Announcements
2 April 2024
MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter #10 - South Korea, IWD, U2A, Japan
Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.
In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.
Opening Thoughts
Left to right: Dr. Jisuk Kang (Scientific Officer, MDPI), Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), and Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Chair of Scientific Office Board, MDPI), during media meetings at Prain Agency office in Seoul, South Korea.
Visit to Seoul, South Korea
During my recent visit to South Korea, I had the privilege of meeting various stakeholders, including representatives of government, research institutions, and academia, to understand their needs and communicate MDPI’s commitment to accessible science. Accompanied by my colleagues Dr. Giulia Stefenelli and Dr. Jisuk Kang, I engaged with the Korean scientific community, which is increasingly embracing open access (OA).
As the leading OA publisher in South Korea, MDPI is trusted by local authors and in 2023 enjoyed an approximately 30% share of the OA market. South Korea ranks sixth globally for MDPI in terms of research papers submitted and published.
MDPI and South Korea by Numbers
As at 30 March, over 76,000 MDPI articles have been authored by individuals affiliated with Korean institutions. We have over 1,800 active editorial board members (EBMs) from South Korea, with more than 880 EBMs having an H-index between 26 and 50, including 10 serving as Chief Editors.
“South Korea is the sixth-largest contributor to our total publications”
Over the past five years (2019–2023), nearly 120,000 authors affiliated with South Korean institutes have published with MDPI. Specifically in 2023, we received approximately 25,000 submissions from South Korean authors, publishing close to 13,000 articles, resulting in a rejection rate of 47.4%, which is not far below MDPI’s overall rejection rate of 56.4% in 2023.
Institutional Partnerships with South Korea
I am pleased to share that MDPI has more than 825 institutional partnerships worldwide, with 12 in South Korea, including Kyunghee University, Chung-Ang University, and Inha University, among others.
Left to right: Dr. Jisuk Kang (Scientific Officer, MDPI), Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Chair of Scientific Office Board, MDPI), and Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI) fielding media questions at Prain PR Agency office in Seoul, South Korea.
Over the past three years (2021–2023), we have had some of the most prestigious academic universities ranked among the top 10 Korean institutions publishing with MDPI. Seoul National University had the highest number of publications with MDPI during those three years, publishing nearly 6,000 papers. Universities such as Korea University and Yonsei University also rank among the top 10 Korean institutions publishing with MDPI.
MDPI Hosts Seminar for Academia and Media
As the world’s leading OA publisher, MDPI is actively democratizing science. This is reflected in the seminars we hosted on 21 March to address questions about our editorial processes and ethical standards. The visit garnered media coverage, reflecting our mission to providing high-quality services and fostering open dialogue in the community.
“MDPI is actively democratizing science”
MDPI in the News
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI) leading a seminar on OA and MDPI at Prain PR Agency office in Seoul, South Korea.
Media coverage generated by our visit to Seoul included the following stories:
“Open access is an unstoppable trend…it will lead the development of the knowledge ecosystem.”
I greatly appreciate the contributions of everyone who took the time to meet with us, share their stories, and hold us accountable for continuing to provide high-quality publishing services while identifying areas for improvement. I am also excited to announce that we have opened an MDPI office in Seoul and will release a press release on MDPI.com, with details, by the end April 2024. The purpose of the office is to establish a local presence to connect with and support the South Korean academic community through institutional partnerships, conferences, author workshops, stakeholder communications, and more.
Impactful Research
Featured Articles on Women’s Leadership and Healthcare
In celebration of International Women’s Day (8 March 2024), MDPI curated a collection of research articles on various topics, including women’s leadership, reproductive health, preventive healthcare, and a selection of articles from our journal Women.
Women’s Leadership
- Women Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: Bibliometric Analysis and Emerging Research Trends
Sustainability 2022, 14, 9160. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159160 - Refugee Women Business Mentors: New Evidence for Women’s Empowerment
Sustainability 2022, 14, 9154. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159154 - Women and Leadership in Higher Education: A Systematic Review
Soc. Sci. 2023, 12, 555. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12100555 - Understanding Needs and Potentials for Gender-Balanced Empowerment and Leadership in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Africa
Sustainability 2022, 14, 9410. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159410 - Challenges Women Experience in Leadership Careers: An Integrative Review
Merits 2023, 3, 366-389. https://doi.org/10.3390/merits3020021
Women’s Reproductive Health
- Recreational Female Athletes’ Understanding of and Perceived Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Physical Performance, Mood, and Sleeping Behaviour
Women 2023, 3, 445-456. https://doi.org/10.3390/women3030034 - Difficulties in Adaptation of the Mother and Newborn via Cesarean Section versus Natural Birth—A Narrative Review
Life 2023, 13, 300. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020300 - The Main Theories on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 4254. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054254
Women’s Preventive Healthcare
- Insulin Metabolism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Secretion, Signaling, and Clearance
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 3140. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043140 - Assessing Barriers Encountered by Women in Cervical Cancer Screening and Follow-Up Care in Urban Bolivia, Cochabamba
Healthcare 2022, 10, 1604. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091604 - Updates on HPV Vaccination
Diagnostics 2023, 13, 243. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13020243
Featured Articles in MDPI Journal Women
Below are a few articles from Women, our journal focused on women’s health, the social determinants of health, and the healthcare system that serves women. The aim of Women is to encourage academics to publish their experimental and theoretical results in detail, to aid reproducibility, and in an engaging style, to aid comprehensibility.
- Premenstrual Syndrome and Exercise: A Narrative Review
Women 2023, 3, 348-364. https://doi.org/10.3390/women3020026 - Increasing Awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine for Women 18–45 Years of Age
Women 2023, 3, 365-373. https://doi.org/10.3390/women3030027 - Addressing Women’s Needs with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Enhancing the Visibility of Pharmacists in the Public Health Arena
Women 2022, 2, 346-352. https://doi.org/10.3390/women2040032
Inside MDPI
Championing Women’s Healthcare and Access to Healthcare Information
MDPI colleagues from our offices joined in celebrating #IWD2024. In doing so, we emphasized key missions that encompass:
- Empowering women to assume leadership and decision-making roles in both business and science.
- Helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health.
- Recruiting and developing female talent and fostering inclusive workplace environments.
“We are thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of women scientists”
I am proud to see our colleagues enthusiastically supporting the International Women’s Day call to ‘Inspire Inclusion!’ The heart-hands in the collage below symbolize our appreciation of the achievements of women researchers and the recognition of the trailblazers who have courageously made a mark on societies past and present.
We are thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of women scientists through our many MDPI awards and by highlighting success stories. As inspirational figures, female scientists are paving the way for the next generation of women aspiring to pursue careers in engineering, life sciences, computing, and various other STEM fields.
“I consider myself lucky because I work with incredibly talented women who inspire me every day.”
– Dr. Alessandra Pasut, Winner of MDPI's ‘Biology 2023 Young Investigator Award’
“It’s really important to find a supportive and enabling environment in which to do your science; it would have a big impact on you as a person and on your scientific outputs.”
– Dr. Rhea Longley, Winner of the ‘Pathogens 2023 Young Investigator Award’
Open-access publishing, in particular, allows early-career women researchers to share their work more widely, potentially attracting mentorship opportunities and collaborations. This support is crucial for career development and advancement.
Coming Together for Science
MDPI Joins United2Act in Collective Fight to Stop Paper Mills
In my February 2024 CEO Letter, I highlighted some of our recent initiatives aimed at bolstering our commitment to research integrity, including joining the STM Integrity Hub and expanding our Research Integrity and Publication Ethics team (RIPE). Continuing our efforts in coming together for science, I am pleased to share our participation in the United2Act initiative.
The text below is taken from our official announcement:
United2Act represents an international group of stakeholders in the publishing industry committed to addressing the collective challenge posed to research integrity by paper mills.
Scientists and academic publishers have increasingly noted the alarming proliferation of paper mills, recognized as fraudulent entities seeking to manipulate the publication process for financial profit. These entities engage in fraudulent practices such as falsifying or fabricating data, selling co-authorship of fake papers, manipulating peer review, and including inappropriate citations. These actions pose a significant threat to the integrity of the scholarly record, prompting widespread concern among those involved in the academic community.
MDPI has been actively contributing to combat the undermining of the scientific record. Our editors employ a set of tools to detect potential ethical breaches within a manuscript and to tackle the issue of fake papers.
United2Act’s consensus statement is the outcome of a virtual summit held in May 2023. It involved the participation of research bodies, publishers, researchers/sleuths, universities, and publishing infrastructure from 15 countries and resulted in a Consensus Statement outlining five key areas of action for all stakeholders:
- Education and awareness
- Improve post-publication corrections
- Facilitate and organise research on paper mills
- Enable the development of trust markers
- Facilitate dialogue between stakeholders
MDPI is committed to promoting transparency and integrity in scholarly publishing and is continuing to work closely with the scientific community toward this goal.
Closing Thoughts
Left to right: Ryo Hirayama (Marketing Specialist, MDPI), Takashi Sasabe (Marketing Specialist, MDPI), Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Chair of Scientific Office Board, MDPI), Dr. Izumi Yamamoto (Marketing Manager, MDPI), and Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), at MDPI’s office in Tokyo, Japan.
Visit to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
In March, I had the opportunity to visit our Tokyo office and engage with stakeholders in Tokyo and Kyoto. During the visit, I also recorded a video message to welcome Japanese scholars working with MDPI and to highlight our operations in Japan.
We held meetings with Editors-in-Chief, librarians, scholars, and external consultants to gather feedback on our efforts to enhance our reputation and explore additional steps we can take in that direction. Japan's rich cultural heritage, characterized by tradition, respect, and formality, provided valuable insights into meeting the publishing needs specific to Japan.
Japan’s Open Access statistics
Over the years, we have seen a shift from subscription-only to gold OA publishing in Japan, despite the lack of an official mandate. Here are some statistics:
- 2012: 68% of articles were subscription-only, 6% were green Open Access, and 8% were gold Open Access.
- 2016: 55% of articles were subscription-only, 6% were green Open Access, and 20% were gold Open Access.
- 2022: 43% of articles were subscription-only, 7% were green Open Access, and 39% were gold Open Access.
To learn more about the history of OA in Japan as well as about future trends, please read this blog post.
“Japan is the ninth-largest contributor to our total publications”
Left to right: Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Dr. Izumi Yamamoto (Marketing Manager, MDPI), and Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Chair of Scientific Office Board, MDPI) visiting Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan.
MDPI and Japan by Numbers
As at 1 April, over 50,000 MDPI articles have been authored by scholars affiliated with Japanese institutions, making the country the ninth-largest contributor to our total publications. Over the past three years (2020–2023), nearly 90,000 authors affiliated with Japanese institutes have published with MDPI, and we have collaborated with over 4,600 Guest Editors from Japan.
In 2023, we published over 8,200 papers from authors associated with Japanese institutions. MDPI collaborates with 41 institutional partnerships in Japan, including the University of Tokyo, Hokkaido University, and Nagoya University. We have over 2,100 active EBMs from Japan, more than 1,050 EBMs having an H-index between 26 and 50, including 13 serving as Editors-in-Chief.
General Feedback – a side note
A general takeaway from our discussions with stakeholders from around the world is that negative perceptions of MDPI often stem from misinformation, misconceptions, or misunderstandings about MDPI and our practices. While we acknowledge our mistakes and work diligently to address them, maintaining a strong editorial procedure and robust peer-review process, I find that educating stakeholders about our how we do what we do and our ongoing improvements tends to help shift opinions.
That said, we recognize the importance of addressing individual concerns. We take feedback seriously and are continuously working to get better while not compromising the core principles that millions of authors appreciate about MDPI.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
27 March 2024
Interview with Dr. Simone Battaglia—Winner of the Biomedicines 2023 Outstanding Reviewer Award
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.
In my opinion, several qualities are necessary for being an effective reviewer. Naturally, the most important one may be expertise. In order to provide a meaningful and coherent revision, a solid understanding of the subject at hand is essential. Alongside this feature, a good reviewer must be objective and impartial, focusing solely on the quality and validity of the research presented. Furthermore, critical thinking is necessary to assess the strenghts and weaknessess of a manuscript, including the methodology, data analysis, and the interpretation of the results. Attention to detail is also crucial, in order to find inaccuracies and imprecisions that may go unnoticed upon a more superficial read. Finally, communication skills are key in order to convey the relevant suggestions with both respect towards the authors and authority, as well as timeliness in order to promote a smooth review process for both authors and the editors.
21 March 2024
Biomedicines | Sectional Reinvention
20 March 2024
Interview with Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska—Winner of the Biomedicines 2023 Oustanding Reviewer Award
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.
Name: Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska
Affiliation: Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Research Interests: animal model; bone quality and physiology; intestine function and physiology; nutrition; toxicology; egg quality; animal physiology
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.
Never give up. Throughout my life, I have experienced various good and bad moments, and perhaps there are more ahead of me, but one must never give up. Take a moment to slow down, balance ambitions and strengths, take care of your family, and then resume action with new energy and determination. Regardless of what the future holds, it is important to adhere to these values and continue on the path with determination and optimism.
15 March 2024
Interview with Prof. Dr. Francisco Solano—Winner of the Biomedicines 2023 Oustanding Reviewer Award
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.
This is a crucial time in many fields, but biomedicine is one of the most promising topics. AI and the new genetic revolution using CRISPR/Cas9 editing and related techniques will be able to make miracles soon. The mRNA technology developed after the COVID-19 pandemic and the new coming vaccines are trends of the near future. Tridimensional details about protein structure and the design of specific inhibitors/activators of key proteins will also trend. No doubt, it will be amazing and exciting.
7 March 2024
Biomedicines | Aims and Scope Update
4 March 2024
MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter #9 - Romania, Research Integrity, Viruses
Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.
In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.
Opening Thoughts
Reka Kovacs (Deputy Office Manager, MDPI), Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), and Sandra Ana Spatariu (Office Manager, MDPI) at the MDPI office in Cluj, Romania.
MDPI’s Impact on Romania
In February, I visited our office in Cluj, Romania. I worked closely with our senior office managers and various teams, including the departments of training, marketing and conferences, as well as our journal relationship specialists, reviewing our service to the local scholarly community. During the visit, I also met with representatives from Babes-Bolyai University and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca. Our multifunctional Romanian office plays an important role in supporting our collaborations with the local market as well as helping to meet MDPI’s overall business needs.
Feedback and strategy meeting with a group of MDPI’s Journal Relationship Specialists at the MDPI office in Cluj, Romania.
With 22,436 articles, Romania ranks as a top 20 contributing country to MDPI’s total number of papers published as at 28 February 2024. This highlights the importance of our collaboration with Romanian-affiliated authors and the growing opportunity to support their publishing needs. MDPI is one of the few academic publishers with a significant presence in Romania, boasting over 360 colleagues across our offices in Bucharest and Cluj. We are also proud to hire colleagues from local institutions to launch their careers within publishing.
Romania ranks as a top 20 contributing country.
The Numbers: 2019–2023
MDPI has seen a healthy increase in submissions from Romanian authors over the past three years, from 8,439 in 2021 to 11,866 by end of 2023, with most submissions going to journals such as Sustainability, Medicina, Diagnostics, IJMS, Applied Sciences, and JCM. From 2019 to 2023, MDPI published articles from 32,145 authors affiliated with Romanian institutions. Over those years, we have worked with Romanian Guest Editors on nearly 3,000 occasions to support their Special Issue and Topical collections.
With more than 300 Editorial Board Members from Romania, 34 appear on the board of Mathematics, 27 on Materials, 19 on Polymers, 18 on Coatings, and 16 on Molecules, while three serve as Section Editors-in-Chief (SEiC) on our journals Coatings (3.4 IF, 4.6 Citescore), Magnetochemistry (2.7 IF, 3.5 Citescore), and Chemosensors (4.2 IF, 3.9 Citescore).
Institutional Open Access Programs
Our commitment to working with institutions is evident in Romania, where we have established eight Institutional Open Access Programs (IOAP) with esteemed institutions such as the University of Bucharest, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, and most recently the National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics.
Our growth and presence in Romania are a true testament.
We also have IOAP agreements with Babes-Bolyai University and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, where I had the opportunity to meet senior stakeholders during my visit. Below are a few photos capturing our meeting with Prof. Radu Silaghi-Dumitrescu (Head of Faculty of Chemistry, Babes-Bolyai University) at the MDPI office in Cluj, Romania, along with a photo from our meeting with Vice Deans Nicoleta Cobarzan, Nicoleta Ilies, and Hoda Gavril, from the faculty of Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Cluj, Romania.
Our growth and presence in Romania are a true testament to the service we provide to the scholarly community and the relationships we foster in that region. We look forward to continuing to support Romanian scholars and institutions by providing a valuable and trusted experience with MDPI, the leader in open access publishing.
Impactful Research
MDPI Joins the STM Integrity Hub
MDPI has long been a supporter and partner of STM, with our involvement ranging from sponsoring and attending events to helping organize event programs. By joining the STM Integrity Hub, we aim to further our commitment to STM initiatives aimed at safeguarding the integrity of science.
“We are pleased to welcome MDPI as the 35th organisation participating in the Hub. This expansion is critical, as every new member enhances our capacity to prevent fraudulent submissions from entering the academic record.”
Joris van Rossum, Director of Research Integrity, STM
MDPI operates in full alignment with STM Integrity Hub's values of shared data and experiences. We strongly believe in collaboration and open exchange for the purposes of creating a holistic approach to support research integrity at MDPI itself and across the entire academic publishing industry. The Integrity Hub is an excellent example of how publishers can come together to jointly address industry-wide challenges related to research integrity, such as manuscripts that breach research integrity standards and paper-mills.
I look forward to our Research Integrity and Publication Ethics Team (RIPE) team immersing themselves in this initiative, exchanging information, best practices, and tools for the benefit of the entire scholarly ecosystem. We believe that ethical publishing standards should be implemented across the board, and we aim to be rigorous in our approach, addressing research integrity issues and improving the impact of published research.
Inside MDPI
MDPI Expands Research Integrity and Publication Ethics Team (RIPE)
In addition to external collaborations and joint initiatives aimed at further strengthening our commitment to research integrity, we are also enhancing our internal efforts. This includes improving our processes and guidelines and expanding our teams and departments to ensure quality assurance throughout our publishing process.
We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Research Integrity and Publication Ethics Team (RIPE) at MDPI. The RIPE team has recently welcomed new colleagues, each bringing unique skills and a personal commitment to prioritize ethical considerations in all our work.
The demand for research integrity and high ethical standards in academic publishing is steadily rising across our industry. Our expanded RIPE team will work to enhance and align our practices with industry best practices, ensuring excellence in research integrity and publication ethics.
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI) introduces Dr. Tim Tait-Jamieson (Research Integrity Lead, MDPI) for his presentation on MDPI’s Retraction and Approval Process to a group of Journal Relationship Specialists at the MDPI office in Cluj, Romania: “The demand for research integrity and publication ethics is steadily rising across our industry.”
Introducing our Research Integrity and Publication Ethics Team
Led by Dr. Tim Tait-Jamieson (Research Integrity Lead), the RIPE team comprises Dr. Ivana Resanovic (Research Integrity Manager), Dr. Lavinia Rogojina (Research Integrity Manager), Ms. Diana Apodaritei (Research Integrity Specialist), Dr. Zoltan Mihaly (Research Integrity Specialist), Mr. Aleksandar Đukić (Research Integrity Specialist), Ms. Ana Stankovic (Research Integrity Specialist), and Ms. Anna Pena (Publication Ethics Assistant).
Please click here to access everything that you need to know about MDPI’s Research and Publication Ethics.
With this span of complementary roles, the RIPE team collaborates directly with journal editorial teams and works closely with various departments, including our Scientific Office Board and our Journal Relationship Specialists. The team’s primary objectives are to help prevent issues regarding research integrity and publication ethics during peer review, uphold MDPI’s ethics policies, adhere to industry standards, and resolve publication ethics and research integrity issues and complaints.
Quality Updates to Special Issues Oversight
At MDPI, we are committed to reviewing policies pertaining to the quality of research. In this blog post, Shaheena Patel (Communications Associate, MDPI), outlines two recent updates to MDPI journal processes. These updates pertain to Special Issue (SI) quality guidelines, in line with criteria provided by COPE and DOAJ. Alongside the SI updates, details regarding the new minor corrections policy introduced in 2024 are provided in the blog.
The two updates we implemented include greater oversight and the verification of Guest Editor credentials. These guidelines require that Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) and Editorial Board Members (EBMs) take responsibility for overseeing SIs.
PS. Thank you, James Butcher, for featuring this up in your 67th issue of the Journalogy newsletter.
Read more:
Coming Together for Science
Viruses 2024 – A World of Viruses
I am pleased to share the success of our MDPI conference Viruses 2024 – A World of Viruses, held 14-16 February, in Barcelona. With 240 registrations, this event brought together top scientists, researchers, and industry experts from 40 countries to share their findings on the latest developments in viral pathogenesis and immune responses.
Attendees gathered for the 5th edition of the Viruses’ conference, where we hosted influential keynote speeches from Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Charles M. Rice and ‘Distinguished Senior Virologist’ Prof. Luis Enjuanes, along with 14 invited speakers, 47 selected speakers, and nine flash poster presenters, to discuss the most significant issues in virology today.
Recap on the #Viruses2024 Conference
Take a look at the key moments from MDPI’s Viruses event and please join us in commemorating a gathering for global knowledge and cooperation. A heartfelt thank-you to all attendees; their passion and engagement played a crucial role in making this event an engaging success!
Below are calls to action from the keynote speakers encouraging collaboration and communication:
“There’s never been a better time than now to really take the power that we have both in terms of basic research and also in biotech and pharma to develop antiviral agents.” - Dr. Charles M. Rice, The Rockefeller University, New York, USA
“The collaboration between labs is absolutely essential. Improving initial detection and improving communication is a must for all of us working in science.” - Prof. Dr. Luis Enjuanes, National Center of Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
Our thanks go to our sponsors and partnering societies, our Viruses journal and editorial team, our Barcelona colleagues, and the social media, conference and other MDPI teams for making this event a memorable occasion. View the event gallery here.
Upcoming In-Person Event
24–26 April, 2024
4th MMCS – Harnessing the Power of New Drug Modalities
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Esteemed speakers at MMCS 2024 include Prof. Arun K. Ghosh, the mind behind the Darunavir molecule, and Prof. Paul Brennan, CSO of Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute.
Find more upcoming MDPI events here.
Organize Your Event with MDPI’s Sciforum
Sciforum is MDPI’s platform dedicated to the organization of scientific events. In line with our mission to promote science, Sciforum supports scholars, societies, research networks, and universities at all stages of organizing in-person events, virtual events and webinars. Our platforms are efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective. We handle all steps related to event management. Contact us for details.
Closing Thoughts
Researcher to Reader (R2R) Conference
From 20–21 February 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Researcher to Reader (R2R) conference in London, which MDPI has proudly sponsored over the years. The conference programme offered a variety of session formats, including workshops, panel discussions, debates, interviews, presentations, and lightning talks, with opportunities to discuss relevant topics.
We take pride in supporting the scientific community, bringing researchers across the world together to network, exchange ideas and share the latest in science and publishing. In 2023, MDPI invested close to 2 million CHF in sponsoring over 2,000 scientific and publishing-related conferences worldwide.
R2R Peer Review Innovations Workshop
I found the R2R conference to be engaging, with the workshops being particularly enjoyable. My colleague Giulia Stefenelli (Chair of Scientific Office Board) and I participated in the “Peer Review Innovations” workshop, which spanned four sessions over the two days. These sessions explored the future of peer review and how we can improve the peer review process for everyone involved. Notably, the large majority of attendees expressed their opinion that peer review, as currently practiced, requires significant improvement. Together, we collaborated on potential immediate and long-term improvements and innovative processes, aiming to create an ecosystem beneficial to all stakeholders by strengthening submission systems with the aim of reducing threats and making authors more responsible for their work. We also discussed the opportunity for academic institutions to better scrutinize the quality of the work produced and submitted to journals.
Our group comprised publishers, software providers, librarians, and more, bringing diverse perspectives to the discussions. These interactions were relevant to MDPI’s ongoing conversations, providing insights to our efforts. The session also made me appreciate that MDPI is doing well, as the group discussions included the subject of various quality checks that we have already embedded in our processes, ensuring that we keep abreast of industry standards.
The need for an optimized system to incentivize the activities of editors and reviewers was also a focus of discussion, as well as the support that reviewers need from publishers via the provision of strong reports through fixed forms, questionnaires and training.
At MDPI, we are currently auditing our reviewer program to improve reviewer recognition, guidelines, and methods for identifying suitable reviewers, while maintaining our commitment to quality and timeliness.
Congratulations to Mark Carden, Conference Director, and the R2R team for organizing a productive and successful event. PS: The break times were greatly appreciated as well!
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
23 February 2024
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