Announcements
25 November 2025
Meet Us Virtually at the 1st International Online Conference on Behavioral Sciences (IOCBS2026), 1–3 April 2026
6 November 2025
MDPI Launches the Michele Parrinello Award for Pioneering Contributions in Computational Physical Science
MDPI is delighted to announce the establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award. Named in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, the award celebrates his exceptional contributions and his profound impact on the field of computational physical science research.
The award will be presented biennially to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of computational physical science—spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.
About Professor Michele Parrinello
"Do not be afraid of new things. I see it many times when we discuss a new thing that young people are scared to go against the mainstream a little bit, thinking what is going to happen to me and so on. Be confident that what you do is meaningful, and do not be afraid, do not listen too much to what other people have to say.”
——Professor Michele Parrinello
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Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies. |
For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.
Award Committee
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The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award. |
"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."
——Professor Xin-Gao Gong
The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.
About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards 
The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields.
In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.
Find more information on awards here.
1 October 2025
2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers
11 December 2025
Article Layout and Template Revised for Future Volumes
10 December 2025
Human Rights Day—“Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”, 10 December 2025
Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on 10 December. It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
In this period of turbulence and unpredictability, where many feel a growing sense of insecurity, disaffection, and alienation, the theme of Human Rights Day is to reaffirm the values of human rights and show that they remain a winning proposition for humanity. Through this campaign, we aim to re-engage people with human rights by showing how they shape our daily lives, often in ways we may not always notice. Too often taken for granted or seen as abstract ideas, human rights are the essentials that we rely on every day.
To commemorate this day, we invite you to engage with a collection of thought-provoking journals, articles, and Special Issues spanning diverse fields such as human rights law, social justice, gender equality, refugee and migrant rights, and civil liberties. By sharing these insights, we aim to honor, advance, and celebrate the universal principles of human rights, and transform this knowledge into meaningful dialogues and actions that will foster a more just, equitable, and compassionate world for all.
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“The Role of Assessment in Improving Education and Promoting Educational Equity”
by Irit Levy-Feldman
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020224
“Social Work and Human Rights: Uncrossed Paths Between Exposure, Engagement, Lens, and Methods in Professional Practice”
by Maria Irene Carvalho, Cristina Albuquerque and Pedro Borrego
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14010014
“Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Services for Young Women with and Without Disabilities During a Pandemic”
by Jill Hanass-Hancock, Ayanda Nzuza, Thesandree Padayachee, Kristin Dunkle, Samantha Willan, Mercilene Tanyaradzwa Machisa and Bradley Carpenter
Disabilities 2024, 4(4), 972-995; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4040060
“On the Human in Human Dignity”
by Isaac E. Catt
Philosophies 2024, 9(5), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies9050157
“Human Rights and Territories: Academic Perceptions of the 2030 Agenda”
by Jesús Delgado-Baena, Juan de Dios García-Serrano, Laura Serrano and José Tomás Diestre Mejías
Societies 2024, 14(6), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14060083
“An International Data-Based Systems Agency IDA: Striving for a Peaceful, Sustainable, and Human Rights-Based Future”
by Peter G. Kirchschlaeger
Philosophies 2024, 9(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies9030073
“A Pioneer Tool to Reduce Restrictive Practices toward People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”
by Victoria Sánchez-Gómez, Miguel Ángel Verdugo, Manuela Crespo and Amalia San Román
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040344
“Taking Back Control: Human Rights and Human Trafficking in the United Kingdom”
by Todd Landman, Ben Brewster and Sara Thornton
Societies 2024, 14(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14040047
“Rethinking Dignity and Exploitation in Human Trafficking and Sex Workers’ Rights Cases”
by William Paul Simmons
Societies 2024, 14(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14020016
“Human Rights-Based Intersex Healthcare: Using Hospital Data to Quantify Genital and Reproductive Surgery on Children in Aotearoa New Zealand”
by Katrina Roen, Claire Breen and Ashe Yee
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(12), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12120660
“A Post-Secular Approach to Managing Diversity in Liberal Democracies: Exploring the Interplay of Human Rights, Religious Identity, and Inclusive Governance in Western Societies”
by Zakaria Sajir
Religions 2023, 14(10), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101325
“Women’s Rights in Nigeria’s Indigenous Systems: An Analysis of Non-Discrimination and Equality under International Human Rights Law”
by Foluke Oluyemisi Abimbola, Stanley Osezua Ehiane and Roman Tandlich
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(7), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12070405
“Personal Factors, Living Environments, and Specialized Supports: Their Role in the Self-Determination of People with Intellectual Disability”
by Eva Vicente, Patricia Pérez-Curiel, Cristina Mumbardó-Adam, Verónica M. Guillén and María-Ángeles Bravo-Álvarez
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070530
“Participation, Legal Capacity, and Gender: Reflections from the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project in Serbia”
by Holly Wescott, Delia Ferri and Malcolm MacLachlan
Disabilities 2023, 3(1), 129-146; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3010010
| “Child and Family Welfare Regimes and Policies in the Context of Migration, Multiculturalism, and Cultural Diversity” Guest Editor: Dr. Elitsa Dimitrova Submission deadline: 28 February 2026 |
“School Well-Being in the Digital Era” Guest Editors: Dr. Kwok Kuen Tsang and Dr. Ying Zhang Submission deadline: 31 March 2026 |
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| “Barriers to Learning and Participation in Educational Settings: Lights and Shadows Towards Inclusive Education” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Antonio-Manuel Rodríguez-García and Dr. Juan Carlos de la Cruz-Campos Submission deadline: 15 June 2026 |
“Intersections of Religion and Law: Freedom, Social Change, and Human Rights” Guest Editor: Dr. Nadirsyah Hosen Submission deadline: 1 August 2026 |
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1 December 2025
MDPI Open Science Insights: Academic Publishing Workshop at the Medical College of Wisconsin, 3 December 2025
The Medical College of Wisconsin and the Center for Advancing Population Science (CAPS), in collaboration with MDPI and the Behavioral Sciences journal, will host an Academic Publishing Workshop on the fundamentals of academic publishing, with a focus on practical skills and emerging trends. In addition to guidance on structuring and writing journal articles, the session will introduce participants to the role of artificial intelligence in publishing—from foundational concepts in generative AI to its broad applications in research workflows and its integration within MDPI’s operations. Attendees will also explore best practices in peer review, including how the process works, what constitutes a strong review report, and how to deliver high-quality feedback as both authors and reviewers. Finally, the session will cover essential aspects of publication ethics, outlining common ethical challenges, how journals address them, and real case studies to help participants navigate responsible research and publishing. All students and early-career researchers interested in strengthening their publishing skills are warmly encouraged to attend.
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Project Name |
Online Behavioral Sciences APW at the Medical College of Wisconsin |
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Date and Time (local Time) |
13:00–15:00 CST, 3 December 2025 |
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Online /Offline |
Online |
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Venue |
Online (Zoom) |
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Registration |
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8117637587953/WN_92QH3XSmTXKRdgxXq_D9Rg |
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Institution |
Medical College of Wisconsin's Center for Advancing Population Science (CAPS) |
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Institution Banner |
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Leading journal |
Behavioral Sciences (ISSN: 2076-328X) |
Schedule:
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Speakers |
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Crina Marină |
Opening Speech |
13:00-13:05 |
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Barnaby Crook |
Peer Review Guidelines: Best Practices for Authors and Reviewers |
13:05-13:25 |
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Crina Marină |
Publication Ethics for Authors |
13:25-14:15 |
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Barnaby Crook |
Artificial Intelligence in Publishing: From Pencils to Neural Networks |
14:15-14:55 |
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Closing of the Event |
14:55-15:00 |
MDPI Speakers:
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Mrs. Crina Marină holds a degree in forensic psychology and previously served as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. In 2021, she joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor, and since 2023, she has been working as a Journal Relations Specialist. In this role, she supports several journals within the social sciences, as well as titles in the humanities and life sciences. Her work focuses on building and maintaining relationships with scholars, and she actively contributes to author trainings, conference promotion, and the organization of webinars that connect and inspire the academic community. |
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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 Journal Relations Specialist 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. |
21 November 2025
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25 November 2025
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on 25 November, raises global awareness of violence against women and girls and promotes efforts to end it. Violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations, with nearly one in three women worldwide experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
To contribute to awareness, research, and collaboration on this urgent issue, MDPI journals across Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences and Psychology provide platforms for sharing research and fostering scientific dialogue. Through these collective efforts, MDPI supports the pursuit of practical solutions and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women and girls worldwide.
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Medicine and Pharmacology |
Social Science, Art and Humanities |
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“Causal Factors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Perspectives from the Brazilian Higher Education Students”
by Muhammad Qasim Rana, Angela Lee, José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra, Lekan Damilola Ojo and Guilherme Hissa Villas Boas
Societies 2025, 15(9), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15090261
“Cumulative Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress: An Integrative Model of Coping and Resilience Among Women Exposed to Sexual and Conflict-Related Violence”
by Naama Bar, Stav Shapira and Orna Braun-Lewensohn
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(6), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15060110
“From Policy Reform to Public Reckoning: Exploring Shifts in the Reporting of Sexual-Violence-Against-Women Victimizations in the United States Between 1992 and 2021”
by Jessica C. Fleming, Ashley K. Fansher and Ryan Randa
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050701
““If You Are Raped, You Are Like Secondhand”: Systemic Barriers to Reporting Sexual Violence Against School-Aged Girls in a Rural Community in Kenya”
by Leso Munala, Hannah Resendiz Olson and Courtney Johnson
Sexes 2025, 6(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6010012
“The Role of Formal Schooling, Literacy, and Health Knowledge in Addressing Domestic Violence Against Women in West Africa”
by Amelia Van Komen and Hayley Pierce
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1492; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111492
“Back to Industry—Evaluating Women’s Return to Chartered Accreditation Post-Maternity in the Built Environment Sector Professions”
by Sinead Clarkson and Lucy Hind
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090204
“Metaphors Describing the Gendered Organization in the Career Advancement of Women: An Integrative Review”
by Sara Rocio Huaman-Morillo, Kara Lynette Vander Linden and Patrick Albert Palmieri
Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090196
“The Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Vulnerance in Pastoral Care”
by Ute Leimgruber
Religions 2024, 15(7), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15070776
“Institutional Solidarity in The Netherlands: Examining the Role of Dutch Policies in Women with Migration Backgrounds’ Decisions to Leave a Violent Relationship”
by Chloé Roegiers (Mayeux), Sawitri Saharso, Evelien Tonkens and Jonathan Darling
Societies 2023, 13(11), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110243
“Choice of Non-Disclosure as Agency: A Systematic Review of Non-Disclosure of Sexual Violence in Girlhood in Africa”
by Doris Kakuru
Women 2023, 3(2), 322-334; https://doi.org/10.3390/women3020024
“Violence against Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: From Children to the Elderly”
by Cristina Soeiro, Rita Ribeiro, Iris Almeida, Rosa Saavedra, Sónia Caridade, Ana Oliveira and Manuela Santos
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(2), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12020091
“Violence against Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico”
by Leonor Rivera Rivera, Marina Séris Martínez, Luz Myriam Reynales Shigematsu, José Alberto Gómez García, Fernando Austria Corrales, Filiberto Toledano-Toledano, Alberto Jiménez Tapia, Diana Iris Tejadilla Orozco and Claudia I. Astudillo García
Healthcare 2023, 11(3), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030419
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“Factors Associated with Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimisation” |
“Impact of Rape and Sexual Violence on the Relationships of Survivors” |
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“Sexual Violence Against Women Across Contexts: Prevention, Education, and Intervention” |
“School Violence: A Study of Behavioral and Mental Health Risks Among Young People” |
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19 November 2025
World Children’s Day, 20 November 2025
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide and improve children’s welfare. 20 November 1959 is an important date as it is when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Additionally, on the same date in 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
From the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they did not make. However, every child, everywhere, also wakes up with rights, including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard. It is time to listen to children to understand what their lives are like and how their rights are present, missing, or pursued every day.
To commemorate this day, we invite you to explore a curation of insightful articles, journals, and Special Issues across various fields, including pediatric public health, childhood education, child psychology, and child development. By sharing these findings, we hope to advocate, promote, and celebrate children’s rights, and translate these findings into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.
| Public Health & Healthcare | Social Science, Art and Humanities |
| ● Adolescents; | ● Behavioral Sciences; |
| ● Children; | ● Challenges; |
| ● Healthcare; | ● Education Sciences; |
| ● International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; | ● European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education; |
| ● Journal of Clinical Medicine; | ● Genealogy; |
| ● Nutrients; | ● Humanities; |
| ● Thalassemia Reports. | ● Religions; |
| ● Social Sciences; | |
| ● Societies; | |
| ● Youth. |
Keynote speakers:
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| Dr. Amy Pan, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA |
Prof. David Tzuriel Emeritus, Bar-Ilan University, Israel |
Feel free to register for this webinar here!
We are honored to feature a series of insightful interviews with distinguished scholars dedicated to child-centered research, as they share their inspiring journeys and valuable perspectives on advancing children’s well-being, rights, and development in diverse global contexts.
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Name: Dr. Anna Di Sessa Affiliation: University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Italy “World Children’s Day serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard and prioritize the health, rights, and well-being of children. As a researcher, it underscores the need to address the unique health challenges children face through evidence-based research. On a broader scale, it emphasizes the importance of creating a world where all children can thrive, free from poverty, violence, and neglect”. Please read the full interview here. |
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Name: Dr. Diego Gomez-Baya Affiliation: University of Huelva, Spain “Programs to foster positive youth development should be active and participatory, allowing adolescents to take ownership of their own development. Likewise, measures that encourage greater civic and environmental engagement are equally necessary, hand in hand with the promotion of personal character strengths”. Please read the full interview here. |
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Name: Dr. Graham Connelly Affiliation: University of Strathclyde, UK “We need to protect children from being harmed by conflict and provide the best care for children affected by strife, dislocation, famine and poverty. We need to fund international children’s agencies better, and yes, of course hold them to account for the funds they receive. There are very good examples, worldwide, of ways of consulting with children that are not tokenistic. I’d like to see these being expanded”. Please read the full interview here. |
“Mucous Fistula Refeeding in Newborns: Why, When, How, and Where? Insights from a Systematic Review”
by Layla Musleh, Ilaria Cozzi, Anteo Di Napoli and Fabio Fusaro
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152490
“Our Children/Our Future: Examining How Indigenous Peoples in the US Assert Self-Determination and Prioritize Child Wellbeing”
by Meschelle Linjean and Hilary N. Weaver
Genealogy 2025, 9(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy9010026
“Machine Learning in Pediatric Healthcare: Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions”
by Hammad A. Ganatra
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030807
“Developmental Patterns in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Preschool Children”
by Maria Eugenia Martelli, Federica Gigliotti, Federica Giovannone, Giuliana Lentini, Filippo Manti and Carla Sogos
Children 2025, 12(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020125
“Climate Action and the UNCRC: A ‘Postpaternalist’ World Where Children Claim Their Own Rights”
by Aoife Daly, Nabin Maharjan, Esther Montesinos Calvo-Fernández, Liesl Heila Muller, Emily Margaret Murray, Alicia O’Sullivan, Florencia Paz Landeira and Katie Reid
Youth 2024, 4(4), 1387-1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4040088
“Understanding the Wellbeing Needs of First Nations Children in Out-of-Home Care in Australia: A Comprehensive Literature Review”
by Darren Garvey, Ken Carter, Kate Anderson, Alana Gall, Kirsten Howard, Jemma Venables, Karen Healy, Lea Bill, Angeline Letendre, Michelle Dickson and Gail Garvey
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091208
“A Systematic Review of Economic and Concrete Support to Prevent Child Maltreatment”
by Gretchen Cusick, Jennifer Gaul-Stout, Reiko Kakuyama-Villaber, Olivia Wilks, Yasmin Grewal-Kök
and Clare Anderson
Societies 2024, 14(9), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14090173
“Family Functioning and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Gifted Children”
by Maria Assunta Zanetti, Tommaso Trombetta, Luca Rollè and Carlo Marinoni
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(5), 1171-1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14050077
“Impact of Sexual Abuse on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review”
by Ana Carolina Alves, Maria Leitão, Ana Isabel Sani and Diana Moreira
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(4), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13040189
“Challenges of Iron Chelation in Thalassemic Children”
by Alkistis Adramerina and Marina Economou
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(1), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14010001
“MIH and Dental Caries in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
by Marta Mazur, Denise Corridore, Artnora Ndokaj, Roman Ardan, Iole Vozza, Sylvie Babajko and Katia Jedeon
Healthcare 2023, 11(12), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121795
“Picture Books, Imagination and Play: Pathways to Positive Reading Identities for Young Children”
by Amanda Niland
Educ. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13050511
“Paying Attention to the Spiritual Flourishing of Young Children in Church Toddler Groups: A Scoping Study Evaluating the Feasibility of a Research Study in This Context”
by Ann Casson, Mary Woolley, Ann Pittaway, Tansy Watts, Nicola Kemp, Robert A. Bowie, Katie Clemmey
and Rosanne Aantjes
Religions 2023, 14(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14020236
| “Mitigating the Impact of Maternal Mental Health Challenges on Children’s Development” Guest Editors: Dr. Nanmathi Manian and Prof. Dr. Pamela J. Surkan Submission deadline: 1 January 2026 |
“Early Childhood Education Policy: Impact on Children’s Well-Being and Development” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Nadia Siddiqui and Dr. Johny Daniel Submission deadline: 17 January 2026 |
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| “Substance Use and Child Welfare: Intersecting Crises” Guest Editors: Dr. Rebecca Gomez and Dr. Kasey Claborn Submission deadline: 31 January 2026 |
“Healthy Child, Healthy Adult—Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity as a Public Health Concern” Guest Editors: Dr. Lindsy Kass and Dr. Gillian McLellan Submission deadline: 28 February 2026 |
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| “Shaping Futures: Health Policy Innovations for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children” Guest Editor: Dr. Ucheoma Nwaozuru Submission deadline: 15 June 2026 |
“Parenting in Context: Family Engagement in Promoting Child Development” Guest Editors: Dr. Joo Young Hong and Dr. Shinwoo Choi Submission deadline: 15 September 2026 |
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7 November 2025
World Children’s Day | Interview with Prof. Dr. Stacey Neuharth-Pritchett—Section Editor-in-Chief of the “Educational Psychology” Section in Behavioral Sciences
4 November 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #28 - WSF11, Nobel Laureates, Proofig AI, Romania Summit, STM and FBF
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
Highlights from the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona
I’m pleased to share some highlights from the 11th World Sustainability Forum (WSF 11), held in Barcelona on 2–3 October 2025 under the theme Sustainable and Resilient Cities.
Why WSF matters
The WSF series is a flagship initiative for MDPI and is supported by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation. It serves as a transdisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage on sustainability challenges. WSF is now held annually as part of our commitment to maintain momentum in the sustainability discourse.
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This year’s Barcelona edition focused on urban resilience, landscape design, and social community impact in the sustainability space. Over 48 hours of sessions, we brought together leading minds across disciplines to translate vision into practice. With participants from 53 countries across all continents, WSF 11 was truly global in scope.
“WSF is now held annually as part of our commitment to maintain momentum in the sustainability discourse”
What made WSF 11 especially successful (from my vantage point) was the level of positive engagement with our participants. Chief editors, researchers, and attendees repeatedly told me how professionally executed the event was, highlighting the high energy, logistical smoothness and quality of MDPI’s event management. That kind of recognition from peers really builds our reputation as more than just a publisher, but as a convener of meaningful scientific dialogue.
Our conferences are a form of experiential marketing as they create memorable and immersive connections between a brand and attendees. These positive associations build promotion and brand loyalty, ultimately impacting the MDPI’s trust and reputation for the better.
WSF 11: By the numbers
Here’s a quick snapshot of WSF 11’s scale and reach:
- 181 registrations across global participants.
- 8 keynote speakers and 5 invited speakers.
- 144 abstracts accepted (over 355 submitted), resulting in 75 short talks and 69 posters.
- 53 countries were represented across all continents, making it a truly international event.
- First time that we ran parallel sessions for WSF (an ambitious program).
- A dedicated awards ceremony to honour outstanding sustainability research: World Sustainability Award (WSA) x 2 winners, and Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) x 3 winners.
Interviews with our World Sustainability Award Winners
One of the most rewarding parts of WSF is recognizing researchers whose work advances sustainability in powerful ways. In our Blog series, Daniella Maritan-Thomson (Content Specialist, MDPI) interviewed the two winners of the World Sustainability Award, Professor Dr. Stuart Pimm and Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, who offered insights to the human side of sustainability research, the people behind the data, and the stories behind the science.
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Prof. Stuart Pimm, whose decades of conservation work make him a leader in biodiversity preservation, reflected on his WSF Award experience and research in this interview: [Interview: Prof Stuart Pimm] |
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Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, an expert in crop improvement and winner of the WSF Award, shares his journey and perspectives here: [Interview: Dr Abdelbagi M. Ismail] |
“Our conferences create memorable and immersive connections”
Emerging Sustainability Leader Award winners
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi, Dr. Katya Rhodes, and Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz (left to right).
We also recognized three recipients of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award: Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi, Dr. Katya Rhodes, and Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz, for their contributions as early-career researchers advancing sustainability through innovation, impact, and academic excellence across the field.
What this means for MDPI
- Building our global identity in events
WSF is a marquee MDPI event, not just a gathering, but a statement of how we wish to position ourselves in the global sustainability ecosystem. The positive feedback helps us build on our approach for future editions, so that we remain a reference point for quality, relevance, and engagement. - Expanding capacity across offices
The success of WSF 11 in Barcelona’s would not have happened without great teamwork from Basel, Barcelona, Romania, the UK, and the APAC Conference team. Thanks to everyone for their work to bring this ambitious event to life. - Supporting MDPI’s mission
At this event, I had the opportunity to present on MDPI's role in Open Access, sustainability publishing, and the intersection of science and policy. WSF is not only about the science; it’s also a platform for us to position MDPI as a thought leader and a collaborator in shaping the future of sustainable research.
I look forward to the WSF momentum as we work towards WSF 12 in Hong Kong, which is scheduled for August 2026.
MDPI Colleagues at the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona, Spain, 2–3 October 2025.
Impactful Research
Celebrating 2025 Nobel Laureates who have published with MDPI
October is always an inspiring month in science. It’s when the world turns its attention to the Nobel Prize announcements, recognizing discoveries that have changed how we understand the world.
Over the years, many distinguished researchers who have received the Nobel Prize have chosen to publish their work with MDPI. These are scientists whose breakthroughs have shaped entire fields of research, and who have entrusted our Open Access journals to share their findings with the world.
“The work we support can be world-class and world-changing”
Congratulations to the 2025 Laureates
Dozens of Nobel Laureates have published in our journals: as at 2024, more than 40 laureates had contributed over 115 articles across more than 35 MDPI journals. Congratulations to the three 2025 Nobel prize-winners who have published with MDPI during their careers. Below are links to their MDPI publications and announcements for further reading:
- Omar M. Yaghi (Chemistry)
- Awarded for his pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MDPI published his article “Covalent Organic Frameworks: Organic Chemistry Beyond the Molecule” in Molecules (2017).
- MDPI Announcement: https://www.mdpi.com/news/13455
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry – The Science Behind the Prize
- Shimon Sakaguchi (Medicine)
- Recognized for discoveries in immune-system self-tolerance and regulatory T-cells. Published in Cancers (2021).
- MDPI Announcement: https://www.mdpi.com/news/13443
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine – The Science Behind the Prize
- John M. Martinis (Physics)
- Recognized for quantum tunnelling in electrical circuits. MDPI’s Journal of Nuclear Engineering (2025) includes his co-authored work.
- MDPI Announcement: https://www.mdpi.com/news/13450
- Nobel Prize in Physics – The Science Behind the Prize
These connections strengthen our mission to make research freely available and ensure that transformative ideas reach the widest possible audience.
Publishing at the leading edge of knowledge
The privilege of hosting such contributors resonates deeply with our editorial teams. It shows that top-tier scientific work has a home at MDPI, which builds our visibility in the research community. It signals that our publishing model, our editorial workflows, and our commitment to Open Access are respected at the very highest levels of science. It also gives our authors, reviewers, editors and staff the message that the work we support can be world-class and world-changing.
Publishing at the leading edge of knowledge isn’t just about individual papers – it’s about the ecosystem of support, transparency, and accessibility that makes discovery possible. Let’s continue to build a publishing platform and provide a service that attracts and enables both everyday research and the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Inside MDPI
Strengthening Research Integrity: MDPI partners with Proofig AI
I’m pleased to share that MDPI has entered a multi-year partnership with Proofig AI, a leader in AI-driven proofing and integrity software for scientific publishing. This follows the success of our pilot program, in which Proofig AI proved highly effective in detecting duplicated, altered, and manipulated images across biomedical submissions.
Safeguarding the credibility of the research we publish
Research integrity is at the core of MDPI’s mission. The life sciences, in particular, face increasing risks of image-related issues due to advanced editing tools and generative AI. By integrating Proofig AI into our workflows, we improve our ability to detect issues early, reduce post-publication corrections, and safeguard the credibility of the research we publish.
Pilot outcomes
- Successful detection of duplicated confocal and histology images, even when altered to disguise similarities.
- Early results showed a significant drop in post-publication image manipulation flags year-on-year.
- Positive feedback from editors and staff highlighted the tool’s ease of use and reliability.
Dr. Dror Kolodkin-Gal (co-founder and CEO of Proofig AI) said:
“The MDPI team conducted a highly professional and carefully monitored pilot, achieving excellent results in detecting problematic images.
Their fast and effective integration process was impressive, and we are excited to contribute to this important collaboration.”
Sanita Meijere (IT Product and Project Manager, MDPI), shared:
“For more than a year, we’ve tested all the available image manipulation detection tools. Proofig AI’s quality and ease of use, alongside positive feedback from our internal users, made their software a clear stand-out.
We’re thrilled to be moving forward with this partnership, ensuring we do our utmost to protect MDPI’s biomedical journals. Using this advanced image proofing software reaffirms MDPI’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in research integrity.”
Raising the bar for integrity
This partnership sets a new benchmark for quality control in biomedical publishing.
As Tim Tait-Jamieson (Head of Publication Ethics, MDPI), explains:
“The life sciences are disproportionately affected by research integrity issues, making vigilance in this field especially critical. This is driven, in part, by the increasing sophistication of image editing software and generative AI.
Whether accidental or deliberate, image manipulation can have a lasting impact on credibility. By integrating Proofig AI into our editorial workflows, we strengthen our ability to detect scientific misconduct early and reduce post-publication amendments.”
Faster and more accurate quality control
Proofig will automatically flag potentially problematic images during submission checks, giving our editors more confidence in the integrity of manuscripts and freeing up time to focus on editorial decisions. The tool will also reduce the burden of manual checks, while supporting faster and more accurate quality control. This partnership reinforces MDPI's reputation as a publisher that takes integrity seriously and continues to invest in tools to support authors, editors, and reviewers alike.
A big thank-you to all colleagues who supported the pilot and rollout. You can read more in our MDPI Blog post.
Coming Together for Science
The MDPI Romania Summit 2025
On 21–22 October, I had the pleasure of joining our colleagues in Bucharest for the MDPI Romania Summit 2025. The event was organized by our Romania Marketing team, with support from colleagues across our Romanian offices. It brought together academics, policymakers, and collaborators to discuss the country’s evolving research landscape.
Over two days, we welcomed more than 30 participants, including Editorial Board Members, Guest Editors, and policy-makers from the Romanian research and education sectors, including representatives from the Romanian Academy and the National Commission for the Accreditation of Academic Titles (CNATDCU).
The discussions and presentations reflected the strength and growth of Romania’s research community and its active engagement in Open Access publishing.
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“The discussions and presentations reflected the strength and growth of Romania’s research community”
Romania’s role in Open Access
Romania loves Open Access and has emerged as one of MDPI’s most engaged national research communities. The numbers speak for themselves:
- 67% of all publications in Romania were Open Access in 2024.
- MDPI accounts for 39% of the country’s total OA publications (14,779 in 2024).
- Over the last five years (2020–2024), Romanian institutions published over 33,000 papers with MDPI.
- There are 460 active Editorial Board Members from Romania, including 8 Chief Editors.
- 29 institutions are part of our Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), with 8 new members joining in 2025.
These numbers reflect the trust and reliable partnership we have built with the Romanian academic community.
Highlights from the Summit
The program covered a wide range of topics from MDPI’s achievements and updates to our editorial processes, peer-review quality, AI in publishing, IOAP and Open Access funding models, and publication ethics.
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Agenda Highlights:
- MDPI Introduction, Performance & Achievements, and Collaboration with Romania – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI).
- Trust the Process: Editorial Workflow and Quality in Publishing – Dr. Liliane Auwerter (Scientific Review Group).
- Publication Ethics at MDPI: Safeguarding the Integrity of the Published Scholarly Record – Diana Cristina Apodaritei (Research Integrity Specialist).
- Institutional Partnerships – Becky Castellon (Institutional Partnerships Manager, MDPI).
- AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Sanita Meijere (AI Product Manager).
- Closing Remarks – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI).
Participants shared feedback and ideas for future collaborations, including organizing author workshops, possible conference collaborations, and strengthening our engagement with national institutions such as the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Council of Romanian Rectors.
As Acad. Dr. Nicolae-Victor Zamfir, Vice President of the Romanian Academy, noted during the discussions:
“The organization of the event is very timely, because MDPI is a publishing house in full development and expansion. The opinion of researchers is important for increasing the quality of published works.”
A collaborative future
Events like this remind us how essential it is to engage locally and listen directly to the voices of our editors, authors, and institutional partners. They help us build relationships, improve our understanding of the local market, and align our shared goals in advancing Open Access and research quality.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially our Romania Marketing team, who organized the event, and to all colleagues who continue to build relationships with our academic communities around the world.
Thank you!
A special thank-you to the Romanian Marketing team and all colleagues behind the scenes who made this Summit such a success. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. We look forward to building on this momentum with future Summits in Europe and beyond.
Closing Thoughts
STM and FBF 2025: Connecting Through Science and Publishing
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Constanze Schelhorn (Head of Indexing, MDPI) at STM Conference, Frankfurt, 14 October 2025.
On 13–14 October, I attended the STM Frankfurt Conference 2025, my fourth visit to the Frankfurt event, and it continues to be one of the most valuable gatherings in our industry.
The STM meeting brings together the publishing community and key opinion leaders to speak on current trends and challenges shaping our industry.
This year’s theme – “Science Diplomacy: What is it and How Does it Work?” – unpacked the growing intersection of science, policy, and publishing.
Discussion topics ranged from what is science diplomacy and how publishers can contribute to global collaboration to how science communication can help maintain trust during an era of disruption.
I was joined by Dr. Constanze Schelhorn, our Head of Indexing, who met with representatives from Scopus, Web of Science, Digital Science, ProQuest, and other partners. These meetings give us a chance to share feedback on our collaborations, learn about new updates being developed, and build our relationships with indexing bodies.
“The STM meeting brings together the publishing community and key opinion leaders”
STM also provides a space to connect with industry peers, as I did with colleagues from Elsevier, Frontiers, Clarivate, Sage, and STM itself, reinforcing MDPI’s engagement within the broader publishing community. It was also nice to bump into some former colleagues and see them continuing to grow in their publishing careers.
At the Frankfurt Book Fair
The MDPI booth at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.
Following STM, I spent the next day at the Frankfurt Book Fair (15–19 October) – one of the largest and most influential events in the publishing world.
It’s always inspiring to see the scale and energy of this global gathering, which spans everything from books and education to digital innovation and academic publishing.
We set up an MDPI booth to host discussions with partners, vendors, and researchers.
The Fair ran into the weekend, with colleagues from several MDPI departments attending to represent the company and connect with the scholarly community.
Events like STM and FBF are a nice reminder of how dynamic and interconnected our industry is, and how important it is for MDPI to continue taking part in global conversations about science, communication, and the future of publishing.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
