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We wish to congratulate Dr. Manuel López on winning the Geosciences 2025 Travel Award. Dr. Manuel López is a young researcher from the Centro de Investigaciones Geológicas (CIG; CONICET-UNLP) of La Plata, Argentina. In his research, he primarily focuses on sedimentary responses to tectonic and volcanic processes and their stratigraphic preservation in continental basins and sediment routing systems. He holds an assistant teaching position in the chair of Structural Geology at the Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNYM) from the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP; University of La Plata). Dr. Manuel also collaborates with the Latin American Journal of Sedimentology and Basin Analysis of the Asociación Argentina de Sedimentología (AAS) as an editor of production and participates in the Commission of Volcanogenic Sediments (CVSs) of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI).

Please see below for an interview with Dr. Manuel López:

1. How did winning this award impact your career, and what other career goals do you hope to achieve going forward?

Winning this award represents a fundamental source of aid that I will use to attend the 2025 Scientific Assembly of the IAVCEI. It will also consolidate my collaboration with the association as an early career researcher (ECR) and a representative Member of the Commission of Volcanogenic Sediments (CVSs). My participation in this event is an excellent opportunity to take decisive first steps as a young researcher and enhance my future research in my scientific career by sharing the advances of my new research project, expanding international social networks, and promoting the discussion and exchange of methodologies and knowledge with colleagues.

The Geosciences Travel Award is excellent for mitigating some of the costs of attending international meetings or congresses. In this sense, it is worth highlighting how important these kinds of awards are for young and senior researchers from needful countries that are sunken into transient financial scientific and academic underfunding crises promoted by denialist scientific policies.

2. What is your current research interest and why did you choose this research field?

In the last few decades, sedimentary basin analysis has focused on the production, transfer, and accumulation of sediments controlled by the interaction between tectonic, climatic, and eustatic forcings. However, in volcanically active regions, the process, volume, and timescale sediment dynamics are not exclusively controlled by these external controls. My current research focuses on how volcanism adds variable volcanic products that may be delivered to the background sedimentary systems, triggering different temporal and spatial environmental effects that could be preserved in stratigraphy within a timescale from hours to millions of years.

I chose the volcano-sedimentary research field because the interaction between volcanic and environmental variables in the short and long term implies challenges in basin analysis that are difficult to assess using classical volcanological and sedimentological techniques and formal stratigraphic analysis. This provokes conceptual gaps in our knowledge of how volcanism exerts short- and long-term control over sedimentary basin infills, mainly because each volcanic and environmental parameter is interdependent, and their effects are time-dependent in a geological record characterized by transient preservation.

Establishing an integrated temporal and spatial perspective of basin analysis and sediment routing systems is one of the major challenges for worldwide volcano-sedimentary researchers. It is also important for natural resource exploration, climate change, human hazard prevention, geoheritage, and volcano tourism. The specific research region between the Southern Volcanic Zone of the North Patagonian Andes and the foreland up to the distal coastal Atlantic Ocean represents an excellent natural laboratory on Earth where researchers can study volcanically affected basin infills and sediment routing systems.

3. What qualities do you think young scientists need?

Young scientists, especially in the field of geosciences, need to possess a unique blend of qualities that combine scientific, technical and methodological skills, and more importantly, a genuine desire to explore, discover, and learn about the Earth and its processes. That desire can be focused on one of the increasingly specific sub-disciplines of geosciences, making new advancements in knowledge possible regardless of the transient financial, emotional, or other setbacks, both within the laboratory or outdoors in the field. However, I humbly suggest that it is also fundamental that young researchers gain a critical and up-to-date global understanding of as many research fields as possible from the beginning of their careers.

This holistic point of view should not be underestimated in these days of research atomization, since it opens our minds to a comprehensive understanding of the fractal temporal and spatial complexity behind the causes and effects that govern the planet. In this sense, as the world faces pressing environmental challenges, young geoscientists and their interrelations with societies play a vital role in the sensible management of natural resources and the prediction of natural hazards.

4. If you have the opportunity, will you actively apply to attend academic conferences? What do you think you can learn from participating in conferences that you could not learn from working in a lab?

Yes, I would apply to participate in conferences at least once a year whenever possible. Active participation in conferences or academic meetings is crucial for a young scientist. These events provide valuable opportunities to develop presentation skills through various formats (posters, talks, etc.), engage with colleagues from around the world, and learn how to secure and manage funding for both participation and event organization.

Attending scientific meetings is an excellent way to gain visibility, showcase one's research, and present the latest findings. This exposure allows for constructive feedback that can help refine methodologies, enhance discussions, and ultimately lead to better results. Additionally, taking an active role in organizing sessions, coordinating field trips, or participating in conference committees fosters connections with a diverse range of colleagues, opening up numerous opportunities for future collaborations.

Finally, attending conferences also has an enjoyable side that extends beyond the academic and formal aspects. Social and cultural events, along with field trips organized by the congress, offer excellent opportunities to explore new places and connect with colleagues in a more relaxed way. These moments of enjoyment and camaraderie are not only fun but also enriching and rewarding.

5. As the winner of this award, is there anything else you would like to share, or anyone you would like to acknowledge?

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Geosciences, especially the Travel Award Committee, for their consideration. This award is a tremendous source of support at this stage of my career. I deeply appreciate the journal’s initiative in organizing and presenting this award, along with others such as the Outstanding Reviewer Award, Editor of Distinction, Best Ph.D. Thesis Award, and Best Paper Award. I recognize that these awards play a crucial role in acknowledging the often unseen, yet fundamental scientific efforts that drive research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my mentors, Prof. Dr. Leandro D’Elia and Prof. Dr. Karoly Nemeth, for their unwavering encouragement and support in securing funding. Their guidance has enabled me to actively participate in scientific events by submitting papers and organizing sessions. I would also like to highlight the importance of collaborative work and recognizing the different stages of each individual’s academic journey. Fostering such development is essential for a rewarding scientific career, which is intricately tied to the natural processes that shape our world every day.

All papers published in 2024 in Geosciences (ISSN: 2076-3263) were considered for the award. After a thorough evaluation of the originality and significance of the papers, citations, and downloads, the winner was selected.

“Improving the Estimation of the Occurrence Time of an Impending Major Earthquake Using the Entropy Change of Seismicity in Natural Time Analysis”
by Panayiotis A. Varotsos, Nicholas V. Sarlis, Efthimios S. Skordas, Toshiyasu Nagao, Masashi Kamogawa, E. Leticia Flores-Márquez, Alejandro Ramírez-Rojas and Jennifer Perez-Oregon
Geosciences 2023, 13(8), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13080222

The winners will receive CHF 500 and a chance to publish a paper free of charge after peer review in Geosciences in 2025.

The following is an interview with Prof. Dr. Panayiotis A. Varotsos:

1. Could you give us a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?

I am an Emeritus Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. Since the 1970s, I have focused on the dielectric properties of solids including several rocks, and I have established a rigorous foundation of the thermodynamic parameters that govern the formation and/or migration of defects in solids. In the early 1980s, I found that the presence of aliovalent impurities in ionic solids results in the formation of extrinsic defects, forming electric dipoles—the relaxation time of which depends on pressure (stress). I also showed that when the pressure reaches a critical value, σ_cr, a cooperative orientation of these dipoles may occur, which results in the emission of a transient electric signal. This may happen before an earthquake (critical point) since the stress gradually increases in the focal region before the rupture. These signals are termed Seismic Electric Signals (SESs) and have been experimentally detected since 1981, providing information on the magnitude and the epicenter location of a forthcoming earthquake. Such signals have been observed on many occasions in Greece and other countries. Moreover, in 2001, a new concept of time, termed natural time, was introduced, the analysis of which enables the study of the dynamical evolution of a complex system and identifies when the system approaches a dynamic phase transition. Such a transition is a major earthquake occurrence.

I have authored or co-authored about 300 publications and five monographs.

Photo 1. At the beginning of the 1970s and 1980s, Prof. Dr. Varotsos established the foundation of the thermodynamic parameters governing the formation and/or migration of defects in solids, which reveal that a series of transient electric signals (termed SES activity) should be emitted and when the critical point is approached a major earthquake is impending.

2. Could you briefly summarize the key findings or contributions of your award-winning paper?

A new procedure is presented concerning a more accurate identification of the occurrence time of an impending major earthquake by combining the entropy change in natural time under time reversal and the non-additive Tsallis entropy. A shortening of the time window of the impending mainshock is achieved for large events in Japan, Mexico, and California. Specifically, the time of occurrence is almost one day before the 2011 M9 Tohoku mega-earthquake, which is the largest event ever recorded in Japan; a comparable shortening to earthquakes of smaller magnitude of the order of M8 and M7 is achieved. Namely, the Chiapas M8.2 earthquake (which is Mexico’s largest event for more than a century, which took place on 7 September 2017 near the coast of Chiapas state Mexico), the 19 September 2017 M7.1 earthquake that occurred within the Mexican flat slab, and the M7.1 Ridgecrest on 6 July 2019 in California.

3. What inspired you to pursue this particular research topic?

Upon studying the seismicity in a region for a time period during which a major earthquake may occur, the superiority of the entropy changes in natural time under time reversal compared to the non-additive Tsallis entropy has been identified. The change in natural time under time reversal exhibits a unique minimum, while Tsallis non-additive entropy may exhibit several minima. The combination of the two entropies is achieved, in accordance with the aim of our paper.

Photo 2. In the 2000s, Prof. Dr. P. Varotsos in the central laboratory explains to his co-workers that an SES activity has just been emitted (printed on a multiple recorder just behind him), which -upon applying natural time analysis- shows that a major earthquake is impending.

4. What were the biggest challenges you faced during this research, and how did you overcome them?

The minimum of the entropy change in natural time under time reversal is accompanied by an evident increase in the complexity measure that quantifies these fluctuations. This minimum can, therefore, be uniquely distinguished as a precursor of an impending major earthquake. This was challenging because the problem had to be expressed appropriately to achieve these properties.

5. How does it feel to receive the Best Paper Award, and what does this recognition mean to you?

We feel that this award may serve as a recognition of our many decades of research efforts on earthquake prediction research. Moreover, this award shows that as time goes by, more scientists and seismologists are interested in earthquake prediction.

6. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to submit your paper? What benefits do you think authors can gain when publishing their articles in Geosciences?

Geosciences is an appropriate journal for the publication of our research efforts. The open access format of Geosciences, as well as social media sharing, contribute to disseminating our work to a wide audience of interested researchers.

7. Can you talk about your feelings about manuscript processing when submitting to Geosciences?

Our experience submitting to Geosciences was very positive.

8. Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve Best Paper?

Some of the results described in the present paper have been obtained under the guidance of the Academician Seiya Uyeda, to the memory of which this paper is dedicated.

9. What are the next steps for this research? Are there any follow-up studies or applications you plan to pursue?

There exist several next steps for this research; for example, a further improvement of shortening the time window of an impending major earthquake, as well as applying this method to earthquakes in other areas, e.g., in Taiwan.

10. What advice would you give to young researchers who aspire to produce high-impact work like yours?

We would advise young researchers that in order to achieve very good results, several decades of research efforts may be needed. Hence, they should continue pursuing their research goals no matter how difficult this might be.

11. What do you think makes a paper stand out in a competitive environment like this?

In order to make a paper stand out in a competitive environment, several years of effort may be needed. This paper applies the achievements we made throughout these years to very important and destructive earthquakes. Its ability to be practically implemented for earthquake prediction is also an additional important factor.

12. Do you have any suggestions for how we can improve the Best Paper Award competition in the future?

The best paper award could be followed by a teleconference on topics related to papers that received the award.

22 March marks World Water Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. The theme for World Water Day 2025, “Glacier Preservation”, underscores the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life on Earth. Glaciers are vital natural reservoirs, providing meltwater that is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production, and the health of ecosystems. However, the rapid melting of glaciers due to climate change is creating uncertainty in water availability, with profound consequences for communities, economies, and the planet.

As glaciers shrink, the world faces increasing risks of water scarcity, disruption to ecosystems, and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. Protecting these frozen water resources is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable future.

Echoing the mission of safeguarding glaciers for generations to come, MDPI’s established journals in the Environmental and Earth Sciences field serve as leading platforms for scientific communication. By sharing cutting-edge research and practical solutions, MDPI contributes to global efforts to address the water crisis and protect these invaluable natural assets.

Join us in celebrating World Water Day 2025 and supporting initiatives that prioritize glacier preservation. Together, we can work toward a future where water resources are protected, ecosystems thrive, and communities are resilient in the face of climate challenges.

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change”
by Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez, Kissao Gnandi, Chrétien Ngouanet, Ibrahima Pouye and Joshua Ntajal
World 2025, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6010017

“Segmentation of Glacier Area Using U-Net through Landsat Satellite Imagery for Quantification of Glacier Recession and Its Impact on Marine Systems”
by Edmund Robbins, Robert D. Breininger, Maxwell Jiang, Michelle Madera, Ryan T. White and Nezamoddin N. Kachouie
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101788

“Evaluating Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Water Scarcity Mitigation in Small Greek Islands under Climate Change”
by Elissavet Feloni and Panagiotis T. Nastos
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062592

“Snow Water Equivalent Monitoring—A Review of Large-Scale Remote Sensing Applications”
by Samuel Schilling, Andreas Dietz and Claudia Kuenzer
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061085

“Ecosystem Services Supply from Peri-Urban Watersheds in Greece: Soil Conservation and Water Retention”
by Stefanos Stefanidis, Nikolaos Proutsos, Vasileios Alexandridis and Giorgos Mallinis
Land 2024, 13(6), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060765

“Comparison of Multiple Methods for Supraglacial Melt-Lake Volume Estimation in Western Greenland During the 2021 Summer Melt Season”
by Nathan Rowley, Wesley Rancher and Christopher Karmosky
Glacies 2024, 1(2), 92-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/glacies1020007

“Microbial Community Abundance and Metabolism Close to the Ice-Water Interface of the Blomstrandbreen Glacier (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard): A Sampling Survey Using an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle”
by Maria Papale, Gabriella Caruso, Giovanna Maimone, Rosabruna La Ferla, Angelina Lo Giudice, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Alessandro Cosenza, Filippo Azzaro, Roberta Ferretti, Rodolfo Paranhos et al.
Water 2023, 15(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15030556

“Projected Future Flooding Pattern of Wabash River in Indiana and Fountain Creek in Colorado: An Assessment Utilizing Bias-Corrected CMIP6 Climate Data”
by Swarupa Paudel, Neekita Joshi and Ajay Kalra
Forecasting 2023, 5(2), 405-423; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast5020022

“Mountain Cryosphere Landscapes in South America: Value and Protection”
by Sebastián Ruiz-Pereira, Voltaire Alvarado Peterson and Darío Trombotto Liaudat
Conservation 2023, 3(1), 232-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3010017

“Diversity and Variability of the Course of Ice Phenomena on the Lakes Located in the Southern and Eastern Part of the Baltic Sea Catchment Area”
by Rajmund Skowron, Pavel Kirvel, Adam Choiński and Ivan Kirvel
Limnol. Rev. 2023, 23(1), 33-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev23010003

Every 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization commemorates the coming into force of the convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization on 23 March 1950. This day highlights the critical role of meteorology in understanding and addressing global challenges, particularly the urgent threat of climate change. Climate change is a real and undeniable crisis that poses significant risks to our civilization. Its effects—rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns—are already visible and will have catastrophic consequences if immediate action is not taken.

The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025, “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in strengthening early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters. Early warnings save lives, reduce economic losses, and empower societies to adapt to a changing climate. However, significant gaps remain in global coverage, particularly in developing regions.

Inspired by this mission and reflecting in line with Goal 13 of the SDG Publishers Compact: Climate Action, MDPI’s established journals in the environmental and Earth sciences field serve as vital platforms for scientific communication. By sharing cutting-edge research and practical solutions, MDPI contributes to global efforts to close the early warning gap and build a more climate-resilient world.

Join us in celebrating World Meteorological Day 2025 and supporting initiatives that strengthen early warning systems and address the impacts of climate change. Together, we can work toward a future where communities are better prepared, informed, and protected from the growing threats of a changing climate.

Invited speakers:

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Establishing an Early Warning System for Dust Storms in Peri-Desert Regions”
by Aishajiang Aili, Abdul Waheed, Xinfeng Zhao and Hailiang Xu
Environments 2024, 11(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11040061

“The Quality Urban Label and the 4Q City Model: Levers for Urban Adaptation and Climate Change Mitigation in Mediterranean Cities”
by Jordi Mazon
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040228

“Forecasting Convective Storms Trajectory and Intensity by Neural Networks”
by Niccolò Borghi, Giorgio Guariso and Matteo Sangiorgio
Forecasting 2024, 6(2), 326-342; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast6020018

“Decoding the Atmosphere: Optimising Probabilistic Forecasts with Information Gain”
by John R. Lawson, Corey K. Potvin and Kenric Nelson
Meteorology 2024, 3(2), 212-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/meteorology3020010

“Climate-Change-Driven Droughts and Tree Mortality: Assessing the Potential of UAV-Derived Early Warning Metrics”
by Ewane Basil Ewane, Midhun Mohan, Shaurya Bajaj, G. A. Pabodha Galgamuwa, Michael S. Watt, Pavithra Pitumpe Arachchige, Andrew T. Hudak, Gabriella Richardson, Nivedhitha Ajithkumar, Shruthi Srinivasan et al.
Remote Sens. 2023, 15(10), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15102627

“Features of Soil Organic Carbon Transformations in the Southern Area of the East European Plain”
by Fedor N. Lisetskii, Zhanna A. Buryak, Olga A. Marinina, Pavel A. Ukrainskiy and Pavel V. Goleusov
Geosciences 2023, 13(9), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13090278

“Exact Expressions for Lightning Electromagnetic Fields: Application to the Rusck Field-to-Transmission Line Coupling Model”
by Vernon Cooray, Gerald Cooray, Marcos Rubinstein and Farhad Rachidi
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020350

“Advances in Monitoring of Hydrological and Ecological Processes Under Climate Change” Guest Editor: Dr. Haibo Wang Submission deadline: 20 June 2025	“Integrating Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Process-Based Modelling for Monitoring Environmental and Agricultural Landscapes Under Climate Change” Guest Editors: Dr. Michael Gbenga Ogungbuyi and Dr. Dimitrios D. Alexakis Submission deadline: 28 June 2025
“Enhancing Urban Sustainability and Well-Being in Developing Regions Facing Climate Change Impacts and Economic Constraints” Guest Editor: Dr. Aya Hagishima Submission deadline: 30 June 2025	“Tropical Cyclones and Their Impacts (2nd Edition)” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Corene Matyas Submission deadline: 30 September 2025
“Early Career Scientists' (ECS) Contributions to Meteorology (2025)” Guest Editor: Dr. Edoardo Bucchignani Submission deadline: 30 November 2025	“Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Bioaerosol Detection, Characterization, and Modeling” Guest Editors: Dr. Salvatore Romano and Dr. Mattia Fragola Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc., 2023, ECAS 2023 The 6th International Electronic Conference on Atmospheric Sciences Online | 15–30 October 2023 Organizer: MDPI Atmosphere Volume Editor: Anthony R. Lupo, University of Missouri, USA Full list of the conference proceedings

The International Day of Forests, observed annually on 21 March, highlights the indispensable role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. Forests are pillars of global food security and nutrition, providing livelihoods for millions of families worldwide. They are a vital source of essential foods for indigenous and rural communities, offering fruits, nuts, and other resources that are integral to their diets and cultures. Beyond food, forests are a cornerstone of sustainable energy, agriculture, and environmental health. They support pollinators, enrich soil, regulate the climate, and conserve biodiversity, making them critical to the balance of our planet's ecosystems. 

However, deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable practices threaten forests and the countless benefits they provide. In alignment with the 2025 theme for International Day of Forests, “Forests and Food” and Goal 13 of the SDG Publishers Compact: Climate Action,  MDPI’s established journals in Section “Environmental and Earth Sciences” serve as vital platforms for scientific communication to recognize the urgent need to protect and restore these natural treasures. 

Join us in celebrating International Day of Forests and supporting initiatives that protect these vital ecosystems. Together, we can work toward a future where forests continue to nourish and sustain life for generations to come. 

Invited speakers: 

  Feel free to register for this webinar here! 

“Forest Fire Prediction: A Spatial Machine Learning and Neural Network Approach”
by Sanjeev Sharma and Puskar Khanal
Fire 2024, 7(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060205 

“High-Severity Wildfires Alter Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Foraging Assemblage Structure in Montane Coniferous Forests and Grasslands in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, USA”
by Jonathan Knudsen, Robert Parmenter, Theodore Sumnicht and Robin Verble
Conservation 2024, 4(4), 830-846; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4040049 

“Aboveground Biomass and Carbon Storage in Mangrove Forests in Southeastern Mexico”
by Carlos Roberto Ávila-Acosta, Marivel Domínguez-Domínguez, César Jesús Vázquez-Navarrete, Rocío Guadalupe Acosta-Pech and Pablo Martínez-Zurimendi
Resources 2024, 13(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13030041 

“A Nature-Based Approach Using Felled Burnt Logs to Enhance Forest Recovery Post-Fire and Reduce Erosion Phenomena in the Mediterranean Area”
by Giuseppe Bombino, Daniela D’Agostino, Pasquale A. Marziliano, Pedro Pérez Cutillas, Salvatore Praticò, Andrea R. Proto, Leonardo M. Manti, Giuseppina Lofaro and Santo M. Zimbone
Land 2024, 13(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020236 

“Effects of Climate Change on Greek Forests: A Review”
by Panagiotis P. Koulelis, Nikolaos Proutsos, Alexandra D. Solomou, Evangelia V. Avramidou, Ermioni Malliarou, Miltiadis Athanasiou, Gavriil Xanthopoulos and Panos V. Petrakis
Atmosphere 2023, 14(7), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14071155 

“Assisted Migration of Sequoiadendron Genotypes for Conservation and Timber: Performance and Morphology in a Warmer Climate Outside of Their Range”
by Christopher M. Valness, William J. Libby and John-Pascal Berrill
Conservation 2023, 3(4), 543-568; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3040035 

“Analysis of Accelerometer Data Using Random Forest Models to Classify the Behavior of a Wild Nocturnal Primate: Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus)”
by Amanda Hathaway, Marco Campera, Katherine Hedger, Marianna Chimienti, Esther Adinda, Nabil Ahmad, Muhammed Ali Imron and K. A. I. Nekaris
Ecologies 2023, 4(4), 636-653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4040042 

“Pinus contorta Alters Microenvironmental Conditions and Reduces Plant Diversity in Patagonian Ecosystems”
by Rafael A. García, Eduardo Fuentes-Lillo, Lohengrin Cavieres, Ana J. Cóbar-Carranza, Kimberley T. Davis, Matías Naour, Martín A. Núñez, Bruce D. Maxwell, Jonas J. Lembrechts and Aníbal Pauchard
Diversity 2023, 15(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030320 

“Characterizing the Change of Annual Cone Production in Longleaf Pine Forests”
by Xiongwen Chen and John L. Willis
Seeds 2023, 2(2), 220-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds2020017 

“Physiological Potential of Seeds of Handroanthus spongiosus (Rizzini) S. Grose (Bignoniaceae) Determined by the Tetrazolium Test”
by Jailton de Jesus Silva, Raquel Araujo Gomes, Maria Aparecida Rodrigues Ferreira, Claudineia Regina Pelacani and Bárbara França Dantas
Seeds 2023, 2(2), 208-219; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds2020016

Glaciers are essential to the Earth’s ecosystem, playing a vital role as critical freshwater reservoirs and key indicators of the planet’s health. They provide water resources for millions of people, regulate global sea levels, and support unique ecosystems and biodiversity. However, these icy giants are in peril. Increasing global temperatures are driving glaciers to shrink rapidly, resulting in water shortages, higher sea levels, and a greater likelihood of floods and landslides. Recognizing their immense importance, the United Nations has declared 21 March the World Day for Glaciers, alongside the International Year of Glaciers 2025. These initiatives aim to raise global awareness about the urgent need to protect glaciers and address the challenges posed by climate change.

Aligned with the 2025 theme, “Glaciers: Guardians of Earth's Future”, MDPI’s established journals in the fields of environmental and earth sciences will serve as leading platforms for scientific communication. These journals foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities, promoting innovative solutions for glacier preservation and climate resilience. By sharing cutting-edge research and actionable insights, MDPI contributes to the global effort to safeguard these natural wonders and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us in celebrating the World Day for Glaciers and supporting scientific advancements that protect these irreplaceable guardians of our planet. Together, we can work toward a thriving Earth, where glaciers continue to sustain life and inspire awe.

Invited speakers:

	Dr. Abror Gafurov, German Research Centre for Geoscience, Potsdam, Germany Presentation: “Operational Cryosphere and Water Resources Monitoring Using MODSNOW: Examples from Central & South Asia”
	Dr. Danilo Godone, Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection, Perugia, Italy Presentation: “Geo-Hydrological Hazards Monitoring at High Elevation”

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Characteristics of Runoff Components in the Mingyong Glacier Basin, Meili Snow Mountains”
by Zichen Zhang, Lihua Wu, Jun Feng, Zhiwen Dong, Xiong Zhao, Yi Sun, Xiping Cheng, Liqin Dong and Tingting Liu
Water 2024, 16(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16070937

“Comparison of Machine Learning Models in Simulating Glacier Mass Balance: Insights from Maritime and Continental Glaciers in High Mountain Asia”
by Weiwei Ren, Zhongzheng Zhu, Yingzheng Wang, Jianbin Su, Ruijie Zeng, Donghai Zheng and Xin Li
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16060956

“Reconstructing the Relative Ice-Flow Chronology South of Lake Mistassini in Canada from New Ice-Flow Indicator Mapping”
by Mohamed El Amrani, Khadija Diani, Mohamed Hafedh Hamza, Mohamed Elhag, Said Courba, Afaf Amine, Moulay Ahmed Ben Driss, Lahcen Ousaid, Nabil Mdiker, Youssef Hahou et al.
Limnol. Rev. 2024, 24(4), 450-465; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev24040026

“Extremely Cold Climate and Social Vulnerability in Alaska: Problems and Prospects”
by Elena A. Grigorieva, John E. Walsh and Vladimir A. Alexeev
Climate 2024, 12(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12020020

“Yearly Elevation Change and Surface Velocity Revealed from Two UAV Surveys at Baishui River Glacier No. 1, Yulong Snow Mountain”
by Leiyu Li, Yuande Yang, Shijin Wang, Chuya Wang, Qihua Wang, Yuqiao Chen, Junhao Wang, Songtao Ai and Yanjun Che
Atmosphere 2024, 15(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020231

“Calculation of Black Ice Thickness and Heat Fluxes inside the Ice and at the Water–Ice Boundary in a Boreal Lake”
by Sergey Bogdanov, Nikolay Palshin, Roman Zdorovennov, Tatiana Efremova, Sergei Smirnov and Galina Zdorovennova
Limnol. Rev. 2023, 23(3), 138-156; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev23030009

“Diversity and Variability of the Course of Ice Phenomena on the Lakes Located in the Southern and Eastern Part of the Baltic Sea Catchment Area”
by Rajmund Skowron, Pavel Kirvel, Adam Choiński and Ivan Kirvel
Limnol. Rev. 2023, 23(1), 33-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev23010003

“The Influence of Glacier Mass Balance on River Runoff in the Typical Alpine Basin”
by Bin Yang, Weibing Du, Junli Li, Anming Bao, Wen Ge, Shuangting Wang, Xiaoxuan Lyu, Xin Gao and Xiaoqian Cheng
Water 2023, 15(15), 2762; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152762

“Mountain Cryosphere Landscapes in South America: Value and Protection”
by Sebastián Ruiz-Pereira, Voltaire Alvarado Peterson and Darío Trombotto Liaudat
Conservation 2023, 3(1), 232-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3010017

“Glacial Lakes and Related Hazards: Mapping, Monitoring, and Risk Assessment” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Yong Nie, Prof. Dr. Qiao Liu, Prof. Dr. Guoqing Zhang and Prof. Dr. Xin Wang Submission deadline: 15 July 2025	“Mathematical, Physical, Chemical, and Biological Methods for Ice and Water Problems” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Zhijun Li and Dr. Fang Li Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

1. Could you give us a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?
To be honest, I believe I have a complex and multifaceted personality. Regarding my research activity, I usually define myself as a sedimentologist and a quaternary geologist, with experience in coastal marine and continental paleoenvironments, and solid competence in stratigraphy and geological mapping. I entered the world of research late, as an adult, and this was one of the main obstacles to the possibility of an academic career. Despite this, I was lucky enough to meet people, within my university who believed in my qualities and who supported me as much as they could. I collaborated with research projects at the Earth Sciences Department (now the Department of Physics and Geology) at the University of Perugia (Italy) as a Research Assistant/Research Fellow (between 2003 and 2015), and I am still collaborating as an expert on the subject of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (from 2018 onwards). From 2019, my main job is as a tenured natural science teacher in a high school. I actually never stopped being an independent researcher, although my current work commitments do not leave me much time for study and research. On the other hand, having no time constraints, I can more easily indulge my interests and passions. During the last two decades, I have continued collaborating with Italian and foreign experts and researchers in several fields within geosciences, being involved in multifaceted research projects, leading to the publication of scientific journals, and the presentation of results in congresses and workshops. To be involved as a reviewer with MDPI has been a way to stay up to date with the advances in various fields within Earth Sciences.

3. What are your opinions about the scientific publication market and what do you think about the open access model?
I believe that the editorial offer in the scientific field is really wide and varied today. This guarantees the maximum possibility for researchers to publish the results of their work and the maximum diffusion of new ideas. Likewise, this allows for a remote dialogue within the scientific community. Open access is just an editorial choice and offers the possibility to further disseminate the results of research. This is what matters beyond the used media without sacrificing the quality of the product and its scientific merit.

4. Have you ever encountered any difficulties when you conduct research? How did you overcome them?
One of the main problems for researchers, at least in my experience, is the chronic lack of funding, especially for basic research, which risks clipping the wings of many bright minds. Laboratory analyses are often expensive, as well as long or far-field campaigns. Over the years, I have seen that it is possible to overcome the problem through a network of collaborations between experts in different fields, which still allows research to be conducted and the results to be published. According to my experience, I believe almost nothing is impossible with the right approach.

5. What qualities do you think young scientists need? What qualities do you think reviewers need?
I have always believed that dogmas cannot and should not exist in any scientific field. There are data, evidence, and theories that interpret them: this data-interpretation dichotomy should always remain clear and distinct. A good theory interprets a substantial amount of the collected data; new data will allow to confirm, modify, or reject the theory. This is the basis for scientific progress, and this is what I have always tried to convey to students at any level. Good scientific work does not find all the answers, but one that asks new questions. This is a phrase that I often heard pronounced in my formative years. Thus, I believe the main qualities scientists need are curiosity, passion for their field of research, and a rigorous methodological approach, the will to collaborate and discuss with other researchers also helps. Moreover, the honesty and humility to recognize one's limits and those of science, without forcing data into prepackaged models, is also relevant. Likewise, intellectual honesty is the main quality required of a reviewer. I mean, the ability to read and evaluate someone else’s work without preconceptions, proposing constructive comments, underlining any errors made and any critical issues. While respecting what is in any case the result of a research work, the reviewer should insinuate doubts, propose reflections, and sometimes direct on the best path while remembering the role of referee.

MDPI will be attending the 11th National Congress of the Chinese Society for Mineralogy Petrology and Geochemistry (CSMPG), which will be held in Wuhan, China, from 18 to 20 April 2025. The CSMPG 2025 is organized by the Chinese Society for Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry and co-organized by the School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, and Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The conference aims to facilitate academic exchanges in mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and related research fields.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Minerals;
• Geosciences;
• Sustainability;
• Resources.

If you plan to attend the conference, please pay a visit to our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://csmpg.meeting666.com/.

Glaciers are among the most important components of the Earth’s cryosphere, serving as natural reservoirs of freshwater, regulators of sea levels, and indicators of climate variability. Their role in sustaining ecosystems and human societies is unparalleled, yet they are increasingly threatened by rising global temperatures.

The scientific evidence underscores the alarming rate of glacier retreat, with profound implications for water security, sea-level rise, and the frequency of climate-related hazards such as floods and landslides. The loss of these ice masses not only disrupts hydrological cycles but also poses significant challenges to communities and economies worldwide.

Date: 19 March 2025 at 9 a.m. CET | 3 a.m. EDT | 4 p.m. CST
Webinar ID: 851 1794 7801
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/WDFG2025

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations made with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch online.

Register now for free!

Program:

Webinar Speakers:

• Dr. Abror Gafurov, GFZ German Research Centre for Geoscience, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany;
• Dr. Danilo Godone, Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection, Torino, Italy.

Dr. Sérgio Luiz da Silva is currently a researcher affiliated with the Laboratory of Parallel Architectures for Signal Processing (LAPPS/IMD) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil, and a collaborator of the Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi—Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISC-CNR), c/o Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia of Politecnico di Torino, Italy. He holds a Ph.D. in physics (2021), which he completed one year ahead of schedule, focused on statistical physics and complex systems applied in geophysical data inversion, as well as a master's degree (2016) in geodynamics and geophysics, both from the UFRN. He also obtained his degree in physics from UFRN in 2013. His primary research interests are in the analysis of data-centered geophysical problems, especially in the theory of inverse problems. From 2021 to 2022, he served as a researcher in geophysics in the GISIS group at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF). From 2022 to 2024, he served as a postdoc researcher at the Politecnico di Torino in Italy. He was a member of the Organizing Committee of the SigmaPhi International Conference series in 2023. Dr. da Silva has published his work in several reputable journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in inverse problems and related fields.

1. What is your current research focused on, and why did you choose this research field?
My current research focuses on the inversion of geophysical data. In particular, on improving seismic imaging techniques, particularly for complex geological structures such as the deep pre-salt reservoirs in Brazil. These reservoirs, located beneath thick layers of salt, present unique challenges due to the complex geometry of the salt bodies, the high attenuation of seismic waves, and the presence of non-Gaussian noise in the data. My work involves developing wave-equation-based approaches and advanced computational algorithms to enhance the resolution of seismic images in these environments. This research is conducted in collaboration with multinational companies and academic institutions, aiming to overcome the technical barriers that limit our ability to accurately image these deep structures.

As I delved deeper into geophysics during my master’s and Ph.D. studies, I became particularly intrigued by inverse problems—the challenge of obtaining physical properties from indirect measurements. This led me to explore statistical physics approaches, which provided powerful tools for tackling these problems. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the computational aspects of geophysics, especially the development of algorithms to improve seismic imaging for complex geological structures. In essence, I chose this field because it allows me to combine my curiosity with the satisfaction of solving real-world problems.

2. Could you please introduce us to your research team, as well as how you came to the idea of becoming a scientist?
Our team at the Laboratory of Parallel Architectures for Signal Processing (LAPPS/IMD) in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil, is composed of many engaged researchers working together to advance the fields of computing, communications, and geophysics. We are a multidisciplinary group whose expertise ranges from high-performance computing and numerical algorithms to machine learning and geophysical data analysis. Our team includes undergraduates, master's students, Ph.D. candidates, postdocs, senior researchers, and collaborators from academia and industry around the world, working together to solve complex challenges in signal processing and geophysics.

As for the idea of ​​becoming a scientist, it did not exist. In fact, I did not have a clear plan to become a scientist; my goal was simply to deepen my studies in physics and mathematics and better understand natural phenomena. During my undergraduate studies in Physics at UFRN, I had my first contact with scientific research through a scientific initiation project in Astrophysics. This experience was transformative; it showed me how physics could be applied to solve real problems and sparked my interest in science from a scientist’s perspective. Thus, I can say that my journey to becoming a scientist was a natural progression fueled by curiosity, interdisciplinary exploration, and a desire to make a significant impact. So, I worked in several areas and became particularly interested in geosciences. This interest grew during my master’s and Ph.D. studies, where I focused on statistical physics and complex systems applied to the inversion of geophysical data. One of the key moments that solidified my decision to become a scientist was realizing the potential of interdisciplinary research and the fact that we are always working on the frontiers of knowledge and contributing to the betterment of society through science and technology.

3. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Geosciences?
Reviewing for Geosciences has been a rewarding experience and has allowed me to contribute to the advancement of geosciences while remaining at the forefront of the latest research in the field. One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge work by researchers from around the world. This process not only broadens my own understanding but also keeps me connected to the global scientific community. As a reviewer, I strive to provide constructive and fair reporting in order to offer suggestions and critiques that will help authors strengthen their manuscripts.

4. What qualities do you think young scientists need?
Young scientists are the future of research and innovation, and their success often depends on a combination of technical skills, personal attributes, and a growth mindset. For young scientists to thrive, I believe they need to be genuinely curious and able to stay motivated, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward, and be resilient. In addition, critical thinking skills to analyze problems and evidence are essential. Finally, they should have a strong work ethic, seek guidance from experienced mentors, and build a professional network capable of providing support and engaging in collaboration.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
I am grateful for the recognition bestowed upon me by the Geosciences journal. This acknowledgment is not only a personal accomplishment but also a testament to the collaborative and supportive environment in which I have been fortunate to work throughout my career. I am grateful to the Editors and Editorial Board of Geosciences for allowing me to participate in the peer-review process. I take pride in my ability to contribute to the quality and integrity of the research published in numerous journals, as peer review is a fundamental component of scientific advancement. I would also like to express my gratitude to my colleagues, mentors, and collaborators at the Politecnico di Torino, UFF, and the UFRN for their continued support and guidance. Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the broader scientific community. I have gained a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from the dedication and innovation I have observed in the field of geosciences through my involvement with the work of researchers from around the world. This award serves as an incentive for me to persist in my efforts to advance science and to provide assistance to the upcoming generation of researchers. I am grateful for the opportunity to be recognized once more.