on effective and responsible science communication. More broadly, any effort that helps transform published articles into opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange would further reinforce the journal's role not only as a publishing platform, but also as an active hub for the scientific community.
5 August 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #37 – Canada Summit, Sciforum Relaunch, 30 Years of Impactful Research & ISPRS 2026
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 the MDPI Canada Summit 2026 in Toronto (9–10 July)
As part of this year’s MDPI Summit events, we were delighted to host Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) and Editorial Board Members (EBMs) in Toronto for the MDPI Canada Summit 2026 this July.
Across the two days, we presented on topics including research integrity, editorial leadership, artificial intelligence, peer review, and the evolving role of the EiC. More importantly, the Summit created space for feedback and conversations with the academic community: these engagements continue play and important role in shaping how MDPI develops its journals and services.
Why Canada?
Canada has become one of the world’s leading Open Access (OA) nations. In 2025, 68% of Canadian research publications were published OA, with more than 73,000 OA articles produced during the year. Over the past five years alone, Canadian researchers have published more than 526,000 scholarly articles, showing both the scale and quality of Canadian research.
MDPI Toronto Office
“Canada has become one of the world’s leading Open Access nations”
Since opening in 2019, our Toronto office has grown to more than 85 colleagues supporting editorial operations, research integrity, marketing, societies, conferences, indexing, author services, and many other functions across North America. It was great to spend time with the team, see first-hand the energy and enthusiasm they bring to their work, and recognize the significant role they play in building relationships with the Canadian research community and delivering events such as this Summit.
MDPI and Canada
Today, Canada is an important part of the MDPI community:
- More than 53,800 articles from Canadian institutions published with MDPI since 1996
- More than 5,800 MDPI publications from Canadian researchers in 2025
- Nearly 1,900 Canadian Editorial Board Members, including 24 Editors-in-Chief; 49 Section Editors-in-Chief
- More than 30 Institutional Open Access Partnerships (IOAP) with universities across Canada
“The academic community is at the center of everything we do”
These numbers reflect the long-term partnerships with researchers, reviewers, editors, and institutions who continue to place their trust in MDPI.
Summit Program
Throughout the Summit, we presented and discussed topics against the following agenda:
- MDPI at 30: Introduction, Reflections and the Road Ahead – Stefan Tochev (CEO)
- Engagement with Academic Community and Society Partnerships – Karen Irwin (Associate Editorial Engagement Manager) and Carla Aloè (Head of Societies and Acquisition)
- Latest Developments in the Editorial Process – Summer Huggard (Operations Manager)
- Research Integrity and Publication Ethics – Renato Merki (Research Integrity Specialist)
- AI and Technology in Publishing – Dr. Barnaby Crook (Regional Engagement Editor)
- Panel Discussion – Bob Vrooman (Head of Business Development / Operations Manager, USA), Summer Huggard, Renato Merki, and myself
These presentations reinforce something we often say at MDPI: The academic community is at the center of everything we do. Each session concluded with a Q&A, allowing for discussions throughout the Summit to engage directly with our EiCs and EBMs.
Further Reading
I also had the opportunity to be interviewed by University Affairs about the evolving landscape of scholarly publishing, Open Access, and the importance of engaging with the research community. If you’re interested, you can read the interview in:
- English: University Affairs – MDPI Toronto Summit 2026: Bringing Together Leaders to Shape the Future of Scholarly Publishing
- Français: Affaires universitaires – Sommet MDPI de Toronto 2026
Thank You
As OA continues to grow around the world, events such as the MDPI Canada Summit remind us of the importance of meeting with our academic community in person. Listening to feedback, exchanging ideas, and building relationships are essential to ensuring that MDPI continues to evolve alongside the researchers, editors, reviewers, and institutions we serve.
Impactful Research
Five Journals, Five Different Stories of Success
Each year, the release of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) provides an opportunity to look at the progress of our journal portfolio and, more importantly, the achievements of the research communities behind it.
A recent MDPI Blog article from Tommy Lax (Content Specialist, MDPI) highlights five journals whose 2025 Journal Impact Factor results show that success can take many forms – from achieving a first Impact Factor, to steady long-term growth, to leadership within highly competitive disciplines.
The featured journals include:
- Machine Learning & Knowledge Extraction (MAKE) – Among the 330 MDPI journals which received an Impact Factor in 2025, MAKE (ISSN 2504-4990) holds the accolade of having the highest rating of 8.4. The journal, which provides an advanced forum for the study of machine learning and its applications, is placed in Q1 for three subject categories: Computer science, artificial intelligence; Computer science, interdisciplinary applications; and Engineering, electrical & electronic.
- Antioxidants – Continuing its strong position across multiple scientific disciplines, Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921) was awarded an exceptional Impact Factor of 8.2. In addition, the journal was placed in Q1 in three subject categories: Biochemistry & molecular biology; Chemistry, medicinal; and Food science & technology.
- Biomass – This year, Biomass (ISSN 2673-8783) was recognized in the JCR for the first time, with a strong debut Impact Factor of 6.7. What makes this achievement even more impressive is the journal’s placement in Q1 of the category Engineering, chemical.
- Analytica – Remaining with the theme of growth, Analytica (ISSN 2673-4532), which provides an advanced forum for all aspects of fundamental and applied analytical chemistry, recorded one of the largest year-on-year increases in Journal Impact Factor, with a 7.4 – an astounding 3.8-point increase from its 2024 rating of 3.6.
- Batteries – Indexed in SCIE, Batteries (ISSN 2313-0105) received an updated Impact Factor of 6.3 this year, representing an increase of 1.5 versus last year, demonstrating consistent growth and increasing visibility over several years.
While citation metrics provide one perspective on journal performance, they tell only part of the story. Every milestone reflects the dedication of Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Board Members, reviewers, authors, and colleagues across MDPI who work together to uphold rigorous editorial standards and support high-quality research.
As a signatory of the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), MDPI supports a balanced approach to research evaluation. Journal-level metrics should be viewed alongside article-level indicators and the broader scientific and societal impact of published research.
Thank you to everyone whose commitment continues to strengthen our journals and advance Open Access across the global research community.
Inside MDPI
Building Better Tools for the Research Community: The Relaunch of Sciforum
Innovation at MDPI extends beyond journals. Over the past decade, we have continued to invest in products that support researchers, conference organizers, editors, reviewers, and institutions throughout the research lifecycle. As part of this ongoing investment, our Product and Engineering teams have been modernizing several of MDPI’s digital platforms. One important milestone in that journey is the relaunch of Sciforum, our conference management platform.
Read More: Sciforum Relaunch: Empowering Science through Seamless Event Management
Rather than simply updating an existing system, our product and engineering teams have rebuilt Sciforum, using a modern architecture designed to improve the user experience, support future growth, and continue to strengthen our position in the conference management market.
“Scalable technology is essential to delivering a high-quality experience”
Why We Rebuilt Sciforum
Technology must continue evolving alongside the needs of our users. The previous platform had served MDPI well for many years but had become difficult to extend and maintain. The new platform introduces a modular architecture that enables faster development, more flexibility, and a scalable foundation for future work.
Major improvements include:
- Simplified submission workflows
- Role-based dashboards
- A modern website builder
- Flexible pricing options
- Permanent data hosting
- A scalable architecture for future development
Supporting Our Conference Community
Sciforum is more than a software platform: it supports researchers, conference organizers, reviewers, speakers, and attendees by helping them organize, participate in, and share scientific meetings more efficiently. As MDPI continues to expand its conference activities worldwide, investing in modern, scalable technology is essential to delivering a high-quality experience for both our external partners and our internal teams.
Looking Ahead
The relaunch represents the beginning Sciforum’s next chapter. Planned improvements include: the Program Builder, Communication Hub, expanded payment options, Zoom integration, and a mobile application. These will continue to enhance the platform over the coming months.
Coming Together for Science
Highlights from ISPRS Congress 2026 – Toronto, Canada
In early July, I had the pleasure of attending the XXV ISPRS Congress in Toronto, one of the world’s leading gatherings for the geospatial and remote sensing research community. It was a great opportunity to meet researchers, editors, society leaders, and collaborators, while gaining insights into some of the latest developments in geospatial science and technology.
Over several days, I had the privilege of presenting the Jack Dangermond Award; speaking about MDPI’s approach to AI in publishing and our 30-year journey in Open Access publishing; participating in Editorial Board meetings; and engaging with members of the ISPRS community.
Below is a summary of these activities:
Celebrating excellence in research
One of the highlights of the week was presenting the Jack Dangermond Award for the best paper published in the ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information (IJGI). Sponsored by MDPI and ESRI, the award recognizes an outstanding paper published over a four-year period and includes an ISPRS certificate together with a USD 10,000 prize.
Awards such as these remind us that journals are much more than publication platforms: they celebrate research that advances knowledge, inspires future work, and delivers meaningful impact for both science and society.
Presentations at ISPRS
I also had the pleasure to give two presentations during the congress:
1. The AI Revolution in Publishing: Challenges, Innovations, and MDPI’s Vision
The development of AI continues to transform scholarly publishing. During this session, I shared how MDPI is integrating AI responsibly, not to replace editorial judgement or peer review, but to support our staff by improving efficiency while maintaining scientific quality and research integrity.
2. MDPI: 30 Years of Open Access Publishing
I also had the opportunity to share MDP’s 30-year journey from a small publishing initiative to becoming a global Open Access publisher serving millions of researchers worldwide. As part of this session, my colleague Carla Aloè (Head of Societies and Acquisitions) introduced the ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information (IJGI), sharing its development and contribution to the geospatial research community.
Meeting with Our Editorial Boards
Another rewarding aspect of the congress was meeting with the Editorial Boards of two of our journals:
- Remote Sensing
- ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information
These discussions went beyond journal metrics. We heard ideas about editorial quality and emerging research areas, and we discussed reviewer engagement, diversity within editorial boards, and how journals can continue serving their communities for the future. These conversations are a great way to connect directly to the scientists who help shape our journals.
“One of our core missions has always been to make high-quality research openly accessible”
Partnerships matter
Scientific publishing is built on collaboration. Throughout the congress, our team welcomed researchers to the MDPI booth, met with authors and editors, and discussed opportunities for collaboration across our journals and society partnerships.
Special thanks to our MDPI colleagues who were present throughout the ISPRS congress supporting our Editorial Board meetings and the MDPI booth: Andy Tran, Carla Aloè, Carlo Cunanan, Diana Ribeiro Tosato, and Elena Duan.
Thank you to ISPRS for organizing this congress, to the researchers who shared their work, to our Editorial Board members, and to MDPI colleagues whose dedication continues to shape the journals and communities we support.
Closing Thoughts
Insights Into 30 Years of Impactful MDPI Research
As we celebrate 30 years of MDPI, it’s worth reflecting on the impact that the research we publish has on society. One of our core missions has always been to make high-quality research openly accessible so that it can inform new discoveries, public policy, education and innovation around the world.
A recent article on the MDPI Blog highlights several examples of MDPI publications that have gone beyond academic citations to help inform governments, international organizations and public policy discussions.
Research Creating Real-World Impact
The MDPI blog article features research that has contributed to topics including:
- protecting the Amazon rainforest through satellite mapping
- understanding climate change and urban heat inequality
- encouraging more young women to pursue STEM careers
- tackling obesity through healthier food environments
- shaping sustainable urban planning through the “15-minute city” concept
These examples remind us that publishing research is not only about producing articles: it is about helping knowledge reach the people who can use it to improve lives and address global challenges.
Thirty Years of Open Access
MDPI’s 30th Anniversary is also an opportunity to recognize the collective contribution of everyone across MDPI. Every manuscript processed, every review coordinated, every system developed, every conference organized, every partnership established and every article published contributes to a much larger purpose: helping scientific knowledge move further and faster.
You can explore the full article here: 30 Years of Impactful MDPI Research
You can also visit our 30th Anniversary page to learn more about MDPI’s journey over the past three decades.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
