Announcements

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on 28 April, is a global initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote safe and healthy working environments. This day emphasizes the importance of preventing workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases by encouraging strong safety policies, risk management, and adherence to international labor standards. It serves as a reminder that workplace safety is a fundamental right and highlights the need for global collaboration between governments, employers, and workers to create sustainable and secure working conditions. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of prevention, this day helps reduce workplace hazards, enhance productivity, and protect workers' well-being worldwide.

We invite you to explore our selected articles, Special Issues and journals which span fields such as occupational health and workplace psychology, medical and healthcare research, public and environmental health, psychology and well-being, biotechnology and health sciences and occupational safety and risk management.

“Harnessing Gut Microbiota for Biomimetic in Innovations in Health and Biotechnology”
by Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Biomimetics 2025, 10(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10020073

“Lost Work Due to Burn-Related Disability in a US Working Population”
by Jacob M. Dougherty, Hannan A. Maqsood, Christopher J. Rittle, Eva S. Blake, Zhaohui Fan, Bryant W. Oliphant, Mark R. Hemmila and Naveen F. Sangji
Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(4), 464-473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5040041

“Understanding the Second Victim Phenomenon Among Healthcare Workers in an Italian Hospital”
by Raffaella Sedile, Antonella Zizza, Luca Bastiani, Eugenia Carluccio, Marinella Marrazzi, Tommaso Bellandi and Giorgio O. Spagnolo
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2024, 14(12), 3073-3086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14120201

“Characterising the Chemical Composition of Bushfire Smoke and Implications for Firefighter Exposure in Western Australia”
by Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace and Jacques Oosthuizen
Fire 2024, 7(11), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7110388

“Working Conditions for Burns Resident Doctors—Better Now than Ever?”
by Grant Coleman, Toby Austin, James F. Forrest and Sarah E. Bache
Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(4), 309-320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5040029

“Examining Management and Employees’ Perceptions of Occupational Heat Exposure and the Effectiveness of a Heat Stress Prevention Intervention on Safety and Well-Being among Natural Gas Construction Workers: A Qualitative Field-Based Study”
by Muinat Abolore Idris, Christine Markham, Kristina D. Mena and William B. Perkison
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091255

“Imbalance between Employees and the Organisational Context: A Catalyst for Workplace Bullying Behaviours in Both Targets and Perpetrators”
by Gülüm Özer and Jordi Escartín
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090751

“Occupational Health, Psychosocial Risks and Prevention Factors in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Other Populations: A Narrative Review”
by António Oliveira, Henrique Pereira and Felipe Alckmin-Carvalh
Societies 2024, 14(8), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080136

“Assessing the Relationship between Physical Activity and Depression in Lawyers and Law Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study”
by Chapman Cox, Matthew S. These and Joseph A. Allen
Merits 2024, 4(3), 238-250; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits4030017

“Unlocking the Transformative Potential of Outdoor Office Work—A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study”
by Charlotte Petersson Troije, Ebba Lisberg Jensen, David Redmalm and Lena Wiklund Gustin
Challenges 2024, 15(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe15020025

“Association between Workplace Bullying, Job Stress, and Professional Quality of Life in Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
by Petros Galanis, Ioannis Moisoglou, Aglaia Katsiroumpa and Maria Mastrogianni
Healthcare 2024, 12(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12060623

“Life Satisfaction, Courage, and Career Adaptability in a Group of Italian Workers”
by Sara Santilli, Isabella Valbusa, Barbara Rinaldi and Maria Cristina Ginevra
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13020106

“COVID-19’s Impact on Medical Staff Wellbeing: Investigating Trauma and Resilience in a Longitudinal Study—Are Doctors Truly Less Vulnerable Than Nurses?”
by Joseph Mendlovic, Idan Haklay, Roxanne Elliott and Mooli Lahad
Trauma Care 2023, 3(3), 185-201; https://doi.org/10.3390/traumacare3030018

“Job Satisfaction and Mental Health of Workers: Second Edition” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Vincenza Capone Submission deadline: 31 January 2026	“Job Stress and Burnout: Emerging Issues in Today’s Workplace” Guest Editors: Dr. Adrian Garcia Selva and Prof. Dr. Beatriz Martin del Rio Submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Workplace Health and Wellbeing” Guest Editor: Dr. Abigail Morris Submission deadline: 10 October 2025	“Industrial Fires and Explosions: Risk Assessment, Prevention, Detection, Mitigation and Impact” Guest Editors: Dr. Tomasz Jarosz and Dr. Agnieszka Stolarczyk Submission deadline: 30 September 2025
“Recent Advances in Wearable Bioelectronics in Healthcare/Medical Devices”	“Occupational Health and Prevention of Work-Related Diseases”
“Organizational Strategies to Combat Workplace Bullying and Foster Inclusion”	“Positive Resources to Promote Well Being in Educational and Work Contexts and in Career Trajectories”

World Creativity and Innovation Day, celebrated annually on 21 April, underscores the vital role of creativity and innovation in driving sustainable development and economic progress. In an era where technological advancements and creative problem-solving shape industries and societies, harnessing diverse perspectives and ideas is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In recognition of World Creativity and Innovation Day, MDPI highlights the importance of fostering innovation across various disciplines, from business and behavioral sciences to the arts and knowledge management. Through open access publishing, MDPI ensures that pioneering research on creativity, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies is widely accessible to practitioners, policymakers, and global audiences. By sharing innovative breakthroughs and showcasing interdisciplinary solutions, MDPI seeks to inspire collaboration and creative thinking to address global challenges and fuel sustainable development. Together, we celebrate the power of human creativity to transform the world.

“A DEMATEL Based Approach for Evaluating Critical Success Factors for Knowledge Management Implementation: Evidence from the Tourism Accommodation Sector”
by Natalia Chatzifoti, Panos T. Chountalas, Konstantina K. Agoraki and Dimitrios A. Georgakellos
Knowledge 2025, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge5010002

“Driving Digital Transformation in Lima’s SMEs: Unveiling the Role of Digital Competencies and Organizational Culture in Business Success”
by Lorena Espina-Romero, Raquel Chafloque-Céspedes, Jorge Izaguirre Olmedo, Rossmery Albarran Taype and Angélica Ochoa-Díaz
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15010019

“Social Skills and Creativity as Elements That Enhance Resilience in Adolescence”
by Alba González Moreno and María del Mar Molero Jurado
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121158

“Destroying Vision, Destroying Hearing: Sergei Kuriokhin and Arkady Dragomoshchenko”
by Evgeny Pavlov
Arts 2024, 13(6), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts13060181

“A Change Management View on Technology Adoption in Hotel Organizations: A Review and a Conceptual Framework”
by Francis Albert R. Somera and Krassie Petrova
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 791–811; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040043

“Forecasting Hydropower with Innovation Diffusion Models: A Cross-Country Analysis”
by Farooq Ahmad, Livio Finos and Mariangela Guidolin
Forecasting 2024, 6(4), 1045–1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast6040052

“Transforming Agricultural Productivity with AI-Driven Forecasting: Innovations in Food Security and Supply Chain Optimization”
by Sambandh Bhusan Dhal and Debashish Kar
Forecasting 2024, 6(4), 925–951; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast6040046

“The Creative Impulse: Innovation and Emulation in the Role of the Egyptian Artist during the New Kingdom—Unusual Details from Theban Funerary Art”
by Inmaculada Vivas Sainz
Arts 2024, 13(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts13030109

“Creativity as a Positive Factor in the Adolescence Stage: Relations with Academic Performance, Stress and Self-Esteem”
by Alba González Moreno and María del Mar Molero Jurado
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13120997

“From Knowledge to Wisdom: Looking beyond the Knowledge Hierarchy”
by Constantin Bratianu and Ruxandra Bejinaru
Knowledge 2023, 3(2), 196–214; https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge3020014

“Innovation and Technology in Hospitality Sector: Outcome and Performance”
by Francisco-Jose Molina-Castillo, Angel-Luis Meroño-Cerdán, Carolina Lopez-Nicolas and Laura Fernandez-Espinar
Businesses 2023, 3(1), 198–219; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses3010014

“Digital Transformation: Inevitable Change or Sizable Opportunity? The Strategic Role of HR Management in Industry 4.0”
by Teresa Galanti, Clara De Vincenzi, Ilaria Buonomo and Paula Benevene
Adm. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci13020030

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.