Announcements

Conference: The Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice (GSSPP) Symposium
Organization: University of Birmingham
Date: 14 May 2025
Place: Birmingham B15 2SB, United Kingdom

The GSSPP Symposium is part of the university’s 125th Anniversary events program. This exciting and interactive event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and students to explore the intersection of behavioral science with sports performance, health and professional practice. Delegates will actively participate in workshops and discussions designed to foster collaboration between academia and the sports industry.

The symposium will focus on three core themes:

• Professional Practice—insights into best practices, challenges, and innovations across diverse sports-related disciplines;
• Health and Wellbeing—discussions on rehabilitation strategies, well-being in performance environments, and health promotion for both athletes and non-athletes;
• Sports Performance and Preparation—the latest research on performance optimization, training methods, and applied sports science.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Behavioural Sciences;
• Sports.

We are pleased to announce that an MDPI Workshop will take place at 12:00 and 14:30 during the symposium. We warmly invite all attendees to join us to learn more about MDPI’s initiatives, publication opportunities, and how we support researchers in the field of sports science and beyond.

Autistic individuals contribute uniquely to society, bringing diverse perspectives, creativity, and innovation. Recognizing and valuing neurodiversity fosters more inclusive communities where individuals with autism can thrive. However, many face challenges in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social support due to systemic barriers and misconceptions. By strengthening inclusive policies, support networks, and awareness efforts, we can create environments that empower autistic individuals to reach their full potential while ensuring their rights, dignity, and well-being. 

In recognition of the International Day of Autism Awareness, observed annually on 2 April, we celebrate the contributions of autistic individuals and reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusion and acceptance. The theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, emphasizes the importance of integrating neurodiversity into global development efforts, ensuring that autistic individuals are included in the pursuit of the SDGs. We highlight a selection of relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals spanning disciplines such as psychology, education, public health, and social sciences. Through the dissemination of research, we aim to deepen understanding, promote acceptance, and encourage practical solutions that enhance the lives of autistic individuals. By fostering awareness and advocacy, we can work toward a more inclusive, supportive, and neurodiverse society.

 Invited speakers:

	Prof. Dr. Marios Adamou, University of Huddersfield, UK Presentation: “Enhancing Adult Autism Diagnostic Pathways: The Role of Clinical Triage in Efficient Service Provision”
	Dr. Andrey Vyshedskiy, Boston University, USA Presentaion: “Fostering Syntactic Language Acquisition in Children with Autism”
	Dr. Roberto Canitano, Univeristy of L’Aquila, Italy Presentation: “Experimental Treatments in ASD”

Feel free to register for this webinar here. 

“Cognitive and Emotional Resilience in Parents with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID-19: The Role of Promoting Variables”
by Aziz Sarhani-Robles, Maria Guillot-Valdes, Maria Auxiliadora Robles-Bello and David Sanchez-Teruel
J. Intell. 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13010006 

“International Perspectives on Assistive Technologies for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Findings from a Delphi Study”
by Paulina Tsvetkova, Carla Sousa, Daniel Beiderbeck, Aneta M. Kochanowciz, Branislav Gerazov, May Agius, Tomasz Przybyla, Merita Hoxha and Alan H. Tkacyz
Disabilities 2024, 4(4), 1138-1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4040071 

“Validity of the Greek Knowledge About Childhood Autism Among Health Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire”
by Vasiliki Zarokanellou, Alexandros Gyparis, Evridiki Papagiannopoulou and Vassiliki Siafaka
Psychiatry. Int. 2024, 5(4), 962-974; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040066 

“The Feasibility of Whole-Body Vibration Training as an Approach to Improve Health in Autistic Adults”
by Amy Allnutt, Sara Pappa and Michael Nordvall
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 429-443; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030027 

“The Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Precocious Puberty: Considering Effect Modification by Sex and Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities“
by Yi-Chun Liu, Yin-To Liao, Mei-Hong Wan, Vincent Chin-Huang Chen and Yi-Lung Chen
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060632 

“Epidemiological Study of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Greece for 2021: Nationwide Prevalence in 2–17-Year-Old Children and Regional Disparities”
by Raissa Kouznetsov, Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Spyridon Moulinos, Ioannis Dimakos, Philippos Gourzis and Eleni Jelastopuly
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072510

“Mental Health, Innovative Therapies and Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults and Related Contexts” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. David Sánchez-Teruel and Prof. Dr. Mª Auxiliadora Robles-Bello Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on 20 March, aiming to make people around the world realize the importance of happiness in their lives.

The General Assembly of the United Nations, in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012, proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives. It also recognized the need for a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all people.

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals to make people’s lives happier. Its main development goals are to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet. Governments and international organizations should invest in projects that support happiness by upholding human rights and incorporating well-being and environmental dimensions into policy frameworks.

In celebration of this day, we invite you to explore a curation of insightful articles, journals, and Special Issues across various fields, including social sciences, business, and economics. By sharing these findings, we hope to inspire a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to social progress that promotes the happiness and well-being of all people.

“How Self-Belief in Creativity and Well-Being Is Associated with Life Satisfaction, Meaning in Life, and Psychological Richness: The Mediating Effect of Creative Self-Efficacy”
by Dongdong Liu, Chenggang Wu, Yaxuan Meng and Jing Dang
J. Intell. 2025, 13(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13030025

“Cognitive Engagement and Subjective Well-Being in Adults: Exploring the Role of Domain-Specific Need for Cognition”
by Julia Grass and Anja Strobel
J. Intell. 2024, 12(11), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence12110110

“Long-Term Care Policies in Spain: Welfare State and Resilience in the European Context”
by Aída Díaz-Tendero and José M. Ruano
Economies 2024, 12(12), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12120347

“Validation Study of the Spanish Version of the Measure of Happiness (MH) Questionnaire”
by Matteo Rizzato, Laura Miraglia, Antonio Francisco Arnau Mollà, Francisco Javier Romero Naranjo, Cinzia Di Dio, Michele Antonelli and Davide Donelli
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(5), 1369-1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14050090

“The Impact of Resilience Interventions on University Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review”
by Ghalib G. Abulfaraj, Rebecca Upsher, Helena M. S. Zavos and Eleanor J. Dommett
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050510

“The Benefits of Workforce Well-Being on Profitability in Listed Companies: A Comparative Analysis between Europe and Mexico from an ESG Investor Perspective”
by Oscar V. De la Torre-Torres, Francisco Venegas-Martínez and José Álvarez-García
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(3), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17030118

“Critical Thinking and Student Well-Being: An Approach in University Students”
by José Carlos Vázquez-Parra, Paloma Suárez-Brito, Patricia Esther Alonso-Galicia and Arantza Echaniz-Barrondo
Societies 2023, 13(11), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110232

“Multi-Functional Ties and Well-Being in Family Networks before and after Parental Divorce”
by Vera de Bel
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(11), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12110586

“The Role of Techno-Stress and Psychological Detachment in the Relationship between Workload and Well-Being in a Sample of Italian Smart Workers: A Moderated Mediated Model”
by Marina Mondo, Jessica Pileri, Barbara Barbieri, Diego Bellini and Silvia De Simone
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12(10), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12100530

“The Nexus of Holistic Wellbeing and School Education: A Literature-Informed Theoretical Framework”
by Sultana Ali Norozi
Societies 2023, 13(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13050113

“LGBTQ+ Health & Well-Being”	“Early Childhood Education Policy: Impact on Children's Well-Being and Development”
“Relationship Guidance, Mindfulness, and Couple Well-Being”	“Subjective Well-Being in Sport Participants and Spectators”

MDPI will be attending the 2025 Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention held in Washington, D.C., from 22 to 25 of May 2025. The conference is being organized by the Association for Psychological Science, which is a scientific home to thousands of leading psychological science researchers, practitioners, teachers, and students from around the world dedicated to advancing scientific psychology across disciplinary and geographic borders.

The APS Annual Convention is an international psychological science conference which is held once a year, and the 2025 meeting will feature plenary sessions, symposia, flash talks, submitted talks, posters, educational sessions, receptions, special events, and more.

Topics:

• Biological/Neuroscience; 
• Cognitive;
• Industrial/Organizational;
• Methodology;
• Social;
• Clinical Science;
• Developmental;
• General;
• Personality/Emotion;
• Teaching.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Behavioral Sciences;
• Adolescents;
• J. Intell;
• Sexes;
• IJERPH;
• Education Sciences;
• Disabilities;
• Psychology International;
• Social Sciences;
• EJIHPE.

If you are planning to attend the conference, please visit our booth #308. 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 website: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/conventions/2025-aps-annual-convention.

MDPI is pleased to share a significant milestone in its mission to advance scholarly research and promote the dissemination of knowledge—300+ MDPI journals are now indexed in Web of Science (WoS). This milestone highlights the global recognition, interdisciplinary impact and enhanced visibility of our journals. It also reflects our adherence to rigorous editorial standards, scientific integrity, and our mission to foster open scientific exchange in all forms, across all disciplines. 

To explore the full list of our journals indexed in WoS, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals/wos. Beyond expanding the coverage of our publications in the leading academic databases, we are dedicated to ensuring that our journals are included in as many scope-specific databases as possible. This increases the visibility of our authors’ work and extends the reach of their significant data. 

This milestone would not have been possible without the efforts and expertise of our academic editors, reviewers and authors. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in creating an inclusive, accessible, and impactful publishing platform. We also extend our gratitude to the global research community for their trust as we continue to break new ground in academic publishing. This milestone is not just a celebration of MDPI’s progress but also recognition of the collective strides made by researchers worldwide. 

As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, MDPI remains steadfast in its commitment to open access publishing and ensuring that high-quality research reaches and inspires a global audience.

Conference: 120th ASA Annual Meeting (ASA 2025)
Organization: American Sociological Association
Date: 8–12 August 2025
Place: Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Swissotel Chicago, Chicago, USA
Booth ID: #541

MDPI journals will be attending ASA 2025 as exhibitors. This meeting will be held in Chicago, USA, from 8 to 12 August 2025.

The annual meeting of the American Sociological Association provides an opportunity for professionals involved in the scientific study of society to share knowledge and new directions in research and practice. Nearly 600 programmatic sessions are convened, providing a scholarly outlet for more than 3,000 research papers, over 4,500 presenters, and 5,000 attendees. Each year, the ASA’s President chooses a theme on which to focus some of the programming for the ASA Annual Meeting. President Adia M. Harvey Wingfield has chosen the theme “Reimagining the Future of Work”.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Social Sciences;
• Genealogy;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• Psychology International;
• World;
• Youth;
• Religions;
• Disabilities;
• EJIHPE;
• Merits;
• Societies.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.asanet.org/2025-annual-meeting/.

Conference: 2025 AERA Annual Meeting
Organization: American Educational Research Association
Date: 23–27 April 2025
Place: Denver, CO, USA
Booth: #332

The AERA Annual Meeting is the world's largest gathering of education researchers and an opportunity to showcase groundbreaking, innovative studies covering a wide array of elements in the field, ranging from early education through higher education, from digital learning to second language literacy. It is a venue where the ideas and data that will shape tomorrow’s education practices and policies will be encountered, allowing attendees to connect with leading thinkers from around the world.

The theme of 2025 AERA Annual Meeting is “Research, Remedy, and Repair: Toward Just Education Renewal”. With more than 2,500 sessions to choose from, the meeting provides a dynamic experience with opportunities to learn from prominent scholars, discover the latest research, engage in stimulating conversations, and foster professional relationships.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Education Sciences;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• Psychology International;
• IME;
• Youth;
• J. Intell;
• EJIHPE;
• Societies;
• Challenges;
• Disabilities;
• Social Sciences;
• Trends in Higher Education.

If you plan on attending this conference, please feel free to stop by our booth (#332). Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/AERA-2025-Annual-Meeting.

MDPI, a pioneer in scholarly open access publishing, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), Singapore, proudly announce the successful conclusion of the first edition the MDPI Early Career Researcher Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to medical and biomedical research, were presented to six exceptional researchers during an awards ceremony held at LKCMedicine HQ Building on 28 November 2024.

Honoring Excellence in Research

The awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students who have demonstrated outstanding originality, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. We are honored to announce the winners of the 2024 edition:

Early Career Researcher (Postdoc) Award:

• Dr. Theresia Handayani Mina, “Adiposity and Metabolic Health in Asian Populations: An Epidemiological Study Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Singapore”;
• Dr. Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, “Wound Healing Improvement by Novel Aligned Antimicrobial Nanofibrous 3D Scaffolds”;
• Dr. Yadollah Ranjbar Slamloo, “Functional Alterations of The Prefrontal Circuit Underlying Cognitive Aging in Mice”.

Early Career Researcher (Ph.D.) Award:

• Pritisha Rozario, “Mechanistic Basis for Potassium Efflux-Driven Activation of the Human NLRP1 Inflammasome”;

• Michelle Law Cheok Yien, “Chikungunya Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 is a Versatile RNA Capping and Decapping Enzyme”;
• Yin Ruoyu, “The Use of Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Tools in Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study”.

Our collaboration highlights a shared commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and research within the academic community, addressing today’s healthcare challenges, and inspiring continued innovation.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building on the success of the first edition, MDPI and LKCMedicine are excited to announce that the 2025 MDPI Early Researcher Awards will continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in medical research. The next edition promises to expand its scope, introducing new categories and providing even greater recognition for impactful research.

Further details on the 2025 awards, including nomination criteria and timelines, will be shared in the coming months. We remain committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and collaboration within the global scientific community.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on 11 February, highlights the vital role of women and girls in addressing prominent global challenges like climate change, public health, and sustainable development. The 2025 theme, “Building a Future for Women in Science”, emphasizes the need for greater gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to harness diverse talent and perspectives. Despite progress in education, a persistent gender gap limits female potential in these fields.

In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, MDPI reaffirms its commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in STEM fields. We celebrate the achievements of women in science and highlight their vital contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation. Through open access publishing, MDPI ensures that groundbreaking research, including topics on gender equity and women in STEM, is accessible to practitioners, policymakers, and global audiences. By sharing inspiring stories of women in science and curating relevant publications, MDPI aims to inspire positive action and collaboration to create a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. Together, we celebrate progress while striving for a future where women and girls are empowered to thrive in science and beyond.

“How Important Are Labor-Market Gender Gaps in the South Caucasus?”
by Marc Teignier and David Cuberes
Economies 2024, 12(12), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12120332

“Empowerment and Sustainability: Investigating Barriers to Women’s Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Brazil”
by Muhammad Qasim Rana, Angela Lee, José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra and Guilherme Hissa Villas Boas
Societies 2024, 14(11), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14110234

“Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum Experiences of Racialised Brazilian Women in Portugal: An Analysis of Obstetric Violence as Gender-Based Violence”
by Mariana Holanda Rusu, Conceição Nogueira and Joana Topa
Sexes 2024, 5(4), 611-637; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5040040

“In Their Own Words: Muslim Women Reconstruct the Sexual Script”
by Jennifer Lara Fagen
Sexes 2024, 5(4), 638-651; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5040041

“Liposomes and Their Therapeutic Applications in Enhancing Psoriasis and Breast Cancer Treatments”
by Amal Ali Elkordy, David Hill, Mohamed Attia and Cheng Shu Chaw
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211760

“Gender Typicality and Engineering Attachment: Examining the Viewpoints of Women College Engineers and Variation by Race/Ethnicity”
by Ursula Nguyen and Catherine Riegle-Crumb
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14070573

“Epistemic Uncertainty, Social Dominance Orientation, and Prejudices toward Women in Leadership Roles: Mediation and Moderation Analyses”
by Federico Contu, Antonio Aiello and Antonio Pierro
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13010054

“Peptides Targeting HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells and Applications in Tumor Imaging and Delivery of Chemotherapeutics”
by Palmira Alessia Cavallaro, Marzia De Santo, Emilia Lucia Belsito, Camilla Longobucco, Manuela Curcio, Catia Morelli, Luigi Pasqua and Antonella Leggio
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(17), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13172476

“Sources of Wellbeing Amongst Saudi Arabian Women Academic Leaders: An Explorative Study”
by Rasis Alanazi and Claire Alkouatli
Societies 2023, 13(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13040088 

“Investigating the Status of Women Engineers in Education and Employment during the COVID-19 Pandemic”
by Seema Singh
Challenges 2022, 13(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13010027