Announcements

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative—the Brain Sciences Special Issue Mentor Program.

This program will enable early career researchers (who hold a Ph.D. in a related field) to experience editing a Special Issue in MDPI journals under the mentorship of our experienced Editorial Board Members or other scientists. Early career scientists will have an excellent opportunity to gain editorial experience and cultivate their ability to edit scientific research.

The mentees’ responsibilities include the following:

• Proposing a Special Issue title and assisting mentors in preparing a summary (around 150–200 words) and 3–10 keywords describing the background, importance, and goal of the Special Issue;
• Writing a brief promotion plan for the Special Issue;
• Preparing a list of scholars that may be interested in the Special Issue and personally e-mailing invitations on behalf of the Guest Editors;
• Collaborating with mentors to write an editorial for the online Special Issue.

The mentors’ responsibilities include the following:

• Conducting a final check before the Special Issue is published online;
• Performing editorial control of the Special Issue and quality control of the publications in a timely manner;
• Providing suggestions to younger scholars if they have doubts or concerns regarding submissions;
• Organizing regular video calls with young scholars and the Editorial Office to discuss problems and make suggestions to improve the Special Issue;
• Making and submitting decisions for submissions with the assistance of mentees.

Certificates and awards:

After the Special Issue closes, the Editorial Office will provide official certificates to all the mentors and mentees.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your Special Issue proposal to the Brain Sciences Editorial Office, and we will discuss the process (i.e., mentor collaboration, Special Issue topic feasibility analysis, etc.) in further detail.

In addition to the new Special Issue Mentor Program, Brain Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3425) will continue to welcome all Special Issue proposals focusing on hot research topics.

Brain Sciences Editorial Office

The aim of the “Neurorehabilitation” Section of Brain Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3425) is to publish articles that cover the full life span and range of neurological disabilities.

As all of the articles published in our journal are of an open access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full texts. We welcome you to read our most highly cited papers published in 2022 and 2023, which are listed below.

1. “A Comprehensive Review of Physical Therapy Interventions for Stroke Rehabilitation: Impairment-Based Approaches and Functional Goals”
by Jawaria Shahid, Ayesha Kashif and Muhammad Kashif Shahid
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050717
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/5/717

2. “Does Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Improve Attention Processes in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury? Encouraging Data from a Pilot Study”
by Rosaria De Luca, Mirjam Bonanno, Carmela Rifici, Patrizia Pollicino, Angelo Caminiti, Giovanni Morone and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(9), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12091211
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/9/1211

3. “Post-Stroke Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease”
by Aleksandra Szylińska, Katarzyna Kotfis, Marta Bott-Olejnik, Paweł Wańkowicz and Iwona Rotter
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010106
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/1/106

4. “Exploring the Potential of Immersive Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Unilateral Spatial Neglect Due to Stroke: A Comprehensive Systematic Review”
by Alex Martino Cinnera, Alessio Bisirri, Ilaria Chioccia, Enza Leone, Irene Ciancarelli, Marco Iosa, Giovanni Morone and Valeria Verna
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(11), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111589
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/11/1589

5. “A Novel Approach to Increase Attention during Mirror Therapy among Stroke Patients: A Video-Based Behavioral Analysis”
by Sungbae Jo, Hyunjin Kim and Changho Song
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12030297
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/3/297

6. “Balance Rehabilitation through Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Post-Stroke Patients: A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”             
by Alberto Loro, Margherita Beatrice Borg, Marco Battaglia, Angelo Paolo Amico, Roberto Antenucci, Paolo Benanti, Michele Bertoni, Luciano Bissolotti, Paolo Boldrini, Donatella Bonaiuti et al.
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010092
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/1/92

7. “Neurophysiological and Clinical Effects of Upper Limb Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation on Motor Recovery in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol”
by Sanaz Pournajaf, Giovanni Morone, Sofia Straudi, Michela Goffredo, Maria Rosaria Leo, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Giorgio Felzani, Stefano Paolucci, Serena Filoni, Andrea Santamato et al.
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(4), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040700
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/4/700

8. “Virtual Reality Applications in Neurorehabilitation: Current Panorama and Challenges”
by Francisco Nieto-Escamez, Irene Cortés-Pérez, Esteban Obrero-Gaitán and Augusto Fusco
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050819
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/5/819

9. “Early Hemorrhagic Transformation after Reperfusion Therapy in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of Risk Factors and Predictors”
by Aida Iancu, Florina Buleu, Dana Simona Chita, Adrian Tutelca, Raluca Tudor and Silviu Brad
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050840
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/5/840

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 rui.duarte@mdpi.com or +41764313242.

About MDPI

The “Neuropharmacology and Neuropathology” Section of the journal Brain Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3425) aims to present findings within the neuropharmacology and neuropathology field from mechanistic insights to putative therapeutic strategies.

As all of the articles published in our journal are of an open access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full texts. We welcome you to read our most highly cited papers published in 2022 and 2023 listed below:

1. “Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Literature Review of the Last Decade”
by Julius Lindblom, Chandra Mohan and Ioannis Parodis
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020192
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/2/192

2. “Pharmacological Treatments for Cocaine Craving: What Is the Way Forward? A Systematic Review”
by Dângela Layne Silva Lassi, André Malbergier, André Brooking Negrão, Lígia Florio, João P. De Aquino and João Maurício Castaldelli-Maia
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111546
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/11/1546

3. “Acute Cerebellar Inflammation and Related Ataxia: Mechanisms and Pathophysiology”
by Md. Sorwer Alam Parvez and Gen Ohtsuki
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(3), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12030367
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/3/367

4. “Keeping the Balance: GABAB Receptors in the Developing Brain and Beyond”
by Davide Bassetti
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12040419
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/4/419

5. “Kappa Free Light Chains in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Neurological Diseases”
by Franz Felix Konen, Philipp Schwenkenbecher, Konstantin Fritz Jendretzky, Stefan Gingele, Torsten Witte, Kurt-Wolfram Sühs, Matthias Grothe, Malte Johannes Hannich, Marie Süße and Thomas Skripuletz
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12040475
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/4/475

6. “Therapeutic Strategies to Ameliorate Neuronal Damage in Epilepsy by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neuroinflammation”
by Sahithi Madireddy and Samskruthi Madireddy
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050784
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/5/784

7. “A Comprehensive Review on Anti-Inflammatory Response of Flavonoids in Experimentally-Induced Epileptic Seizures”
by Shyam Sunder Rabidas, Chandra Prakash, Jyoti Tyagi, Jyoti Suryavanshi, Pavan Kumar, Jaydeep Bhattacharya and Deepak Sharma
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010102
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/1/102

8. “Characteristics of Movement Disorders in Patients with Autoimmune GFAP Astrocytopathy”
by Akio Kimura, Akira Takekoshi and Takayoshi Shimohata
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12040462
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/4/462

9. “Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Antiphospholipid Syndrome—A Narrative Review”
by Yik Long Man and Giovanni Sanna
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010091
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/1/91

10. “Mood Stabilizers of First and Second Generation”
by Janusz K. Rybakowski
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050741
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/5/741

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

The mission of the “Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging” Section is to publish original observations and critical reviews on conventional and advanced bio-imaging, functional MRI, OCT, and PET, and other novel, technology-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In recent years, neurotechnology has emerged as a fast-developing, exciting, and promising new field with the potential to change our existing approach to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. Our scope is to understand neuronal biology, degeneration, regeneration, and organization of neural circuits in disabling neurological diseases. Manuscripts on neuroplasticity, synaptic connectivity, in vivo imaging and imaging biomarkers, optogenetics, and different forms of neuromodulation are particularly welcome.

As all of the articles published in our journal are of an open access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full texts. We welcome you to read our most highly cited papers published in 2022 and 2023, listed below.

1. “Seeking Overlapping Neuroanatomical Alterations between Dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Replication Study”
by Donato Liloia, Annachiara Crocetta, Franco Cauda, Sergio Duca, Tommaso Costa and Jordi Manuello
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(10), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101367
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/10/1367

2. “Safety of Clinical Ultrasound Neuromodulation”
by Sonja Radjenovic, Gregor Dörl, Martin Gaal and Roland Beisteiner
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(10), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101277
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/10/1277

3. “Brain Asymmetry and Its Effects on Gait Strategies in Hemiplegic Patients: New Rehabilitative Conceptions”
by Luca Vismara, Veronica Cimolin, Francesca Buffone, Matteo Bigoni, Daniela Clerici, Serena Cerfoglio, Manuela Galli and Alessandro Mauro
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(6), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12060798
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/6/798

4. “Intraoperative Cerebral Hemodynamic Monitoring during Carotid Endarterectomy via Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy”
by Kutlu Kaya, Alexander I. Zavriyev, Felipe Orihuela-Espina, Mirela V. Simon, Glenn M. LaMuraglia, Eric T. Pierce, Maria Angela Franceschini and John Sunwoo
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12081025
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/8/1025

5. “Evaluation of MTT Heterogeneity of Perfusion CT Imaging in the Early Brain Injury Phase: An Insight into aSAH Pathopysiology”
by Björn B. Hofmann, Igor Fischer, Daniel M. Donaldson, Yousef Abusabha, Cihat Karadag, Sajjad Muhammad, Kerim Beseoglu, Daniel Hänggi, Bernd Turowski, Christian Rubbert et al.
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050824
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/5/824

6. “Graph-Based Analysis of Brain Connectivity in Multiple Sclerosis Using Functional MRI: A Systematic Review”
by Sara Hejazi, Waldemar Karwowski, Farzad V. Farahani, Tadeusz Marek and P. A. Hancock
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020246
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/2/246

7. “Effects on Corticospinal Tract Homology of Faremus Personalized Neuromodulation Relieving Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Proof-of-Concept Study”
by Massimo Bertoli, Angela Tataranni, Susanna Porziani, Patrizio Pasqualetti, Eugenia Gianni, Joy Grifoni, Teresa L’Abbate, Karolina Armonaite, Livio Conti, Andrea Cancelli et al.
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(4), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13040574
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/4/574

8. “Effective Intracerebral Connectivity in Acute Stroke: A TMS–EEG Study”
by Franca Tecchio, Federica Giambattistelli, Camillo Porcaro, Carlo Cottone, Tuomas P. Mutanen, Vittorio Pizzella, Laura Marzetti, Risto J. Ilmoniemi, Fabrizio Vernieri and Paolo Maria Rossini
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020233
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/2/233

9. “Upper Limb Function Recovery by Combined Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Occupational Therapy in Patients with Chronic Stroke According to Paralysis Severity”
by Daigo Sakamoto, Toyohiro Hamaguchi, Kai Murata, Hiroshi Ito, Yasuhide Nakayama and Masahiro Abo
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13020284
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/2/284

10. “Modulation Effects of Repeated Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation at the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: A Pulsed Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling Study”
by Valeria Sacca, Nasim Maleki, Ya Wen, Ya Wen, Sierra Hodges and Jian Kong
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13030395
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/3/395

1. Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?

Currently, my research focuses on two main areas: the use of Virtual Reality for neurorehabilitation in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and the design of residential spaces that promote mental health. Regarding neurorehabilitation, we have investigated the use of this technology as a tool to improve the mood of people with dementia, with promising results. For example, in a recent study, we found that Virtual Reality therapy sessions significantly improved mood and quality of life in people with dementia, with positive effects that persisted over time. Additionally, we are preparing research using virtual reality games that combine physical and cognitive activity to train cognitive functions in people with mild cognitive impairment, with the aim of slowing down or reducing the chances of developing dementia. Regarding our research on residential environment design, we are also using virtual scenarios and 360-degree videos to explore how residential environments can influence mental health and quality of life of residents. We focus on architectural design factors that can positively affect mental health, as well as the presence of green and blue elements that have been shown to have positive effects on psychological well-being. To date, we have developed prototypes of residential spaces that integrate these design elements and are in the process of evaluating their impact on the mental health and well-being of residents.

2. Have you encountered any challenges in your research? How did you overcome them? Could you share your experience?

During our research, we have faced several challenges that we have had to effectively address. One of the most significant challenges has been adapting Virtual Reality technologies to the specific characteristics of our target population, which includes older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. We have often found that the limited number of applications designed specifically for this population makes it necessary to adapt and customize virtual experiences to ensure their accessibility and effectiveness. It is essential to design Virtual Reality experiences that are motivating for participants and promote engagement over time, especially considering that our intervention protocols typically last several weeks. To overcome this challenge, we have adopted a user-centered approach, working closely with occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, physiotherapists, and end-users to design interventions that are engaging, meaningful, and culturally sensitive. This has involved incorporating gamification elements, immersive narratives, and positive feedback into our Virtual Reality experiences, which has proven effective in maintaining motivation and participation over time.

Additionally, we have recognized the importance of having assessment tools adapted to the characteristics of heterogeneous samples, especially considering the cognitive and functional diversity of our target population. To address this challenge, we conducted a rigorous analysis of existing assessment tools and consensus on evaluation procedures among a multidisciplinary team of experts. This has allowed us to select the most suitable tools for our target population, ensuring the validity and reliability of our results.

3. Looking ahead, what do you believe will be the hot topics in the field of brain sciences research in the next few years? Can you please share the topics and the reason for it?

I believe that in the coming years, we will see an increase in research on the use of emerging technologies, such as Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence, in the field of neuroscience. These technologies offer new opportunities to understand and address a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, we anticipate a growing focus on neuroplasticity and the brain's ability to change and adapt over time. This will include research on non-pharmacological interventions, such as exercise, cognitive stimulation, and occupational therapy, that promote brain plasticity and improve outcomes in mental and cognitive health.

4. As a member of the committee of IECBS 2024, could you briefly describe what kind of meeting you are looking forward to?

As a member of the committee of IECBS 2024, I look forward to a gathering that brings together prominent researchers, academics, and professionals from various disciplines within the field of neuroscience. I am excited to participate in a conference that is held online, which allows for broader and more equitable access for researchers from around the world. Additionally, I am pleased to learn that IECBS 2024 is investing in young researchers and providing support to those with fewer resources. I hope that the conference serves as a platform for young researchers to present their work, connect with colleagues from around the world, and access resources and opportunities that promote their professional development.

5. With numerous conferences being organized each year, do you have any suggestions for making our conference more meaningful for scholars and students?

In a conference landscape as vast as this, I believe it's important for IECBS 2024 to stand out for its quality, relevance, and accessibility. The decision to organize the conference online and free of charge is a significant step towards making the event more accessible to researchers from different parts of the world, especially those with limited resources. To make the conference more meaningful for academics and students, it would be beneficial to include specific sessions aimed at supporting and promoting the participation of young researchers. This could include paper presentations, panel discussions with leaders in the field, and practical workshops addressing topics relevant to early career steps in academia. Additionally, considering the establishment of mentorship programs or scholarships that provide additional support to young researchers with fewer resources would be advantageous. Moreover, it's essential to connect basic and applied research during the conference, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and collaboration across different areas of the brain sciences field. It's also important to garner the attention of policymakers with decision-making capacity, so they can support men and women in science and rely on their expertise when seeking the welfare of society.

6. Could you share some of your past conference experiences? Did these conferences assist you in promoting your research results, expanding your network, finding potential collaborators, or advancing your career, etc.?

Of course, conferences have played a crucial role in my professional and academic development. They have been an unparalleled opportunity to interact in person with other researchers, receive feedback on my own work, and develop innovative ideas. The direct interaction and personal relationships established at conferences have been particularly enriching, as they allow for a deeper exchange of knowledge and experiences. Presenting my research findings at conferences has enabled me to promote the visibility of my work and establish significant connections with expert colleagues in my field. Additionally, conferences have been an invaluable platform to expand my professional network and establish contacts with other researchers and scholars who share similar interests. These connections have led to fruitful collaborations, joint research opportunities, and significant advancements in my academic career.

7. What are your thoughts on the current trends and developments of open access publishing?

While the movement towards open access publishing has numerous benefits, such as providing more equitable and widespread access to scientific knowledge, it also faces significant challenges, especially regarding business models. One of the main challenges is to find a sustainable model that covers the costs associated with the production and publication of open access articles without imposing excessive financial burdens on authors or institutions. This raises concern that open access publishing may favor researchers from institutions with greater resources, leaving behind those working in less privileged environments.

Furthermore, in line with the criteria used by evaluation agencies to assess research quality, which often emphasize the quantity of publications, some models of open access could lead to a decrease in research quality. Researchers may be incentivized to prioritize quantity over quality, potentially negatively impacting the credibility and reliability of scientific research overall. Therefore, it is crucial that open access publishing business models are designed to promote the development of high-quality research and foster the inclusion of researchers from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial resources.

For more information about the 4th International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/iecbs2024.