Announcements

MDPI is pleased to announce the inclusion of 237 journals in the 2024 release of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and share the key results (see above).

This year, journals covered in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) received category ranks together with journals in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Overall, 139 MDPI journals indexed in ESCI are included in the new unified rankings for the first time.

Enhanced Comparability of Data

According to Clarivate, "the creation of unified category rankings [provides] a simpler and more complete category view for the evaluation of journal performance. [...] The category-first approach simplifies journal performance assessment with a holistic view of all journals in each subject category."

We are thrilled to announce that 72% of our ranked MDPI journals (171 of 237) are above average, in Q1 or Q2. Twenty-nine of our journals received their first Impact Factor this year, accounting for more than 5% of the journals accepted into the Web of Science last year.

MDPI Journals Ranked in JCR

The following data includes all MDPI journals indexed in SCIE, SSCI, ESCI and AHCI.

Source: 2023 Journal Impact Factors, Journal Citation Reports ^TM (Clarivate, 2024)

About MDPI

A pioneer in scholarly, open access publishing, MDPI has supported academic communities since 1996. MDPI is leading the transition to open science by making more research free and accessible to everyone. Over 3.5 million researchers have entrusted MDPI with publishing their scientific discoveries. MDPI’s editorial process is bolstered by a network of dedicated reviewers, a team of 6000 professional, well-trained staff members, and an in-house article submission platform that was designed to ensure efficient processes within its 440 fully open access titles.

Conference: ACS Fall 2024
Organization: American Chemical Society
Date: 18–22 August 2024
Place: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Booth ID: 1420

A variety of MDPI journals will be attending ACS Fall 2024 as exhibitors, an exciting event being held in Denver, USA, from 18 to 22 August 2024.

ACS Meetings & Expositions are where chemistry professionals meet to exchange ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. By attracting thousands of chemical professionals, the meetings provide excellent opportunities for peers to engage with each other and share their passion for chemistry, connecting with one of the world's largest scientific societies and helping to advance careers in this ever-changing global economy.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Molecules;
• Nanomaterials;
• Separations;
• Organics;
• Molbank;
• AppliedChem;
• Chemistry;
• Batteries;
• Fibers;
• Crystals;
• Polymers;
• Colorants;
• Analytica;
• Coatings;
• Symmetry;
• Liquids;
• Reactions.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth #1420. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

MDPI will be attending the 22nd International Meeting on Lithium Batteries (IMLB) 2024 in Hong Kong, China, which will take place from 16 to 21 June 2024. IMLB 2024 is a premier international conference on lithium battery science and technology, as well as current and future applications in transportation, commercial, aerospace, biomedical, and other promising sectors. Convening in Hong Kong, the conference is expected to draw 2,000 experts, researchers, and company representatives involved in the lithium battery field. This international meeting will discuss recent progress in advanced lithium batteries for energy storage and conversion. The meeting will focus on both basic and applied research findings that have led to improved Li battery materials, and to the understanding of the fundamental processes that determine and control electrochemical performance.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Batteries (leading);
• Energies;
• Vehicles;
• Technologies;
• WEVJ;
• Fire;
• ASI;
• Electrochem;
• Chemengineering;
• Applied Sciences.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth #D06. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

On UNESCO’s 2024 Oceans Day, MDPI encourages the scientific community to increase the accessibility of ocean research to accelerate ocean conservation.

Basel, Switzerland, June 7, 2024: MDPI, a leading open access (OA) publisher, is proud to announce its active support for World Oceans Day 2024, celebrated under UNESCO’s Ocean Decade framework. MDPI’s CEO, Stefan Tochev hopes that “the latest ocean research can be made freely accessible to help empower scientists and communities at large to save our oceans,” under UNESCO’s Ocean Decade until 2030.

Open Access: A Catalyst for Ocean Action

MDPI’s presence at the UNESCO Ocean Decade Conference 2024 highlights our unwavering commitment to using OA to advance ocean science, support research communities, and promote sustainable ocean management.

"Our involvement in the UNESCO Ocean Decade Conference underscores MDPI's commitment to the underfunded Ocean SDG. By promoting OA to scientific articles and books on SDGs, we aim to inspire critical actions," said Tochev. "Our initiatives, like the World Sustainability Award and Emerging Sustainability Award, further demonstrate our dedication to advancing sustainability.”

Showcasing MDPI’s Contributions to Ocean Research

Over the past three years, MDPI has published 30,000 papers focused on ocean research and related topics. Key MDPI journals contributing to this body of work include:

• Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (4.9k papers)
• Remote Sensing (2.6k papers)
• Sustainability (2k papers)
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) (1.7k papers)
• Marine Drugs (1.5k papers)
• Water (1.5k papers)

These publications highlight MDPI’s contributions to ocean science, reinforcing our role in the broader sustainability agenda by promoting blue innovation and economy.

Additionally, MDPI has launched Oceans, an international, peer-reviewed forum specifically aimed at publishing studies related to all branches of oceanography with an emphasis on the functioning of the ocean and the sustainable use of its resources and ecosystem services.

Affirming MDPI’s Commitment to Ocean Science

MDPI’s commitment to OA is pivotal in addressing critical global challenges, from climate change to ocean sustainability. Our efforts resonate with Outcome 4 of the UNESCO Ocean Decade action roadmap: an accessible ocean with open and equitable access to data, information, technology, and innovation. By aligning with UNESCO’s goals, MDPI continues to contribute to shaping a sustainable future for our oceans, reinforcing our position as a forward-thinking publisher dedicated to environmental stewardship and scientific excellence.

For more information, contact Rui Duarte at rui.duarte@mdpi.com or +41764313242.

About MDPI

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib as the new Editor-in-Chief of Batteries (ISSN: 2313-0105).

Name: Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib
Affiliation: Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 Boulevard de Maisonneuve, Montréal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
Interests: Li-ion batteries and beyond; solid-state batteries; energy storage; photo-batteries; electrochemical generator; smart windows and electronic materials; hydrogen storage; carbon-supported catalysts

Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib studied electrochemistry and earned his MS.c. (1987) and Ph.D. (1990) in electrochemistry at the Institute National Polytechnique de Grenoble, France. His Habilitation à diriger la recherche in physics was conferred by the Université de Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris (2002).Prof. Dr. Zaghib has played a determining role in research on lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles for over 30 years. As Director of Research at Hydro-Québec for 28 years, Prof. Dr. Zaghib oversaw its development of materials for lithium-ion batteries and led it to become the world’s first company to commercialize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes. He was also one of the pioneers of the first photo-battery with two electrodes, and of megawatt-hours (MWh) high-capacity energy storage based on LFP/graphite, and he has made enormous contributions to the electrochemistry of ionic liquids for lithium-ion batteries.

Prof. Dr. Zaghib is currently the Director of the Collaborative Centres on Energy and its Transition (C2ET) at Concordia University, Canada, which aims to become the benchmark for the design and industrialization of energy systems based on renewable energy. Its mission is to design integrated systems based on electrochemical devices, new generations of batteries, and hydrogen production, in order to bring those systems equitably and affordably to market. Prof. Dr. Zaghib is also the CEO of Concordia’s $123M CFREF program, Volt-Age, where his focus is on attaining the net-zero electrification of transport both in urban environments and, in partnership with the Indigenous Clean Energy consortium, in northern, remote, and indigenous communities across Canada.

Prof. Dr. Zaghib’s leadership in battery development and electrochromics is undisputed globally. He is a co-author of 420 scientific publications (h-index 92, >28557 citations) and co-inventor on 973 patents for over 200 inventions associated with 63 licenses. He was chair of the 15th International Meeting on Lithium Batteries, the premier international conference on lithium battery science and technology, in 2010, as well as of the first International Conference on Olivines for Rechargeable Batteries in 2014. Most recently, Prof. Dr. Zaghib was named the chair of the 23rd International Meeting on Lithium Batteries, to be held in 2026, and was the driving force behind the successful bid to host the meeting in Montreal. His field-transforming research and innovation have also earned him numerous awards and distinctions. A Fellow of the Electrochemical Society and a recipient of its Battery Technology Division Award (2013), Prof. Dr. Zaghib is also a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society of Canada, and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the only person ever to have received both the Research Award (2010) and the Technology Award (2017) of the International Battery Association. Among many other honors, he is the recipient of the Prix du Québec Lionel-Boulet (2019), the highest distinction for industrial and applied research and development awarded by the Government of Québec, and the Kalev-Pugi Award of the Society of Chemical Industry Canada (2022). Named a “Personality of the Year” by the magazine L’actualité in 2023, we are confident that his vision and leadership will steer Batteries towards new heights of success.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role of its Editor-in-Chief?
Batteries, published by MDPI, stands out due to its commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed research in the rapidly evolving field of energy storage. The journal's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation aligns perfectly with my own passion for this research area. The opportunity to lead a platform that brings together leading researchers and disseminates cutting-edge findings is incredibly appealing.

2. What is your vision for the journal?
My vision for Batteries is to establish it as a leading energy storage and battery technology publication. I aim to increase the journal's impact factor by attracting groundbreaking research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. We will prioritize high standards of scientific rigor, promote innovative methodologies, and ensure the rapid dissemination of significant findings to advance the field.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of energy storage research and energy transition is exceptionally promising. We are on the brink of significant advancements in battery technology, which will be crucial for the transition to renewable energy sources and the development of sustainable energy solutions. Innovations in materials science, electrochemistry, and engineering will drive the next generation of batteries, making them more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly. Our research community will be vital in addressing global energy challenges and enabling a greener future.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
Open access is a transformative development in academic publishing. It democratizes knowledge by making research accessible to a broader audience, including scientists, industry professionals, policymakers, and the public. This increased accessibility accelerates the dissemination of scientific discoveries and promotes greater collaboration across disciplines. I strongly support open access publishing as it aligns with the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the widespread sharing of knowledge, which are essential for the progress of science and society.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Karim Zaghib to his new role as Editor-in-Chief, and we look forward to him leading Batteries to many more milestones.

95% of authors rate MDPI’s publication process as excellent or good, setting a new benchmark in scientific publishing – reveals 2023 Annual Report. 

Basel, Switzerland, June 4, 2024: MDPI, the leading open access (OA) publisher, proudly announces the release of its 2023 Annual Report, detailing remarkable achievements and reaffirming its leadership in advancing OA publishing. In 2023, MDPI received 655,065 submissions, of which 285,244 articles were published. The company now commands a 17% market share in gold open access articles, with a median publication time of six weeks.

Stefan Tochev, MDPI's CEO, stated, "As a pioneer in open access publishing, MDPI has long been a game-changer in the scholarly community, serving millions of authors around the world to ensure the latest research is freely available. Reflecting on our incredible journey at MDPI, 2023 has been marked by growth in paper submissions, ambitious projects and initiatives aimed at improving our internal processes and delivering top-notch services to our scientists."

MDPI's 2023 Annual Report highlights several key achievements:

• 17% market share in gold open access articles across all disciplines.
• Record satisfaction rates: 95% of authors, 82% of reviewers, and 85% of guest editors.
• Enhanced editorial standards and feedback processes.
• Increased reach and impact with 54 new MDPI journal inclusions in Scopus, 29 in Web of Science, and 77 in DOAJ.

MDPI’s unwavering commitment to advancing OA has transformed the landscape of scholarly publishing, making high-quality research freely accessible to the global scientific community. The continuous improvement in our editorial standards and feedback processes underscores MDPI’s dedication to ensuring academic integrity and excellence.

Global Reach and Collaboration

MDPI’s global footprint continues to expand, with authors from diverse regions: 37% from Asia/Pacific, 36% from Europe, 15% from the Americas, and 12% from other parts of the world. The company’s fully OA platform attracted nearly 14 million monthly visitors in 2023, reflecting its widespread influence in the scientific community.

Commitment to Partnerships

With over 800 institutional partners, MDPI continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing reliable and collaborative publishing services. The introduction of a transparent flat-fee model highlights MDPI's ongoing efforts to enhance affordability and support to the academic community. For more details read our 2023 Annual Report.

For more information, contact Rui Duarte at rui.duarte@mdpi.com or +41764313242.

About MDPI

In order to improve the journal’s academic vitality and cultivate a new generation of academic leaders for Batteries (ISSN: 2313-0105), we are now recruiting Early Career Editorial Board Members. These target members should be young scholars in their early careers who have sufficient academic experience and, therefore, will be able to contribute toward the long-term development of the journal.

The primary responsibilities of an Early Career Editorial Board Member include the following:

• Publicizing and promoting the journal at academic conferences and among peers;
• Selecting high-quality articles and preparing bilingual media content for promotion;
• Reviewing at least one and no more than three manuscripts per year;
• Inviting submissions from local and international world-leading scientists in respective research fields.

Benefits of becoming an Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• A certificate of being an Early Career Editorial Board Member will be provided;
• The resume of an Early Career Editorial Board Member will be publicized on journal media platforms to improve academic visibility;
• An opportunity to be promoted to an Editorial Board Member based on contribution;
• The journal will regularly acknowledge those who participated in the peer review process on the journal website;
• Opportunities to exchange ideas with internationally influential researchers in the field;
• Opportunities to participate in or host annual meetings and online seminars organized by the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board Members.

The requirements for applying to the Early Career Editorial Board Member position include the following:

• Significant research achievements in fields of batteries or supercapacitors;
• Willingness to spend enough time to contribute to the development of the journal with passion and enthusiasm;
• Scholars who preside over national-level scientific research projects and have overseas experience will be preferred;
• Should have completed their Ph.D. in the last 10 to 15 years; however, we can relax this criterion for exceptionally qualified individuals.

Application:
If you are interested in becoming an Editorial Board Member of Batteries, please send your full academic CV and a short cover letter that shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position to the Batteries Editorial Office with the subject “Early Career Editorial Board Member Application + Name + Institute + Research Expertise”. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Selection process:

• Initial screening of applications → selection by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members → email notification → issuing a certificate of appointment.

We are pleased to announce MDPI’s Transfer Service.

This service provides a convenient method of transferring your manuscript file, along with any reviewer comments, to another journal within our publishing portfolio.

We are committed to helping authors find the right home for their research, and we will provide authors with guidance and technical support through all stages of the transfer process. Authors will be able to choose to transfer in the following two situations:

1. Select alternative journals on submission.

2. Authors are encouraged to transfer manuscripts to other MDPI journals.

More details about the Transfer Service can be found at the following link:

https://www.mdpi.com/authors/transfer-service

Name: Dr. Mewin Vincent

Affiliation: Center for Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

Research Interests: post lithium batteries; dual-ion batteries; nanomaterials; electrochemical characterizations; in situ XRD; nanomaterial synthesis and characterization

Self-introduction:
I am an experienced researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the research industry. My expertise are physics, electrochemical energy storage, batteries, nanomaterials, and multilayer electronic packaging. I am a skilled research professional with a Ph.D. in the area of Advanced Batteries from the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.

The following is an interview with Dr. Mewin Vincent:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
I'm a researcher passionate about innovation in materials research. I hold a master's degree in physics and a Ph.D. in batteries, which has equipped me with a strong foundation in both the fundamental principles and cutting-edge advancements in this critical field.
I started my career in developing novel materials for electronic packaging and later switched to the field of materials for energy storage applications.
Currently, within my research, I am particularly excited about exploring the potential of post-lithium battery technologies. This includes fascinating avenues like magnesium (Mg), magnesium hybrids, sodium (Na), and lithium–air systems. These hold immense promise for pushing the boundaries of energy density, safety, and sustainability in batteries.

2. Could you elaborate on how you initially learned about the journal Batteries? Furthermore, what inspired you to apply for the Batteries Outstanding Reviewer Award 2023?
While I was pursuing my Ph.D. at IMDEA Materials Institute in Madrid, my project manager Dr. Vinodkumar Etacheri used to serve as a Guest Editor for Batteries. This was the first time I came to know about the journal. Later, when I started getting involved with article reviewing for Batteries, this was one of the options, but with experience, I noticed professionalism and dedication to fast publication which encouraged me to continue and finally achieve this milestone.

3. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
Energy conversion and storage will continue to be a relevant topic in the coming years. Especially due to the drastic climate changes happening around the world caused by CO2 emissions. World leaders have unanimously agreed on the necessity of renewable energy resources. This transition cannot be complete without effective storage solutions.

4. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
The open access model of publishing is really important because it makes knowledge available to everyone. However, some people approach it as a mere business model with no commitment to society. So, there should be strict regulations under which the concept of the open access model can reach its full potential.

5. Which qualities do you think reviewers need? Do you have anything to say to other reviewers?
I feel reviewers should update their knowledge base constantly, which is crucial for an effective review process. They should also learn to say no in cases where they receive an invitation from an area outside of their expertise. It is also essential to provide the review report as soon as possible because the people who made the submission eagerly await the outcome of their submissions.

6. What do you think are the main criteria in the process of reviewing manuscripts?
The quality of the article, its presentation, and relevance of the topic.

7. What is the secret to a happy scientific life? Have you ever encountered any difficulties conducting research and how did you overcome them?
One’s scientific life should be the outcome of a passion for research and an interest in making a contribution to technology as well as society. If any of these are missing, life can be miserable.

8. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
To be passionate about their career, dedicated, and truthful. Do not just work for publications or patents; this should materialize as part of the research flow.

9. As the winner of this award, is there anything you would like to express or someone you would like to thank?
It’s a great opportunity. On this occasion, I would like to thank Batteries (ISSN: 2313-0105) and all its editors for choosing me as part of the review process. I am also thankful to all of my previous project managers and colleagues who developed my enthusiasm for research.