Announcements

The Biology 2024 Best Paper Award has been presented to the following articles, selected by a committee chaired by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Andrés Moya. Following a review process conducted by the Award Evaluation Committee, three winners were chosen.

Prize: Each winner will receive CHF 500, a certificate, and a voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for one submission in the journal (subject to peer review), valid for one year.

Review:
“Bacterial Biofilm in Chronic Wounds and Possible Therapeutic Approaches”
by Ilaria Cavallo, Francesca Sivori, Arianna Mastrofrancesco, Elva Abril, Martina Pontone, Enea Gino Di Domenico and Fulvia Pimpinelli
Biology 2024, 13(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020109

Articles:
“Phytoplankton Diversity, Spatial Patterns, and Photosynthetic Characteristics Under Environmental Gradients and Anthropogenic Influence in the Pearl River Estuary”
by Jing Xia, Haojie Hu, Xiu Gao, Jinjun Kan, Yonghui Gao and Ji Li
Biology 2024, 13(7), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070550

“A Long-Chain Dextran Produced by Weissella cibaria Boosts the Diversity of Health-Related Gut Microbes Ex Vivo”
by Maria Tintoré, Jordi Cuñé, Lam Dai Vu, Jonas Poppe, Pieter Van den Abbeele, Aurélien Baudot and Carlos de Lecea
Biology 2024, 13(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13010051

Please join us in congratulating the winners of the Biology 2024 Best Paper Award. We also wish to take this opportunity to thank our authors for their continued support of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737).

We are honored to announce that Dr. Yonghui Gao has been selected as the winner of the Biology Best Paper Award 2024.

“Phytoplankton Diversity, Spatial Patterns, and Photosynthetic Characteristics Under Environmental Gradients and Anthropogenic Influence in the Pearl River Estuary”
by Jing Xia, Haojie Hu, Xiu Gao, Jinjun Kan, Yonghui Gao and Ji Li
Biology 2024, 13(7), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070550

The following is an interview with Dr. Yonghui Gao:

1. Congratulations on winning the Best Paper Award for your published paper! We are curious about what inspired you to choose this research field. Could you briefly share your story?

Marine ecosystems are threatened by human-caused global climate change, eutrophication and other environmental issues. As the foundation of marine ecosystems, plankton communities play a key role in global biogeochemical cycles.
We first focused on the Yangtze Estuary and the Pearl River Estuary because they represent two typical pollution-stressed systems. Both suffer from eutrophication caused by agricultural runoff and coastal industrialization. They also face combined pressures from urban wastewater discharge and rising water temperatures.
In the Pearl River Estuary, material transport and phytoplankton change regularly along salinity gradients. This natural difference lets us use plankton as indicator species. We analyze small shifts in community structure and photosynthetic performance to figure out how the whole ecosystem responds to stress. This award-winning study delivers the first set of systematic findings to decode these ecological changes.

2. We learned your research required field surveys. Could you talk about the difficulties you met or interesting stories from this work?

The Pearl River Estuary research cruise was a China–Germany joint project. It was also the first time our team organized a full survey cruise traveling all the way from Shanghai to Guangzhou.
We held many coordination meetings with German partners and revised the cruise plan repeatedly. Trouble hit us early in the preparation stage. German research equipment was held up at customs for days. After the gear cleared customs, we found mismatched ports during installation. German engineers worked through weekends with us. We checked every connection line together in the lab. The departure date was tight, and everyone felt huge pressure right before the ship set sail.
Looking back, the true value of international cooperation does not lie in advanced equipment. It lies in trusting each other and solving problems side by side, even with language and cultural gaps between us.

3. Why did you choose to submit your work to Biology? What was your overall experience during the submission process?

Our study focuses on ecological field observations instead of pure molecular mechanisms. Biology welcomes papers about large-scale environmental response research. I have read several studies with similar research designs published in this journal before, so I believed this platform fit our work well.
Besides, the journal has a fast publication process. Ecological observation data is time-sensitive, and we hoped our results could be published as soon as possible. We received initial review feedback in less than three weeks after submission. The revised manuscript went online just two days after resubmission. Every step moved smoothly without unnecessary delays.
Reviewers offered specific, detailed comments instead of vague general remarks. Their questions showed they read our paper thoroughly, and revisions greatly improved the quality of our work. The editorial team handled all steps efficiently. Automated email reminders were sent for every stage, so we never needed to send repeated follow-up emails.

4. What are the latest hot topics in marine ecology? What research directions will you focus on in the near future and long term?

We study how sudden marine events such as marine heatwaves and mesoscale eddies affect nutrient transport, as well as phytoplankton succession and their physiological adaptation strategies.
Another fascinating research direction combines deep-sea neutrino detection to track changes in deep marine environments. Using long-term data from neutrino detector arrays, we can uncover hidden secrets of the little-explored deep-sea habitats.

5. What advice would you give young people who want to build a career in marine ecology research?

Working on marine ecology requires both passionate curiosity for exploration and down-to-earth scientific rigor. Based on my research experience, I have seven key suggestions for young aspiring researchers:

1. Build solid basic knowledge and professional skills
   Marine ecology is a highly interdisciplinary field. You cannot make steady progress without a strong academic foundation. Master core theories in biology and ecology, including population dynamics, community structure and ecosystem functions. Learn basic chemistry and physics to understand how hydrological and chemical cycles shape interactions between living and non-living marine environments. Master mathematics and statistics, and get familiar with tools like R and Python. Modern ecology relies heavily on data analysis, and statistical skills help you unlock complex ecological patterns.
2. Develop interdisciplinary thinking and embrace new technology
   The traditional research model of “sample collection + species identification” is now transformed by remote sensing, environmental DNA, automated sensor networks, big data modeling and other new tools. Keep learning new technologies and stay updated on tool innovations. Meanwhile, collaborate across fields with social scientists, engineers and data scientists. Marine issues are never purely biological. They connect with climate, policy, economy and human well-being. Only multi-angle cooperation can create comprehensive solutions.
3. Value field experience and master fieldwork skills to test theories at sea
   Even the most perfect lab models need real ocean field tests. Take every chance to join research cruises, intertidal zone surveys or diving sampling trips as early as you can. You will experience both the hardship and breathtaking beauty of marine fieldwork, which builds your skills and shapes your character. Learn to deal with uncertainty: ocean weather changes fast, equipment may break down, and sampling plans can fail unexpectedly. Staying calm and adjusting plans flexibly under pressure is a vital skill you can never learn only in classrooms.
4. Stay patient and take a long-term view for slow-paced ecology research
   Ecosystems often respond to changes over years, decades or even centuries. Do not rush for quick results. Commit to long-term data collection to fully understand slow ecological succession. Learn to accept tedious work and research setbacks. You will spend plenty of time cleaning data, sorting specimens and reading literature. These quiet efforts will eventually help you discover deep natural rules if you keep curious. Tiny details hold the key to amazing marine secrets.
5. Combine global vision with local practical concerns
   Pay attention to worldwide marine challenges including climate change, ocean acidification, plastic pollution and overfishing, to keep your research aligned with international frontiers. Meanwhile, focus on local marine environments near you — mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries and coastal fishing villages all have urgent local environmental problems. Link global ecological theories to local cases, so your research can make real social impacts.
6. Improve communication and science popularization skills to be an ocean translator
   The value of scientific research goes far beyond published papers. It also inspires action from the public and policy makers. Practice explaining your findings in simple language, and improve your skills in popular science writing, public speaking and data visualization. Share marine stories with ordinary people. You can also turn scientific evidence into policy advice, join marine conservation planning and community management projects, and let your research directly support ocean protection.
7. Prioritize physical and mental health, the foundation of all marine dreams
   Always follow strict safety rules during offshore operations and diving sampling, and take regular first-aid and emergency response training—safety comes first. Do not ignore mental health either. Fieldwork often brings loneliness, tiredness and separation from your daily support system. Build your own support network, learn to manage stress, and keep loving daily life. Only healthy researchers can protect healthy oceans.

Today, we turn our focus to a field that has become central to modern oncology: the study and therapeutic targeting of protein kinases. Over the past two decades, kinases have emerged as one of the most clinically successful classes of drug targets in cancer. These enzymes act as critical molecular switches, governing a vast network of signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, survival, and metabolism. When dysregulated—whether through mutation, overexpression, or chromosomal translocation—kinases drive the hallmark behaviors of malignancy.

It is no exaggeration to say that the discovery of kinase inhibitors has transformed the therapeutic landscape. From the groundbreaking success of imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia to the latest generation of highly selective ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors, we have seen how a deep understanding of kinase biology can translate into life-saving drugs. However, we are also acutely aware of the persistent challenges: acquired resistance, off-target toxicity, and the daunting complexity of kinase signaling networks. The question is no longer simply which kinase to target, but how to target it more intelligently, more selectively, and for the right patient at the right time.

This is where artificial intelligence enters the picture, and while much of our conversation will be anchored in kinase biology, we will explore how AI is beginning to accelerate drug discovery—from structure prediction to virtual screening. Yet let us be clear: biology remains the foundation. Our goal today is to ask how these powerful computational tools can help us navigate the complexity of the kinome and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Date: 10 August 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CEST | 10:00 a.m. EDT
Webinar ID: 889 3819 0599

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.

Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

If you are unable to attend, please register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Jonas Cicenas, ¹ Faculty of Informatics, Engineering and Technologies, Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Lithuania; ² SMK College of Applied Sciences, Kalvarijų, Lithuania; ³ UAB CDKjc, Kukučių, Lithuania;
• Prof. Dr. Lee M. Graves, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC;
• Dr. Eglė Žalytė, Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Lithuania.

Relevant Topics:

“Kinases in Cancer and Other Diseases, 2nd Edition”
Topic Editors: Dr. Jonas Cicenas and Dr. Anna M. Czarnecka
Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2026
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 August 2026

“Kinases and GTPases in Cancer: The Role of Mutations and sRNAs”
Topic Editors: Dr. Jonas Cicenas and Prof. Dr. Lee M. Graves
Abstract submission deadline: 31 October 2027
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 December 2027

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website:
https://sciforum.net/event/TOPICS-51.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact journal.webinar@mdpi.com.

Topics Webinar Secretariat

Conference: The 30th tRNA Conference
Date: 20–24 September 2026
Location: Heraklion, Greece

MDPI will be attending the 30th tRNA Conference as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from around the world to visit our booth and exchange the latest scientific insights.

The 30th tRNA Conference is a leading international meeting dedicated to transferring RNA (tRNA) biology and RNA research. The conference brings together experts working on tRNA structure and function, RNA modifications, translation, gene regulation, RNA therapeutics, and related fields, providing an outstanding platform for presenting cutting-edge discoveries and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

Join us in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, from 20 to 24 September 2026, for an exciting scientific program featuring renowned speakers, emerging researchers, and the latest advances in the field of RNA biology. We look forward to meeting you in Crete!

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• CIMB;
• IJMS;
• Genes;
• Biology;
• BioMed;
• Life.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information, please visit https://trna2026.gr/.

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In June 2026, eleven new journals released their inaugural issues and two transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of environmental & earth sciences, chemistry & materials science, public health & healthcare, engineering, medicine & pharmacology, and biology & life sciences. 

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

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

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

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. The 2025 MDPI Top Reviewers are some of the key experts who helped build it.

We are honored to recognize 1000 individuals from our global community of 210,000 reviewers across 67 countries and territories—chosen for their commitment to rigorous, constructive peer review and the consistency of their contributions throughout 2025.

The Top Reviewers provided constructive and impartial feedback that makes research stronger and more impactful, and we are grateful for it.

The names of these reviewers are listed below in alphabetical order by first name:

(Note: we respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.)

Impact Factors measure how often articles in scientific journals are cited—specifically, the average number of citations received in a given year by articles published in that journal over the previous two years, as tracked in the Web of Science. For researchers, the number answers a practical question: how often is work published in this journal being picked up and built upon?

The metric is assigned to the journal as a whole, not to individual articles. A high Impact Factor tells you something useful about a journal's place in its field; it tells you less about any single paper within it.

For a complementary, article-level view, MDPI lists an Altmetric score on each article page. Where the Impact Factor tracks academic citations, the Altmetric score captures broader online attention: how an article is being shared, discussed, and referenced beyond the journal literature. Together, they offer two different ways of asking the same question: is this research reaching people?

With 2025 CiteScores from Scopus published a few weeks ago, Clarivate has now released this year's Journal Impact Factors in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

254 MDPI Journals Saw a Rise in Impact Factor

This year's JCR include 330 MDPI journals across a wide range of disciplines. Of these, 231 journals are placed in the top 50% (Q1 or Q2) of their respective subject categories, a result that spans fields as different as materials science, public health, environmental studies, and mathematics. 78 journals hold a top-quartile position (Q1), and 33 journals have a JIF of 5.0 or above.

• 330 journals earned a Journal Impact Factor (JIF)
• 29 journals earned a first JIF
• 254 journals had an increase in JIF
• 71% of ranked journals are in Q1 or Q2

For the full metrics on any MDPI journal, visit our Web of Science journals overview page or a journal's individual statistics page.

29 MDPI Journals Received Their First Journal Impact Factor

A first Impact Factor is a confirmation for an emerging journal. It marks the point at which a journal has been publishing long enough, and cited broadly enough, to enter the formal record of scientific influence. For the research communities those journals serve, it signals that the work being published is being read and built upon.

This year, 29 MDPI journals received a Journal Impact Factor for the first time, across a range of emerging and established research areas. Each represents years of editorial development and peer review—recognized in 2026 for the first time in the JCR.

This is also part of a longer shift in how science gets indexed. When the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) launched in 2016, 24 MDPI journals were included. By 2024 that number had grown to over 200, reflecting a broader change in the visibility of open access publishing within major citation tracking systems, not just at MDPI but across the sector.

Open Access with Impact

MDPI journals have received a total of 25.2 million citations in Web of Science. That figure matters less as a measure of MDPI's reach and more as a measure of what happens when research is freely available: it gets found, read, and used. Open access is only meaningful if the work actually travels and citations are one indicator that it does.

More than 4.6 million authors have published with MDPI. That breadth, across disciplines, institutions, and geographies, is what makes open access at this scale worth doing.

Thank You to the MDPI Scholarly Community

These results belong to the people who do the actual work: the Editors-in-Chief who set the standards, the Editorial Board Members and reviewers who hold them, and the authors who choose open access for their research. The numbers in the Journal Citation Reports are the downstream effect of decisions made at the desk, in the review, and at submission. Thank you for making them.

Data: 2025 Journal Impact Factors, Journal Citation Reports™ (Clarivate, 2026)

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating in the 34th Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology, organized by the International Society for Computational Biology, taking place from 12 to 16 July 2026 in Washington, DC.

The principal focus of the ISMB conference is the development and application of advanced computational methods to address biological problems, bringing together researchers from computer science, bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, mathematics, statistics, and related fields. The conference provides a multidisciplinary platform for sharing the latest advancements in bioinformatics and computational biology, fostering new dialogues and perspectives to shape the future of the field.

Visit our booth to discover MDPI’s latest publications, Special Issues, and open access initiatives in molecular biology and related fields. Our editors will be on hand to discuss your research and answer any questions about publishing with MDPI.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• CIMB;
• Biology;
• Biophysica;
• BioMedInformatics;
• BioChem;
• IJMS;
• Epigenomes;
• JGBG.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to reach out online and start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at our booth and answering any questions you may have. For more information about this event, please visit the following website:  https://www.iscb.org/ismb2026/home.

Conference: 5th International Legume Society Conference
Date: 8–12 June 2026
Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

The ILS5 Conference will share the latest advances and innovations in the field of legumes, learn about the latest industry offerings, and network with colleagues and experts from around the world. The scientific sessions will be rich and diverse, including presentations by international legume experts in breeding and genomics, high-throughput phenotyping, cropping systems, biotic and abiotic stress resistances, health and nutrition, pulse crop value chains, and more.

MDPI will be attending the conference as an exhibitor and warmly invites researchers to visit our booth to discuss their latest research and publishing opportunities with us.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Agriculture;
• Crops;
• IJPB;
• Agronomy;
• Seeds;
• Grasses;
• Biology;
• Life.

We look forward to welcoming participants to the MDPI booth and discussing the latest research and publishing opportunities together. For more information about the conference, please visit our official website: 5th International Legume Society Conference.