Announcements

MDPI is delighted to announce the establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award. Named in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, the award celebrates his exceptional contributions and his profound impact on the field of computational physical science research.

The award will be presented biennially to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of computational physical science—spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

About Professor Michele Parrinello

"Do not be afraid of new things. I see it many times when we discuss a new thing that young people are scared to go against the mainstream a little bit, thinking what is going to happen to me and so on. Be confident that what you do is meaningful, and do not be afraid, do not listen too much to what other people have to say.”

——Professor Michele Parrinello

Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies.

For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.

Award Committee

The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award.

"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."

——Professor Xin-Gao Gong

The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.

About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields. 

In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.

Find more information on awards here.

We are honored to recognize the 2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers—scholars whose exemplary commitment to rigorous and constructive peer review is vital in upholding the highest standards of academic publishing.

Selected from a distinguished pool of 215,000 reviewers from 65 countries and regions worldwide, these honorees stand out for their exceptional expertise, diligence, and dedication to advancing research through timely and thoughtful reviews. Their constructive and impartial feedback ensures the publication of high-quality, impactful research, while their timely reviews facilitate swift revisions and faster publication of innovative work.

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. With gratitude and respect, we celebrate these 1000 scholars who made that foundation stronger in 2024. We respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.

The names of these reviewers are listed below in alphabetical order by first name:

Name: Prof. Dr. Matt J. Gray
Affiliations: Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
Research interests: sexual violence prevention; intimate partner violence; traumatic stress

“Sexual Harassment of Cisgender Women University Students: How the Gender Composition of Colleges Relates to Differential Prevalence”
by Natalie Q. Poole, Christopher J. Cannon, Amy L. Gabriel, Emma J. Briles and Matt J. Gray
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071146

The following is an interview with Prof. Dr. Matt J. Gray:

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research focus?
   My name is Matt Gray. I am a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Wyoming, and I study traumatic stress broadly, so I do some combat-related research, as well as treatment and outcome research. But most of what I study is gender violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment prevention, and their impacts and treatment.

2. What initially inspired your research interest in this field?
   When I went to graduate school, I had a lot of different research interests, but I wound up working with somebody who was starting to do a lot of traumatic stress research, and I was just beginning to get broad and general experience with lots of trauma populations and different types of trauma impacts. When I went off to my postdoctoral fellowship at the National Centre for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I was in a VA setting, but it was one of the only VAs at that time that had a women's health science division. So, half of my clinical work was with primarily male combat veterans, but the other half of my clinical work, and, correspondingly, my research work, was with military sexual trauma and types of traumatic events that are more likely to occur to females in military settings. So, I had opportunities to work clinically with both populations, as well as begin to do some research in that area.

3. Did you encounter any significant challenges while conducting your research? If so, how did you overcome them?
   The challenges were fewer than one might expect. While Boston offers numerous trauma research resources and opportunities, the high concentration of researchers often leads to competition for access to the same study populations. In contrast, when I moved to Wyoming—where there was no trauma researcher at the time—gaining clinical and research access to populations affected by trauma, particularly sexual assault, was not especially difficult, due to the widespread prevalence of such cases. This facilitated the study of factors contributing to sexual misconduct and its treatment impacts.

4. What are the most pressing research questions you aim to explore next?
   I'm getting to a point in my career where I kind of let graduate students’ passions come to the fore. And so, if you look at my recent publications, they're all within that umbrella heading of traumatic stress. The stuff that I do with distal colleagues is combat-related. But most of my research focuses on sexual assault and domestic violence, and so we have some folks working on policy implications for sexual violence reporting and prevention. We have some people looking at cultural impacts and cultural variables that influence the exposure to and consequences of sexual misconduct, and those kinds of things. One thing that, of course, I'm really interested in is the prevention of sexual misconduct. You can't work clinically with a population that's been so impacted by those issues and do research related to things like PTSD and other sorts of psychological and emotional trauma and not have an interest in preventing it. So, a lot of what we're doing right now is prevention.

5. What advice would you give to early-career researchers aiming to make an impact on clinical psychology?
   Depending on how early people are in their work, it's important to obviously join research laboratories a lot of times; bright and motivated people will have multiple interests, and sometimes it's not until you get your feet wet in different labs and do different kinds of research in different areas that you can kind of figure out where your passions lie. Pay close attention and don't be afraid to ask questions when you're in research meetings with some people you might be otherwise intimidated by. People who have spent a long time in their careers, including most professors and researchers, really want to help, nurture, and cultivate the next generation of scientists and researchers. So, be sure to ask questions and look for opportunities to pitch in on research and pick the brains of graduate students. If you're in a lab with graduate students, they can kind of talk about the transition from undergrad to graduate school. Those sorts of things; usually by the time people are like early their career in academia, they've already, like, done a lot of work and accessed a lot of populations that are pretty well versed in the enterprise of research, so there's not as much, like, specificity that you can provide as far as how to get started, because they already probably have a running start.
   The one thing that I would say, though, for early career folks, is to be on the lookout for fruitful collaborations with other individuals at the same level and stage in their careers, for ongoing and fruitful collaborations. I think a lot of times when people think of networking and they're encouraged to network, they think it always must be glomming onto, like, some like established prominent researcher in the field. And some of my most productive collaborations over the years were, like, somebody who was an intern with me, and we had shared interests, and we continued to bounce research ideas off each other, and both collect data at our respective institutions, and we both wound up being a lot more productive together than we would have been on our own. So, I think some of the most fruitful collaborations could be with people who have similar interests who are not necessarily like big fish yet, but are doing interesting work.

6. Since IJERPH is an open access journal, how do you think open access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community?
   I believe open access holds significant value. It enables researchers to access cutting-edge findings regardless of their institutional resources, which undoubtedly facilitates the broad dissemination and application of scientific knowledge. That being said, we must also acknowledge the structural challenges involved. Some researchers may face barriers to publishing in open access venues due to funding constraints, limited institutional support, or high article processing charges. Without thoughtful policies that account for these disparities, we risk creating a system that, while promoting wider dissemination of knowledge, may inadvertently exclude valuable contributors.

We sincerely thank Professor Matt Gray for sharing his time and insights with us. His perspectives from his extensive research on traumatic stress, particularly in the realms of gender violence and sexual assault, have been profoundly enlightening. We wish him continued success as he advances his critical work in prevention, treatment, and mentoring the next generation of clinical scientists.

We are pleased to present a webinar examining the potential of mobile health clinics as a transformative strategy for improving access to care. Mobile health clinics offer a pragmatic solution to overcoming geographic and systemic barriers, yet the act of bringing care directly to communities does more than address access—it shifts the very paradigm of the patient–provider relationship, reframing how and where health and healing begin. Our speakers bring distinct but complementary perspectives: one is a research professor on health insurance and access to care, who has just completed a comprehensive review of the current mobile clinic research, while the other draws upon four decades of field experience, encompassing both the rich history of early mobile health initiatives and the rise of innovative, technology-enabled models. In addition, as co-founder of the Return-on-Investment Calculator and MobileHealthMap she has helped mobile clinics measure their impact. Together, they will define what “mobile health” means, explore its community-driven origins, and discuss both the evidence for its impact and the advances shaping its future. With this webinar and the associated Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601), we invite you to join the conversation, with the aim of rethinking traditional models of care, deepening our understanding of community-based solutions, and identifying the resources and new perspectives required to optimize the potential of mobile health clinics within the broader continuum of healthcare and public health.

Date: 12 November 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. EST | 6:00 p.m. CET
Webinar ID: 821 2110 7559
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/IJERPH-14?subscribe

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email outlining how to join the event. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

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

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Daniel Palazuelos, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA;
• Dr. Maanasa Kona, Center on Health Insurance Reforms, Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, Washington DC, USA;
• Dr. Nancy Oriol, Office of Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA.

Relevant Special Issue:
“Advances and Trends in Mobile Healthcare”
Guest Editors: Dr. Nancy Oriol, Dr. Mollie Williams and Daniel Palazuelos
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025

Throughout the third quarter of 2025, research published in IJERPH (ISSN: 1660-4601) was featured over 223 times in news articles published by media sources such as Forbes, U.S. News, Popular Science and The Washington Post. Learn more about these research articles below.

“A 2021 review paper identified a list of additional stressors associated with hurricane risks that affect heart health. They include:

• Disruption in healthcare delivery and facility access.
• Increased exposure to toxins, aerosols and pollutants due to flooding and damaged infrastructure.
• Worsening of existing heart conditions in already socioeconomically vulnerable communities due to care disruption or lack of access.”

Forbes—“Why Hurricanes Are Bad For Your Heart”
IJERPH—“Perspectives on the Health Effects of Hurricanes: A Review and Challenges”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/5/2756

“Outdoor seating, including rocking chairs and park benches, has numerous benefits. More time spent talking to others is one of them, and enhanced reading performance is another. More trees and plants mean more shaded areas, particularly during hot summers, and that encourages students to get outside and be active.”
U.S. News—“A Green College Campus Relieves Stress”
IJERPH—“Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/12/4371

“A similar 2021 paper noted similar effects among outdoor workers, independent of heat stress. Workers showed more signs of slower cognition and other symptoms of heat stress when their skin was exposed to the sun, versus workers who were kept covered, even when temperatures were consistent.”
Popular Science—“Why does the beach make you so tired?”
IJERPH—“The Impacts of Sun Exposure on Worker Physiology and Cognition: Multi-Country Evidence and Interventions”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/14/7698

“Counties that undergo severe climate-related disasters often suffer reduced access to critical health care infrastructure in the years that follow, a study suggests. The analysis, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, looked at what happened to hospitals, pharmacies and ambulatory — or outpatient — care facilities after climate-related disasters.”
The Washington Post—“Researchers link severe disasters and loss of health care facilities”
IJERPH—“Healthcare Access in the Aftermath: A Longitudinal Analysis of Disaster Impact on US Communities”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/5/733

“In a 2022 study, researchers set out to explore how holding back one’s feelings affects psychological well-being and marital satisfaction. They were particularly interested in whether this link depends on a person’s motivational style (whether they focus more on avoiding problems or on seeking growth) and on how much they perceive their partner also suppresses emotions.”
Forbes—“2 Ways Being ‘Too Nice’ Can Sabotage Relationships, By A Psychologist”
IJERPH—“Emotional Suppression and Psychological Well-Being in Marriage: The Role of Regulatory Focus and Spousal Behavior”
Article link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/2/973

Conference: The 13th National Conference on Environmental Chemistry
Date: 28 November—2 December 2025
Location: Jiangmen, China

MDPI will be attending the 13th National Conference on Environmental Chemistry (13th NCEC) as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

Hosted by Wuyi University and the Environmental Chemistry Committee of the Chinese Chemical Society, the 13th NCEC will be held in Jiangmen, Guangdong, from November 28 to December 2, 2025.

Under the theme “Innovation in Environmental Science, Promoting Green Development”, the conference will feature over 90 academic sessions. These sessions will focus on the latest research advances and national needs in areas such as theoretical environmental chemistry, the environment and health, environmental catalysis, environmental management, environmental analysis, interfacial processes, ecotoxicology, pollution control, and remediation technologies related to water, soil, air, and solid waste. A particular emphasis will be placed on the national “Dual Carbon” strategy and the management of emerging contaminants.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Toxics;
• Water;
• Air;
• Fuels;
• International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health;
• Microplastics;
• Soil Systems;
• Sustainability;
• Urban Science;
• World;
• Journal of Xenobiotics;
• Clean Technologies;
• Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses;
• Pollutants;
• Separations;
• Sustainable Chemistry.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to begin a conversation with us. 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 https://www.ncec2025.com/.

MDPI will attend the APACH 2025, which will take place in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 4 to 7 November 2025.

The APACPH Conference 2025 serves as a premier platform for public health professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers to tackle pressing and emerging challenges in a rapidly changing world. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and regional collaboration, the conference highlights innovative strategies and evidence-based solutions to strengthen resilience and equity in public health systems across the Asia–Pacific region and beyond. APACPH 2025 offers an opportunity to connect with leading public health experts and explore the latest strategies shaping the future of resilient, equitable, and sustainable health systems.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• IJERPH;
• Hygiene;
• Pharmacoepidemiology;
• Immuno;
• COVID;
• Trends in Public Health.

If you are planning on attending this conference, please do not hesitate to stop by our booth and start a conversation with us. 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 address: https://apacph2025.mfu.ac.th/.

Nine new journals covering a range of subjects launched their inaugural issues in September 2025. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.

We extend our sincere thanks to all Editorial Board Members for their commitment and expertise. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, ensuring impactful open access scholarship.

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create more new journals, you are welcome to send an application here, or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).

MDPI will be attending the 111th American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Annual Meeting, taking place from 16 to 17 October 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of periodontology and implant dentistry. With a robust membership of dental experts, researchers, and clinicians worldwide, the AAP fosters innovation through cutting-edge research, educational programs, and influential conferences. Since its establishment, the AAP has been at the forefront of improving periodontal health by connecting professionals and promoting excellence in patient care.

The following open access journals will be represented at this conference:

• Dentistry;
• Oral;
• Prosthesis;
• Immuno;
• JCM;
• IJERPH.

If you are planning to attend this event, we warmly welcome you to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We look forward to meeting you in person and will assist you with any queries that you may have. For more information about this conference, please visit the official website via https://am2025.perio.org/.