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: Dr. Elisa Kern de Castro
Affiliation: Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal

“Contributions of Health Psychology to Climate Change: A Review”
by Elisa Kern de Castro and Marta Reis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040634
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/4/634

We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elisa Kern de Castro, a psychologist and esteemed researcher in clinical and health psychology, whose recent publication in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601) explores the intersection of ecological sustainability and health behavior. Here, she shares insights into her academic path, research focus, and motivation behind her recent work.

Below is the interview with Dr. Elisa Kern de Castro:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research to our readers?
My name is Elisa Kern de Castro, and I am a psychologist with a PhD in clinical and health psychology. I’ve been engaged in the field of health psychology for over 20 years, primarily focusing on chronic diseases, health behavior, cancer, and self-regulation. In recent years, however, my interest has expanded into ecological behavior—essentially bridging sustainable actions with health psychology. I currently teach at the School of Health Psychology in Portugal, although I originally come from Brazil, where I worked for 15 years as a professor before relocating five years ago.

2. What were the main challenges and innovations in your research field?
One of the key challenges is the lack of integration between psychology—particularly health psychology—and other disciplines in ecological and clinical settings. While many researchers address environmental issues, they often overlook the human behavior component, which is vital. Health psychology offers a rich understanding of behavioral change, and we can contribute significantly to discussions on sustainability. What’s needed is recognition of the value this field brings to global issues such as climate change—not only in times of crisis, but through everyday behaviors that support ecological well-being.

3. What motivates your research in this area?
My motivation is both personal and academic. The immediate trigger was our university’s engagement with the WHO’s health model, which inspired me to incorporate it into my courses. Alongside my colleague, Marta Reis, we began exploring its relevance in health psychology and developed our recent publication. Additionally, being Brazilian, I have long been concerned about the Amazon and broader ecological issues. This deep-rooted concern has now evolved into a research agenda, and we are planning a new international project examining public perceptions and behaviors related to sustainability, starting with a survey involving diverse countries and contexts.

4. How do you see the research trends in this field, and what advice would you give to early career researchers?
Ecological health and climate-related research are inherently interdisciplinary. Many topics overlap with social psychology, public health, and political science. For early career researchers, my advice is to embrace collaboration across fields and consider how human behavior interacts with global crises like climate change. There is a growing need to understand how psychological insights can influence both policy and practice in sustainable living.

5. How did you hear about IJERPH and what was your publishing experience like?
I’ve been familiar with IJERPH for quite some time through reading articles published in the journal. My involvement began with an invitation to review a manuscript, which led me to consider the journal for our own work. The publishing process was smooth, efficient, and professional. The team was very responsive, and I appreciated how quickly the review and publication phases were handled.

Dr. Kern de Castro’s work is a compelling example of how health psychology can play a central role in addressing ecological challenges. Her dedication to bridging research and societal needs is both timely and inspiring. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of her future projects.

We are pleased to announce that our journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601) has begun to collaborate with the Environmental Health Association of Québec (ASEQ‑EHAQ). As part of this collaboration, all members of ASEQ-EHAQ will enjoy a discount on the Article Processing Charge (APC) when submitting articles to IJERPH. However, this collaboration also goes beyond the discount offered to members and includes other services, as well as cross-promotion.

The Environmental Health Association of Québec (ASEQ‑EHAQ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving equity, inclusion, and accessibility for people living with the medical condition and disability multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). ASEQ-EHAQ promotes support, education, research, and advocacy to support accessibility, and eliminate poverty, isolation, and discrimination experienced by this population.

ASEQ-EHAQ provides information to and collaborates with governments, health professionals, academics, and community groups to advance services, accommodations, and public policies that reduce toxic exposures and safeguard health. ASEQ-EHAQ also conducts and supports research on environmental health and MCS, promotes knowledge translation, and develops healthy, affordable housing adapted for people with MCS and overlapping conditions. ASEQ-EHAQ's work fosters partnerships worldwide to build healthier, more inclusive environments.

ASEQ-EHAQ is a professional organization whose functions are highly relevant to the scope of IJERPH. We look forward to collaborating with ASEQ-EHAQ and publishing state-of-the-art research conducted by its members.

The Special Issue “Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): Interdisciplinary Insights into Science, Policy, and Lived Experience”, a collaboration between IJERPH and ASEQ-EHAQ, is now open for new submissions.

For more information about the societies cooperating with IJERPH, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/societies.

Name: Prof. Dr. Thulan Nguyen
Affiliations: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyo-shi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
Interest: community responses to environmental noise

“Assessing Annoyance and Sleep Disturbance Related to Changing Aircraft Noise Context: Evidence from Tan Son Nhat Airport”
by Thulan Nguyen, Tran Thi Hong Nhung Nguyen, Makoto Morinaga, Yasuhiro Hiraguri and Takashi Morihara
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081296
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/8/1296

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research focus?
My name is Thulan Nguyen, and I am affiliated with Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan. My research focuses on community responses to environmental noise, particularly in urban areas. I first became interested in noise-related issues in Vietnam more than 20 years ago, and I have been publishing on this topic for over a decade.
My earlier work examined the effects of aircraft noise on residents living around major airports in Vietnam, especially in densely populated areas where aircraft noise combines with high levels of background urban noise. The paper published in IJERPH is a continuation of the surveys and investigations I conducted during my master’s and doctoral studies under stable environmental conditions, and it extends this earlier work to examine how changes in environmental noise affect community responses.

2. What inspired you to focus on aircraft noise and its impact on health in rapidly urbanizing areas?
I initially studied road traffic noise, but I became increasingly interested in aircraft noise because its impact differs significantly between developed and developing countries.
In Vietnam, aircraft noise is mixed with extremely high background noise caused by motorbikes, horns, vibrant and active urban activity. Airports are located in very densely populated areas, and there are no strict land-use or buffer-zone regulations to reduce population density near airports. As a result, many residents live very close to the runways.
Additionally, airports in Vietnam operate 24 hours a day, which means nighttime noise severely affects sleep quality. Surprisingly, despite the severity of the exposure, relatively few formal complaints are filed. This motivated me to investigate why residents tolerate such loud environments and how mixed noise sources shape their perceptions and health outcomes.

3. What role does the built environment—such as building design or urban layout—play in mitigating or amplifying noise effects?
Both urban planning and building design play crucial roles:

• Urban layout–Factors such as land-use planning, the placement of transportation infrastructure, and the absence of noise buffers can significantly influence exposure levels. Proper planning could greatly reduce the number of residents subjected to high noise levels;
• Building design–Many Vietnamese houses are built with brick and concrete, which offer reasonable sound insulation. However, the effectiveness is limited by the lifestyle in tropical climates, where windows and doors are kept open for natural ventilation. Often, windows have only a single glass layer or consist of louvers, which cannot effectively block noise. Because of this combination, the difference between outdoor and indoor noise levels is small, meaning noise is pervasive both outside and inside the home. Cultural habits—such as spending time on balconies, conducting conversations outdoors, or engaging in loud indoor activities like karaoke—can also amplify noise exposure in communities.

4. Looking ahead, what do you see as the next major research direction in environmental noise and health?
One promising direction is the visualization of noise impacts. People increasingly prefer to understand their environment through visual and interactive formats rather than through numbers alone. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) can help individuals experience different sound environments and provide more intuitive feedback.
Another major direction involves applying machine learning and AI to sound perception research. While humans perceive noise through emotional and sensory experiences, AI processes sound as data. Understanding the differences between AI and human responses—and determining how AI can be used to model or substitute human exposure in dangerous environments—will be an important research frontier.
Areas such as industrial noise, airport engine testing zones, and special environments (e.g., kindergartens or healthcare settings for children with disabilities) require more attention. These spaces often involve extreme or unusual noise levels, and AI-based tools may help researchers study them more safely and effectively.

5. What advice would you give to young researchers beginning their PhD studies in environmental noise and public health?
Maintaining curiosity and enthusiasm is essential. At the start of a career, it is easy to feel inspired, but long-term research can sometimes seem repetitive or less exciting, especially in fields such as environmental noise and public health, where new challenges continually emerge. Observing everyday life with an open mind helps researchers identify new problems that need solutions.
Young researchers should remain connected to real-world issues, continue exploring their surroundings, and think about how their skills can contribute to improving living environments. A strong sense of purpose and ongoing curiosity are key qualities for long-term success. As both a researcher and a university teacher, I believe it is important not only to stay inspired, but also to pass that inspiration on to students and colleagues, helping to cultivate a motivated and forward-thinking academic community.

6. What motivated you to choose our open access journal, and how would you characterize your publication experience?
I was very satisfied with the publication process. The speed of peer review and editorial handling was quick and efficient, especially when I responded promptly to reviewer comments.
Publishing in an open access journal was important to me, as it allows anyone to read my work without barriers, helping increase visibility and citations. I also appreciated the smooth communication with the editorial office.
I submitted my paper to a Special Issue, which I found particularly valuable because it gathers multiple papers focused on related topics. This helps authors learn from one another and increases the visibility and citation potential of each paper.

We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Thulan Nguyen for sharing her time and insights. Her research on the community responses to environmental noise in urban areas bridges urban factors and human health. We wish her continued success in advancing this important field and expanding access to practical, inclusive health solutions.

Name: Dr. Ifeoluwa Osinkolu
Affiliations: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK

“The Environmental Consequence of Early Colorectal Cancer Detection: A Literature Review of the Environmental Impact Assessment of Colorectal Cancer Diagnostic Pathways”
by Ifeoluwa Osinkolu, Arron Lacey and Dean Harris
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111649
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/11/1649

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research focus?
My name is Ifeoluwa Osinkolu. I am a medical doctor currently completing my residency in general surgery in Wales, UK. Alongside my clinical work, I have a strong interest in sustainability within healthcare. I’m now on an academic sabbatical at Swansea University, where I work with a research group using Raman spectroscopy to analyse blood samples for cancer diagnosis. My role focuses on evaluating the environmental impact of integrating such diagnostics into existing clinical pathways. My earlier experience as a sustainability fellow in Health Education and Improvement Wales also shaped my interest in environmental reform within the healthcare system.

2. Emerging blood-based biomarkers are seen as the future of cancer detection. How should we evaluate their environmental impact before they become routine, and what factors matter most?
To evaluate their environmental impact, we should avoid looking at the test in isolation. A blood test exists within a clinical pathway. If we only assess the test itself, we miss the larger picture. For instance, introducing a blood test for cancer detection may seem sustainable, but if patients must travel further to access the test, the environmental impact of travel can outweigh the benefits. My work shows that patient travel is often the largest contributor to environmental impact in diagnostic pathways. The key is understanding where the test fits within the pathway, then modeling different implementation scenarios to determine which placements maximize clinical benefit while minimizing environmental cost. Sustainability in healthcare is still a developing field, and methodologies vary widely, which adds complexity.

3. Your research touches on the tension between clinical efficacy and environmental goals. How can we balance the need for accurate diagnostics with the urgency of reducing healthcare’s carbon footprint?
It starts with having reliable environmental data. Without accurate information, decision-makers cannot evaluate trade-offs. In the UK, most assessments rely on carbon-centric models based on economic proxies, which introduce uncertainty. Despite this, one consistent pattern emerges: improving clinical efficiency tends to improve environmental efficiency as well. When pathways become more streamlined—fewer delays, fewer unnecessary steps—the environmental footprint decreases. However, every healthcare system operates under different constraints, so solutions must be context specific. My role is to provide environmental data that can support informed decision-making.

4. Can you share a surprising or unexpected finding from your research?
The biggest surprise was how dominant patient travel is in environmental impact assessments. I initially assumed that single-use consumables or equipment would account for more. Another unexpected finding is the lack of standardization in environmental impact methodologies in healthcare. Different studies use different metrics and approaches, making comparisons difficult. Also, most research focuses on individual technologies rather than full pathways, but it’s the pathway that reveals true opportunities for improvement.

5. What is the most important message you hope policymakers take away from your research?
Efficiency matters. Reducing system-level waste, whether administrative, procedural, or logistical, can improve environmental outcomes, sometimes more effectively than increasing resources. Though I am still developing the conclusions of my research, efficiency appears to be a central theme. The motivation began in the operating theatre. I regularly noticed how much waste we produced, and it made me curious. I started learning more about sustainability in healthcare, which led me deeper into the field. Eventually, I found a way to combine my clinical interests in general and colorectal surgery with my interest in environmental work. This academic opportunity came at the right moment, and I decided to pursue it.

6. What motivated you to choose the IJERPH journal for your submission? And how would you rate the submission process in terms of ease of use, clarity of guidelines, and the technical platform?
Many of the papers I referenced during my research were published in IJERPH, and the journal’s interdisciplinary scope aligned very well with my topic. I found the submission process clear, the communication responsive, and the reviewer feedback constructive. Whenever I needed additional time or had questions, the team was accommodating. Overall, it was an excellent experience.

Name: Prof. Christel Galvani
Affiliations: ¹ Exercise and Sport Science Laboratory, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; ² Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy
Interests: physical activity, exercise physiology, exercise oncology

“The Combined Effect of Acute Interval and Cognitive Training on Visual-Spatial Abilities in Women: Preliminary Insights for Health Promotion”
by Christel Galvani, Sabrina Demarie, Ester Tommasini, Alessandro Antonietti, Thomas Zandonai and Paolo Bruseghini
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101524

The following is an interview with Prof. Christel Galvani:

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research focus?
I obtained my PhD in Sciences et Techniques des Activités Physiques et Sportives (STAPS) in 2008, and I am currently an Associate Professor in Sport Science at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan, Italy). I co-coordinate the Master’s program in Sport Science for Prevention and Rehabilitation and teach a variety of courses at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. I also coordinate an International Short Program in Sport Science at my university. I am involved in several boards and committees, including the teachers' board of the international PhD in Exercise and Sport Sciences and the governing board of the Master’s Degree in Physical Training Specialist in Soccer. I am also a Fellow Member of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS).
In addition, I lead the Exercise and Sport Science Laboratory, where much of my research takes place, and I have the honor of managing this laboratory, which was founded more than twenty years ago by Prof. Marcello Faina, my mentor, with whom I had the opportunity to collaborate. Throughout these twenty years, my research has focused on physiological responses to exercise, physical activity, and exercise therapy. I am passionate about applying science to develop training programs that are effective, inclusive, and beneficial for women’s health, helping them improve performance, well-being, and quality of life.
In recent years, I have particularly specialized in female-focused training, as reflected in the article I recently published. Alongside this, I am leading a major project on rowing training for women who have undergone breast cancer surgery—the ERICE Project (Effect and efficacy of RowIng in breast CancEr survivors)—which has received positive attention and recognition at the national level.

2. What inspired you to focus specifically on the effects of interval training combined with cognitive exercises on visual-spatial abilities in women?
We decided to focus on interval training combined with cognitive exercises in women because there is still a significant lack of research on how these workouts affect women’s visual-spatial abilities. Most existing studies are conducted on men, even though women often perform differently on tasks such as mental rotation and are usually less physically active.
Since visual-spatial skills are important for everyday life, sports, and overall cognitive health, it seemed essential to explore whether a short, combined workout could help boost these abilities in women. Another motivation was that no prior research had specifically examined the effects of pairing interval training with cognitive training in a single session, particularly in women. The goal was not only to fill this research gap but also to investigate whether this time-efficient training could provide a simple and practical way to support women’s brain health, focus, and performance—both in sports and daily activities.

3. Are there any sports or daily activities where improving visual-spatial ability through such training could be particularly beneficial?
Yes—improving visual-spatial ability through this combined training could be highly beneficial in several sports and everyday situations. Many sports rely heavily on rapid spatial judgments, mental rotation, and body awareness. Examples include soccer, gymnastics, badminton, and table tennis, where athletes must process fast-changing visual information and make quick decisions. Enhanced visual-spatial skills can improve reaction time, movement planning, and accuracy—critical factors in these activities.
These benefits also extend to everyday life. Strong visual-spatial abilities aid in navigation, driving, estimating distances, organizing objects, and performing tasks that require coordination and quick decision-making. Since cognitive health is important across the lifespan, developing these skills in young adulthood can support long-term cognitive resilience. Training visual-spatial skills now may improve current performance in sports and daily tasks while also preserving cognitive skills and independence later in life.

4. How do you see these findings influencing public health recommendations, especially for women who may have limited time for exercise?
These findings could have a significant impact on public health recommendations, particularly for women who often have limited time to exercise. Both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and low-volume interval training (LVIT) are highly time-efficient, showing that even brief sessions combining physical and cognitive exercises can support visual-spatial abilities. This approach makes exercise realistic and accessible for busy women balancing work, study, and family responsibilities.
From a public health perspective, this is especially relevant in societies with high demands and limited time. Strengthening cognitive abilities is crucial not only for daily functioning but also for stress management and overall well-being. Building strong cognitive skills early in life contributes to healthier aging. In fact, these findings support the idea that improving cognitive function now can help create a cognitive “reserve” across the lifespan, potentially slowing functional decline and preserving autonomy in older age. In short, this type of combined, time-efficient training could be a practical tool to support women’s cognitive health both now and in the future.

5. What was the most challenging aspect of designing and conducting this study?
One of the most challenging aspects was managing the intensity of the “all-out” interval training sessions. Although the protocol was safe and carefully supervised, high-intensity exercise is demanding both physically and mentally. Some participants were hesitant to begin the workout simply because of its intensity.
This created a natural barrier: for many individuals, high-intensity exercise can feel intimidating, which may limit participation even before training begins. Managing this hesitation, motivating participants, and ensuring they felt supported throughout the sessions were key challenges. The study also highlighted a broader issue: while intense exercise is beneficial, it can be a barrier to engagement, particularly among populations that may already be less active or uncertain about their fitness level.

6. Could you share your experience of publishing in IJERPH? In addition, do you think IJERPH plays a unique platform role in promoting interdisciplinary integration and knowledge dissemination?
Publishing in IJERPH was a very positive experience. The review process was thorough and constructive, and the reviewers’ feedback helped improve both the clarity and impact of our work. Communication with the editorial team was smooth, and the submission system was straightforward and efficient.
IJERPH is a multidisciplinary journal, making it ideal for studies with interdisciplinary topics like ours. Our research combines exercise science, cognitive psychology, and women’s health, and publishing in a journal that values interdisciplinary approaches allowed our work to reach a broad audience. IJERPH effectively facilitates knowledge dissemination and encourages the integration of perspectives from different disciplines, enhancing the relevance and impact of cross-disciplinary research.

7. Based on your experience publishing with us, what aspects of our editorial process most impacted your author experience?
The aspect of the editorial process that had the greatest impact was the speed of the review process. Receiving timely feedback allowed us to address reviewer comments quickly and move the manuscript forward without unnecessary delays. In addition, communication with the editorial team was very constructive and efficient, which greatly facilitated the process. Overall, the combination of efficient, constructive communication and fast, thorough reviews made the submission and revision process smooth and highly positive for us as authors.

We sincerely thank Prof. Christel Galvani for sharing her time and insights. Her research on the effects of combined interval training and cognitive exercise on visual-spatial abilities in women bridges exercise science and cognitive health, offering a time-efficient, evidence-based strategy to support women’s performance and well-being. We wish her continued success in advancing this important field and expanding access to practical, inclusive health solutions for women across diverse life stages and settings.

International Universal Health Coverage Day, observed annually on 12 December, is a global response to the rallying cry: “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!” This day confronts the stark reality that millions are excluded from essential care due to financial barriers and mobilizes the world to transform health systems from privileges into universal rights.

Aligned with this year’s theme and Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, MDPI underscores that research is not an academic exercise—it is a vital tool for diagnosing system failures and prescribing equitable solutions. From health economics studies that expose catastrophic spending, to innovations in low-cost diagnostics and community-based insurance models, researchers are providing the evidence and innovations to turn public frustration into actionable policy.

Join us in observing International Universal Health Coverage Day and supporting efforts to turn the promise of health for all into a tangible reality.

“Trends, Challenges, and Socioeconomic Impacts of HIV in Bangladesh: A Data-Driven Analysis (2000–2024)”
by Awnon Bhowmik, Mahmudul Hasan, Mrinal Saha and Goutam Saha
Sexes 2025, 6(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6030034

“Development and Metrological Characterization of Low-Cost Wearable Pulse Oximeter”
by Andrea Cataldo, Enrico Cataldo, Antonio Masciullo and Raissa Schiavoni
Bioengineering 2025, 12(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12030314

“Consequences of Hospital Closures for the Health Insurance Industry in the United States”
by Rainer W. G. Gruessner
Hospitals 2025, 2(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/hospitals2010002

“Enhancing Therapy Adherence: Impact on Clinical Outcomes, Healthcare Costs, and Patient Quality of Life”
by Urszula Religioni, Rocío Barrios-Rodríguez, Pilar Requena, Mariola Borowska and Janusz Ostrowski
Medicina 2025, 61(1), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010153

“Human Rights and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in Health and Well-Being Policy Documents Relevant to Children and Young People in Ireland”
by Megan Lambert and Joanne McVeigh
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091252

“Multidimensional Impact of Dupilumab on Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Complete Health Technology Assessment of Clinical, Economic, and Non-Clinical Domains”
by Ignazio La Mantia, Giancarlo Ottaviano, Martina Ragusa, Matteo Trimarchi, Emanuela Foglia, Fabrizio Schettini, Daniele Bellavia and Elena Cantone
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040347

“Factors in Immigrant Children’s Use of Physician and Dentist Visits, Hospital Care, and Prescribed Medication in the United States”
by Tyrone C. Cheng and Celia C. Lo
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(10), 2251-2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13100159

“Cost Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in Cardiology: A Case Study of a University Hospital Complex in the Euro Region”
by Francisco Reyes-Santias, Carlos García-García, Beatriz Aibar-Guzmán, Ana García-Campos, Octavio Cordova-Arevalo, Margarita Mendoza-Pintos, Sergio Cinza-Sanjurjo, Manuel Portela-Romero, Pilar Mazón-Ramos and Jose Ramon Gonzalez-Juanatey
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142084

“Financial Toxicity and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer”
by Justin Smith, Justin Yu, Louisa G. Gordon and Madhavi Chilkuri
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4922-4935; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050371

“Disentangling the Cost of Orphan Drugs Marketed in the United States”
by Hana Althobaiti, Enrique Seoane-Vazquez, Lawrence M. Brown, Marc L. Fleming and Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio
Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040558

“3D Printing in LMICs: Functional Design for Upper Limb Prosthetics in Uganda”
by Ali Hussaini, Peter Kyberd, Benedict Mulindwa, Robert Ssekitoleko, William Keeble, Laurence Kenney and David Howard
Prosthesis 2023, 5(1), 130-147; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis5010011

The 1st International Online Conference on Clinical Reports Organizer: MDPI and Reports Volume Editor: Toshio Hattori Highlights Improving Bone Protection Provision for Patients with Fragility Fractures by Aaron Goldberg Leveraging Digital Health for Pandemic Response: Reliable Telemonitoring and Personalized Patient Care by Maria Montserrat Pérez García et al. Click here to read the full list of papers.

We are pleased to announce updates to our article template, aimed at improving the readability and visual appeal of our publications. The following updates will be applied to articles published in volumes in 2026, starting from 19 December 2025.

Left information bar:

• Updated the logo and URL for “Check for updates”;
• Removed the “Citation” section (Note: Citation details remain accessible via “Cite” in the online article version);
• Changed the link in “Copyright” to a hyperlink format.

Footer:

• Added a DOI link at the bottom-right corner of each page.

The updated template is now available for download from the Instructions for Authors page of each journal.

We hope that the new version of the template will provide users with better experience and make the process more convenient.

For any questions or suggestions, please contact our production team at production@mdpi.com.