Announcements

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

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

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

• Biology and Life Sciences;
• Business and Economics;
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
• Computer Sciences and Mathematics;
• Engineering;
• Environmental and Earth Sciences;
• Medicine and Pharmacology;
• Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities;
• Physical Sciences;
• Public Health and Healthcare.

About MDPI Awards:

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

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

Following from our two previous successful editions, we invite you to submit your abstracts and participate in the 3rd International Conference on AI Sensors and Transducers, taking place from 2 to 7 August 2026 in Jeju, South Korea.

Organized by MDPI and the open access journals Sensors, Micromachines, AI Sensors, Micro and Remote Sensing, this in-person conference will once again bring together experts and participating researchers who will share insights and innovations in sensors, sensing technology, transducers and artificial intelligence.

Start preparing your abstracts:
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your work to peers and leading experts in AI-enhanced sensing systems and transducers. We will be announcing the session topics at AIS 2026 soon.

Find out more about the instructions for authors: https://sciforum.net/event/AIS2026?section=#instructions.

Find out more about the publication opportunities available for authors: https://sciforum.net/event/AIS2026?section=#Publicationopportunities.
Please feel free to share the information about this conference to your colleagues and students.

We look forward to welcoming you in Jeju!

The organizing committee of the 3rd International Conference on AI Sensors and Transducers (AIS 2026).

We are honored to announce that Prof. Dr. William Gerwick will serve as the Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.

A world-renowned authority in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick is a Distinguished Professor at both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His pioneering work at the intersection of ocean sciences and drug discovery makes him a fitting leader for an award centered on transformative medicinal breakthroughs.

Under Professor Gerwick’s stewardship, the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee will focus on recognizing innovative and impactful research in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, particularly work with the potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.

To provide further insight into his perspectives, we include below an interview with Professor Gerwick, in which he reflects on his scientific journey, his views on the field, and his vision for the Tu Youyou Award.

A Conversation with the Chair

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your research journey?

My research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their application in medicine, their biosynthesis using genomic approaches, and innovative methods in the structure elucidation of natural products.

I received my BS degree from the University of California at Davis, my PhD from the University of California at San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut. After a couple of years in a junior faculty position at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, I spent 21 years as Professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. In 2005, I returned to my PhD institution at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, where I am currently a Distinguished Professor of Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing the field through both leadership and mentorship. I have served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, chaired and co-chaired several major research conferences, and served as an associate editor for the Journal of Natural Products. I am a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. I have trained over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, and my research group has published nearly 500 papers and more than 25 patents on topics in the natural product sciences and medicinal chemistry.

2. What motivated you to accept the role of Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee?

Of course, I am a huge supporter of all awards that are given in recognition of excellent scientific research, and especially so in the natural products sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, this award is truly special in that it recognizes scientific excellence as well as impact, and is given in the name of an individual, Tu Youyou, who clearly had many challenges along the path to reach the pinnacle of her success. Not only was she the first Chinese person to win a Nobel prize in this area, but she was also the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel prize, and this was achieved without graduate education in China or elsewhere. It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision. To read the history of her extraordinary approach to discovering novel antimalarial compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine is truly inspirational. It is, therefore, the inspiration provided by the extraordinary life and career of Tu Youyou that motivated me to accept the Chair of the Award Committee for 2026.

3. How do you view the role of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry in today’s scientific landscape, and what major advances over the past decade have shaped this field?

A quite remarkable integration of fields is currently transforming natural products science and medicinal chemistry. In natural products, we are seeing integration of different omics methods, from metabolites to proteins to nucleic acids. Sophisticated biological and pharmacological approaches are driving the discovery of exquisitely potent and selective natural products. Advances are being made to integrate molecular-level recognition of natural products with chemical ecological studies, and sophisticated methods of structure determination using Artificial Intelligence or pioneering new tools such as microED are being applied with increasing frequency. High-level synthetic methodologies, such as protecting group-free synthetic routes, are enhancing medicinal chemistry, accelerating the identification of lead molecules with attractive pharmaceutical properties at an increasing pace.

4. How do you consider the balance between fundamental discovery (e.g., new molecules or mechanisms) and practical impact (e.g., therapeutic applications)?

Many individuals are excellent scientists and mentors, and have essential roles in developing our culture that values science and the scientific method. It should also be pointed out that not all scientific discoveries are going to have a broad societal impact, but they are nevertheless critical to the overall body and structure of science. But it is a truly remarkable individual who makes a key scientific discovery, recognizes its potential value to society in general, and then has the skills and determination to bring it forward as a useful product. That was the type of person the Tu Youyou is, and that is the type of person who is honored by the prize in her name.

5. What do you see as the key challenges or opportunities currently facing the field?

We are on the crux of an amazing revolution in many of the sciences, including natural products and medicinal chemistry; the purposeful application of Artificial Intelligence to solving many of the difficulties involved in the search for new pharmaceuticals from Nature. AI is transforming how we select organisms for study, what pharmaceutical targets to go after, rapidly resolving the chemical structures of new compounds, identifying efficient routes to their chemical synthesis, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action, and finally, designing their clinical application. The role of people in these pursuits is changing. Increasingly, the human role will be providing overall vision: what can we do? What should we do? And it is important to remember that AI is providing hypotheses, not truth. Scientists with expert domain knowledge will be critical for discerning the correctness of hypotheses put forth by AI. Altogether, advances in technology, expanding knowledge, and the appropriate use of AI methods are preparing society to be able to address emerging diseases, such as pandemics, as well as conditions that are not effectively treated by currently existing therapeutics.

6. How do you expect the Tu Youyou Award to contribute to the advancement of natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and human health over the coming years?

The Tu Youyou Award is potentially transformative for the broad fields of natural products science and medicinal chemistry as it brings a significantly increased level of visibility to these topics and their contributions to human health. It will be crucial to have excellent communication to news agencies, social media and other communication outlets so that the general public is informed and educated on the high impact of these natural product/medicinal chemistry contributions. This will bring increased funding, attract promising students, and generally enrich the interface of these fields with the health sector.

7. What message would you like to convey to the research community and the public during this open nomination phase?

This prize gives broad societal visibility to the role that natural products have had in shaping a majority of our current medicines, as well as understanding the life forms with whom we share the planet. Further, it recognizes a woman scientist working under sub-optimal conditions who could persevere and make discoveries of global impact. The prize and what it represents, therefore, inspires current and future generations to engage in the study of Nature and its relationship to Human Health, to overcome adversity, and to aspire to making one’s life impactful.

About the Tu Youyou Award

Established in 2016, the Tu Youyou Award seeks to honor those who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This award offers a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided among the winners if there is more than one, with each recipient receiving an award medal and a certificate.

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026. We encourage all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award not only honors individual achievement but also encourages further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website for more information on the nomination requirements.

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

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

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

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

MDPI will be participating in the upcoming 2026 China Automation Society Youth Academic Annual Conference.

China Automation Society Youth Academic Annual Conference is a national annual academic conference organized by the China Automation Society and convened by the Youth Committee of the China Automation Society. It has now been successfully held for 40 consecutive years. The 41st Annual Conference will be hosted by Hunan University and is scheduled to take place in Changsha, Hunan, from 8 to 10 May 2026.

It aims to provide a platform for academic exchange among domestic and international scholars and technical professionals in the field of automation, showcasing the latest theoretical and technological achievements. The conference will feature plenary lectures, thematic workshops, parallel sessions and poster presentations as formats for academic exchange.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Mathematics;
• AppliedMath;
• Automation;
• Electronics;
• MCA.

If you plan to attend the conference, we warmly invite you to visit our booth and speak with our representatives. We look forward to meeting you in person and assisting with any questions or queries that you may have. For more details about the conference, please visit the official website:
https://www.caayac.org.cn/yac2026/.

To further enhance the international influence of Automation (ISSN: 2673-4052) and promote academic exchange among researchers, we are currently recruiting prestigious scholars from around the world to join our Editorial Board.

Recruitment:
Editorial Board Members will hold their position for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

The main responsibilities of Editorial Board Members are as follows:

• Prescreening and making decisions on new submissions within your area of research expertise;
• Launching Special Issues during your term on topics aligned with your research interests (or supervising Special Issues in your field of expertise);
• Helping attract expert authors and recommending early career scholars to join the Early-Career Editorial Board;
• Providing input and feedback on journal policies and development;
• Helping promote the journal to your academic peers and at relevant conferences;
• Attending Editorial Board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions on journal development;
• Reviewing manuscripts assigned to you in a timely manner.

The benefits of becoming an Editorial Board Member include the following:

• A certificate recognizing you as an Editorial Board Member;
• Travel grants are offered to Editorial Board Members who make significant contributions to the journal;
• The opportunity to publish one paper per year free of charge in our journal and potential discounts for authors of papers invited by you;
• Organizing or promoting your own conferences using our SciForum platform;
• An expanded research network providing new insights, collaborations, and opportunities for future research projects.

To apply for this position, recommend potential candidates, or request further information, please contact the Automation Editorial Office via email, providing the following two files:

• A full academic CV;
• A short cover letter that details your interest in and enthusiasm for the position.

Automation is dedicated to the dissemination of rigorously peer-reviewed publications on automation, control, and allied topics. As an open access journal, Automation aims to provide authors with high visibility and timely research impact, and it is committed to rapid publication. The journal provides a platform for both specialized and multi-disciplinary research on automation and control and their applications. For more information about the Editorial Board team, please see the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/automation/editors.

We believe that by combining our rigorous editorial policies with your expertise, we can continue to develop our high-quality journal. We thank you in advance for your interest and look forward to collaborating with you.

Automation Editorial Office

MDPI will be attending the 2026 American Control Conference (ACC 2026) in New Orleans, USA, which will take place from 26th to 29th May 2026. ACC is the annual conference of the American Automatic Control Council (AACC), the U.S. national member organization of the International Federation for Automatic Control (IFAC). National and international society co-sponsors of ACC include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), IEEE Control Systems Society (IEEE-CSS), Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), International Society of Automation (ISA), Society for Modeling & Simulation International (SCS), and Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics (SIAM).

The following open access journals will be represented:

• Automation;
• Drones;
• Electronics;
• Aerospace;
• Applied Sciences;
• Applied System Innovation;
• Eng;
• Processes;
• Vehicles;
• Actuators;
• Modelling;
• Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses — Advanced Methods for Science, Engineering, and Technology;
• Logistics;
• Machines;
• World Electric Vehicle Journal.

If you are attending the conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://acc2026.a2c2.org/.

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

Prize

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

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

Who May Be Nominated?

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

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

Who May Submit a Nomination?

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

Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nomination Materials

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

How to Submit?

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

Important Dates

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

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

1. Award Reception & Background

Congratulations on receiving the Automation Travel Award! What was your first reaction when you heard the news? Could you briefly introduce yourself? For example, your research focus, your lab or advisor, and how you became interested in the field of automation? How did you first learn about the Automation journal and this Travel Award? What motivated you to apply?

I felt truly honored and very excited to receive the Automation Travel Award. It is rewarding to have my PhD research in adaptive manipulation recognized, and the news gave me a real boost of motivation to continue pursuing my work in this field.

My name is Nicola Stampone, I am a mechanical engineer, and I am currently working in the field of soft robotics at the Industrial Fluid Automation and Mechatronics Laboratory at the University of L’Aquila. My research focuses on the development of soft grippers for adaptive manipulation. Specifically, I work on designing gripping systems that can adapt the soft pneumatic actuators, which act as fingers to the shape of a wide variety of objects, allowing safe and effective grasping without causing damage.

I became interested in this field thanks to my supervisor, Professor Gabrio Antonelli, who was already working on these topics. Through his guidance, I developed a strong interest in soft robotics and its potential applications in automation.

I first learned about the Automation journal and this Travel Award through my familiarity with MDPI journals. I have published several scientific papers with MDPI, and I regularly follow their calls for opportunities, including awards and recognitions.

What motivated me to apply was the opportunity to support my participation in an international conference and to further engage with the research community. I also see it as valuable recognition of my work and a chance to increase the visibility of my research in the field of automation.

2. Research & Academic Contributions

In simple terms, can you describe your current research project? What do you consider its most innovative aspects or potential real-world applications? What challenges have you encountered during your research? Was there a moment when you felt stuck, and how did you overcome it? You have already published several papers related to your research area. Can you share your experience with the submission process?

My current research focuses on developing soft robotic grippers for adaptive manipulation. In the paper “Adaptive Manipulation: Development of a Reconfigurable Three-Fingered Soft Pneumatic Gripper with Integrated Sensing”, a new three-fingered gripper that can handle a wide variety of objects has been presented. The gripper is composed of two levels of reconfigurability—radial and angular—allowing the adjustment of the position and orientation of the three fingers for different object shapes. Both a flex sensor and a force sensor are integrated directly into the external reinforcement that guides finger bending, enabling sensing and control. The external reinforcement also limits the “balloon effect” typical of soft pneumatic actuators, increasing their fatigue life. Moreover, the system can be quickly reconfigured depending on the object to be manipulated, achieving a payload of up to 662 grams. These features make the gripper particularly suitable for real-world applications where delicate and adaptive handling is required, such as in automated assembly, food handling, or other tasks involving fragile objects.

The main challenge in my research has been integrating the sensors directly into the external reinforcement of the soft pneumatic actuators. This was complex because we needed to maintain the flexibility and performance of the gripper while adding sensing capabilities. I wouldn’t say I ever really got “stuck,” because I’m always excited by the idea of overcoming challenges. For me, this is the essence of research—searching, experimenting, and iterating to solve a problem. That mindset keeps me motivated even when a task is difficult.

My experience with the submission process has been good. The system is always ready to support the authors with any issues or questions that arise. Overall, it has been a smooth and efficient process, which makes publishing and sharing our research much easier.

3. Conferences & International Experience

Which conference do you plan to attend with the Travel Award, and why did you choose it? What are you most looking forward to? Is there any support or promotional material you would like from Automation to help you spread the word about the journal? For instance, brochures, sample issues, flyers, or a poster to display at your presentation? What do you think is the biggest benefit of attending international conferences for PhD students? Are there any specific talks you are excited about or researchers you hope to meet? What advice would you give to first-time conference attendees, especially regarding presentations, networking, and making the most of the experience?

I will attend the 6th IFToMM Conference, which will be held in Foligno, Italy. At the conference, I will present my research titled “Adaptive Manipulation: Development of a Reconfigurable Three-Fingered Soft Pneumatic Gripper with Integrated Sensing”.

Since there is no poster session, I plan to acknowledge the support from Automation at the end of my oral presentation. I am really looking forward to discussing my work with other researchers in the field of robotics and automation, exchanging ideas, and learning about the latest developments in mechanical and mechatronic systems.

Regarding promotional material, I think adding a mention in my presentation is the most suitable way in this case, given the conference format.

I think the biggest benefit of attending international conferences for PhD students is the opportunity to connect with the global research community. Conferences allow us to exchange ideas, get feedback on our work, and learn about the latest advances in our field, which can inspire new directions in our research.

I’m especially excited about talks related to soft robotics, adaptive manipulation, and pneumatic actuators. I also hope to meet researchers who are working on innovative gripper designs and sensor integration, as it would be a great opportunity to discuss challenges, share experiences, and potentially establish future collaborations.

For first-time conference attendees, I would say: Be prepared, but stay curious and open. Practice your presentation so you can communicate your main ideas clearly, and don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm about your work. For networking, introduce yourself, ask questions, and connect with other researchers—even short conversations can be very valuable. Finally, attend talks outside your immediate field; it’s a great way to get new ideas.

4. Thoughts on Automation Journal

Before applying for the Travel Award, were you familiar with the journal Automation? How do you view its role and development in the field? Would you consider submitting your future work to Automation? Why or why not? What kind of support do you think would be most valuable for early-career researchers from journals like Automation (e.g., awards, training, or academic events)?

Before applying for the Travel Award, I was aware of the journal Automation, although I had not published in it before. I view it as a growing and important platform in the field, providing high-quality research on automation, robotics, and related areas. I think the journal plays a valuable role in disseminating innovative work and connecting researchers across different disciplines. Yes, I would consider submitting my future work to Automation, largely for the reasons I just mentioned. I see it as a high-quality platform that reaches a wide audience in the field of automation and robotics, and it provides good visibility for innovative research. Its fast and efficient publication process is also a strong incentive.

I think early-career researchers benefit most from opportunities that increase visibility and provide guidance. Travel awards are very valuable because they support participation in international conferences. Training programs or workshops on scientific writing and peer review would also be very helpful. Additionally, academic events organized by the journal can create networking opportunities and foster collaboration with other researchers in the field.

5. Advice for Future Applicants

What advice would you give to other PhD students considering applying for this Travel Award (e.g., how to prepare materials, highlight strengths, etc.)? As a third-year PhD student, what are your goals for the coming year? Are there any specific milestones you’re aiming to achieve? Finally, if you could sum up your current mindset as a researcher in one sentence—or share a message with fellow PhD students—what would it be?

My advice for other PhD students considering this Travel Award would be to prepare their materials carefully and clearly. Highlight the significance of your research and its potential impact, and explain why attending the conference is important for your work and professional growth. Be concise but specific, and make sure you show enthusiasm and motivation.

I recently defended my PhD thesis on February 19, and over the coming year, my goal is to continue building a career in academia. I’m particularly motivated by interacting with people from different research backgrounds, as it inspires new ideas and perspectives.

If I were to sum up my current mindset as a researcher in one sentence, it would be: Stay curious, stay motivated, and take every opportunity to learn and share your knowledge.

6. Is there a book, paper, or researcher that has had a significant influence on your academic journey? What activities do you enjoy outside of research, and how do you maintain a healthy work–life balance?

Several people have had a significant influence on my academic journey. My research group, Professor Pierluigi Zobel, and my supervisor, Professor Gabrio Antonelli, were particularly important. I was also inspired by leading figures in soft robotics and manipulation, such as Professor Cecilia Laschi, and I continue to study and follow their research closely.

Maintaining a healthy work–life balance is very important, especially in research where there’s no clear endpoint. I make sure to stay active through sports, like going to the gym and swimming, which helps me stay calm and focused. I also spend time with friends and take breaks from work, because it’s really important to have an equilibrium in life.

MDPI is pleased to announce our participation in the 39th Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition, which will be held from 21 to 24 June 2026, in Long Beach, California, USA.

Organized and hosted by the Electric Drive Transportation Association, the 39th Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS39) is the premier showcase for industry innovation and is the longest-running international conference devoted to electric transportation and technologies.

The EVS series began in 1969 as an academic forum for global networking and the exchange of technical information. As electric drive technologies progressed from classrooms and laboratories to the marketplace, the EVS expanded into both an academic and business-oriented event.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the event:

• Applied Sciences;
• Vehicles;
• Future Transportation;
• Batteries;
• Electricity;
• Electronics;
• Eng;
• Inventions;
• Logistics;
• Automation.

If you are attending the 39th Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition, we warmly invite you to visit our booth #625. Our representatives will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, open access benefits, and our commitment to advancing materials research.