Announcements

We cordially invite you to attend the following event organized by the MDPI journal Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412, Impact Factor 2.8). The conference will take place online from 22 to 24 March 2027.

Conference Chair:

• Dr. Emerson Coy, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland.

Topics of interest:
S1. Plasma and Laser Coatings, Surfaces, and Interfaces;
S2. Corrosion, Erosion and the Tribological/Smart/Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings;
S3. Coatings and Thin Film Deposition;
S4. Ceramic Coatings;
S5. Protective Coatings in Cultural Heritage, Conservation, and Preservation;
S6. The Biomedical Application of Coatings;
S7. Functional Polymer Coatings and Films.

Important dates:
Deadline for abstract submission: 30 November 2026;
Notification of acceptance: 30 December 2026;
Deadline for registration: 16 March 2027.

Best Oral Presentation Award and Best Poster Award:

• Six winners will be selected for the above awards;
• For the Best Oral Presentation Award, the winners will receive a certificate and CHF 400 each;
• For the Best Poster Award, the winners will receive a certificate and CHF 200 each.

Guide for authors:
To submit your abstract, please click the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1686.

To register for the event, please click the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/CIC2027?section=#registration.

For details regarding Abstract Submission, Poster and Slide Submission, and Publication Opportunities, please refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section on the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/CIC2027?section=#instructions.

For any enquiries regarding this event, please contact us at cic2027@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at CIC 2027.

The 2025 CiteScore metrics have been officially released by Scopus, and the results confirm what has become a consistent pattern for MDPI's journal portfolio: broad recognition across disciplines, steady improvement across the majority of ranked titles, and a growing presence at the top of subject category rankings.

CiteScore, published annually by Elsevier's Scopus database, measures the average citations received by articles published in a journal over a four-year window. As a complement to the Journal Impact Factor, which uses a two-year window based on the Web of Science database, CiteScore provides an alternative, long-term perspective on citation performance.

The 365 MDPI journals in Scopus (as of May 2026) are indexed across a wide range of subject categories, ensuring that open access research remains highly discoverable to a global readership through one of the most widely used platforms in academic publishing.

Data Summary (2025 CiteScores)

• New Additions: 41 MDPI journals received a CiteScore for the first time.
• Trending Upward: 234 of 322 previously ranked journals (73%) saw an increase in their CiteScore compared to last year.
• High Visibility: 314 journals (86%) rank in Q1 or Q2 in at least one subject category.
• Elite Performance: 42 journals rank in the top 10% of their subject categories.

Portfolio Performance

Among the 322 journals that held a CiteScore in 2024, 234 saw an increase this year. Quartile improvements outnumbered declines across the portfolio, with 52 journals moving to a higher quartile and only 20 seeing a decline. Furthermore, no previously ranked journals were removed. The 42 journals now ranked in the top 10% of their subject categories are drawn from a strong foundation of 178 journals holding a Q1 position.

With the large majority of our indexed portfolio ranked in the top half of research fields, researchers can confidently choose MDPI to meet funder mandates for high-quality, fully compliant Open Access publishing.

Exceptional Achievements for Foods and Life

Notably, both Foods and Life achieved a 99th percentile ranking in their respective subject categories for the 2025 CiteScores. This outstanding placement positions them as leading journals in their fields and highlights the high visibility and global impact of the open access research they publish.

Journal Metrics and Beyond

Journal-level metrics describe outlets, not individual articles. An increasing number of funders and institutions—including signatories of DORA and the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment—now explicitly encourage evaluation at the article level rather than by the journal in which research appears. MDPI supports this direction: we report CiteScore alongside the Journal Impact Factor, Journal Citation Indicator, and article-level usage data because no single number captures the full reach and contribution of published research.

Thank You

These results reflect the sustained effort of thousands of editors-in-chief, editorial board members, reviewers, and authors across every field MDPI serves. The metrics are the outcome; the work is yours.

Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Maria J. Mosquera (Universidad de Cádiz, Spain) as Section Editor-in-Chief (SEiC) of the “Architectural and Infrastructure Coatings” Section. Prof. Dr. Mosquera has been a member of the Coatings Editorial Board since 2024 and brings extensive editorial experience across multiple fields, including surfaces and interfaces and related disciplines.

Prof. Dr. Mosquera is a Full Professor at Physical–Chemistry Department (University of Cadiz). She is currently the director of the IMEYMAT (Research Institute in Electron Microscopy and Materials). IMEYMAT, with over 100 researchers and a last-generation equipment, developing excellence in physics, chemistry, engineering and material science. She has been leading the research group “Nanomaterials” for 20 years, focused on developing advanced materials by fine-tuning their nanostructure and surface properties. These materials, obtained by a sol–gel routes, present consolidant, hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, depolluting and/or auto-fouling performances. They find practical applications in different fields, such as construction and heritage preservation.

In her role as SEiC, Prof. Dr. Mosquera will work with the Editorial Office and Academic Editors to support the publication of high-quality submissions and to further strengthen the “Architectural and Infrastructure Coatings” Section as an open forum for fundamental and translational research.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Maria J. Mosquera, who shared her vision for the journal with us, as well as her views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?
Numerous journals related to nanotechnology pay attention to advanced coatings. Other journals are focused on building materials and their preservation, but there are no specific journals that cover all aspects together. This journal provides the perfect platform to bridge that gap. I was drawn to the opportunity to lead a Section that explores how nanoscale innovations can fundamentally redefine buildings preservation.

2. What is your vision for the Section?
My vision is to establish this Section as the global authority on advances coatings focused on architecture. My goal is to foster a dialogue between material scientists, nanotechnologists, civil engineers and architects to ensure that breakthroughs at the nanoscale are practically viable for large-scale construction.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future lies in buildings that can sense and react to their environment (i.e., facades that sequester pollutants, cleaning air of our cities) or materials that can self-heal structural cracks using nanotechnology. These innovative coatings will promote buildings preservation, instead of their demolition, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
In a field as rapidly evolving as nanotechnology, open access is essential. Architecture, too, is a public-facing discipline. By making research open, we ensure that architects, engineers, urban planners, and designers worldwide—regardless of their institutional funding—can access the latest safety data and material innovations. This transparency is crucial for the widespread adoption of new technologies in the public and private building sectors.

Prof. Dr. Lucia Toniolo is a Full Professor of material science and technology at Politecnico di Milano (Italy) since 2013. She has been advancing the frontiers of sustainable materials and methods for the conservation of cultural heritage. In particular, she devoted her career to the development and optimization of coatings and nanocomposites for the conservation of historical stone materials and works of art. She is a member of the School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering Teaching Materials for Sustainable Built Heritage. She is responsible for scientific Laboratory Materials and Methods for cultural heritage, dealing with innovative materials and methods for conservation. Since 2020, she has followed up with the establishment of E-RIHS, and in 2025, she was elected as Chair of the General Assembly of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS ERIC). Since 2016, she has been appointed Fellow of the International Institute of Conservation (IIC, London, UK). During 2017–2020, she was appointed President of Environmental and Cultural Heritage Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society.

Prof. Dr. Toniolo has established herself as a leading voice in heritage science, having produced over 150 peer-reviewed publications in international journals and books and successfully supervising more than 20 master’s and PhD students.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Lucia Toniolo, who shared with us her vision for the journal, as well as her perspective on the field and on open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you accept the role of Section Editor-in-Chief?
I have long appreciated Coatings for its ability to connect fundamental surface science with real-world applications. In the context of cultural heritage, this connection is especially meaningful, as it allows scientific advances to directly support the preservation of artworks, architecture and archaeological remains, and historical materials in general. The opportunity to contribute to a platform that promotes rigorous, timely, and accessible research in this interdisciplinary area is particularly compelling.

2. What is your vision for this Section?
My vision is to establish this Section as a leading forum for innovative research on surface treatments for cultural heritage, purposely developed for this aim. I’d like to emphasize the necessity for a deeper understanding of materials and mechanisms—moving beyond simply assessing performance to exploring how coatings interact with original substrates over time. This includes durability, reversibility, compatibility, and long-term ageing. I also see sustainability as a key priority, encouraging the development of environmentally friendly, non-invasive, and conservation-appropriate materials.

3. What does the future of this field look like in your opinion?
The future lies in the development of advanced, multifunctional, and highly compatible coatings tailored for heritage conservation and artistic surfaces in a broader sense. We are moving toward smart and responsive systems capable of self-healing, protective adaptation, or controlled interaction with environmental factors. At the same time, advances in analytical techniques—such as high-resolution microscopy and non-invasive diagnostics—will allow us to design and evaluate coatings with unprecedented precision, ensuring both effectiveness and respect for cultural heritage materials.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in academic publishing?
Open access is particularly important in the cultural heritage field, where collaboration across disciplines and regions is essential. It ensures that conservators, scientists, and institutions worldwide—regardless of resources and use of the dedicated literature database—can access the latest research and can contribute to knowledge transfer in the sector. The rapid and transparent dissemination of knowledge is crucial for safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering global cooperation within an interdisciplinary community.

We are delighted to present a list of title story articles selected to feature at the top of the Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412) homepage for the second half of 2025. These articles cover a wide range of topics, including plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings, laser cladding composite coatings, DLC coating gear surface damage, wood surface sanding properties, spruce coating durability, ancient brick surface damage detection, Renaissance wall painting analysis, biodegradable packaging films, self-healable polyurea composites, EBC ceramic materials, and color determination of metal coatings. We hope you find these publications of interest.

1. “Modern Innovations and Applications in Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings on Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium”
by Angus G. McCarroll and Pradeep L. Menezes
Coatings 2025, 15(5), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050592
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/5/592

2. “Research Progress on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Strengthening Mechanisms of In Situ-Synthesized Ceramic-Reinforced Titanium Matrix Composite Coatings via Laser Cladding”
by Min Wen, Boqiang Jiang, Xianyin Duan and Dingding Xiang
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070815
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/7/815

3. “Influence of Gear Set Loading on Surface Damage Forms for Gear Teeth with DLC Coating”
by Edyta Osuch-Słomka, Remigiusz Michalczewski, Anita Mańkowska-Snopczyńska, Michał Gibała, Andrzej N. Wieczorek and Emilia Skołek
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070857
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/7/857

4. “Surface Property Differences of European Larch Sapwood and Heartwood After Sanding”
by Agnieszka Laskowska, Karolina Lipska, Teresa Kłosińska, Anna Piwek and Piotr Boruszewski
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070860
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/7/860

5. “Surface Damage Detection and Analysis for Reduction-Fired Cyan Square Bricks in Jiangnan Gardens via YOLOv12”
by Lina Yan, Yile Chen, Xingkang Jia and Liang Zheng
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091066
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/9/1066

6. “Novel Poly(butylene succinate-dilinoleic succinate) Films in Packaging Systems for Fresh Cut Chicory”
by Szymon Macieja, Małgorzata Mizielińska, Mirosława El Fray and Artur Bartkowiak
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091095
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/9/1095

7. “Enhancing Mechanical, Impact, and Corrosion Resistance of Self-Healable Polyaspartic Ester Polyurea via Surface Modified Graphene Nanoplatelets”
by Mingyao Xu, Jisheng Zhang, Yuhui Li, Ziyu Qi, Jiahua Liu, Zhanjun Liu and Sensen Han
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091111
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/9/1111

8. “Non-Invasive Multi-Analytical Insights into Renaissance Wall Paintings by Bernardino Luini”
by Eleonora Verni, Michela Albano, Curzio Merlo, Francesca Volpi, Chaehoon Lee, Chiara Andrea Lombardi, Valeria Comite, Paola Fermo, Andrea Bergomi, Vittoria Guglielmi et al.
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091113
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/9/1113

9. “Influence of Surface Sanding on the Coating Durability of Spruce as Facade Board”
by Ondrej Dvořák, Monika Sarvašová Kvietková, Petr Horák, Markéta Kalábová, Chia-Feng Lin, Dennis Jones and Petr Ptáček
Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101133
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/10/1133

10. “Influences of SiO₂ Additions on the Structures and Thermal Properties of AlTaO₄ Ceramics as EBC Materials”
by Bingyan Wu, Luyang Zhang, Lin Chen, Jiankun Wang, Zipeng Gao and Jing Feng
Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101204
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/15/10/1204

Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Qihua Fan (Michigan State University, USA) as Section Editor-in-Chief (SEiC) of the “Diamond and Related Coatings” Section. Prof. Dr. Fan is a member of the Coatings Editorial Board and brings extensive editorial experience across various areas, including plasma sources, plasma‑enhanced processing, and simulation.

Prof. Dr. Fan is a faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science, in addition to holding an appointment in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering at Michigan State University. His research centers on plasma science and engineering, with a strong focus on plasma sources, plasma‑enhanced processing, and simulation.

In his role as SEiC, Prof. Dr. Fan will work with the Editorial Office and Academic Editors to support the publication of high‑quality submissions and further strengthen the “Diamond and Related Coatings” Section as an open forum for fundamental and translational research.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Qihua Fan, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take on the role of Section Editor-in-Chief?
   As an open access journal, Coatings provides scholars with an excellent platform to broadly disseminate their research results and maximize the impact. Its high-quality publications and a rapid review process are particularly attractive for researchers. I am very happy to contribute to the journal’s continuous growth and serve the community.
2. What is your vision for the Section “Diamond and Related Coatings”?
   This Section will publish both fundamental and applied research results in multiple areas. A few examples include diamond, diamond-like carbon, wide-bandgap semiconductors, and hard coatings. I hope this Section becomes a major resource to researchers in diamond and related coatings.
3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
   Diamond and related materials combine extreme electrical, optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties. They have broad applications in quantum computation, electronic devices, optical windows, sensors, and surface engineering. This research field has a promising future with almost unlimited possibilities.
4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
   Open access is the most attractive feature for researchers to gain and disseminate research results. It can generate broader impacts than conventional publications.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Qihua Fan as the Section Editor-in-Chief of “Diamond and Related Coatings”, and we look forward to his leading Coatings to achieve many more milestones.

Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412) is pleased to present the second-place winner of the Coatings Early Career Investigator Award—Dr. Mohamed Amer!

Dr. Mohamed Amer is a materials researcher and mechanical engineer with expertise in materials testing and characterization, coatings, sheet metal forming, and finite element modeling. He completed his PhD in materials science at Coventry University, UK, where his research focused on cracking behavior in thermal barrier coatings under thermal and mechanical loading, supported by image-based modeling. Dr. Mohamed Amer also holds an MSc in mechanical engineering, where he investigated ductile damage prediction in aluminum alloys, and a BSc in mechanical engineering from Helwan University, Egypt.

Dr. Mohamed Amer’s current research focuses on the development and performance evaluation of high-temperature metallic alloys, particularly austenitic steels operating in the 500–600 °C range. His work addresses the limitations of traditional trial-and-error alloy development by integrating combinatorial experimentation with thermodynamic calculations to design new compositions with improved phase stability. He employs high-throughput bulk processing techniques to enable parallel testing and efficient characterization of multiple alloy variants.

We welcome you to read our interview with Dr. Mohamed Amer below.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself, including your current affiliation and main research areas?
I am Dr. Mohamed Amer, a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, UK, working on an EPSRC-funded project focused on accelerated design and qualification of high-temperature austenitic steels for creep–fatigue environments. My background is in materials science and mechanical engineering, with research spanning thermal barrier coatings, high-temperature alloys, advanced materials characterization, and finite element modelling. My work combines experimental testing, microscopy-based analysis, and computational modelling to understand material degradation and to develop more durable materials for aerospace, energy, and nuclear applications.

2. What inspired you to pursue research in the field of coatings and alloy design?
I have always been motivated by the challenge of understanding how materials behave under extreme conditions and how engineering design can improve their performance. Coatings and alloy systems are essential in enabling safer and more efficient technologies, particularly in high- temperature environments such as turbines and power plants. The opportunity to combine scientific discovery with practical industrial impact inspired me to pursue this field.

3. What challenges have you encountered during your research journey, particularly as a young investigator? Do you have anything to say to your fellow scholars?
One of the main challenges in my research journey has been integrating experimental testing, computational modelling, and data-driven analysis into a unified framework to solve complex materials science problems. For example, in my PhD research on the cracking behaviour of thermal barrier coatings, I combined in situ experimental testing, advanced microscopy, image-based finite element modelling, and machine learning-assisted crack detection to better understand crack initiation and propagation in different coating systems and to improve the capabilities of the in situ testing. Bringing these approaches together required developing expertise across multiple methodologies and interpreting results in a consistent scientific framework. As a young investigator, building confidence and independence while adapting to new research environments has also been demanding, particularly when working across multidisciplinary teams and taking on greater research responsibility. My advice to fellow scholars is to remain persistent, embrace interdisciplinary collaboration, and see setbacks as part of the research process. Many challenges ultimately lead to the most meaningful scientific insights and personal growth.

 4. Which emerging topics in coatings and alloy design do you believe will critically influence the academic community in the coming years?
Different emerging topics can be considered to significantly shape the future of coatings and alloy design. High-throughput materials discovery is considered a promising topic, where combinatorial experimentation is combined with computational thermodynamics and rapid characterisation to accelerate the development of new alloys and coating systems far beyond traditional trial-and-error approaches. Additionally, AI-assisted materials design enables researchers to predict compositions, optimise processing parameters, and identify performance trends more efficiently using data-driven models.
In the coatings field, there is growing interest in nanostructured and nanoparticle-reinforced coatings, which offer enhanced hardness, wear resistance, and scratch resistance for harsh operating environments. High-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings are also attracting major attention because of their corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical performance under harsh conditions. Another promising area is the development of multilayer and functionally graded coatings, which allow tailored thermal and mechanical properties across interfaces to improve durability and reduce failure.
In addition, advanced evaluation and characterisation methods, such as in-situ mechanical and thermal testing combined with real-time microscopy and digital image analysis, are becoming increasingly important, as they provide direct insight into crack initiation, deformation, and degradation mechanisms under realistic service conditions.

5. What would you consider to be the most important qualities for young scholars to possess?Curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and scientific integrity are essential. Young researchers should also develop strong communication and collaborative skills, as modern research increasingly depends on interdisciplinary teamwork and knowledge exchange.

6. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you’d most like to thank?
I am deeply honoured to receive this award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my PhD supervisors, Dr. Mingwen Bai, Dr. Vit Janik, and Prof. Xiang Zhang, for their invaluable guidance and continuous support throughout my research journey. I am also highly grateful to CN Tech Ltd, specifically Jon Nottingham and Clive Nottingham, for funding my PhD project and supporting this collaborative work. I would like to thank all my collaborators and colleagues whose advice and encouragement have contributed greatly to my development. I am equally thankful to my mentors at Coventry University and the University of Southampton, whose mentorship has played a significant role in shaping me as a researcher. Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their constant encouragement and unwavering support.

7. Do you have any other suggestions for how journals and publishers can further support young researchers and the academic community?
Journals can further support early-career researchers by creating more mentoring opportunities in peer review, offering recognition for emerging reviewers, and organising workshops on scientific writing and publishing. Increased visibility for early-career work through interviews, featured articles, and awards can also greatly encourage young scientists and strengthen the research community.

Coatings (ISSN: 2079-6412) is pleased to present the first-place winner of the Coatings Early Career Investigator Award—Dr. Elena Ungureanu (Poenaru)!

Dr. Elena Poenaru is a lecturer and scientific researcher at the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, with study interests in hydroxyapatite, coatings, and corrosion. Her research focuses on the electrochemical deposition and functionalization of metal surfaces, particularly bioactive hydroxyapatite coatings for titanium implants. She has contributed to multiple national and international research projects involving bioactivity testing, in vitro electrochemical behavior in artificial body fluids, and surface engineering. Her academic portfolio includes teaching practical courses in materials science, corrosion, biomaterials degradation, and surface engineering.

The following is an interview with Dr. Elena Poenaru:

1. Could you please briefly introduce yourself, including your current affiliation and main research areas?
My name is Elena Poenaru, and I am currently affiliated with the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, where I work as a lecturer. My main research areas include electrochemical deposition, corrosion science, and surface biofunctionalization, with a particular focus on hydroxyapatite coatings.

2. What inspired you to pursue research in the field of coatings and corrosion science?
My motivation for pursuing research in coatings and surface engineering arises from my long-standing interest in understanding how surface-driven phenomena govern material performance and durability. I am particularly drawn to the field’s interdisciplinary nature and its ability to combine fundamental science with impactful solutions, from corrosion protection to the development of sustainable materials.

3. What challenges have you encountered during your research journey, particularly as a young investigator? Do you have anything to say to your fellow scholars?
As a young researcher, one of the main challenges I faced was finding a balance between time constraints, limited resources, and the expectations of the academic community.
To my colleagues at the beginning of their careers, I would emphasize the importance of perseverance and collaboration, as well as the need to accept that challenges and failures are an integral part of academic development.

4. Which emerging topics in coatings and corrosion do you believe will critically influence the academic community in the coming years?
Emerging research in coatings and corrosion is increasingly centered on advanced, sustainable materials and smart functionality. Rapid growth is seen in smart/self-healing coatings that respond to triggers such as pH or temperature, alongside nanomaterial-based systems (e.g., nanoceramic and superhydrophobic coatings) that deliver stronger barrier performance. At the same time, advanced characterization combined with high-throughput testing is accelerating discovery and improving the reliability of performance assessment.

5. What would you perceive to be the important qualities that young scholars should possess?
In my view, young scholars should possess a strong foundation in critical thinking and scientific rigor, coupled with intellectual curiosity and the ability to ask meaningful questions. Resilience and adaptability are essential, given the iterative nature of research and the challenges associated with funding, publication, and experimentation. Equally important are ethical integrity, collaborative skills, and effective communication, both within interdisciplinary teams and with the broader scientific community. Finally, an openness to learning new methods and embracing emerging technologies is crucial for sustaining long‑term academic growth and impact.

6. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone to thank most?
I am deeply honored to receive this award and sincerely grateful for the support that made it possible. I would like to especially thank my mentors, Associate Professor Dr. Eng. Cosmin Cotrut and Lecturer Dr. Eng. Diana Vranceanu, for their guidance and trust. This recognition is both an encouragement and a responsibility, and it motivates me to continue contributing significantly to the field and to the academic community.

7. Do you have any other suggestions for how journals and publishers can further support young researchers and the academic community?
Journals and publishers can further support young researchers by fostering more constructive and transparent peer review, creating recognition opportunities for early‑career scientists, and reducing publication barriers. In addition, free online conferences and webinars play an important role, as they provide accessible platforms for learning, visibility, and networking, especially for researchers at the beginning of their academic careers.