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14 May 2025
Meet Us at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Japan Federation of Gerontological Societies, 27–29 June 2025, Chiba, Japan


Conference: The 34th Annual Meeting of the Japan Federation of Gerontological Societies
Organization: Japan Federation of Gerontological Societies
Date: 27–29 June 2025
Place: Chiba, Japan

MDPI journals will be present as exhibitors at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Japan Federation of Gerontological Societies, which will be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan, from 27 to 29 June 2025. The conference will be led by the “Japan Federation of Gerontological Societies" and co-organized by seven related societies. The aging rate in Japan exceeded 28 percent in 2018, and only the age group of 75 or older will increase in the future; by 2040, one in four people is expected to be over 75. In this unprecedented context of growing aging, leading institutes in Japan are comprehensively addressing issues such as Alzheimer's disease and homelessness. The importance of the Japan Federation of Gerontological Societies as a collection of multiple societies is increasing due to the country becoming super-aged; moreover, the problems of the elderly cannot be solved by a single field such as medical dentistry nursing, biology, or social sciences. The conference is held every two years, and the official website of the societies can be found at the following link: https://geront.jp/en/index.html.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to visit our booth while you are there. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

13 May 2025
Empowering Academic Growth with MDPI: A Scientific Publishing Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, 15 May 2025


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

Workshop Highlights:

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

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

Program:

Speakers

Program and Content

Time

Dr. Stephen Mora

Introduction to MDPI

12:00–12:05 p.m.

 

How to Write and Structure a Research Article

12:05–12:45 p.m.

 

How to Respond to Reviewer Comments

12:45–1:30 p.m.

Dr. Stephen Mora has an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in kinesiology and health science from York University, Canada. He started working at MDPI in May 2024 and is now the Managing Editor of IJOM, a newly transferred society journal published by MDPI. During his graduate studies and MDPI tenure, Stephen has gained extensive experience in attending conferences, meeting with scholars, and hosting online and in-person presentations.

13 May 2025
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | An Interview with the Author—Dr. Biswadeep Dhar


Name: Dr. Biswadeep Dhar
Affiliations: 1 Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; 2 Department of Human Ecology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
Research interests: health behavior; health disparities; lifestyle health behavioral interventions

“Perceived Discrimination Is a Mediator of Rural Identity and Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Among U.S. Adults”
by LaToya J. O’Neal, Lisa Scarton, Ara Jo, Biswadeep Dhar, Folakemi T. Odedina and Diana J. Wilkie
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030426
Article Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/3/426

Dr. Biswadeep Dhar is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an Associate Member of the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCI-designated), University of Maryland in Baltimore. His research focuses on health behavior, disparities, and lifestyle health interventions among vulnerable populations. We had the pleasure of speaking with him following the publication of his recent paper in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH, ISSN: 1660-4601).

The following is a short interview with Dr. Biswadeep Dhar:

1. Congratulations on your recent publication! Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research focus?
Thank you! I am currently a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an Associate Member at the University of Maryland’s Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. My research focuses on behavioral health interventions targeting chronic diseases, such as obesity, and obesity associated diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, particularly among low-income, marginalized populations in the U.S. and globally. The paper we published examines the prevalence and risk factors of cardiometabolic multimorbidity—defined as the coexistence of at least two chronic conditions (like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension)—among underserved populations in the U.S. A key contribution of our study is identifying perceived discrimination as a mediating factor between rural identity and multimorbidity.

2. What were some of the major challenges and innovations you encountered during this research?
One significant challenge was gaining trust and access within diverse communities. Building relationships through community advisory boards and faith-based organizations is critical, especially when working across different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. Another challenge is securing funding, especially in the current climate of federal budget cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While we were fortunate to have funding for this study, sustaining such work often depends on state or foundation-level grants. In terms of innovation, our approach emphasizes culturally tailored, multilevel interventions that address both behavioral and social determinants of health, something I believe is essential to effective public health research.

3. What motivated you to conduct this research?
I am originally from India, and I have witnessed firsthand the gaps in healthcare access in both developing and developed countries. These experiences have fueled my passion to conduct meaningful research that not only identifies health disparities but also drives community-specific solutions. I aim to give back, first by being trained in the U.S. context and then by expanding this work internationally. Currently, I am collaborating with colleagues in Singapore and South Asia to design interventions that reflect local realities.

4. How do you see the research trends evolving in your field, and what advice would you give to early career researchers?
The field is evolving rapidly, especially with the integration of AI, digital data collection, and advanced analytical tools. Staying current is essential. I always tell my students—and remind myself—that learning never stops. Even as a faculty member/early career professional, I take online courses to stay up to date with emerging methods and software. For young scholars: learn, collaborate, and share. Do not underestimate your contribution—even as a student, you might bring fresh knowledge about new tools or approaches. Also, disseminate your findings beyond the academic bubble. Explain your work in accessible ways to your community. The goal is to create a real-world impact.

5. How was your publishing experience with IJERPH?
Publishing with IJERPH was a very positive experience. The peer-review process was rigorous and significantly improved the quality of our paper. Once accepted, the publication process was impressively fast. I also appreciate IJERPH’s commitment to visibility through initiatives like this interview—it is clear the journal values its authors and promotes research beyond the traditional boundaries of publication. As a first-time author in the journal, I hope to contribute more in the future.

12 May 2025
Interview with Dr. Emily Winter—International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Exceptional Reviewer 2024


Name: Dr. Emily Winter
Affiliation: School of Health Sciences, Touro University, 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, USA
Interests: health policy; environmental policy; cumulative risk; community-based environmental assessment; policy design 

Dr. Emily Winter is an assistant professor at the School of Health Sciences, Touro University. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Dr. Winter was selected for the IJERPH Exceptional Reviewer List. We were honored to have an online interview with her on 17 April 2025 to talk about the review experience. 

Below is the full interview with Dr. Emily Winter: 

  1. Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research topic to our readers?

My name is Emily Winter. I am a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist, and assistant professor at Touro University. My current research interests that I have recently published with MDPI center on a couple of topics. The first being intelligence and cognitive functioning, specifically infant and toddler cognitive functioning and developmental functioning. Secondly, and more recently, I have been working on some projects on aging and the cognitive aging process as well as the Flynn effect looking at the release of the new Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition. I also do some work on mind–body–health as well as eating disorder intervention in schools. 

  1. As a reviewer, what are the three most important criteria for you to evaluate a paper (e.g., innovation, methodological rigor, academic ethics, etc.)?

A comprehensive review and understanding of the literature, especially having an updated perspective and nuanced understandings of the literature. Being able to weave in different opinions and updated sources is important. Good methodology is also something I look at, especially in the era of open science and the replication crisis. Really good methodology and adhering to best practices with confidence intervals, effect sizes, and the language that people use to talk about their findings are all important. The last important thing that I look at, especially as a clinician, is practical impact. What do these findings mean for children, youth, and families or the general public? And how can clinicians and practitioners or even people, in general, use information to implement into their everyday lives? 

  1. How do you view the potential impact of “open peer review” (public reviewer identity and review opinions) on academic communication?

Something that is important to me in being a peer reviewer is feedback. Honest and clear, but kind, feedback. The purpose of feedback is to make aspects of the paper better and to make manuscripts the best they can possibly be, so they can have the most impact on our communities. Kindness, resourcefulness—that is something that is super important to me. Keeping the review open theoretically leads to honest, actionable, and kind feedback. Also, other people could benefit from the feedback and seeing the revision process, how it went, especially if you are writing a similar paper. 

  1. Based on your review experience, which non-technical factors (such as paper structure, figure presentation, and depth of literature review) are most likely to affect the quality of the manuscript?

Literature review depth. Entering a project really understanding where the gaps are, understanding how your research team’s perspectives can fill those gaps, is really, really important. And being up to date with the most current findings too. 

  1. In the process of reviewing papers on the same topic multiple times, have you summarized potential opportunities or limitations in this topic? How do these observations affect the further direction of your current research?

Yes, in that I like seeing how other people approach and talk about topics and getting to see various versions of the paper. You get to see how people make changes and how people respond to comments. As somebody like me, a scholar, who is going through the peer review process as an author too, it gives me a nice insight into things I never thought to include. It lets me include topics and ideas in my future writing. Or, when I get a comment like this myself, how can I effectively respond to it? I think the reviewing process is like this cyclical, synergistic process of your giving back to the field and your colleagues, and you are also learning a lot about a topic which then, in turn, makes you a better scholar. It is hand in hand.

9 May 2025
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | An Interview with the Author—Dr. Maddalena Buffoli


Name: Dr. Maddalena Buffoli
Affiliations: Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering (ABC) - Design & Health Lab., Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Research interests: climate change, climate strategies, urban health, health promotion

“Integrated Climate Change Mitigation and Public Health Protection Strategies: The Case of the City of Bologna, Italy”
by Isabella Nuvolari-Duodo, Michele Dolcini, Maddalena Buffoli, Andrea Rebecchi, Giuliano Dall’Ò, Carol Monticelli, Camilla Vertua, Andrea Brambilla and Stefano Capolongo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111457
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/11/1457

Interview Questions:

1. Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research topic?
Thank you so much for the interview. I’m Maddalena Buffoli, an Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano (the Polytechnic University of Milan), where I work in the Design & Health Lab in the Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC), under the leadership of Prof. Stefano Capolongo. My research focuses on urban health and its intersection with sustainable urban planning and climate change. In this study, we analyzed the policies and strategies adopted by cities like Bologna, one of the 100 cities committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, to mitigate climate change and its impact on environmental and public health. Bologna is one of the first cities in Italy to submit its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Just to add, Bologna was also one of the first to submit its climate change contract, and it’s one of the first cities to submit its Climate City Contract, a strategic document outlining actions and investments to reach this goal.
This is one of the reasons we chose Bologna for our study. The study highlights methods for evaluating municipal policies that simultaneously promote environmental sustainability and public health, in line with the Healthy Cities approach, which is very important for us.

2. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?
One of the main challenges in the Urban Health field is integrating health considerations into urban policies and climate strategies. It’s clear that climate change strategies and urban policies have significant impacts on public health, but there isn’t a clear framework to connect them. Most cities lack an integrated framework to evaluate the dual impact of these policies. Our study addresses this gap by providing a systematic method for mapping and analyzing urban planning documents to identify measures that address greenhouse gas emissions while promoting health. This methodology offers a replicable approach for other cities. It is a global issue. We are used to working in multidisciplinary teams, which is essential to tackle these challenges.

3. What motivated you to conduct this research?
My motivation comes from the growing need to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health in urban areas. Cities are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, but at the same time, they are home to various health risks, such as non-communicable diseases, and we need to use a synergistic multidisciplinary approach to make them healthier and more resilient. By 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, as noted in a Lancet article. This underscores the importance of creating healthier, more sustainable cities that protect and promote the health of their current and future residents.
Speaking specifically about Italy, Italy has a high population density, and we have 14 metropolitan cities and over 40 medium-sized cities, many of which are very close to one another, making it easier for people to move between them for working or living. In Italy, most people live in cities, but after COVID-19, they prefer to live in medium-sized cities, with populations of around 100–200,000, because the quality of life is more accessible and more affordable compared to large cities like Milan, Naples, or Rome. Rural areas and the countryside have fewer residents, and the population density is much lower, and the population is decreasing. People are moving to the cities, particularly the medium-sized ones. The key motivation for this migration is better access to health services, education, and job opportunities. That is why we need to build a new concept of cities that are both healthier and more sustainable for all.

4. How do you evaluate research trends in your field, and what are your suggestions for young scholars?
My advice to scholars is to adopt integrated methodologies that evaluate both environmental and health impacts, as we've done in our studies. I believe this is one of the key goals for the future of this research field. Multidisciplinary collaboration between urban planners, policymakers, and public health experts will be crucial in driving meaningful change.

5. How was your publishing experience with IJERPH?
I became familiar with IJERPH due to its excellent reputation, particularly for publishing high-quality, interdisciplinary research. As I mentioned before, the interdisciplinary approach is crucial to us, and we value that the journal has an international readership. This visibility is important for us, as we want our research to reach a global audience.

9 May 2025
Meet Us at the NWO Life 2025, 27–28 May 2025, Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands


MDPI will be attending NWO Life 2025, which will be held from 27 to 28 May 2025 in Egmond aan Zee, the Netherlands.

NWO Life is an annual scientific conference for life scientists that provides inspiration in many ways: Enjoy sessions with world-leading keynote speakers and researchers. Share your research with a diverse range of life scientists at all career stages. Gain new perspectives through fresh insights from other experts. 

NWO Life provides a platform for ease of access to scientific knowledge beyond your own field of study. The program for this two-day scientific conference is organized according to themes suitable for research in different contexts, making the sessions an ideal opportunity for gaining new insights. The conference caters to life science researchers at all career stages. Early career researchers will be given the opportunity to gain experience by presenting their findings, while more senior researchers will be able to discover new goals and forge new collaborations during plenary and poster sessions. There will be ample networking opportunities for all participants.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free 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 website: https://nwolife.nl/.

7 May 2025
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | Interview with the Authors—Dr. Yvonne Buunk-Werkhoven and Prof. Dr. Abraham P. Buunk


Name: Dr. Yvonne Buunk-Werkhoven
Affiliations: Faculty of Medicine, Kauno Kolegija, LT-50468 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: promotion of oral health, oral hygiene behavior, oral discomfort, public health, social health, social psychology, behavioral sciences, applied research, interventions

Name: Prof. Dr. Abraham P. Buunk
Affiliations: Social Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
Interests: social psychology

“A Two-Dimensional Scale for Oral Discomfort”
by Yvonne A. B. Buunk-Werkhoven, Dick P. H. Barelds, Arie Dijkstra and Abraham P. Buunk
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030415
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/3/415

1. Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research topic?
My name is Yvonne Buunk-Werkhoven, and I am an Associate Professor at Kauno Kolegija in the Faculty of Medicine in Lithuania. I am both a social psychologist and an oral hygienist. I earned my degree 15 years ago in the field of behavioral and social sciences. My current Public Health research focuses on the promotion of oral health, behavioral change in oral hygiene practices, and understanding oral discomfort. My work often explores the intersection between social psychology and oral hygiene, seeking ways to apply psychological theories to clinical oral health challenges.

2. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in your research field?
A key challenge in our field is aligning psychological measurement tools with clinical practice. In behavioral science, we often rely on questionnaires and models but applying these findings in the clinic isn’t always straightforward. A real breakthrough comes when we manage to integrate both evidence-based and practice-based approaches, bridging theory with what’s truly needed in day-to-day patient care. The innovation lies in that dual perspective—scientific rigor combined with practical relevance.

3. What motivates you to conduct research in this field?
Initially, I worked as an oral hygienist and later transitioned into social psychology. This blend of backgrounds inspired me to better understand how people adopt and maintain oral hygiene habits. Changing health behavior is deeply personal and influenced by many contextual factors—culture, environment, individual differences. I’m especially motivated by the need to tailor interventions to specific populations, respecting their unique circumstances. For me, oral health is a key part of general health and social well-being.

4. How do you evaluate current research trends in your field, and what advice would you give young scholars?
Currently, the field leans heavily toward prevention, which is important, but I believe we also need to promote positive health outcomes. I encourage young scholars to shift focus from illness and care toward health and behavior. Starting from the premise that oral health exists by default—and is disrupted by various influences—can lead to more proactive, empowering research. Oral health impacts everything from physical health to self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. Young researchers should embrace holistic and behavioral approaches.

5. How did you hear about our journal, and what was your impression of the publishing experience with IJERPH?
We found the journal through Abraham’s involvement as a member of the Editorial Board. When we were looking for a suitable venue for our manuscript, he suggested submitting it to IJERPH. The publishing experience was excellent—the reviewer comments were especially constructive and helped us refine our work. One reviewer even remarked on the potential impact of our research on dental clinical practice. We were also pleased to see our adapted measurement scale receive positive attention. While the editorial system could be simplified a bit, overall, we’re very happy with the process and plan to submit more work soon.

7 May 2025
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | Interview with the Author—Dr. Doris Yuet Lan Leung


Name: Dr. Doris Yuet Lan Leung
Affiliations: School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Interests: qualitative research, mental health, palliative end-of-life, cultural sensitivity

“The Risk Perception of the Chinese Diaspora during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Targeting Cognitive Dissonance through Storytelling”
by Doris Yuet Lan Leung, Shoilee Khan, Hilary Hwu, Aaida Mamuji, Jack Rozdilsky, Terri Chu and Charlotte Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050556
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/5/556

1. Congratulations on your published paper! Could you introduce yourself and your current research to our readers?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my work! I am an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic School of Nursing, where I have been involved in research on social vulnerability for the past ten years. Social vulnerability refers to the combination of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors—such as income, immigrant status, and age—that place individuals at greater risk of poor health outcomes.
My research also focuses on educating healthcare professionals in cultural sensitivity, both in practice and research.

2. What are the major challenges and breakthrough innovations in this research field?
Traditionally, social and psychological research has been dominated by quantitative methods, but my work is primarily qualitative, collecting and analyzing personal narratives.
One breakthrough in my research has been the adoption of critical realism, a theoretical lens that examines how social structures and personal choices intersect in healthcare. This approach helps explain why health outcomes vary among different groups despite similar circumstances. Critical realism allows me to combine subjective and objective evidence to understand how people cope with adversity. While this framework has been around since the 1990s, it remains relatively underutilized in my field, making it an exciting area for exploration.

3. Speaking of adversity, could you elaborate on what types you focus on in your research?
When I talk about adversity, I refer to the social factors that create vulnerability—especially stigma. Stigma can take many forms, including public stigma, self-stigma, and structural stigma embedded within healthcare policies and practices.
For example, many healthcare norms and institutional policies are shaped by social structures that dictate how patients are treated. When individuals experience social vulnerability—whether due to economic barriers, immigration status, or age—these structures can intensify adversity. My research examines how such stigma affects patient experiences and how we can create pathways for resilience.

4. What motivates you to pursue this research?
Much of my inspiration comes from personal experience. I am a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience primarily in psychosocial mental health. Being a third-generation Chinese–Canadian has also shaped my perspective on cultural influences in healthcare.
Through my work, I collect and analyze personal narratives to understand stigma and its effects. My Ph.D. research focused on palliative and end-of-life care, which also carries cultural stigma. This combination of interests naturally led me to investigate how stigma operates as a form of adversity in healthcare.

5. How do you see the future of research in your field? What advice would you give to new scholars?
The field is evolving to acknowledge the complexity of healthcare decision-making. Historically, research has oversimplified these complexities, but we need more theoretical models that address how social vulnerabilities shape health outcomes.
For new scholars, my biggest advice is start with your passion. A Ph.D. is a long and intense journey, and your research should be something you deeply care about, as it will likely shape your career for decades.
Additionally, researchers should focus on intersections—for example, how stigma influences whether people disclose mental health conditions. While promoting openness is generally beneficial, some individuals face real risks in disclosing their conditions due to social and structural barriers. Understanding these complexities is essential for driving meaningful change.

6. How did you learn about IJERPH, and what was your experience with the editorial process?
I first learned about IJERPH through a Ph.D. student I co-authored a paper with. She had a great experience publishing in the journal, which led me to submit my own work here.
I’ve found the editorial process to be efficient and professional. Compared to other journals, where reviews can take six to nine months, IJERPH has a fast response time of two to three months, which is incredibly valuable for researchers.
I also appreciate that the journal welcomes diverse methodologies, including qualitative research like mine, and allows a reasonable word count—essential for conveying the depth of qualitative studies.

6 May 2025
World Asthma Day—“Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All”, 6 May 2025


World Asthma Day is held on the first Tuesday in May, aiming to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. World Asthma Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a World Health Organization collaborative organization founded in 1993. In celebration of World Asthma Day 2025, GINA has chosen the theme “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All”. GINA emphasizes the need to ensure that people with asthma can access inhaled medications that are essential both for controlling the underlying disease and treating attacks.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases that affects over 260 million people and is responsible for over 450,000 deaths each year worldwide. Most of these deaths are preventable. Inhaled corticosteroid-containing medications prevent asthma attacks by treating the underlying inflammation that causes asthma. Doctors and allied health care professionals are called upon to ensure that every person with asthma is prescribed evidence-based, essential, inhaled corticosteroid-containing medication in addition to (or in combination with) reliever medication, to prevent the continuing but avoidable morbidity and mortality from asthma.

In celebration of this day, we invite you to explore a curation of insightful articles, journals, and Special Issues across various fields, including human diseases and conditions, human nutrition, children’s health, and personalized medicine. By sharing these findings, we hope to call on everyone to increase our efforts in managing asthma to reduce and prevent attacks.

 

Burden and Economic Impact of Respiratory Viral Infections in Adults Aged 60 and Older: A Focus on RSV
by Adrián Peláez, Sara Jimeno Ruiz, Mercedes Villarreal, Manuel Gil, Inés Gutiérrez, Marta Sanz and Silvina Natalini Martínez
Diseases 2025, 13(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13020035

Long-Term Greenness Effects of Urban Forests to Reduce PM10 Concentration: Does the Impact Benefit the Population Vulnerable to Asthma?
by Jinsuk Jeong, Chaewan Kim, Sumin Choi, Hong-Duck Sou and Chan-Ryul Park
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020167

Sinonasal Outcomes Obtained after 2 Years of Treatment with Benralizumab in Patients with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma and CRSwNP: A “Real-Life” Observational Study
by Eugenio De Corso, Dario Antonio Mele, Angela Rizzi, Camilla Spanu, Marco Corbò, Serena Pisciottano, Rodolfo Francesco Mastrapasqua, Silvia Baroni, Davide Paolo Porru, Gabriele De Maio et al.
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(9), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14091014

Current Challenges in Pediatric Asthma
by Andrija Miculinić, Iva Mrkić Kobal, Tin Kušan, Mirjana Turkalj and Davor Plavec
Children 2024, 11(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060632

Prediction of Asthma Exacerbations in Children
by Evangelia Sarikloglou, Sotirios Fouzas and Emmanouil Paraskakis
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14010020

Characterization and Factors Associated with Poor Asthma Control in Adults with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma
by Clara Padró-Casas, María Basagaña, María Luisa Rivera-Ortún, Ignasi García-Olivé, Carlos Pollan-Guisasola, Aina Teniente-Serra, Eva Martínez-Cáceres, José-Tomás Navarro, Jorge Abad-Capa, Antoni Rosell et al.
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(7), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13071173

Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Related to Vitamin D Metabolism and the Risk of Developing Asthma
by Susana Rojo-Tolosa, Laura Elena Pineda-Lancheros, José María Gálvez-Navas, José Antonio Sánchez-Martínez, María Victoria González-Gutiérrez, Andrea Fernández-Alonso, Concepción Morales-García, Alberto Jiménez-Morales and Cristina Pérez-Ramírez
Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040823

Racial Disparities and Common Respiratory Infectious Diseases in Children of the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Elizabeth A. K. Jones, Amal K. Mitra and Shelia Malone
Diseases 2023, 11(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11010023

Microbiome and Asthma: Microbial Dysbiosis and the Origins, Phenotypes, Persistence, and Severity of Asthma
by José Valverde-Molina and Luis García-Marcos
Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030486

Effect of Disease Severity, Age of Child, and Clinic No-Shows on Unscheduled Healthcare Use for Childhood Asthma at an Academic Medical Center
by Pavani Rangachari, Imran Parvez, Audrey-Ann LaFontaine, Christopher Mejias, Fahim Thawer, Jie Chen, Niharika Pathak and Renuka Mehta
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021508

Pulmonary Function in Children with Respiratory Symptoms
Guest Editors: Dr. Paraschiva Cherecheș-Panța and Prof. Dr. Sorin Claudiu Man
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 August 2025

Mechanisms of Airway Inflammation in Asthma
Guest Editor: Dr. Kathleen Haley
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025

30 April 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #22 - 300 Journals in WoS, Norway & Sweden Consortiums, Self-citations

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.

In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.


Opening Thoughts

Over 300 MDPI Journals are Indexed in Web of Science

Indexing is essential to scholarly publishing as it promotes visibility and the impact of research. I’m excited to share that MDPI now has over 300 journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS). This milestone reflects the work of our authors, editors, reviewers, and the entire MDPI staff, contributing to greater visibility and impact for open access research.

Publish with MDPI, publish with impact.

Having over 300 MDPI journals indexed in the Web of Science is more than a numbers game. It represents a recognition of the quality, consistency, and relevance of the research published in our journals. For the academic community, it reflects the growing trust in MDPI as a reputable publisher, leading the way in open access publishing.

A closer look at the achievement

Being indexed in the WoS nvolves meeting a list of quality criteria, including 24 quality benchmarks for ESCI journals. 

For MDPI, rigorous editorial standards and scientific integrity are key. These enabled over 300 journals to pass the Web of Science quality criteria for indexing.

Here we share a blog post discussing the importance of this milestone for MDPI and open scholarly research. In this post, Constanze Schelhorn, Head of Indexing, at MDPI, and Giulia Stefenelli, Scientific Communications Lead, share their thoughts and insights on what this achievement means for our commitment to high-quality research.

“MDPI has a well-structured quality assurance framework that applies to all our journals. We also apply clear, standardized peer-review policies across our portfolio, ensuring transparency and consistency.” – Constanze Schelhorn, Head of Indexing

“This achievement is a step forward for Open Access research, reinforcing the mission to share scientific knowledge globally and facilitate research progress.” – Giulia Stefenelli, Scientific Communications Lead

Read the blog here: https://blog.mdpi.com/2025/04/03/300-mdpi-journals/

Looking to the future

This milestone is a testament to MDPI’s dedication to peer review, editorial excellence, and innovation in academic publishing. It highlights our role as leaders in open access publishing.

Personally, I see this as just the beginning. We will continue to support researchers, expand our contributions to scholarly communication, and push the boundaries of academic publishing.

Impactful Research

Nearly 920 partner institutions in MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program

I’m pleased to share some exciting progress from MDPI's Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), which now includes nearly 920 partner institutions worldwide. This is more than just a number. It reflects the growing trust and collaboration we’ve built with universities, libraries, and research organizations across the globe. 

The IOAP offers institutions discounted Article Processing Charges (APCs), access to a dedicated institutional dashboard, and transparency throughout the publishing process.

Norway’s Sikt Consortium Renews national agreement with MDPI

MDPI has renewed its national agreement with the Sikt Consortium, which now supports 36 institutions across Norway. New partners, such as Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, join long-standing collaborators such as NTNU, the University of Bergen, and UiT, The Arctic University of Norway. The agreement promotes affordable, high-quality open access publishing through centralized APC funding, and reinforces Norway’s leadership in open science.

These agreements reflect MDPI’s mission to remove barriers to scientific publishing and make research freely available to all. By collaborating with national consortia and institutions, we advance the open access and strengthen our global network and collaborations.

Our IOAP Team

A big thank-you to our IOAP team for driving these important collaborations. Their work includes increasing MDPI’s visibility in scholarly communications, strengthening relationships with IOAP partners, and building trust with key stakeholders.

These efforts not only help researchers to publish their work openly and affordably but also reinforce MDPI’s position as a trusted leader in open access.

What are the benefits of MDPI’s IOAP?

For Authors: Researchers affiliated with IOAP partner institutions benefit from automatic discounts on APCs, Book Processing Charges (BPCs), JAMS, and Author Services across MDPI’s journals. The process is seamless as there is no need for codes or special applications. The publishing experience is smoother and more affordable, and centralized invoicing helps simplify the process, allowing authors to focus on their research rather than administration.

For Libraries: Participating libraries receive access to a dedicated institutional dashboard with live metadata on submissions from affiliated authors, past and present. They also benefit from flexible invoicing options (direct, collective, or prepayment) to help streamline administration, while clear, transparent agreements ensure that there are no hidden clauses or small print. Automated deposits into Institutional Repositories further reduce manual work, supporting libraries in their mission to advance open access and serve their research communities.

Inside MDPI

MDPI Self-citation study shows industry alignment

Earlier this month, Dr. Giulia Stefenelli and Dr. Enric Sayas published a thoughtful and transparent article on the ALPSP blog, presenting a self-citation analysis across MDPI’s 237 journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

They found that MDPI's average self-citation rate in 2024 was 14.85%, well within industry norms and ranking 6th among the top ten publishers. Only 2.3% of MDPI journals were identified as outliers with high self-citation rates, compared to 4.7% among other leading publishers. An alternative approach, using weighted average by publication volume, shows MDPI’s self-citation rate rises from 14% to 19.7%, shifting our rank from 6th to 3rd. The study also shows that the impact of self-citation on journal quartile placement is minimal.

Read the full article on the ALPSP blog: https://blog.alpsp.org/2025/03/mdpi-self-citations-study-highlights.html

Why is this important?

As explained in the full article, the results “reinforce the fact that self-citations have minimal influence on MDPI journal rankings, emphasizing the integrity of editorial practices and the absence of any deliberate efforts to manipulate impact.”

Self-citation is a hot topic, and MDPI is sometimes unfairly singled out in this area. This analysis helps put some perspective to that narrative.

At MDPI, we are committed to transparency and to using data-driven insights to address common misconceptions about open access publishing. Our focus on self-citation reflects this commitment, and we plan to extend our efforts to other areas where the Gold OA model is often misunderstood.

About the authors

Dr. Giulia Stefenelli, Scientific Communications Lead, leverages her expertise in science communication, editorial processes, and Open Access (OA) promotion to address both institutional and country-specific challenges. She collaborates with teams across PR, Editorial Procedures, Institutional Partnerships, Research Integrity, AI and more, developing strategies to engage stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. Her responsibilities include enhancing MDPI’s scientific network and promoting OA initiatives at events worldwide, supporting the efforts of various departments, and ensuring effective communication to both specialist and broader audiences.

Dr. Enric Sayas is a Business Analyst specializing in the integration of AI and Machine Learning in scientific publishing.

Within MDPI’s AI team, Enric combines his editorial expertise with his passion for AI to support the development of AI-driven solutions tailored to editorial needs, enhancing efficiency and improving decision-making.

Enric’s interests extend to data science methodologies applied to scientific publishing, as well as the broader impact of AI on open science, peer review, and the future of scientific publishing.

Coming Together for Science

 

Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security


Prof. Dr. Dilantha Fernando presenting at Plants 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

The MDPI Conference Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security took place in Barcelona, Spain, from 31 March to 2 April 2025.

It was chaired by Editor-in-Chief of MDPI journal Plants (Q1 journal); Prof. Dr. Dilantha Fernando from the University of Manitoba, in Canada, and Section Editor-in-Chief of Plants; Dr. Fermín Morales from Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB) – CSIC, in Spain; and Prof. Dr. Oscar Vicente from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in Spain.

The conference brought plant scientists together to discuss innovations in sustainable agriculture, crop improvement, and environmental conservation.

With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the conference addressed key challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable agroecosystems through keynote talks and seven specialized sessions.

The conference gathered 111 attendees from 36 different countries, featuring 1 keynote speaker, 9 invited speakers, and 41 selected talks, along with 56 posters. The event received just over 200 submissions and 102 accepted abstracts.

From insightful talks, engaging poster sessions and engaging networking moments, Plants 2025 was a special experience. You can relive the highlights from the Plants 2025 conference here with our after movie!


Awards

Four awards were presented at the conclusion of the conference, sponsored by the journal Plants: two Best Poster Awards (€250 each) and two Best Oral Presentation Awards (€300 each).

Plants 2025 Conference Team

The Plants 2025 Conference was organized by colleagues from MDPI’s Conference Team: Ana Sanchis (Conference Manager), Cédric Spinnler (Senior Conference Organizer), Raquel Sellès (Conference Organizer) and Laura Perez (Conference Assistant).

Upcoming event

5–7 May 2025
The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Metals
Location: Online event (Central European Summer Time)

As one of the pillar technologies that support the development of modern society and metallurgy, IECME 2025 will present the state-of-the-art of Metallurgy and Metals.

Find more upcoming MDPI events here.

Closing Thoughts

Swedish consortium renews partnership with MDPI

I’m pleased to share that MDPI has renewed its national partnership with Sweden’s Bibsam Consortium. This is a continued commitment to advancing open access publishing and supporting Sweden’s vision for fully open research.

Under this renewed agreement, 22 leading institutions including KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, Linnaeus University, and Linköping University, will continue to benefit from MDPI’s IOAP. This provides discounts on APCs and a more streamlined, researcher-friendly publishing experience.

MDPI and Bibsam renew national agreement for Sweden

“With robust backing from national open science guidelines, Sweden’s open-access landscape is rapidly advancing,” says Becky Castellon, institutional partnerships manager at MDPI.

“In fact, fewer than 15% of all Swedish research outputs were locked behind paywalls in 2023. We are passionate about the positive impact our ongoing partnership with the Bibsam Consortium will have on Swedish research, paving the way for ground-breaking developments and a more inclusive, open scientific community. Through flexible solutions and tailored policies, we enable institutions to prioritize research, foster innovation, and enhance accessibility, driving the shift to full open access.”

Recent MDPI IOAP Consortium signings from 2025:

  • The UK’s Jisc Consortium extended its national agreement, continuing support for more than 60 institutions across the UK.
  • Switzerland’s CSAL (Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries) renewed its agreement, continuing our collaboration with top institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne.
  • In Germany, we signed a new national agreement with ZB MED that includes over 100 universities and research institutions, with 78 institutions joining under a central or flat-fee model to simplify APC coverage.
Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

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