Announcements

MDPI will be attending the Non-coding RNA World 2024: Exploring Mechanisms, Designing Medicines (ncRNA 2024) in Basel, Switzerland, which will take place from 7 to 9 October 2024. The conference will cover a broad range of topics, from basic biology to medical and technological applications. The sessions will take molecular biology through the topics of disease mechanisms, therapies, technologies, and bioinformatic approaches. Each session will be anchored by leading international speakers.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Biology;
• Biomedicines;
• Biomolecules;
• Cells;
• Epigenomes;
• Genes;
• Life.

If you are attending the conference, please visit our booth. 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 link: https://sciforum.net/event/ncRNA2024.

The 2024 International Conference of the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology will be held from 8 to 11 October 2024, in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The conference is organized by the Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology, and promises a rich tapestry of scholarly exchange across various disciplines within biological and biomedical sciences.

The conference will feature four top keynote speakers in the field of life sciences, including two Nobel Prize winners, and scientists from more than thirty countries around the world participating in more than twenty scientific sessions on a variety of topics. The agenda includes symposiums showcasing pioneering research in life sciences, dedicated sessions for young academics, such as graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research professors, and a Bio Job Fair.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• International Journal of Molecular Sciences;
• Antioxidants;
• Biophysica;
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology;
• Kinases and Phosphatases;
• Metabolites;
• Microorganisms;
• Proteomes;
• Bioengineering;
• Biomedicines;
• BioMed;
• Biomolecules;
• Cancers;
• Genes;
• Journal of Molecular Pathology;
• Organoids;
• Plants;
• Non-Coding RNA;
• Sci;
• Journal of Fungi.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #99 and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.ksmcb.or.kr/icksmcb2024/main.html.

MDPI’s Young Investigator Awards recognize promising early career scientists, acknowledge their contributions, and foster collaboration within the scientific community. We are proud to announce the recipients for 2023, who were carefully selected by the journals’ esteemed Award Evaluation Committee.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 79 winners of MDPI’s 2023 Young Investigator Awards for their excellent contributions in their research field. We look forward to seeing these rising stars continue to contribute to the advancement of science.

MDPI will continue to support and recognize the academic community. To explore details about the awardees by field, please visit the individual pages listed below:

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions and dedication to advancing scientific research.

About MDPI Awards:
To support the academic community, particularly young researchers, and to enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help to elevate the profiles of talented individuals who have made outstanding achievements and are making significant contributions to advancements in their respective fields.

To find out more about MDPI awards, please click here.

Conference: The 11th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Free Radical Research-Asia and the Chinese National Conference of Redox Biology and Medicine 2024
Organizers: Society for Redox Biology and Medicine Branch of Biophysical Society of China;
The Material Biology and Intelligent Medicine Branch of Biophysical Society of China
Date: 21–23 October 2024
Place: Beijing, China

MDPI journals will be attending the 11th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Free Radical Research-Asia and the Chinese National Conference of Redox Biology and Medicine 2024 as exhibitors. This conference will be held in Beijing, China, from 21 to 23 October 2024.

After two decades of SFRR-Asia biennial meetings, we are marching into a new era regarding the exploration of redox biology and medicine at precision, mechanistic, and in vivo levels with innovative technology and the collaboration of multiple disciplines. The coming SFRR-Asia 2024, with the theme “The new era of precision redox biology and medicine: from basic research to the intervention of aging and diseases,” will provide an opportunity to embrace research progress in the field. This conference will address a range of topics, with a particular focus on three areas of research: basic research on redox biology and medicine, redox homeostasis in aging and diseases, and precision redox intervention and health management.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Antioxidants;
• Biomedicines;
• Pharmaceuticals;
• Oxygen;
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS);
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology (CIMB);
• Life;
• Obesities.

If you will be attending this conference, 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://sfrr-asia2024.tiemeeting.com.

Conference: 2024 BMES Annual Meeting
Date: 23–26 October 2024
Location: Baltimore, USA

MDPI will be attending the 2024 BMES Annual Meeting as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

Established in 1968, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) is a professional society for students, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of biomedical engineering. The conference aspect covers cancer treatment, heart disease, women’s health, global health disparities, and more. The meeting allows members to advocate for their innovative solutions, demonstrating their commitment to our society’s core value of health equity for all individuals. The Biomedical Engineering Society is governed by the BMES Board of Directors, and this board is elected from members of the society.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Bioengineering;
• Sensors;
• Biomedicines;
• Biomechanics;
• Micromachines;
• Technologies;
• Applied Sciences;
• BioChem;
• BioTech;
• CIMB.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us before visiting. 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.bmes.org/bmes2024.

MDPI will attend the Biomolecular Horizons 2024 Congress, held from 22 to 26 September 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. This important forum will bring together three prestigious congresses, each with a strong history of attracting the bioscience and biotechnology communities to discuss and examine the latest developments and research:

• 26th Congress of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB);
• 17th Congress of the Federation of Asian & Oceanian Biochemists & Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB);
• 22nd ComBio Conference (ComBio).

The overarching theme of the Biomolecular Horizons 2024 (BMH2024) Congress is “Discover, Create, Innovate”, which will be examined across the following key themes:

• Cell, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology;
• Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology;
• Microbial World;
• Cell Signalling and Metabolism;
• Genomics, Gene Regulation and Epigenetics;
• Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Omics;
• Structural Biology and Biophysics;
• Molecular Basis of Disease;
• Molecular Physiology;
• Education.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• International Journal of Molecular Sciences;
• Biomolecules;
• Applied Biosciences;
• BioMedInformatics;
• Biomedicines;
• Cells;
• Applied Microbiology;
• BioTech;
• Biologics;
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology;
• Epigenomes;
• Genes;
• Journal of Developmental Biology;
• Journal of Molecular Pathology;
• Methods and Protocols;
• Muscles;
• Organoids;
• Signals;
• SynBio;
• Cardiogenetics.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.bmh2024.com/.

Conference: 36th European Congress of Pathology (ECP 2024)
Date: 7–11 September 2024
Location: Florence, Italy

The European Society of Pathology (ESP) and the Italian Society of Pathology invite you to the 36th European Congress of Pathology (ECP 2024). It will take place in the Congress Center, Fortezza da Basso, of the wonderful city of Florence from 7 to 11 September 2024. Over the last years, the ECP has become the worldwide leading congress in pathology, and the Florence congress will increase this legacy with top contributions in diagnostic training, research, and education. For these few days in September, pathologists, clinicians, molecular biologists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, IT experts, and our industry partners will gather for ECP 2024 and make Florence the capital of pathology. You can view the detailed conference topics at https://www.esp-congress.org/scientific-programme/topics.html.

MDPI will be attending the 36th European Congress of Pathology (ECP 2024), and we welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Diagnostics;
• Biomedicines;
• Neurology International;
• Pathophysiology;
• Gastroenterology Insights;
• IJMS;
• Cancers;
• CIMB;
• Antibiotics;
• Zoonotic Diseases;
• BioMed;
• Dermatopathology;
• Tomography;
• Sclerosis.

If you plan to attend this conference, please contact us online. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #L150 and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.esp-congress.org/.

In May, MDPI Romania held three author training sessions – one endorsing an external event and two stand-alone sessions.

The National Session of Scientific Student Communications took place at Technical University Cluj on 17 and 18 May 2024. MDPI Romania sponsored this event and contributed an author training session on the production of research papers and case study analyses. JRS Norbert Kiss gave a presentation called The World of Open Access to explain different open access publishing models and the benefits of open access publishing. His presentation highlighted the impact of open access publishing on scientific progress and innovation.

On 29 May 2024, MDPI Romania hosted an author training session for Ph.D. students, early career researchers, and professors at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In collaboration with Prof. Andreea Arsene, JRS Ioana Paunescu prepared two presentations: The Steps of the Publishing Process and Elaboration of a Peer Review Report. In her first presentation, she delved into MDPI’s history and mission, MDPI’s editorial process, and MDPI journals of various scopes that are accepting submissions. Her second presentation outlined the types of peer review, the contents of a peer review report by an MDPI reviewer, and the responsibilities of an MDPI reviewer.

MDPI Romania also hosted an author training session at the Iasi University of Life Sciences on 29 May 2024. JRSs Laurentiu Preda and Cosmin Artan gave four presentations: Efficient Writing of an ISI-Indexed Scientific Article, Benefits of Publishing in the Open Access Model, Various Methods of Open Access Publishing, and MDPI Guide for the Article Review Process. The first three presentations offered guidance on how to improve academic writing, the fourth focused on how to write peer review reports. A highly interactive discussion followed the presentations, during which the JRSs provided extensive answers to attendees’ questions.

MDPI is grateful for all the attendees, speakers, and organizers involved in these events. Through their enthusiasm and dedication, these events were great successes.

In order to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2024, MDPI is launching a special webinar to encourage researchers to come together, take action, and highlight how the exchange of findings facilitates efforts to raise awareness on breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the early development of infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that bolster the immune system and promote healthy growth. It fosters a strong bond between mother and child while reducing the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic conditions. Moreover, breastfeeding supports cognitive development and contributes to long-term health benefits, including lower risks of obesity and diabetes. For mothers, it aids post-partum recovery and reduces the risk of certain cancers. Promoting breastfeeding is vital for public health, ensuring the well-being of both infants and mothers and fostering a healthier future generation.

We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the MDPI World Breastfeeding Week Webinar 2024.

Date: 07 August 2024 at 03.00 p.m. CEST | 9:00 a.m. EDT | 9:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 839 4244 6710
Webinar Announcement: https://sciforum.net/event/MWBWW2

Register now for free!

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.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available.

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Shela Hirani, University of Regina, Faculty of Nursing, Regina, Canada;
• Dr. Sylvia H. Ley, Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.;
• Dr. Natalie Shenker, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, England; Human Milk Foundation, Gossoms End Health Centre, Hertfordshire, England.

Relevant Special Issues:
“Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children”
Guest Editor: Dr. Shela Hirani
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025

“Anxiety and Depressive Disorders among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women”
Guest Editor: Dr. Georgios Eleftheriou
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024

“Association between Breast Milk Composition and Neonates Growth”
Guest Editor: Dr. Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2024

“Breastmilk for Healthy Development”
Guest Editors: Dr. Monika Zielińska-Pukos and Prof. Dr. Jadwiga Hamułka
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2024

“What’s New in Breastfeeding?”
Guest Editor: Dr. Patricia Markham Risica
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2024

“Breast Cancer: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches”
Guest Editors: Dr. Erika Bandini, Dr. Tania Rossi and Dr. Sara Bravaccini
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025

“Molecular and Pharmacological Basis of Breast Cancer Resistance to Therapies”
Guest Editors: Dr. Stefania Crucitta and Dr. Rossana Roncato
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024

“Women’s Special Issue Series: Biomedicines (2nd Edition)”
Guest Editors: Dr. Letizia Polito, Dr. Federica Falà and Dr. Riuko Ohashi
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2024

“Impacts of Newborn Breast Milk Feeding”
Guest Editors: Dr. Ivan Hand and Dr. Lawrence M. Noble
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 January 2025

“Infant Feeding: Advances and Future Challenges: 2nd Edition”
Guest Editors: Dr. Evangelia Antoniou, Dr. Maria K. Tzitiridou-Chatzopoulou and Dr. Eirini Orovou
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2024

“Promoting Breastfeeding and Human Milk in Infants”
Guest Editors: Dr. Pasqua Anna Quitadamo and Prof. Dr. Luigi Corvaglia
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 March 2025

“2nd Edition: Pregnancy and Perinatal Health”
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Claude Billeaud and Dr. Virginie Rigourd
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024

“Nutritional Management of Newborn Infants”
Guest Editor: Dr. Maria Skouroliakou
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 November 2024

“Pregnancy, Childbirth, Puerperium, Breastfeeding and Sexuality in the World of Rare Diseases”
Guest Editors: Dr. Juan Carlos Sánchez-García, Dr. Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque and Dr. Jonathan Cortés Martín
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024

The following is an interview with Dr. Federica Laudisi:

1. Could you please provide a brief introduction of yourself to our readers?
I am a mucosal immunologist, with strong expertise in human chronic inflammatory pathologies. After getting my Ph.D. in immunology in Rome at Sapienza University, I spent three years at the A*STAR-Singapore Immunology Network (SigN) in Singapore and one year at the Charitè Universitӓtsmedizin in Berlin. In 2015, I joined the laboratory of Prof. Giovanni Monteleone at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, focusing my research on gut inflammation and cancer. I am currently setting up my group here.

2. Could you please briefly introduce the main content of the winning paper?
This paper describes the importance of the intestinal epithelial barrier in maintaining gut homeostasis and ensuring the critical crosstalk between gut microbes (both commensals and pathogens) and the host’s immune system. We also describe potential alterations (either genetic or related to the environment) that may undermine such equilibrium, thus leading to gut dysbiosis. This pathological condition is now recognized to trigger the onset of several diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. Indeed, targeting intestinal barrier dysfunctions represents a fascinating and challenging approach to treating gut-related diseases.

3. What is your current research and why did you choose this research field?
My research interests focus on the genetic, cellular, and environmental factors underlying chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as mechanisms and inflammatory/neoplastic signals that sustain and amplify colon carcinogenesis.

4. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
I believe that research topics concerning microbiota targeting (including mycobiome and virome), as well as the host’s immune response modulation, may be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years since they are now considered a valuable and promising strategy to prevent and/or treat gut-related diseases.

5. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to submit your paper? What benefits do you think authors can gain when publishing their articles in Biomedicines?
Biomedicines is a multidisciplinary journal that attracts a number of experts in different scientific fields. Therefore, in my view, this increases the visibility of your research among the research community. Moreover, the open access format, as well as the social media sharing, importantly contribute to disseminating your work.

6. How was your experience submitting to Biomedicines?
My experience submitting to Biomedicines was positive. The whole submission procedure was easy and clear to follow. I also appreciated the quickness of the revision since we received a first decision within two weeks, and this is a very important aspect to be considered in publishing scientific articles.

7. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life? Have you ever encountered any difficulties conducting research and how did you overcome them?
I believe that the key to a happy laboratory life is to create a positive and balanced atmosphere in your teamwork. We are a group of scientists working together many hours per day and many days per year. We share successes and frustrations. Everyone is an important cog in the wheel, and it is not possible to reach ambitious goals without the help of your colleagues.
Sure, I have encountered many difficulties conducting research at every step of my career. We should not be afraid of failures and troubles; they are part of our lives. They make you stronger; they make your goals more defined and clearer. I try to be resilient and cultivate my passion for science, despite everything.

8. We are an open access journal. How do you think open access impacts the authors?
As I mentioned previously, being an open access journal gives a lot of advantages to the authors, since it helps to share your research more easily among the scientific community. Moreover, it allows low-income countries to read your work and take inspiration for further in-depth studies, thus helping the growth of the research community.

9. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
I would like to thank the co-authors who helped me to conceptualize and draft this paper. A special thanks goes to Prof. Giovanni Monteleone. I am grateful for his support and guidance throughout my career.

More information about journal awards can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomedicines/awards.

A range of MDPI journals will be attending the 46th ESPEN Congress in Milan, Italy, from 7 to 10 September 2024.

ESPEN 2024 offers a great opportunity for physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, nutritionists, scientists and nurses involved in the field of nutrition and metabolism to meet and discuss cutting-edge science in an informal atmosphere, strengthening old and creating new collaborations.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Nutrients;
• Medicina;
• Obesities;
• CIMB;
• Children;
• Metabolites;
• Biomedicines;
• Sci;
• Dietetics;
• Geriatrics;
• Women.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to engage with us at our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit https://espencongress.com/ or contact the Nutrients Editorial Office at [email protected].

MDPI will be attending the 46th Congress of the Spanish Society of Biochemistry and Molecular biology (46th SEBBM Congress), which will be held from 3 to 6 September 2024 in A Coruña, Spain.

The 46th SEBBM Congress will enjoy a wide range of plenary conferences, symposia, including the Hispanic-Luso Scientific Symposium and the Scientific Symposium of Education, meetings of the scientific groups of SEBBMs, poster sessions and the commercial exhibition of collaborating companies. We will be able to enjoy satellite activities such as the Research Initiation Course in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Professional Development Forum for Young Researchers, and the activities of Biochemistry in the city, with exhibitions, scientific–artistic shows, round tables and scientific workshops.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Cells;
• Biomolecules;
• CIMB;
• IJMS;
• Biomedicines;
• Organoids;
• Biology;
• BioTech;
• Biologics;
• Diagnostics;
• Medicina;
• BioMedInformatics;
• JMP;
• Genes.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, we encourage you to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We are eager to meet you in person and assist you with any queries that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the official website at https://congresos.sebbm.es/coruna2024/.

Five new journals covering multiple subjects have launched their inaugural issue in June 2024. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the Editorial Board Members and each journal will ensure its high-quality output using excellent editorial and rigorous peer review processes, to ensure that the articles achieve high impact and visibility.

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

Journal	Founding Editor-in-Chief	Journal Topics (Selected)
	Prof. Dr. Marco Ranucci, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	anaesthetic medications; blood and fluid management; pain management; critical care; critical illness | view journal scope | submit an article
	Dr. Giovanni E. Cacciamani, University of Southern California, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	surgical/procedural complications; complications; perioperative adverse events; postoperative adverse events | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr.  Gassan Hodaifa, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain | Editorial | view inaugural issue	laboratory management; laboratory safety; protective equipment; laboratory problems and challenges; laboratory Innovation | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski, Texas A&M University, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	companion animals health and disease; veterinary care and nutrition; genetics and genomics; behavior and welfare; human-animal relations | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Pierfrancesco De Paola, University of Naples Federico II, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	real estate appraisal; economic and financial valuation of real estate projects; sustainable real estate; housing and urban economics | view journal scope | submit an article

We wish to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. You are welcome to send an application here, or contact the New Journal Committee ([email protected]) if you would like to create more new journals.

We are pleased to share that Biomedicines (ISSN: 2227-9059) was awarded an updated Impact Factor of 3.9 in the 2023 Journal Citation Reports™ released by Clarivate in June 2024, ranking in Q1 (85 among 354 titles) in the “Pharmacology and Pharmacy” category.

Additionally, according to data released by Scopus (Elsevier), Biomedicines received an increased CiteScore™ of 5.2, showing an increase of 40.5% compared to 2022.

Biomedicines’ CiteScore ranks as follows:

• Q2 (103 out of 398 journals) in the “Medicine (miscellaneous)” category;
• Q2 (74 out of 221 journals) in the “General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology” category.

For further statistics, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomedicines/stats. For more information about MDPI flagship journals' citation metrics, please see here.

At MDPI, our mission is simple, yet powerful—we strive every day to make scientific research freely accessible to everyone, everywhere. With over 3.5 million authors choosing MDPI, we have established ourselves as a key player driving the open access initiative.

Our journals have received over 13 million citations in the Web of Science, making us the most cited open access publisher. With over 800 institutional partners, MDPI continues to demonstrate its dedication to providing reliable and collaborative publishing services.

Biomedicines Editorial Office

MDPI will attend the ASHG Annual Meeting 2024, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, from 5 to 9 November 2024.

The ASHG Annual Meeting is the largest human genetics and genomics meeting and exposition in the world. Held in the fall, it provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge science in all areas of human genetics. Highlights include invited symposia; abstract-driven plenary, platform, and poster sessions; education/trainee workshops; and career opportunities and networking events.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Genes;
• IJMS;
• Biomedicines;
• Diagnostics;
• Cancers;
• Biomolecules;
• Humans;
• Applied Biosciences;
• DNA;
• Cardiogenetics;
• Vaccines;
• Life;
• Epigenomes;
• Biology;
• CIMB;
• JCDD;
• ncRNA;
• Diseases;
• BioMed;
• Biomedinformatics.

If you plan on attending this conference, please stop by our booth #1058 and speak with us. 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 link: https://www.ashg.org/meetings/2024meeting/.

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

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

Enhanced Comparability of Data

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

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

MDPI Journals Ranked in JCR

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

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

About MDPI

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

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Biomedicines 2022 Best Paper Award for Anniversary Special Issues. All papers published in 2022 in Anniversary Special Issues were considered for the award. After a thorough evaluation of the originality and significance of the papers, citations, and downloads, six winners were selected.

First Prize: CHF 800 plus a paper free of charge after peer review
“Human iPSC Modeling of Genetic Febrile Seizure Reveals Aberrant Molecular and Physiological Features Underlying an Impaired Neuronal Activity”
by Stefania Scalise, Clara Zannino, Valeria Lucchino, Michela Lo Conte, Luana Scaramuzzino, Pierangelo Cifelli, Tiziano D’Andrea, Katiuscia Martinello, Sergio Fucile, Eleonora Palma et al.
Biomedicines 2022, 10(5), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10051075

Second Prize: CHF 500
“Assessing the Future of Solid Tumor Immunotherapy”
by Prajna Guha, Kara R. Heatherton, Kyle P. O’Connell, Ian S. Alexander and Steven C. Katz
Biomedicines 2022, 10(3), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10030655

“Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Neurologic Injury”
by Eric J. Panther, William Dodd, Alec Clark and Brandon Lucke-Wold
Biomedicines 2022, 10(2), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10020500

Third Prize: CHF 300
“Effects of Resveratrol Administration in Liver Injury Prevention as Induced by an Obesogenic Diet: Role of Ruminococcaceae”
by Iñaki Milton-Laskibar, Amanda Cuevas-Sierra, María P. Portillo and J. Alfredo Martínez
Biomedicines 2022, 10(8), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10081797

“Targeting Adiponectin in Breast Cancer”
by Rawan Nehme, Mona Diab-Assaf, Caroline Decombat, Laetitia Delort and Florence Caldefie-Chezet
Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2958; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112958

“Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Options”
by Teresa Salvatore, Raffaele Galiero, Alfredo Caturano, Erica Vetrano, Giuseppe Loffredo, Luca Rinaldi, Christian Catalini, Klodian Gjeloshi, Gaetana Albanese, Anna Di Martino et al.
Biomedicines 2022, 10(9), 2274; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10092274

Please join us in congratulating the winners of the Biomedicines 2022 Best Paper Award for Anniversary Special Issues. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our authors for your continued support of Biomedicines (ISSN: 2227-9059).

Biomedicines Editorial Office

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

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

Open Access: A Catalyst for Ocean Action

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

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

Showcasing MDPI’s Contributions to Ocean Research

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

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

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

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

Affirming MDPI’s Commitment to Ocean Science

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

For more information, contact Rui Duarte at [email protected] or +41764313242.

About MDPI

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

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

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

MDPI's 2023 Annual Report highlights several key achievements:

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

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

Global Reach and Collaboration

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

Commitment to Partnerships

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

For more information, contact Rui Duarte at [email protected] or +41764313242.

About MDPI

The ESMO Congress is a globally influential oncology platform that unites clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, journalists and healthcare industry representatives from all over the world. ESMO 2024 will disseminate the latest cutting-edge data, providing high-quality education and excellent networking opportunities for oncologists and other stakeholders on an international level.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Cancers;
• JCM;
• Healthcare;
• Pharmaceutics;
• Applied Biosciences;
• Dermatopathology;
• Onco;
• Biomedicines;
• Cells;
• Diagnostics;
• Current Oncology;
• Immuno;
• Hemato;
• Gastrointestinal Disorders;
• Biologics;
• Biomolecules;
• Clinics and Practice;
• Medical Sciences.

If you are participating in this conference, please feel free to engage with us online prior to attendance. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #P627 and answering any questions you may have. For more information regarding the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.esmo.org/meeting-calendar/esmo-congress-2024.

MDPI will attend the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, held in Helsinki, Finland, from 29 June to 2 July 2024, at booth #E28. We invite researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

The EAN Congress covers “big diseases” such as multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, headache, muscle disorders, epilepsy, dementia, and stroke, as well as breakthrough research on rare diseases. This edition will celebrate 10 years of the EAN with over 8000 professionals. The 10th EAN Congress's overarching theme is “Neuromodulation: Advances and Opportunities in Neurological Diseases”. Leading specialists will tackle hot topics in invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation in movement and cognitive disorders, chronic pain, and refractory epilepsy. The current state and future directions of neuromodulation will be addressed with relevant questions regarding which techniques are available as diagnostic tools or therapeutic interventions; how to precisely target specific cortical regions, deep brain structures, and head nerves for therapeutic purposes; and how to advance neuromodulation in new areas of neurology such as chronic minimally conscious state or limb prosthesis.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Biomedicines;
• Clinical and Translational Neuroscience;
• Brain Sciences;
• Biomolecules;
• Cells;
• Current Issues in Molecular Biology;
• Diagnostics;
• Genes;
• Healthcare;
• International Journal of Translational Medicine;
• Journal of Clinical Medicine;
• Life;
• Muscles;
• Methods and Protocols;
• Neuroglia;
• Neurology International;
• Vaccines.

If you are planning to attend the conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth #E28. 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.ean.org/congress2024.

Conference: FENS Forum 2024
Date: 25–29 June 2024
Location: Vienna, Austria

MDPI will be attending FENS Forum 2024 as an exhibitor; we welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

This conference has been organized by the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), the Austrian Neuroscience Association (ANA) and and the Hungarian Neuroscience Society. The FENS Forum is Europe’s largest neuroscience congress, covering all areas of neuroscience from basic to translational research.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Brain Sciences;
• Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM);
• Cells;
• NeuroSci;
• Neuroglia;
• Biomedicines;
• Neurology International;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• Psychoactives.

If you are planning on attending this conference, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #1003, and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.fens.org/meetings/fens-forum/upcoming-fens-forums.

We are pleased to announce MDPI’s Transfer Service.

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

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

1. Select alternative journals on submission.

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

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

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

Although the worst of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic is behind us, many questions and issues persist. Systemic manifestations due to COVID-19 infections and long COVID continue to emerge in multiple countries. There are a few new USA FDA-approved vaccines available in addition to the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson ones, but vaccine effectiveness and immunologic memory appear to be limited in most patients. Therapies are available and should be incorporated into treatment plans for COVID-19 patients. Although the focus of these therapies is on hospitalized COVID-19 patients, orally delivered medications are now administered by health care providers.

This webinar will present discussions on these issues, as well as emerging trends, to understand COVID-19 infections and transmissibility more fully.

Date: 4 June 2024 at 5:00 CEST | 11:00 a.m. EDT | 11:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 828 4947 7200
Webinar Secretariat: [email protected]
Webinar Announcement: https://sciforum.net/event/Biomedicines-14

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.
Registrations with academic or institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Feel free to still register, and we will inform you when the recording is available.

Register now for free!

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Jon Suzuki (Chair), ¹University of Maryland, USA, ²University of Washington, USA, ³Nova Southeastern University, USA, ⁴Temple University, USA;
• Rosalinda Sorrentino, University of Salerno, Italy;
• Stefano D’Errico, University of Trieste, Italy;
• Miriana D’Alessandro, University of Siena, Italy;
• Sara Gangi, University of Siena, Italy.

Relevant Special Issue:
“Emerging Trends in Pathophysiology and Therapy of COVID-19”
Guest Editors: Dr. Jon Suzuki and Dr. Miriam Ting

In acknowledgment of the groundbreaking achievements of Professor Tu Youyou, the Nobel laureate credited with the discovery of artemisinin, MDPI is proud to announce the Tu Youyou Award. This award, inaugurated in 2016, seeks to honor scholars who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Prize:

• CHF 100,000 in total (If there is more than one winner, the prize will be divided equally amongst the winners);
• An award medal for each winner.

Who should be nominated?

• Scientists with outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Who can submit a nomination?

• Academic research institutes
• Universities
• Academic societies

Any personal nominations are not accepted.

How do I submit a nomination?
Candidates’ institutional affiliations need to submit their nominations for final candidates to the Tu Youyou Award Team directly by email after internal screening, and each institution can only nominate a maximum of two candidates for each edition of the Tu Youyou Award. Please note that the nominations cannot be modified once they are submitted and confirmed by the Tu Youyou Award Team.

Required nomination materials:
Nomination Form (Download)

Schedule:
Nomination deadline: 31 December 2024;
Winner announcement: 30 April 2025.

Contact:
Tu Youyou Award Team ([email protected])

More information can be found on the Tu Youyou Award official website. For any inquiries, do not hesitate to contact the Tu Youyou Award Team.

MDPI Romania sponsored four events over the month of April, contributing author training sessions to each event.

The NutriSciLabs 2024 conference was held at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy on 12 April 2024. Organized by the Association of Students from the Faculty of Pharmacy Studies, the conference aimed to enhance students’ academic writing and research skills, and bolster their confidence in participating in the academic world. Ioana Paunescu, journal relations specialist for MDPI Romania, led the training session. Paunescu first outlined MDPI’s history and core values, then explained academic writing techniques, ethics, and similarity percentages. The presentation covered the entire editorial process, highlighting the amount of attention paid to details throughout manuscript processing. Paunescu also discussed common errors that authors make while writing, and how to avoid such errors.

On 13 April 2024, the NextGEN 2.0 Student Conference took place at the Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca. NextGen Healthcare organized this event with the university’s European Students’ Society to discuss European and international current affairs. MDPI Romania contributed an author training session called Steps of the Publication Process. Irina Codruta Zaharia, journal relations specialist, began the session with a general introduction of MDPI before diving into different article types, different layout formats, possible journals to submit to, the MDPI submission checklist, and the MDPI editorial process. By explaining the fundamentals of writing and publishing academic papers, Zaharia imparted valuable industry knowledge to the curious minds present. Participants were eager to engage with Zaharia in the subsequent Q&A session.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the International Conference “Students for Students” has long been a gathering place for undergraduate and postgraduate students of all nationalities to present their work and exchange ideas with each other. This year’s conference was held on 18 April 2024, with MDPI Romania contributing an author training session called The World of Open Access. Key speakers included Dr. Norbert Kiss from MDPI Romania and Prof. Dragos Horvath from Strasbourg University. Dr. Kiss discussed the history of open access, differences between open access publishing and traditional publishing, and implications for open access in the future. Attendees expressed keen interest in the subject, approaching Dr. Kiss with questions about academic publishing as well as his career trajectory.

Most recently, on 26 April 2024, MDPI Romania sponsored the National Symposium of Students from Geology and Geophysics Faculties. The AAPG Students Chapter at the Babes-Bolyai University organized this event as an opportunity for geology students from all Romanian universities to present their work and confer with other researchers. Dr. Kiss gave his lecture The World of Open Access at this event as well.

MDPI is thankful to all the participants, speakers, and organizers who attended these events. Through their enthusiasm and dedication, these events were great successes.

MDPI will attend the 34th CCS Congress, which will be held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, from 15 to 18 June 2024. Registration for the event opens on 14 June.

This annual congress is hosted by the Chinese Chemical Society (CCS). With the support and active participation of chemists across the country, the annual academic conference of the Chinese Chemical Society has continued to expand in scale and influence and has become a comprehensive academic exchange platform with the most comprehensive categories, the largest scale, and the highest level in chemistry and related fields. The theme of the 34th CCS Congress is “Toward Higher Quality Chemistry Research”. It has established 70 academic branches. The forms of academic exchange include conference plenary reports (PL), keynote reports (KN), invited reports (I), oral reports (O), flash reports (F), and poster reports (P). The annual meeting collects academic papers (abstracts) from chemists. Workers in scientific research, teaching, and industry in chemistry and related fields are welcome to submit papers and actively participate in the meeting.

A series of colorful forums, continuing education, and other activities will be held simultaneously during the annual meeting. An exhibition will also be held, inviting the support and active participation of relevant universities and research institutes, enterprises, book publishing, and academic journals.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Molecules;
• International Journal of Molecular Sciences;
• Polymers;
• Biomedicines;
• Inorganics;
• Processes;
• Symmetry;
• Separations;
• Membranes;
• Materials;
• Reactions;
• Chemistry;
• Compounds;
• Biomolecules;
• Sustainable Chemistry;
• Chemosensors;
• Applied Sciences.

If you are planning on attending this conference, please do not hesitate to stop by our booth #B37 and start a conversation with us. 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.chemsoc.org.cn/meeting/34th/.

MDPI, the leading Open Access (OA) publisher, announced on Monday that it opened its Korean branch office on 29th April 2024. With this addition, MDPI now operates 21 offices in 12 countries worldwide. Claude Seo, with over 20 years of experience in the academic journal publishing industry, including Nature Publishing Group (NPG), has been appointed as the Office Manager of the Seoul office.

With the establishment of a Seoul office, MDPI aims to actively support Korea scientific communities to further promote the publication of OA journals in the region. As of the end of 2023, Korea ranked sixth worldwide in both submissions and publications of MDPI research papers. MDPI is the number one OA publisher in Korea.

Sungkyunkwan University Joins MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program

In addition, MDPI announced that Sungkyunkwan University joined MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP). This program offers free access to MDPI online submission system for the institutions and APC discounts to affiliated authors. Thirteen major Korean universities, including Sungkyunkwan University, Kyung Hee University, Chung-Ang University and Catholic University of Korea, have adopted IOAP in Korea.

OA aims to break down barriers that have traditionally restricted access to science, ensuring that knowledge is available to all, regardless of financial situation or institutional affiliations. Authors, academia, and scientific communities are rapidly moving toward OA. MDPI has been at the forefront of reshaping the academic publishing landscape, with OA surpassing subscription-based publishing in 2020.

MDPI CEO Visits Seoul, Korea

In March, Stefan Tochev, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MDPI, visited Korea and met with various stakeholders including government agencies, research and academic institutions, universities. During his visit, Stefan highlighted that MDPI continues to pave the way for a world where science is accessible to all, supporting a global community of inclusive innovation and collaborative solutions.

Stefan expressed excitement about the new venture, stating, "Today marks a significant milestone for MDPI as we celebrate the opening of our new office in Seoul, Korea. This expansion is more than just an increase in our physical footprint, it is a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to making scientific knowledge more accessible, participatory, and inclusive across the globe."

Claude Seo, reflecting on his new role, commented, "I am delighted to have been offered this position of trust within MDPI, the no. 1 scholarly OA publisher. As we establish our presence in Korea, we are dedicated to integrating into the local community and contributing to its vibrant culture. Our commitment goes beyond business growth; it is about creating a more informed and innovative society by embracing and promoting diversity within the scientific community.”

For further inquiries, please contact our Seoul office directly.

About MDPI

A pioneer in scholarly, open access publishing, MDPI has supported academic communities since 1996. MDPI is leading the transition to open science by making more research free and accessible to everyone. Over 3.3 million researchers have entrusted MDPI with publishing their scientific discoveries. MDPI’s editorial process is bolstered by a network of dedicated reviewers, a team of 6000 diligent, well-trained staff members, and an in-house article submission platform that was designed to ensure efficient processes within its 430 fully OA titles.

The new era in systems pharmacology has revolutionized the study of human biology. Its applicability, precise treatment, adequate response, and safety measures are all relevant to medical/clinical practice, particularly in the field of infectious diseases, given the dramatic increase in the prevalence of multi-drug-resistant organisms in the last 10 years.

Due to this background, immediate and appropriate anti-infective therapy—defined as the timely commencement of pharmacological treatment with an appropriate strength for the pathogen(s)—is mandatory in improving the clinical outcomes of infected patients and limiting/preventing the development of resistance.

Consistent and solid evidence is accumulating showing that the successful treatment of severe infections is based on the selection of the most appropriate anti-infective agents that ensure adequate exposure, whilst taking into consideration both the patient’s pathophysiological changes and the physicochemical properties of the drug administered to reach the optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets. This is particularly true for antibiotics, since underdosing may result in treatment failure, thereby increasing the likelihood of the development of antimicrobial resistance. The achievement of optimal anti-infective exposure is difficult in clinical practice because most of these drugs are administered according to standard dosing regimens, which do not take into account the pathophysiologic, iatrogenic, and/or genetic factors that are likely to affect both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-infective agents in different real-life settings.

Accordingly, in this webinar, we will mainly deal with the main clinical, pharmacologic, and pharmacogenetic sources of variability in the exposure and clinical response to anti-infective agents, with a specific focus on the role of therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacogenetic testing as reliable diagnostic tools in the daily management of in- and out-patient settings.

Finally, the potential role of fast-track pharmacology at the bedside will also be proposed.

Date: 10 May 2024 at 3.00 p.m. CEST | 9:00 a.m. EDT | 9:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 893 0899 5947
Webinar Secretariat: [email protected]
Sciforum webpage: https://sciforum.net/event/Biomedicines-13

Register now for free!

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.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Jessica Cusato (Chair), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy;
• Dario Cattaneo, Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.

We are delighted to announce that we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Joaquim Carreras, a winner of the Biomedicines 2023 Outstanding Reviewer Award. Join us as we delve into his experiences as a reviewer and his insights into collaborating with Biomedicines.

The following is an interview with Dr. Joaquim Carreras:

1. Can you please tell us a little more about yourself and your current research?
I am a pathologist with a medical degree from the University of Barcelona, Spain. My medical specialization focused on pathology. I completed residency training in pathology at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spanish Ministry of Health. My Ph.D. was in hematopathology from the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona. I worked as a pathologist in Spain, as a medical research associate at the University of Cambridge (UK), and at the Biomedical Research Institute of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Tsukuba Central (Japan). I am currently at Tokai University, School of Medicine. My fields of research are immuno-oncology, inflammatory diseases, and molecular pathology. I focus on hematological neoplasia (lymphoma) and molecular histopathology studies. As a pathologist, I have always been interested in digital image analysis and, in the past years, in the application of AI in the medical field.

2. Can you please share with us your thoughts upon winning the award?
It was unexpected. It made me happy because the work of the reviewers is voluntary but necessary in science. Science needs peer review to be more reliable and trustworthy. This work is done by academics who volunteer, as not all academics perform peer review. I must note that, when I received the award, I was preparing for a meeting, so I didn’t have much time to enjoy. However, I am grateful to MDPI for the award because sometimes the work of reviewers is taken for granted (and it has a cost in terms of invested time).

3. In your opinion, what are some of the qualities necessary for being a reviewer?
The most important thing is to keep an open mind, be constructive in the feedback, and be aware of your capabilities. You must avoid conflicts of interest with the authors; this can be difficult. When searching for reviewers, the editors of the journals may search for other researchers who have published similar studies in recent years. However, the risk is that the reviewers will be competitors, and the review will be biased by this fact. This is why I think reviewers should have some knowledge in the field of the article, but not too much. It is interesting that lately, in the MDPI review form, you are asked to confirm that you have not used AI (e.g., generative AI) to perform the review. We are in challenging times as some researchers have taken advantage of AI to create papers. Previously, I had never thought you could use AI during the review process. A turning point in AI has been the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is a trained conversational model. It is important to point out that thinking and making our own decisions are what makes us human. Letting machines think for us makes us less free and less conscious. Therefore, no machine should be made in the likeness of the human mind.

4. Can you share some highlights of your experience as a reviewer for Biomedicines, and how it has enriched your understanding of the latest advancements in biomedicine?
Some articles are quite multidisciplinary, and you may find that you are not an expert in all types of experiments and analyses that are shown in the article. This can be challenging. However, by revising the papers, you can update your knowledge and learn. The medical field can be conservative sometimes, and journals that accept the most innovative research are necessary.

5. As someone deeply involved in the peer-review process at Biomedicines, how do you perceive the journal's impact on shaping the future direction of research and innovation in the field of biomedicine?
This journal is multidisciplinary, and there are many mechanistic studies. Therefore, in my view, Biomedicines lies between human pathology and drug development. The journal addresses the challenges in bringing biological agents or novel targeted strategies to clinical practice. Therefore, it focuses on laboratory medicine research, translational medical research, and comprehensive preclinical studies.

Conference: The 48th FEBS Congress
Date: 29 June–3 July 2024
Location: Milan, Italy

MDPI will be attending the 48th FEBS Congress at Booth #30, and we welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit us and share their latest ideas.

The Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB), founded in 1951, will host the event. The 48th FEBS Congress—“Mining biochemistry for human health and well-being”—welcomes scientists from Europe and other parts of the world.

The 48th FEBS Congress will present a broad-spectrum and ground-breaking scientific program in a fruitful collaboration with FEBS journals and representatives from FEBS Constituent Societies. The SIB and biochemical community are focusing on human health and well-being through molecular and cellular science approaches; this is a key social issue amid ongoing global transitions. Besides presenting the latest and emerging developments in biochemical sciences, the Congress will include dedicated education-oriented sessions, symposia organized by young biochemists, and biochemistry-related economic discussions. Industry representatives will also give presentations on the latest advances in commercial instrumentation.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Biomedicines;
• IJMS;
• JMP;
• Antioxidants;
• Applied Biosciences;
• BioMedInformatics;
• Biomolecules;
• Dietetics;
• Life;
• Medical Sciences;
• Molecules;
• Biology;
• Cancers;
• CIMB;
• Pharmaceutics.

If you plan to attend this conference, please start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering your questions. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://2024.febscongress.org/.

The 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting will take you to discover state-of-the-art research, groundbreaking treatments, and visionary insights, igniting your passion for oncology. This year's program will feature over 200 sessions, complementing Dr. Lynn Schuchter’s Presidential theme “The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure”.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Cancers;
• JPM;
• Pharmaceutics;
• Healthcare;
• JCM;
• CIMB;
• Medical Sciences;
• Clinics and Practice;
• Onco;
• Current Oncology;
• Dermato;
• Pharmacy;
• Biomedicines;
• Diseases;
• Immuno;
• Biologics;
• Vaccines;
• Diagnostics;
• Hemato;
• Venereology.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth at the conference and answering any questions you may have. For more information regarding the conference, please visit the following link: https://conferences.asco.org/am/attend.

Join us as we engage with our third Outstanding Reviewer Award winner, Dr. Simone Battaglia, to discuss his scholarly insights and journey as a reviewer for Biomedicines (ISSN: 2227-9059).

Name: Dr. Simone Battaglia
Affiliation: ^1. Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; ^2. Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Research Interests: NIBS techniques; TMS; skin conductance; heart rate variability; fear conditioning; fear learning; learning; neuropsychology; prefrontal cortex; amygdala; hippocampus; anxiety; depression; working memory; PTSD; skin conductance responses; psychophysiology; error-related negativity; EEG; tDCS; Alzheimer’s disease; PIT; stress-related disorders; Parkinson’s disease; resilience; memory; neurologic patients; cognitive decisions; fMRI; translational and molecular psychiatry

The following is an interview with Dr. Simone Battaglia:

1. Could you please tell us a little more about yourself and your current research?
Currently, I hold the position of assistant professor in psychology and neuroscience at the Center for studies and research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna. My academic journey began in 2015 when I enrolled at the University of Bologna as a Ph.D. student, subsequently transitioning to the role of postdoctoral researcher, focusing on the investigation of neural, physiological, and behavioral correlates of emotional learning and memories in humans and its implications for psychopathology. My research experience focuses on investigating the intricate functional interplay of different brain areas involved in emotional learning, action control, brain plasticity, decision-making, and a variety of cognitive tasks. To this end, my research activities primarily revolve around the utilization of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in addition to employing various neuroscientific techniques to record physiological measures, including EEG, SCR, HRV, and EMG. I have conducted extensive research involving healthy individuals, where I examine intra/inter-individual differences, and patients with acquired brain injuries. In my investigations, I employ a multimodal approach that integrates behavioral assessments, electrophysiological measurements, and neurostimulation techniques. The overarching aim of my research is to develop innovative therapeutic protocols, with a particular focus on utilizing the cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) method to facilitate neuroplasticity and enhance functional recovery.

2. How do you anticipate that winning this award will influence your research experiences or personal outlook?
Winning this award is incredibly meaningful to me, and I believe it will have a profound impact on both my research experiences and personal outlook. Firstly, receiving this recognition validates the hard work and dedication I've poured into my research endeavors. It reinforces my confidence in my abilities and motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic pursuits. Moreover, winning this award opens up new opportunities for collaboration and networking, not only within my field but also with other professionals with different backgrounds, thus promoting translational research. I anticipate that these interactions will not only enrich my research experiences but also broaden my perspective on various topics. On a personal level, winning this award instills a sense of pride and fulfillment. It serves as a reminder of the impact that perseverance and determination can have in achieving one's goals.

3. What aspects of your experience as a reviewer for Biomedicines have you found most rewarding or fulfilling?
Being a reviewer for Biomedicines has been both a pleasure and a means to broaden my horizons by being exposed to a wide range of research topics. The most rewarding aspect of this role is the feeling of having provided a contribution to research, achieved by providing feedback to fellow colleagues. Furthermore, the opportunity to peer-review these articles also coincided with a sense of personal growth, as it led to an enhancement of my critical thinking as well as analytical and communication skills, all required to appropriately share my expertise to foster excellence in research.

4. Can you share any positive interactions or experiences you've had with the editorial team at Biomedicines during the review process?
My interactions with the editorial team at Biomedicines during the review process have been overwhelmingly positive. They have consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to facilitating a smooth and fair review process. Additionally, I appreciate the open communication channels established by the editorial team. They have been proactive in addressing any queries or concerns that arose throughout the review process, fostering a collaborative environment.

We would like to share with you an update on the Section structure of Biomedicines (ISSN: 2227-9059). After careful evaluation and analysis, we have made the decision to merge the Section “Drug Discovery” with the Sections “Drug Delivery”, “Drug Metabolism”, and “Pharmacogenomic and Personalized Medicines” to create a new Section “Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery”, and merge the Section “Biomedical Engineering in Human Health” with the Section “Biomedical Materials” to create a new Section “Biomedical Engineering and Materials”. All published papers and Special Issues as well as Topical Collections of the old Sections will be moved to the new Sections of the journal accordingly.

Moreover, the Sections “Cancer Biology and Therapeutics” and “Neurobiology and Neurologic Disease” will be individually renamed as “Cancer Biology and Oncology” and “Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience”. All published papers and Special Issues as well as Topical Collections will remain unchanged.

This decision was based on a comprehensive review of the Section’s substantial development. This strategic initiative aims to make the Section structure clearer allowing readers to better identify the articles, enhance the journal’s transdisciplinary focus, foster collaboration across diverse fields, and elevate the impact of published research.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Editorial Board, MDPI leadership team, and all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and support throughout this transformative process. Together, we are dedicated to advancing the biomedical field.

Biomedicines Editorial Office

Delving into the realm of research and peer review, we were fortunate to connect with Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska, the recent winner of the Biomedicines Outstanding Reviewer Award 2023. As we explore her insights, we gain a perspective from a female researcher, shedding light on the diverse voices shaping academia today.

The following is an interview with Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska:

1. Could you please tell us a little more about yourself and your current research?
I am a long-time academic and teaching staff member and a physiologist. I work at the Department of Animal Physiology at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. I am involved in a wide range of research topics, as seen in my work. However, my passion lies in prenatal programming, which I pursued after personal experiences related to pregnancy. Currently, I am focusing on conducting planned analyses from several experiments carried out over the past three years. These experiments were conducted on rats, pigs, and birds as animal models. I always strive to gather experimental material in a way that ensures the animals that have been euthanized do not give their lives in vain. Scientific work requires not only passion and dedication but also responsibility and empathy. Therefore, I endeavor to collaborate with various specialists and publish jointly across various fields.

2. Could you please share your sentiments about winning the award with us?
I am someone who has not achieved many awards in life. So, there is a moment of disbelief at first, followed by immense joy that is difficult to describe. It is a great honor and distinction to be chosen among many people from around the world. It is a culmination of work that brings joy, but the award gives it a different dimension. It is a wonderful feeling to see that others recognize and appreciate the efforts.

3. What initially drew you to become a reviewer for MDPI Biomedicines?
I have been a reviewer for MDPI since 11 September 2017, and Biomedicines since 30 December 2022. I actively participate in reviewing articles for various journals. Naturally, the subject matter of the papers I review must fall within my area of expertise. Being a physiologist, it is possible that I am able to tackle diverse challenges. Additionally, I collaborate with a medical university, conducting a variety of research together. This collaboration allows us to approach topics from different perspectives.

4. Could you share some insights into your approach to reviewing manuscripts? How do you balance thoroughness with efficiency?
I am not sure if I can consider myself precise and efficient. I have been working for thirty years. I have numerous publications and have conducted many reviews (approximately 130 per year in recent years). By writing scientific papers, responding to reviews, and reviewing other papers, I am able to systematically learn what to focus on and what an ideally prepared manuscript should look like. This practice of writing and reviewing allows me to continuously improve my skills and shape my perception of an ideally prepared experiment and manuscript. An additional advantage is the opportunity to work in a team with individuals possessing a broad knowledge base, who always provide me with support. When I encounter dilemmas regarding methodology or statistics, I can always count on their assistance. On the other hand, I realize that authors expect feedback just as I do from other reviewers. Therefore, I strive not to postpone reviews. It may contribute to my efficiency.

5. How do you believe your experience as a woman in this biomedical field has contributed to your success and the advancements you have made in your research?
I believe that being a woman has influenced many aspects of my journey. My experience as a woman has shaped everything. My research and passion focus on prenatal programming, as I mentioned before. I have taken on research challenges that bridge veterinary and medical sciences, requiring flexibility of thought. However, there is another question: can I be considered a successful woman? Honestly, I am not sure. I have never looked at myself in that way. I simply work in the field of science, and my work is quite intensive because it is my passion. I love what I do.

We had the privilege of discussing some topics on research and peer review with Prof. Dr. Francisco Solano, who has recently been honored with the Biomedicines 2023 Outstanding Reviewer Award.

Name: Prof. Dr. Francisco Solano
Affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
Research Interests: tyrosinase and melanogenesis proteins; melanin pigmentation; photoprotection and other melanin functions; polyphenols as antioxidants; oxidative stress and ROS; skin-lightening agents; ocular melanin; melanin as polymeric biomaterial; bacterial and fungal melanin

1. Can you please tell us a little more about yourself, and your current research?
I am a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Spain. I am 69 years old. I divide my time between teaching and researching. My current research is related to several issues, as I advise young researchers completing their Ph.D. degrees. My main expertise over my decades as a principal investigator has been photobiology, particularly melanin biosynthesis, precursors, and regulation of that pathway. This includes cutaneous pigmentation, pigmentary disorders, and melanoma. I am also involved in research related to oxidative stress, antioxidants and antioxidant response, aging and metabolic nutrition, and the antifungal effects of natural antioxidants.

2. Can you please share with us your sentiments upon winning the award?
I was very happy to receive the news. During the last years, I have dedicated a significant part of my time to the peer review process. I do not need to dedicate all my time to my own research as it will no longer be the sole focus of my career. It’s very important to me that I share my experience with the authors, and I try to be honest throughout the process. Regarding my sentiments about the award, I feel that my time and efforts have been recognized, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

3. In your opinion, what are some key qualities that make a review outstanding?
The most important quality is will. I should be convinced that you want to do it to improve the document, both in the content and in the format. Another key quality is time. A good reviewer should take their time in doing a first reading, taking a general idea, and then writing comments and a list of details on the improvement of that idea. Other qualities include knowledge and experience in the field. In addition, reviewers should act with fair play and honesty. They should give authors the chance to discuss alternative opinions, although the scientific rigor should always be in mind. The comments should always be constructive and clear enough for introducing modifications or for making new experiments to solve possible ambiguities and pitfalls if the manuscript contains positive sections and it would provide a chance of a revised version. Regarding the format, the manuscript should follow the instructions for authors, with a logical development, appropriate references, and so on. The manuscript should be logical and well-ordered, as should the report.

4. What advice would you give to early career researchers who are interested in becoming reviewers for academic journals like MDPI Biomedicines?
Love for science, honesty, integrity, scientific rigor but comprehension, and patience are crucial. Reviewers should act the same as they would like other scientists to act with their work. Fair review is important and instructive. I would rather be a reviewer than an editor, and I dislike the fact that many scientists refuse to review other scientist’s research since they are busy with their own.

5. Biomedicines is an open access journal. How do you think being open access impacts authors?
This is a very important issue. Open access is a great idea which facilitated the free availability of science to scientists. Scientific literature has changed a lot since the appearance of open access; however, I believe open access journals should be regulated. Quality and veracity of science are very important. Impact factor, number of reading and citations, and many other bibliometric parameters are useful, but, in my opinion, the number of journals, or the number of issues published annually by invitation should be limited. Predatory journals and easy business are currently serious risks. Editors, as any other members involved in publishing scientific literature of the system, should be fair.

To further enhance the quality of Biomedicines and the papers published in it, under the guidance of our Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Felipe Fregni, the journal has updated and revised its aims and scope. The original scope and the updated version are listed below:

For more detailed information, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomedicines/about.

Biomedicines Editorial Office