Announcements

We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Tu Youyou Award has been conferred upon Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller, in recognition of their significant contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Richard DiMarchi Indiana University, USA	Prof. Richard DiMarchi is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University, USA. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. DiMarchi is a former Group Vice President at Eli Lilly and later at Novo Nordisk. He is recognized for his contributions to the discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humulin®, Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. His academic research has broadened the understanding of glucagon and incretin physiology and pioneered the discovery of single-molecule multi-mechanism agonists for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The central element to success has been the chemical vision and technology to install within single molecules simultaneous agonism at related G-protein coupled receptors, coupled to the counter-intuitive discovery that glucagon and GIP agonism could synergize the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1. These peptides and their conceptual approach have transformed the management of excessive body weight to a condition comparable to how hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, and excess cholesterol are medicinally managed.
“Professor DiMarchi was recognized by the 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members as being an exceptional leader in the medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins of natural origin, and as a pioneer in the field of chemical biotechnology. His very important discoveries have led to breakthroughs in new drugs related to the therapy of diabetes and obesity. He has been named as an inventor on a very large number of patents, and he has had initially a highly successful scientific and administrative career in industry, which was followed by over two decades in academia as a distinguished professor.” —Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee
Rolf Müller Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infections Research (HZI), Germany; Saarland University, Germany	Prof. Rolf Müller is the Founding and Managing Director of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Saarland University, Germany. Having received his training from the University of Bonn, he held research positions at the University of Washington, USA, and Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany, prior to his appointment as professor to Saarland University. His laboratory has dedicated itself to the exploration of bacterial natural-product biosynthetic pathways for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in working with myxobacteria and other microbial producer strains. Starting from the isolation and characterization of new microorganisms, the scope of work includes microbiology-, biotechnology-, bioinformatics-, and chemistry-based approaches to exploit these isolates as sources of new drugs with a special focus on novel anti-infectives. Müller and his team apply a variety of state-of-the-art analytical methods and biological assays to perform biological and chemical characterizations of the identified compounds. Prof. Müller has received several awards, including the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, the PHOENIX Pharmacy Research Award, the DECHEMA Prize, and the Inhoffen Medal, as well as being an elected member of acatech, Leopoldina, and the German Academy of Sciences and Literature.
“The 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members were highly impressed by the truly outstanding past and ongoing contributions of Professor Müller in both microbial natural products isolation chemistry and in biosynthesis, as well as in the development of lead compounds for their potential in treating human diseases, through his global connections with various major funding agencies. He is also a dedicated teacher who has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and he has lectured on his research in countries all over the world.” —Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee

The achievements of Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller highlight the transformative impact of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. We congratulate them and invite the global academic community and public to join us in celebrating their significant contributions.

2024 Award Committee
Committee Chair:

• Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Ohio State University, USA.
  

Committee Members (listed in alphabetical order):

• Prof. Angelo Fontana, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy;
• Prof. Binghe Wang, Georgia State University, USA;
• Dr. Diana Pinto, University of Aveiro, Portugal;
• Prof. Hideaki Kakeya, Kyoto University, Japan;
• Dr. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel, University of Strathclyde, UK;
• Prof. Thomas Prisinzano, University of Kentucky, USA
• Prof. Wei Li, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.

About the Tu Youyou Award:
The 2024 Tu Youyou Award includes a total monetary prize of 100,000 Swiss Francs and a medal for each recipient. Established in 2016 to honor the pioneering spirit of Nobel laureate Tu Youyou, the Tu Youyou Award is an international award honoring exceptional scholars dedicated to the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

For further information about the award and the winners, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website.

Desertification and drought continue to threaten ecosystems, food systems, and livelihoods around the world. As climate pressures rise, the need to protect and restore our land becomes increasingly urgent. The 2025 theme, “Restore Land, Unlock Opportunities”, shines a light on the vast potential that lies in healthy, resilient landscapes—from boosting food security to driving economic growth and environmental sustainability.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought calls on all of us—researchers, policymakers, and communities—to work together toward land restoration and drought resilience. Scientific research plays a critical role in shaping real-world solutions and inspiring action where it is needed most.

To support this global effort, MDPI is proud to feature selected articles from Atmosphere, Biology, Climate, Conservation, Ecologies, Environments, Hydrology, Land and Sustainability. These contributions explore key issues around land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change, helping to unlock the knowledge and innovation needed for a more sustainable future.

“Response Characteristics of Biological Soil Crusts Under Different Afforestation Measures in Alpine Sandy Land”
by Shaobu Du, Huichun Xie, Gaosen Zhang, Feng Qiao, Guigong Geng and Chongyi E
Biology 2025, 14(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14050532

“Does Participatory Forest Management Reduce Deforestation and Enhance Forest Cover? A Comparative Study of Selected Forest Sites in Adaba-Dodola, Ethiopia”
by Lemma Tiki, Jumanne M. Abdallah, Kristina Marquardt and Motuma Tolera
Ecologies 2024, 5(4), 647-663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5040038

“Estimating Non-Stationary Extreme-Value Probability Distribution Shifts and Their Parameters Under Climate Change Using L-Moments and L-Moment Ratio Diagrams: A Case Study of Hydrologic Drought in the Goat River Near Creston, British Columbia”
by Isaac Dekker, Kristian L. Dubrawski, Pearce Jones and Ryan MacDonald
Hydrology 2024, 11(9), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11090154

“Drought Dynamics and Drought Hazard Assessment in Southwest Bulgaria”
by Nina Nikolova, Kalina Radeva, Leonid Todorov and Simeon Matev
Atmosphere 2024, 15(8), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15080888

“Analysis of Precipitation and Drought in the Main Southeastern Iberian River Headwaters (1952–2021)”
by María José Estrela, David Corell, Juan Javier Miró and Raquel Niclós
Atmosphere 2024, 15(2), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020166

“Ecovoltaics: Maintaining Native Plants and Wash Connectivity inside a Mojave Desert Solar Facility Leads to Favorable Growing Conditions”
by Tamara Wynne-Sison, Dale A. Devitt and Stanley D. Smith
Land 2023, 12(10), 1950; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12101950

“Assessment of Precipitation and Hydrological Droughts in South America through Statistically Downscaled CMIP6 Projections”
by Glauber Willian de Souza Ferreira, Michelle Simões Reboita, João Gabriel Martins Ribeiro and Christie André de Souza
Climate 2023, 11(8), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli11080166

“Standardized Description of Degraded Land Reclamation Actions and Mapping of Actors’ Roles: A Key Step for Action in Combatting Desertification (Niger)”
by Abou-Soufianou Sadda, Maud Loireau, Nouhou Salifou Jangorzo, Hassane Bil-Assanou Issoufou and Jean-Luc Chotte
Land 2023, 12(5), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051064

“CiXTH29 and CiLEA4 Role in Water Stress Tolerance in Cichorium intybus Varieties”
by Monica De Caroli, Patrizia Rampino, Lorenzo M. Curci, Gabriele Pecatelli, Sara Carrozzo and Gabriella Piro
Biology 2023, 12(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12030444

“Heatwave Variability and Structure in South Africa during Summer Drought”
by Innocent L. Mbokodo, Mary-Jane M. Bopape, Thando Ndarana, Sifiso M. S. Mbatha, Tshimbiluni P. Muofhe, Mukovhe V. Singo, Nkosinathi G. Xulu, Tumelo Mohomi, Kingsley K. Ayisi and Hector Chikoore
Climate 2023, 11(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli11020038

“Global Warming and Extreme Drought” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Michelle Simões Reboita, Prof. Dr. Rosmeri Porfírio da Rocha and Dr. Shaukat Ali Submission deadline: 31 July 2025	“Land and Drought: An Environmcental Assessment Through Remote Sensing” Guest Editors: Dr. Keyvan Soltani, Prof. Dr. Silvio José Gumiere and Dr. Isa Ebtehaj Submission deadline: 31 July 2025
“Recent Progress in Land Degradation Processes, Control and Restoration” Guest Editors:  Dr. Jianye Li, Dr. Weida Gao, Dr. Wei Hu, Dr. Qiang Chen and Prof. Dr. Xingyi Zhang Submission deadline:  25 September 2025	“Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Plant Tolerance to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses and Ensuring Food Safety in Changing Climates” Topic Editors:  Dr. José Ramón Acosta-Motos, Dr. Sara Álvarez, Dr. María del Rosario Álvarez Morales, Dr. María José Clemente-Moreno, Dr. María del Rosario Conesa-Saura, Dr. Juan de Dios Franco-Navarro, Dr. María José Gómez-Bellot, Dr. Isabel M. Martínez Alcalá and Dr. Víctor Meseguer Sánchez

We are pleased to share that Conservation (ISSN: 2673-7159) has been assigned its first CiteScore of 3.2 in June 2025, following its inclusion in Scopus (Elsevier) in 2024. The CiteScore ranks the journal 73 out of 231 titles (Q2) in the “Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)” category, an impressive achievement for a journal running in Volume 5.

You can find more statistics on our website.

The current CiteScores measure the average number of citations within a journal over a four-year window (2021–2024). The Scopus database provides a comprehensive suite of metrics that support informed publishing strategies, research evaluation and enable benchmarking of journal performance.

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our authors, reviewers, and editors. Together we will continue to track the progress of Conservation and its growing impact in natural and social sciences.

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet and is our life source, providing sustenance to humanity and every other organism on Earth. With 90% of large fish populations depleted and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. There is an urgent need for us to work together to create a new balance with the ocean—one that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.

“Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2025. We hope that established MDPI journals in the field of Environmental & Earth Sciences, including Atmosphere, Biology, Climate, Coasts, Conservation, Environments, Fishes, Geosciences, Genes, Hydrology, Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Meteorology, Oceans, Remote Sensing, Sustainability, Taxonomy and Water, will provide a valuable platform for the exchange of innovative ideas regarding ocean protection.

“Sea Surface Temperature and Marine Heat Wave Predictions in the South China Sea: A 3D U-Net Deep Learning Model Integrating Multi-Source Data”
by Bowen Xie, Jifeng Qi, Shuguo Yang, Guimin Sun, Zhongkun Feng, Baoshu Yin and Wenwu Wang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010086

Special Issues: 

“The Occurrence and Distribution of Persistent and Emerging Organic Contaminants in the Coast” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Sinagra and Dr. Anna Białk-Bielińska Submission deadline: 20 September 2025	“Long-Term Signature of Carbon Cycle in Marine Systems: Evidence from Geochemistry” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Simon C. George, Dr. Qiannan Xu, Dr. Lian Jiang and Dr. Xiaoqi Wang Submission deadline: 31 October 2025

“Simulation of Seawater Intrusion and Upconing Processes in Mediterranean Aquifer in Response to Climate Change (Plana de Castellón, Spain)”
by Barbara del R. Almazan-Benitéz, Maria V. Esteller-Alberich, Arianna Renau-Pruñonosa and José L. Expósito-Castillo
Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120205

“Estimating the Temporal Impacts of Nearshore Fisheries on Coastal Ocean-Sourced Waste Accumulation in South Korea Using Stepwise Regression”
by Seung-Hyun Lee, Seung-Kweon Hong, Jongsung Lee, Ji-Won Yu, Hong-Tae Kim and Tae-Hwan Joung
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5663; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135663

“Mercury Biogeochemistry and Biomagnification in the Mediterranean Sea: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects in the Context of Climate Change”
by Roberto Bargagli and Emilia Rota
Coasts 2024, 4(1), 89-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4010006

Special Issues:

“Physical Interactions Between Ocean-Atmosphere Boundary Layers from Turbulent to Climate Scales” Guest Editor: Dr. Ronald B. Souza Submission deadline: 31 October 2025	“Air-Sea Interactions: Recent Trends, Current Progress and Future Directions” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Flávio Justino Submission deadline: 31 October 2025
“The Dynamics and Impacts of Ocean-Atmosphere Coupling on Regional and Global Climate” Guest Editors: Dr. Aixue Hu and Dr. Mengrong Ding Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

“The Impact of Marine Heatwaves on Isotherm Displacement and Tuna Distribution in Vanuatu”
by Hannah Weinberg, Jessica Bhardwaj, Andrew B. Watkins and Yuriy Kuleshov
Climate 2024, 12(11), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12110181

“Typical Marine Ecological Disasters in China Attributed to Marine Organisms and Their Significant Insights”
by Lulu Yao, Peimin He, Zhangyi Xia, Jiye Li and Jinlin Liu
Biology 2024, 13(9), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13090678

“Diatom Flora from Time-Series Sediment Trap in the Kuroshio Extension Region of the Northwestern Pacific”
by Joon Sang Park, Hyung Jeek Kim, Kyun-Woo Lee, Hyun Ju Ha and Yun Jae Kim
Taxonomy 2024, 4(3), 507-547; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4030025

“Ecological Impacts of Coastal Protection on the Vegetation of Sandy Coasts at the German Baltic Sea Coast”
by Daniela Glueck, Ulf Schiefelbein and Hendrik Schubert
Coasts 2024, 4(2), 437-453; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4020022

“Growth Performance and Environmental Quality Indices and Biomarkers in a Co-Culture of the European Sea Bass with Filter and Deposit Feeders: A Case Study of an IMTA System”
by Efthimia Cotou, Helen Miliou, Evanthia Chatzoglou, Eirini Schoina, Nektarios Politakis, Dimitra Kogiannou, Eleni Fountoulaki, Afrodite Androni, Aggeliki Konstantinopoulou, Georgia Assimakopoulou et al.
Fishes 2024, 9(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9020069

“Stage-Specific Transcriptomes of the Mussel Mytilus coruscus Reveals the Developmental Program for the Planktonic to Benthic Transition”
by Yu-Qing Wang, Qi Liu, Yan Zhou, Lizhi Chen, Yue-Ming Yang, Xue Shi, Deborah M. Power and Yi-Feng Li
Genes 2023, 14(2), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14020287

Special Issues:

“Genetic Status and Perspectives of Fisheries Resources” Guest Editor: Dr. Wei Wang Submission deadline: 31 October 2025	“Environmental DNA (eDNA) for Assessment of Coastal Marine Biodiversity” Guest Editors: Dr. Maurizio Pinna and Dr. Valeria Specchia Submission deadline: 15 December 2025
“Sustainable Fisheries Dynamics” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Rong Wan and Prof. Dr. Junbo Zhang Submission deadline: 30 December 2025	“Coastal Ecosystems Under Pressure: Research on Biogeochemistry, Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management” Guest Editors: Dr. Marija Marguš and Dr. Jelena Mandić Submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Social Sciences in Marine Ecology Conservation” Guest Editors: Dr. Chia-Hsuan Hsu and Dr. Jiefeng Kang Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

“IchthyNet: An Ensemble Method for the Classification of In Situ Marine Zooplankton Shadowgraph Images”
by Brittney Slocum and Bradley Penta
Oceans 2025, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans6010007

“Exploring the Potential of Sentinel-1 Ocean Wind Field Product for Near-Surface Offshore Wind Assessment in the Norwegian Arctic”
by Eduard Khachatrian, Patricia Asemann, Lihong Zhou, Yngve Birkelund, Igor Esau and Benjamin Ricaud
Atmosphere 2024, 15(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020146

“CanStoc: A Hybrid Stochastic–GCM System for Monthly, Seasonal and Interannual Predictions”
by Shaun Lovejoy and Lenin Del Rio Amador
Meteorology 2023, 2(4), 509-529; https://doi.org/10.3390/meteorology2040029

Special Issues:

“Oceans from Space V” Guest Editor: Dr. Vittorio Barale Submission deadline: 1 October 2025	“Characterization and Monitoring of Coastal Hydrological Environment for Assessing the Impact of Seawater Intrusion on Coastal Aquifers” Guest Editors: Dr. Francesco Ronchetti, Dr. Marco Doveri and Dr. Marco Pola Submission deadline: 18 October 2025

World Environment Day is an urgent call to action as nature suffers from the devastating impacts of human activity. Annual plastic production exceeds 400 million tons, half of which is single-use plastic, with under 10% recycled. 11 million tons of plastic (equal to 2,200 Eiffel Towers) pollute waterways yearly. Microplastics contaminate our food, water, and air, with humans ingesting over 50,000 particles annually. This pollution harms health and ecosystems globally. A solution does exist, however. Governments, businesses, and individuals must adhere to the 5Rs—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink. Join #BeatPlasticPollution this World Environment Day to create a sustainable future.

On this significant day, we are proud to present a curated collection of articles and initiatives dedicated to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions for protecting the environment and beating plastic pollution. We invite readers to explore these resources and join us in our shared mission of a sustainable vision of the future. Together, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier planet.

“Enhanced Separation of Palladium from Nuclear Wastewater by the Sulfur-Rich Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework”
by Junli Wang, Chen Luo, Wentao Wang, Hui Wang, Yao Liu, Jianwei Li and Taihong Yan
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(10), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100714

“Prevention of Biofouling Due to Water Absorption of Natural Fiber Composites in the Aquatic Environment: A Critical Review”
by Cristiano Fragassa, Sara Mattiello, Martina Fronduti, Jo’ Del Gobbo, Radmila Gagic and Carlo Santulli
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(12), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8120532

“Testing the Effectiveness of an Ecomedia Literacy Environmental Education Lesson”
by Ludovica Lo Iacono, Ludovica Lo Iacono and Emilio Paolo Visintin
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(12), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13120645

“Airborne Microplastics: Challenges, Prospects, and Experimental Approaches”
by Alexey R. Rednikin, Yulia A. Frank, Artem O. Rozhin, Danil S. Vorobiev and Rawil F. Fakhrullin
Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111380

“Emerging Technologies for Remote Sensing of Floating and Submerged Plastic Litter”
by Lonneke Goddijn-Murphy, Victor Martínez-Vicente, Heidi M. Dierssen, Valentina Raimondi, Erio Gandini, Robert Foster and Ved Chirayath
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101770

“The Other Side of Fire in a Changing Environment: Evidence from a Mediterranean Country”
by Dimitrios Kalfas, Stavros Kalogiannidis, Fotios Chatzitheodoridis and Nikolaos Margaritis
Fire 2024, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7020036

“A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Technologies, Sustainability, and Open Issues”
by Alessandra Zanoletti, Eleonora Carena, Chiara Ferrara and Elza Bontempi
Batteries 2024, 10(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10010038

“A Comparative Analysis of Different Hydrogen Production Methods and Their Environmental Impact”
by Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife, Caleb Kwasi Darko, Precious Chineze Obiako, Boyu Kuang, Xiaoxiao Sun and Karl Jenkins
Clean Technol. 2023, 5(4), 1344-1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol5040067

“Screening of Microplastics in Aquaculture Systems (Fish, Mussel, and Water Samples) by FTIR, Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Micro-Raman Spectroscopies”
by Kleopatra Miserli, Christos Lykos, Angelos G. Kalampounias and Ioannis Konstantinou
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9705; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179705

“Microplastics, Additives, and Plasticizers in Freshwater Bivalves: Preliminary Research of Biomonitoring”
by Giulia Cesarini, Fabiana Corami, Beatrice Rosso and Massimiliano Scalici
Water 2023, 15(14), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15142647

“Advancements and Applications of Nanomaterials for Removal of Organic Compounds in Aquatic Environment” Guest Editors: Dr. Ramona Riedel and Prof. Dr. Giulio Malucelli Submission deadline: 20 August 2025	“Novel Sources, Designs and After-Use Pathways for Plastics in a Circular Economy” Guest Editor: Dr. María José Arévalo-Caballero Submission deadline: 31 August 2025
“Airborne Micro and Nanoplastics: Detection, Dynamics, and Exposure Assessment” Guest Editor: Dr. Yangyang Liu Submission deadline: 30 September 2025	“Aquatic Microplastic Pollution: Occurrence and Removal” Guest Editor: Dr. Lixin Zhu Submission deadline: 25 October 2025
“Innovative Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Mining” Topic Editors: Prof. Dr. Chongchong Qi, Dr. Qiusong Chen and Dr. Danial Jahed Armaghani Submission deadline: 31 October 2025	“Enabling Strategies and Policies Toward a Sustainable Environment, 2nd Edition” Topic Editors: Dr. Abdul Majeed, Prof. Dr. Yuantao Xie and Prof. Dr. Judit Oláh Submission deadline: 31 October 2025

The Third National Conference on Coastal Zones will be held from 28 to 30 July 2025 in Yantai, Shandong Province, under the theme of “Sustainable Coastal Zones”. The conference focuses on coastal zone resources and environment monitoring, land- and sea-integrated planning, ecological restoration and disaster prevention and control and other cutting-edge issues, aiming to respond to the strategic needs of the national ocean power and ecological civilization construction and to promote scientific and technological innovation in the field of coastal zone and sustainable development. Through keynote reports, invited special reports, a scholars’ forum, poster presentations, journal columns, and other diversified forms, the conference will systematically highlight the latest achievements in coastal zone research driven by new technologies such as air and space information, big data, artificial intelligence, etc., and discuss the scientific path of the integrated management of coastal zones, ecological protection, and synergistic economic and social development. The conference will provide an interdisciplinary exchange platform for domestic and international experts, scholars, industry representatives, and young researchers to help modernize governance systems and promote the high-quality development of China’s coastal zone.

MDPI will be attending the conference as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from diverse backgrounds to attend and share their latest ideas with us.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Ecologies;
• Diversity;
• JMSE;
• Land;
• Earth;
• Safety;
• Coasts;
• Conservation;
• Environments;
• Remote Sensing;
• Hydrology.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, we encourage you to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We are eager to meet you in person and assist you with any queries that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the official website: https://www.science-conference.pro/demo_1023/cn/index.html.

International Day for Biological Diversity is an annual observance aimed at enhancing awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation of the value of biodiversity, while also drawing attention to the pressing threats it faces on a global scale. This day highlights the pivotal role that biodiversity plays in maintaining planetary health and human well-being, thereby reinforcing the imperative for its conservation. Under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, the International Day for Biological Diversity emphasizes the intricate interdependence between all living organisms and their ecosystems.

We hope that established journals in the subjects of Biology & Life Sciences and Environmental & Earth Sciences at MDPI will continue to provide a platform for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to share their findings and insights.

“Refining Camera Trap Surveys for Mammal Detection and Diversity Assessment in the Baviaanskloof Catchment, South Africa”
by Maya Beukes, Travis Perry, Daniel M. Parker and Nokubonga Mgqatsa
Wild 2025, 2(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/wild2020015

“The Endangered and Protected Carabus hungaricus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Bulgaria: Distributional Patterns and Conservation Status”
by Teodora M. Teofilova and Nikolay D. Kodzhabashev
Conservation 2025, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5020018

“The Multifunctional Catalytic Hemoglobin from Amphitrite ornata: Protocols on Isolation, Taxonomic Identification, Protein Extraction, Purification, and Characterization”
by Anna L. Husted, Victoria R. Sutton, Lauren A. Presnar, R. Kevin Blackburn, Joseph L. Staton, Stephen A. Borgianini and Edward L. D’Antonio
Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(6), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7060100

“Genetic Diversity, Runs of Homozygosity, and Selection Signatures in Native Japanese Chickens: Insights from Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms”
by Vanessa V. Velasco, Masaoki Tsudzuki, Norikazu Hashimoto, Naoki Goto and Akira Ishikawa
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223341

“Exploring Extremotolerant and Extremophilic Microalgae: New Frontiers in Sustainable Biotechnological Applications”
by Dorian Rojas-Villalta, David Rojas-Rodríguez, Melany Villanueva-Ilama, Rossy Guillén-Watson, Francinie Murillo-Vega, Olman Gómez-Espinoza and Kattia Núñez-Montero
Biology 2024, 13(9), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13090712

“Toward Understanding Research Evolution on Indirect Drivers of Ecosystem Change along the Interface of Protected and Non-Protected Lands”
by Trace Gale and Andrea Báez Montenegro
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7572; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177572

“Effects of Long-Term Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Acidification and Biological Properties in China: A Meta-Analysis”
by Liqiang Zhang, Zehang Zhao, Bailing Jiang, Bate Baoyin, Zhengguo Cui, Hongyu Wang, Qiuzhu Li and Jinhu Cui
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081683

“Systematic Distribution of Bioluminescence in Marine Animals: A Species-Level Inventory”
by Julien M. Claes, Steven H. D. Haddock, Constance Coubris and Jérôme Mallefet
Life 2024, 14(4), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040432

“Rambellisea gigliensis and Rambellisea halocynthiae, gen. et spp. nov. (Lulworthiaceae) from the Marine Tunicate Halocynthia papillosa”
by Martina Braconcini, Susanna Gorrasi, Massimiliano Fenice, Paolo Barghini and Marcella Pasqualetti
J. Fungi 2024, 10(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10020127

“The Responses of Cladoceran Communities to the Single and Simultaneous Effects of Environmentally Relevant Increases in Temperature and Phosphorus Concentration in Freshwater Ecosystems”
by Małgorzata Adamczuk
Water 2024, 16(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16020249

“The Lost and Found: Unraveling the Functions of Orphan Genes”
by Ali Zeeshan Fakhar, Jinbao Liu, Karolina M. Pajerowska-Mukhtar and M. Shahid Mukhtar
J. Dev. Biol.2023, 11(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb11020027

“Monitoring, Restoration and Protection in Wetland Ecosystems” Guest Editor: Dr. Md Khurshid Alam Bhuiyan Submission deadline: 20 October 2025	“Insect Adaptation in the Anthropocene: Responses to Contamination and Human-Induced Environmental Changes” Guest Editor: Dr. Philippe Laval-Gilly Submission deadline: 31 October 2025
“Plants and Habitats in Changing World: New Data for Climate Change Interpretation and Sustainable Management” Guest Editors: Dr. Giacomo Mei and Dr. Vedran Šegota Submission deadline: 10 November 2025	“Fungal Diversity in Various Environments, 4th Edition” Guest Editor: Dr. Seung-Yoon Oh Submission deadline: 30 November 2025
“Impacts of Climate Change on Terrestrial Carbon Cycling and Biodiversity Across Spatial and Temporal Scales” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Nophea Sasaki and Dr. Takuji W. Tsusaka Submission deadline: 21 December 2025	“Salmonid Fishery Management and Its Interactions with Freshwater Ecosystem Functions, Structures, and Services” Guest Editors: Dr. Gianluca Polgar and Dr. Pietro Volta Submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Plant–Soil Interactions Under Global Change” Guest Editor: Dr. Tao Zhang Submission deadline: 31 January 2026	“Plant Species Diversity and Conservation” Guest Editors: Dr. Claudia D. Nicolae, Dr. Maria Mihaela Antofie and Dr. Oliviu Grigore Pop Submission deadline: 15 February 2026

World Bee Day, commemorated annually on the 20th of May, was established to raise public awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators, as well as to promote the coordinated development of sustainable agriculture and ecological protection. This year's theme is “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all”. As the most critical pollinator in nature, bees directly influence global crop yields and have a profound impact on food security, biodiversity, and economic value chains. The contributions made by bees and other pollinators are closely connected to all of us. However, due to factors such as habitat destruction, the widespread use of pesticides, and climate change, global bee colonies and other pollinators are experiencing a significant decline in population. 

MDPI encourages the use of open academic exchange platforms offered by journals from Biology & Life Sciences subject such as Agriculture,  Animals, Biology, Conservation, Ecologies, Foods, Insects and Life to promote innovation and practical application in the field of pollinator protection. Research published in these journals is freely accessible to the public. We look forward to leveraging scientific knowledge to help safeguard this fragile link that sustains the Earth's life-support network. 

“Climate Change Influences on Central European Insect Fauna over the Last 50 Years: Mediterranean Influx and Non-Native Species”
by Attila Haris, Zsolt Józan, Péter Schmidt, Gábor Glemba, Bogdan Tomozii, György Csóka, Anikó Hirka, Peter Šima and Sándor Tóth
Ecologies 2025, 6(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6010016 

“Comparative Study of the Effect of Pollen Substitute Diets on Honey Bees during Early Spring”
by Hyunjee Kim, Olga Frunze, Abdulkadir Yusif Maigoro, Myeong-Lyeol Lee, Jeong-Hyeon Lee
and Hyung-Wook Kwon
Insects 2024, 15(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15020101 

“Decoding the Behavior of a Queenless Colony Using Sound Signals”
by Dimitrios Kanelis, Vasilios Liolios, Fotini Papadopoulou, Maria-Anna Rodopoulou, Dimitrios Kampelopoulos, Kostas Siozios and Chrysoula Tananaki
Biology 2023, 12(11), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12111392 

“Conservation of Local Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) in Southeastern Turkey: A Preliminary Study for Morphological Characterization and Determination of Colony Performance”
by Atilla Oztokmak, Gonca Ozmen Ozbakir and Oznur Çaglar
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132194 

“Survey Results of Honey Bee Colony Losses in Winter in China (2009–2021)”
by Jiao Tang, Congcong Ji, Wei Shi, Songkun Su, Yunbo Xue, Jinshan Xu, Xiao Chen, Yazhou Zhao and Chao Chen
Insects 2023, 14(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14060554 

“Application of a Quality-Specific Environmental Risk Index for the Location of Hives in Areas with Different Pollution Impacts”
by Daniel Signorelli, Luigi Jacopo D’Auria, Antonio Di Stasio, Alfonso Gallo, Augusto Siciliano, Mauro Esposito, Alessandra De Felice  and Giuseppe Rofrano
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050998 

“Expression Profile, Regulatory Network, and Putative Role of microRNAs in the Developmental Process of Asian Honey Bee Larval Guts”
by Xiaoxue Fan, Wende Zhang, Sijia Guo, Leran Zhu, Yiqiong Zhang, Haodong Zhao, Xuze Gao, Haibin Jiang, Tianze Zhang, Dafu Chen et al.
Insects 2023, 14(5), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14050469 

“Pollen as Bee Medicine: Is Prevention Better than Cure?”
by Maryse Vanderplanck, Lucie Marin, Denis Michez and Antoine Gekière
Biology 2023, 12(4), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12040497 

Special Issues:

“The Impact of Environmental Factors and Pesticides on Bee Behavior” Guest Editor: Dr. Agnieszka Murawska Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025	“Losses, Health and Wellbeing of Honey Bees Across the World” Guest Editor: Dr. Alison Gray Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025

“Pollen Production and Nutrient Composition in Two Northern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars: Implications for Pollinator Nutrition”
by Priyadarshini Chakrabarti, Lauren Baugus, Ethan Eaton, Nathalie A. Steinhauer and Ramesh R. Sagili
Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050461 

“Further Insights on Honey and Propolis from Gerês (Portugal) and Their Bioactivities: Unraveling the Impact of Beehive Relocation”
by Ana Sofia Freitas, Rui Oliveira, and Cristina Almeida-Aguiar
Life 2024, 14(4), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040506

“Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Melittin Peptides Derived from Apis mellifera and Apis florea Venom”
by Pichet Praphawilai, Thida Kaewkod, Sureeporn Suriyaprom, Aussara Panya, Terd Disayathanoowat and Yingmanee Tragoolpua
Insects 2024, 15(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15020109 

“Chemical and Functional Characterization of Propolis Collected from Different Areas of South Italy” 
by Aliki Kapazoglou, Maria Gerakari, Efstathia Lazaridi, Konstantina Kleftogianni, Efi Sarri, Eleni Tani and Penelope J. Bebeli
Foods 2023, 12(18), 3481; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12183481 

“Exploring Consumers’ Preferences and Attitudes to Honey: Generation Approach in Slovakia”
by Peter Šedík, Martina Hudecová and Kristína Predanócyová
Foods 2023, 12(10), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12101941 

“Linking Beekeepers’ and Farmers’ Preferences towards Pollination Services in Greek Kiwi Systems”
by Elie Abou Nader, Georgios Kleftodimos, Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Christina Kleisiari, Nicola Gallai, Salem Darwich, Tristan Berchoux, George Vlontzos and Hatem Belhouchette
Animals 2023, 13(5), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050806 

Special Issues:

MDPI is excited to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University to host an engaging Scientific Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection, the editorial workflow, and the essentials of publication ethics. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from an experienced professional. This session promises to equip attendees with valuable skills to elevate their publishing journey.

Workshop Highlights:

• Learn How to Better Write and Structure a Research Article;
• How to Choose Where to Publish Academic Work;
• How to Respond to Reviewer Comments;
• Reasons for Rejection During Pre-Check;
• How to Navigate Through Ethics and AI Use.

Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: