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Announcements
28 April 2025
Energies | Highly Cited Papers Published in 2024 in the Section “Bio-Energy”

1. “A Review on the Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Livestock Manures in the Context of Sustainable Waste Management”
by Rahul Kadam, Sangyeol Jo, Jonghwa Lee, Kamonwan Khanthong, Heewon Jang and Jungyu Park
Energies 2024, 17(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030546
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/546
2. “Flue Gas Recirculation System for Biomass Heating Boilers—Research and Technical Applications for Reductions in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions”
by Bartosz Ciupek, Rafał Urbaniak, Dobrosława Kinalska and Zbigniew Nadolny
Energies 2024, 17(1), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010259
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/259
3. “Forest Biomass in Bioenergy Production in the Changing Geopolitical Environment of the EU”
by Anna Kożuch, Dominika Cywicka and Aleksandra Górna
Energies 2024, 17(3), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030554
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/554
4. “Biomass Resources and Biofuel Technologies: A Focus on Indian Development”
by Shweta, Sergio C. Capareda, Baldev Raj Kamboj, Kamla Malik, Karmal Singh, Dalip Kumar Bhisnoi and Sandeep Arya
Energies 2024, 17(2), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17020382
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/2/382
5. “Biohythane, Biogas, and Biohydrogen Production from Food Waste: Recent Advancements, Technical Bottlenecks, and Prospects”
by Shivali Sahota, Subodh Kumar and Lidia Lombardi
Energies 2024, 17(3), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030666
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/666
6. “Crystal Violet (CV) Biodegradation Study in a Dual-Chamber Fungal Microbial Fuel Cell with Trichoderma harzianum”
by Sébastien Votat, Maxime Pontié, Emmanuel Jaspard and Laurent Lebrun
Energies 2024, 17(1), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010247
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/247
7. “Machine Learning Technologies in the Supply Chain Management Research of Biodiesel: A Review”
by Sojung Kim, Junyoung Seo and Sumin Kim
Energies 2024, 17(6), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061316
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/6/1316
8. “Conversion of Sewage Sludge into Biofuels via Different Pathways and Their Use in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review”
by Zygmunt Kowalski, Agnieszka Makara, Joanna Kulczycka, Agnieszka Generowicz, Paweł Kwaśnicki, Józef Ciuła and Anna Gronba-Chyła
Energies 2024, 17(6), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/6/1383
9. “Integrated Waste-to-Energy Process Optimization for Municipal Solid Waste”
by Hossam A. Gabbar and Muhammad Sajjad Ahmad
Energies 2024, 17(2), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17020497
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/2/497
10. “The Effect of Bakery Waste Addition on Pine Sawdust Pelletization and Pellet Quality”
by Sławomir Obidziński, Joanna Szyszlak-Bargłowicz, Grzegorz Zając, Małgorzata Kowczyk-Sadowy, Małgorzata Krasowska, Aneta Sienkiewicz, Paweł Cwalina, Damian Faszczewski and Jacek Wasilewski
Energies 2024, 17(2), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17020523
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/2/523
25 April 2025
Interview with Dr. Domenico Mazzeo—Winner of the Energies 2024 Young Investigator Award

Name: Dr. Domenico Mazzeo
Affiliation: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Via Giuseppe La Masa, 34, 20156 Milano, Italy
Research interests: heat transfer; thermal energy storage; phase change materials; energy efficiency; building thermal simulation; renewable energy; photovoltaic systems; wind systems; electrical storage; solar greenhouses; electric vehicles; ground-source heat pump system; artificial neural networks; multi-objective optimization
The Energies Young Investigator Award was established in 2017 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of energy. The winner is chosen by the journal’s award committee.
Let us hear his opinions and find out about his experiences in scientific research and awards.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
Hello, and thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself. I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Energy at Politecnico di Milano, where I also contribute to the Thermal Storage Innovation Lab and the Solar Tech Lab. My teaching focuses on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and basic energy engineering. My academic journey began with a master’s and a Ph.D. in energy engineering from the University of Calabria. My doctoral research focused on the dynamic thermal characterization of systems containing phase change materials (PCMs)—a field that remains central to my work today. My research spans several interconnected areas. First, I explored thermal energy storage, particularly latent storage using PCMs for passive temperature regulation. Second, I investigate integrated renewable systems, combining photovoltaics, wind, batteries, heat pumps, electrolyzers, and electric mobility to develop flexible, efficient energy networks. Third, I work on energy efficiency across urban, agricultural, and healthcare settings, ranging from concentrated solar thermal collectors to bifacial photovoltaic modules. Recently, I have been studying the use of PCMs as passive cooling layers for photovoltaic panels, aiming to reduce temperature and enhance efficiency under strong solar radiation. Our preliminary tests—both numerical and experimental—are showing promising results.
2. How did you initially learn about the Energies journal? Furthermore, what inspired you to apply for the Energies Young Investigator Award 2024?
I first encountered Energies several years ago while reviewing literature related to thermal energy storage. What struck me was its broad interdisciplinary scope and commitment to open access. Over time, it became a go-to platform for my research. My first article in Energies explored PCM systems, and since then, I have published work on topics like energy optimization in multi-core facilities and climate-resilient photovoltaic systems. Applying for the Energies Young Investigator Award 2024 was not only about seeking recognition—it was about joining a community. I wanted to highlight the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary research in addressing urgent global energy challenges. The award represented an opportunity to connect with other passionate young researchers, encourage fellow Europeans, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of clean, intelligent energy systems.
3. What is the secret to a happy life as a scientist? Have you ever encountered any difficulties conducting research and how did you overcome them?
To me, the secret lies in the balance between passion and patience, ambition and resilience, theory and real-world application. Science begins with curiosity, but it thrives on a sense of purpose. I believe research should aim beyond academic metrics—it should tackle real challenges like sustainable urban development and energy efficiency. Of course, the journey is not always smooth. I have faced failed experiments, rejected papers, limited funding, and tight deadlines. One particularly tough phase involved developing experimental setups where materials did not behave as predicted. This required months of redesign and collaboration. During my postdoc, working across multiple short-term grants meant juggling diverse teams and objectives—an experience that taught me flexibility and focus. What helped me persevere was collaboration—working with peers from countries like Spain, Canada, and India provided me with new perspectives. Mentorship also played a key role. Guiding students and seeing them grow has been incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, joy in science comes from being part of a dynamic, purpose-driven community and learning continuously, even from setbacks.
4. What is your opinion on the open access model of publishing?
I strongly support the open access model, especially when it is implemented with integrity and inclusiveness. It democratizes knowledge, allowing anyone—from policymakers to students in low-resource settings—to access and benefit from research. Publishing in open access journals like Energies has allowed my work to reach not just academics, but also practitioners, community planners, and researchers globally. Open access fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by removing knowledge barriers. My research often bridges thermal science, renewable systems, and computational optimization—fields that thrive on open communication. While publishing fees can be a challenge, initiatives like fee waivers or national agreements are vital for promoting equity. For me, open access is not just about visibility—it is about creating a more inclusive, innovative, and globally connected scientific community.
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
Absolutely. First, stay curious and persistent. Research is rarely a straight line—some of the most meaningful discoveries arise from unexpected failures. Second, build your scientific identity while remaining open to interdisciplinary approaches. Many breakthroughs happen at the crossroads of different fields. Communication and collaboration are also crucial. Engage with the community, present your work, and embrace feedback—this sharpens your ideas and broadens your vision. Be strategic and patient with publishing and funding. Aim for problems that excite you but also hold societal relevance, such as sustainability and climate resilience. Celebrating small victories—they fuel the long journey. Finally, invest in mentorship and community. Some of my most fulfilling moments have come from helping students evolve into independent researchers. Science is not only about individual progress, it is about contributing to a larger collective of knowledge and people.
6. As the winner of this award, is there anything that you would like to express to our readers?
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Energies editorial team and award committee. Receiving the 2024 Young Investigator Award is both an honor and a motivation to continue pursuing impactful energy research. To readers at all stages—whether students or seasoned professionals, I want to emphasize that your work matters. Every simulation, experiment, or model contributes to the bigger picture of our energy transition. Collaboration, openness, and ambition are vital. Do not hesitate to challenge conventions or explore unconventional paths—that is where innovation begins. Remember, energy is not only a scientific challenge, but also a cornerstone of societal progress. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this vibrant and forward-looking community.
24 April 2025
Energies | Highly Cited Papers in 2024 in the Section “Energy and Environment”

1. “Can Environmental Information Disclosure Improve Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing? Evidence from Chinese Enterprises”
by Linfang Tan, Da Gao and Xiaowei Liu
Energies 2024, 17(10), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102342
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/10/2342
2. “Fundamentals, Operation and Global Prospects for the Development of Biogas Plants—A Review”
by Gulnar Gadirli, Agnieszka A. Pilarska, Jacek Dach, Krzysztof Pilarski, Alicja Kolasa-Więcek and Klaudia Borowiak
Energies 2024, 17(3), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030568
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/568
3. “An Assessment of the Possibility of Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Identify and Map Air Pollution from Infrastructure Emissions”
by Agata Jaroń, Anna Borucka, Paulina Deliś and Aleksandra Sekrecka
Energies 2024, 17(3), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030577
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/577
4. “Energy Transition: Semi-Automatic BIM Tool Approach for Elevating Sustainability in the Maputo Natural History Museum”
by Giuseppe Piras and Francesco Muzi
Energies 2024, 17(4), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040775
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/4/775
5. “Integration of Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy in Indonesia’s Electrical Grid”
by Ahmad Amiruddin, Roger Dargaville, Ariel Liebman and Ross Gawler
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092037
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/9/2037
6. “E-Fuels: A Comprehensive Review of the Most Promising Technological Alternatives towards an Energy Transition”
by Sonia Dell’Aversano, Carlo Villante, Katia Gallucci, Giuseppina Vanga and Andrea Di Giuliano
Energies 2024, 17(16), 3995; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17163995
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/16/3995
7. “Achieving Techno-Economic Feasibility for Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems through the Production of Energy and Alternative Fuels”
by Ekua Afrakoma Armoo, Mutala Mohammed, Satyanarayana Narra, Essossinam Beguedou, Francis Boateng Agyenim and Francis Kemausuor
Energies 2024, 17(3), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030735
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/735
8. “Assessment of Energy Self-Sufficiency of Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Case Study from Poland”
by Adam Masłoń, Joanna Czarnota, Paulina Szczyrba, Aleksandra Szaja, Joanna Szulżyk-Cieplak and Grzegorz Łagód
Energies 2024, 17(5), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051164
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/5/1164
9. “Benefit Evaluation of Carbon Reduction in Power Transmission and Transformation Projects Based on the Modified TOPSIS-RSR Method”
by Yinan Wang, Heng Chen, Shuyuan Zhao, Lanxin Fan, Cheng Xin, Xue Jiang and Fan Yao
Energies 2024, 17(12), 2988; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17122988
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/12/2988
10. “Empirical Assessment of the Efficiency of Poland’s Energy Transition Process in the Context of Implementing the European Union’s Energy Policy”
by Jarosław Brodny, Magdalena Tutak and Wes Grebski
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2689; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112689
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/11/2689
22 April 2025
International Mother Earth Day, 22 April 2025

Mother Earth is sending us an urgent call to action as nature suffers from the devastating impacts of human activity. Our oceans are choked with plastic and acidifying, while extreme heat, wildfires, and floods have disrupted millions of lives. Climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, illegal wildlife trade, and other human-driven disruptions are accelerating the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity. As we mark the third Mother Earth Day within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, it is clear that healthy ecosystems are vital for all life on Earth. Restoring damaged ecosystems can help end poverty, fight climate change, and prevent mass extinction, but success depends on everyone playing their part. Together, we must act now to heal our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
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 and restoring our planet. As we celebrate Mother Earth and reflect on the urgent need for action, these contributions highlight critical efforts to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainability. We invite readers to explore these resources and join us in our shared mission to safeguard the health of our planet for future generations. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure a thriving, resilient Earth for all.
Environmental & Earth Sciences |
Biology & Life Sciences |
Keynote Speakers
|
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Prof. Károly Németh Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, New Zealand |
Prof. Brendan Macke Griffith University, Australia |
“The Conservation of Biodiverse and Threatened Dry Rainforest Plant Communities Is Vital in a Changing Climate”
by Marion Howard, Hilary Pearl, Bill McDonald, Yoko Shimizu, Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava and Alison Shapcott
Conservation 2024, 4(4), 657-684; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4040040
“Ten Years of Mediterranean Monk Seal Stranding Records in Greece under the Microscope: What Do the Data Suggest?”
by Maria Solanou, Aliki Panou, Irida Maina, Stefanos Kavadas and Marianna Giannoulaki
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091309
“Groundwater Temperature Stripes: A Simple Method to Communicate Groundwater Temperature Variations Due to Climate Change”
by Manuela Lasagna, Elena Egidio and Domenico Antonio De Luca
Water 2024, 16(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050717
“Resilience of an Urban Coastal Ecosystem in the Caribbean: A Remote Sensing Approach in Western Puerto Rico”
by Yadiel Noel Bonilla-Roman and Salvador Francisco Acuña-Guzman
Earth 2024, 5(1), 72-89; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth5010004
“Particulate Matter in the American Southwest: Detection and Analysis of Dust Storms Using Surface Measurements and Ground-Based LIDAR”
by Joscelyne Guzman-Gonzalez, Rosa M. Fitzgerald, Nakul N. Karle, Ricardo K. Sakai and William R. Stockwell
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010110
“An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa”
by Gilbert Moyen Massa and Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020672
“The Effect of Habitat on Insect Movements: Experimental Evidence from Wild-Caught Butterflies”
by Matteo Marcantonio, Raluca Voda, Daniele Da Re, Quentin Igot, Roger L. H. Dennis, Aurélien Vielfaure, Sophie O. Vanwambeke and Caroline M. Nieberding
Insects 2023, 14(9), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14090737
“Artificial Reefs around the World: A Review of the State of the Art and a Meta-Analysis of Its Effectiveness for the Restoration of Marine Ecosystems”
by Carolina Bracho-Villavicencio, Helena Matthews-Cascon and Sergio Rossi
Environments 2023, 10(7), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10070121
“Topography, Slope and Geomorphology’s Influences on Shoreline Dynamics along Dakar’s Southern Coast, Senegal”
by Ibrahima Pouye, Dieudonné Pessièzoum Adjoussi, Jacques André Ndione and Amadou Sall
Coasts 2023, 3(1), 93-112; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts3010006
“Potential Use of Industrial Biomass Waste as a Sustainable Energy Source in the Future”
by Tomasz Kalak
Energies 2023, 16(4), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041783
“Nature-Based Solutions to Extreme Wildfires” Guest Editor: Adrián Regos Submission deadline: 15 June 2025 |
“Impact of Environmental Factors and Management Practices on Bee Health - 2nd Edition” Guest Editors: Ivana Tlak Gajger and Franco Mutinelli |
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17 April 2025
MDPI Webinar | International Mother Earth Day, 22 April 2025

In commemoration of International Mother Earth Day, MDPI is organizing a special webinar to bring together researchers and experts to share their thoughts on raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection and addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, ecosystem recovery, and sustainable development.
The theme of the webinar revolves around fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s role in preserving our planet for future generations, as well as the crucial roles of biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices in preserving our ecosystems for future generations. This webinar will provide a platform for meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange on the importance of climate change and the importance of the recovery of our ecosystems.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the MDPI International Mother Earth Day Webinar 2025. Please find an up-to-date outline of the presenters below.
Any interesting suggestions regarding topics and speakers are welcome.
Date: 22 April 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. CEST | 4:30 p.m. AEST | 2:30 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 878 0932 6864
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available to watch.
Register now for free!
Program:
Time (CEST) |
Program and Conten |
8:30–8:35 a.m. |
Opening Ceremony |
8:35–9:05 a.m. |
Geoheritage as the Building Block of the Geodiversity of Earth Heritage |
9:05–9:35 a.m. |
A Science Perspective on Ethics, Multi-Species Kinship, and Duty of Care to Future Generations |
9:35–9:55 a.m. |
Q&A Session |
9:55–10:00 a.m. |
Closing of Program |
Webinar Speakers:
- Prof. Károly Németh, 1 National Program of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Saudi Geological Survey, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 2 Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, Sopron, Hungary; 3 Geoconservation Trust Aotearoa SW Pacific, Opotiki, New Zealand;
- Prof. Brendan Macke, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
For more information about this webinar, please visit https://sciforum.net/event/MEDW2025?subscribe.
If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact journal.webinar@mdpi.com.
MDPI International Mother Earth Day Webinar Secretariat
14 April 2025
Meet Us at the 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition, 15–18 June 2025, Gothenburg, Sweden

Conference: The 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition
Organization: The World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA)
Date: 15–18 June 2025
Place: Gothenburg, Sweden
Booths: C2-03 and A5-04
The International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS) series, organized by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), is recognized as the premier event for academic, government and industry professionals involved in electric drive technologies.
The EVS series began in 1969 as an academic forum for global networking and the exchange of technical information. As electric drive technologies progressed from classrooms and laboratories to the marketplace, EVS expanded into both an academic and business-oriented event.
The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:
- Applied Sciences;
- Energies;
- Electricity;
- Batteries;
- Logistics;
- Smart Cities;
- Future Transportation;
- Electronics;
- Inventions;
- Eng;
- Automation;
- Electronic Materials.
If you plan on attending the above conference, please feel free to stop by our booth #C2-03. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have.
For more information about the conference, please click the following link: https://evs38.org/.
11 April 2025
Meet Us at the 16th European Congress on Catalysis (EuropaCat 2025), 31 August–5 September 2025, Trondheim, Norway

Conference: The 16th European Congress on Catalysis (EuropaCat 2025)
Date: 31 August–5 September 2025
Location: Trondheim, Norway
MDPI will be attending the 16th European Congress on Catalysis (EuropaCat 2025) as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.
This will be the 16th European Congress on Catalysis under the auspices of the European Federation of Catalysis Societies (EFCATS) and organized as a joint effort of the Nordic Catalysis Societies. The target groups for EuropaCat 2025 are academia and industry, focusing on fundamental research, applied research and development within catalysis.
EuropaCat 2025 urges you to join and bring excellent science, hard work, bright ideas, successful catalyst development, innovative solutions and an open mind. It is clear that mastering “the force” of catalysis will be vital for overcoming the resource and environmental challenges that lie ahead for humanity.
The following MDPI journals will be represented:
- Molecules;
- Catalysts;
- Solids;
- Energies;
- Materials;
- Chemistry;
- Symmetry;
- Applied Sciences;
- Nanomaterials;
- Photochem;
- C — Journal of Carbon Research.
If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information, please visit https://www.ntnu.edu/europacat2025.
8 April 2025
Energies 2025 Travel Award—Winners Announced

As Editor-in-Chief of Energies (ISSN: 1996-1073), I am pleased to announce the winners of the Energies 2025 Travel Award: Dr. Nan Zhou, a post-doctoral fellow at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and Dr. Martina Ferrando, a post-doctoral fellow at the Energy Department, Politecnico Di Milano, Milano, 20156, Italy.
As the awardees, they will each receive an honorarium of CHF 800, financial support to attend an international conference held in 2025 in the field of energy and related research, and an electronic certificate.
With so many high-quality applicants, the evaluation process and final decision were challenging. We would like to thank all the applicants for submitting a diverse and fascinating range of research topics. On behalf of the assessment committee, I congratulate the winners on their accomplishments.
Prof. Dr. Enrico Sciubba
Editor-in-Chief of Energies
2 April 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #21 - Annual Report, Swiss Consortium, IWD, ICARS, Serbia

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.
In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.
Opening Thoughts
MDPI Releases 2024 Annual Achievements Report
I’m pleased to share the release of MDPI’s 2024 Annual Achievements Report, which reflects our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and excellence in scholarly communication. The report showcases key themes related to our growth (highlighting our workforce expansion, new offices, journal milestones), excellence (editorial and publishing advancements), people (talent development and training), and community (partnerships, conferences, and outreach).
MDPI continues to build connections and drive scientific progress
Our mission remains clear: to support researchers worldwide by delivering an efficient, high-quality publishing experience while strengthening the global Open Access (OA) movement.
Advancing Open Access: A Global Knowledge Hub
In 2024, we published 238,000 peer-reviewed OA articles, reaching over 25 million downloads. This reinforces MDPI’s role as a global knowledge hub, breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that high-quality research is freely available to everyone. As part of the OA movement, we are actively democratizing knowledge, making scientific advancements accessible to researchers, policymakers, educators, and the public, without the restrictions of traditional paywalls.
Expanding our Workforce and Strengthening Research Integrity
Our global presence grew in 2024 with the opening of a new Seoul office, and our workforce expanded to 6,650 staff across 21 offices. This reflects our continued growth mindset and investment in global accessibility. We also continued to take a proactive stance on our commitment to research integrity, tripling our team in this area and joining STM’s Integrity Hub and United2Act. This means more rigorous quality control, stronger safeguards, and collaboration with global initiatives to detect and combat unethical publishing practices at an industry level. Our growth is about reinforcing our role as a trusted, ethical, and accessible publishing platform for researchers worldwide.
Growing Partnerships and Impact in Scholarly Communication
MDPI’s partnerships continue to thrive, with over 900 institutional collaborations, including a landmark agreement with ZB MED in Germany, covering more than 100 universities. Additionally, more than 90% of evaluated MDPI journals have been accepted into Web of Science, including 60 new acceptances in 2024, with nearly 300 journals expected to receive a Journal Impact Factor in 2025. In the same period, 37 MDPI journals were accepted into Scopus, bringing our total indexed titles to 306. Most importantly, 95% of authors rate their experience with MDPI as excellent or good – an achievement that underscores our dedication to serving the research community.
I encourage you to read through our Annual Report, which highlights these milestones and our vision for the future. Thank you for being part of MDPI’s journey in advancing open science.
Impactful Research
MDPI Renews Partnership with CSAL to Support Swiss Universities
I am pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries (CSAL) for 2025. This extension reinforces MDPI's dedication to advancing open science through transparency, efficiency, and collaboration.
Our renewed agreement with CSAL strengthens support for Swiss universities, ensuring that gold open access publishing remains both accessible and affordable for researchers across Switzerland. Among the institutions participating in this agreement are ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, along with 20 other leading institutions, further expanding the reach and impact of our collaborative efforts.
To date, over 3.9 million researchers have published their findings in MDPI journals, a testament to our role in enhancing Switzerland's position as a hub for university education and research.
Inside MDPI
Celebrating International Women's Day: Accelerating Action
In honour of International Women's Day, MDPI embraced the theme “Accelerate Action,” a global call to advance women's progress by implementing effective strategies and resources. As part of our commitment, we highlighted how open access publishing empowers female voices in research and academia.
Throughout March, we featured original blogs authored by MDPI’s female contributors, showcasing the successes of our journals and employees, and addressing pressing topics such as women's health.
“Open Access supports women in education”
Women Accelerating Action Outside of MDPI
MDPI employee Ana Zdravkovic is accelerating action outside of her MDPI role as a Production Assistant. Working with like-minded women at the award-winning Belgrade-based organization UZOR OsnaŽene (meaning ‘empowered women’), they identify serious flaws in cybersecurity, and help protect women and children against online predators by providing evidence to improve legislation and laws around cyber-attacks.
In this article, we interview Ana, celebrating the important and inspiring work that she and the organisation do.
How Open Access Supports Women in Education
Every day, women and girls face barriers in education or career progression. This is caused by a range of factors, including social expectations, poverty, and poor infrastructure.
Quality opportunities and participation in the education system by women is essential to achieving equality and fulfilling their human rights.
Here, we examine how Open Access supports women in education by removing barriers and ensuring that vital research is accessible.
Recent Advancements in Research on Endometriosis
March is Endometriosis Action Month. Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting women and young girls of reproductive age, often causing symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, and infertility.
More research on endometriosis is still urgently needed.
This research will help develop efficient diagnoses and better treatment for those struggling with the condition.
In this article, we explore what endometriosis is and discuss the latest research advancements on the disease.
We also curated a selection of MDPI journals, articles, and Special Issues focusing on gender equity, women in the workplace, and women’s health. Find out more about these by visiting our IWD – Accelerate Action landing page.
As I reflect on the month of March and International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the incredible women at MDPI for your dedication to democratizing knowledge and shaping open access. Your contributions are invaluable, and they continue to shape the future of MDPI.
Coming Together for Science
The International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025)
The International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025) took place from 26–28 March 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. It was chaired by Prof. Dr. Fabio Tosti from the Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing (UK), Prof. Dr. Andrea Benedetto from University Roma Tre (Italy), and Prof. Dr. Luis Ángel Ruiz from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV, Spain).
Over three days, the conference explored innovations in Earth and environmental sciences, engineering advancements, and practical applications in biological and agricultural fields.
I am pleased to share that the 1st edition of ICARS 2025 was a great success, with 133 attendees out of 146 registrations. The event featured 43 short talks, 64 posters, and 103 accepted abstracts, along with nine keynote speakers and a major panel with five expert panellists.
Over 60 attendees joined the conference dinner, and the event received outstanding feedback.
The main goal of ICARS2025 was to cover how advanced remote sensing technologies are transforming our approach to global challenges.
Awards
Four awards were presented at the conclusion of the conference, sponsored by the journal Remote Sensing: Best Poster Award (€400), Best Oral Presentation Award (€400), and two Early Career Researcher Awards (1st prize: €600 and 2nd prize: €200).
Thank you to our Partnering Societies
We are grateful for the support of our four partnering societies and nine media partners, who played an important role in promoting the conference. Special thanks to our partnering societies: the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain (GESGB), Asociación Española de Teledetección (AET) – the Spanish Association of Remote Sensing, and the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE).
Upcoming In-Person Event
31 March–2 April 2025
Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security
Location: Barcelona, Spain
This event will gather plant scientists to discuss the latest research on how to feed a growing population while maintaining a sustainable agro-ecosystem.
Find more upcoming MDPI events here.
Closing Thoughts
MDPI Serbia Salon 2025: A Gathering of Academic Excellence
On Tuesday, 18 March, we successfully concluded our first MDPI Serbia Salon in Belgrade. This event provided a great opportunity to showcase MDPI’s achievements, strengthen connections with the Serbian academic community, and highlight our role as the largest publisher in Serbia. We were honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Sergej M. Ostojić, Editor-in-Chief of MDPI journal Clinical Bioenergetics, as a guest speaker.
Over the past five years, MDPI has experienced continuous growth in Serbia, with an increasing number of publications, an expansion of Editorial Board memberships, and a greater number of active peer reviewers. The Salon allowed us to express our thanks to the Serbian research community while gathering feedback from attendees representing several major universities.
Discussion topics
As part of the event, I delivered an opening speech highlighting MDPI’s achievements and direction.
The event featured presentations from MDPI colleagues, including discussions on open science, publishing ethics, and our achievements in Serbia.
A special thank-you to all our MDPI presenters, panellists, and organizers who made his event a success. I hope the MDPI Serbia Salon becomes a tradition for years to come, creating connections within the Serbian research community.
Visit to the Science Fund of Serbia and The Ministry of Science
During my visit to Belgrade, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues Emir Ramadani (Operations Manager) and Nevena Blagojev (Journal Relations Manager) in meetings with the Science Fund of Serbia and the Ministry of Science, where we received strong support for our work in Serbia.
Both organizations highly value our presence in and commitment to Serbia, where we employ over 640 staff across our two offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad. We take great pride in creating job opportunities and supporting the community in Serbia.
“There’s a lot of exciting activity happening in MDPI Serbia”
Speaking with our Serbian Colleagues
Finally, I had the opportunity to speak with our Serbian colleagues about our initiatives to expand and to improve our marketing & communication and public relations activities.
It was great to have an open discussion with colleagues – both in person and with the hundreds who joined online.
This visit to Belgrade had been a long time coming for me. Serbia is our largest operation in Europe and there’s a lot of exciting activity happening in MDPI Serbia, including the launch of a new office floor in Novi Sad and the growth and expansion of our teams.
I look forward to returning soon and continuing to support our colleagues across our Serbian offices.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
31 March 2025
Energies | Highly Cited Papers in 2024 in the Section “Sustainable Energy”

1. “Machine Learning Techniques for Spatio-Temporal Air Pollution Prediction to Drive Sustainable Urban Development in the Era of Energy and Data Transformation”
by Mateusz Zareba, Szymon Cogiel, Tomasz Danek and Elzbieta Weglinska
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2738; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112738
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/11/2738
2. “The Impact of Soil Contamination with Lead on the Biomass of Maize Intended for Energy Purposes, and the Biochemical and Physicochemical Properties of the Soil”
by Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Edyta Boros-Lajszner and Jan Kucharski
Energies 2024, 17(5), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051156
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/5/1156
3. “Energy Generation Intensity (EGI) of Solar Updraft Tower (SUT) Power Plants Relative to CSP Plants and PV Power Plants Using the New Energy Simulator “Aladdin””
by Osama A. Marzouk
Energies 2024, 17(2), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17020405
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/2/405
4. “Emerging Trends and Challenges in Pink Hydrogen Research”
by Pablo Fernández-Arias, Álvaro Antón-Sancho, Georgios Lampropoulos and Diego Vergara
Energies 2024, 17(10), 2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102291
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/10/2291
5. “Powering Electricity Forecasting with Transfer Learning”
by Firuz Kamalov, Hana Sulieman, Sherif Moussa, Jorge Avante Reyes and Murodbek Safaraliev
Energies 2024, 17(3), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030626
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/626
6. “Influence of Environmental Conditions on the Electrical Parameters of Side Connectors in Glass–Glass Photovoltaic Modules”
by Krzysztof Barbusiński, Paweł Kwaśnicki, Anna Gronba-Chyła, Agnieszka Generowicz, Józef Ciuła, Bartosz Szeląg, Francesco Fatone, Agnieszka Makara and Zygmunt Kowalski
Energies 2024, 17(3), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030680
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/3/680
7. “Integration of Floating Photovoltaic Panels with an Italian Hydroelectric Power Plant”
by Paolo Venturini, Gabriele Guglielmo Gagliardi, Giuliano Agati, Luca Cedola, Michele Vincenzo Migliarese Caputi and Domenico Borello
Energies 2024, 17(4), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17040851
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/4/851
8. “Lifecycle Assessment of Strategies for Decarbonising Wind Blade Recycling toward Net Zero 2050”
by Kyle Pender, Filippo Romoli and Jonathan Fuller
Energies 2024, 17(12), 3008; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17123008
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/12/3008
9. “Optimal Scheduling of Source–Load Synergy in Rural Integrated Energy Systems Considering Complementary Biogas–Wind–Solar Utilization”
by Xing Long, Hongqi Liu, Tao Wu and Tongle Ma
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3066; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133066
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/13/3066
10. “Electrochromic Polymers: From Electrodeposition to Hybrid Solid Devices”
by Hadarou Sare and Dongmei Dong
Energies 2024, 17(1), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010232
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/232