Announcements

MDPI was pleased to partner with Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, on 24 June 2026 for a highly productive Academic Publishing Workshop dedicated to advancing academic publishing and scholarly communication. The event brought together the MDPI speaker team with faculty members, researchers, and students, who engaged closely with sessions covering scientific writing, journal selection, peer review, and the MDPI editorial process. This collaboration reflected a shared commitment to strengthening research capacity and academic excellence within the field of integrative and regenerative medicine.

The MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop at Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, opened with a welcome address by Dr. Peerapong Kitupawong, Dean of CICM. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of conducting high-quality research and publishing in reputable journals to advance scientific knowledge and maximize the impact of research findings. He also expressed his appreciation to the MDPI team for organizing the workshop and encouraged participants to make full use of the opportunity to strengthen their academic publishing skills.

The first session was presented by Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai, Regional Engagement Editor at the MDPI Bangkok Office. She provided an introduction to MDPI, shared insights into current trends in open access publishing, and presented an overview of Thammasat University’s publication profile. She also introduced several journals that may be of interest to the audience, including Medicina and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), highlighting them as valuable publication and reading platforms for researchers working in related fields.

The second session was presented by Dr. Sattrachai Prasopdee, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation, CICM, who shared practical insights into manuscript submission and journal selection. The session introduced the differences between open access, hybrid, and subscription-based publishing models and explained how researchers can evaluate journals using databases such as Scopus and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). Participants also gained a better understanding of commonly used journal metrics, including CiteScore, journal h-index, and other indicators of research impact.

The third session was delivered by Dr. Chuntida Kamalashiran, who showcased her research experience in integrative medicine and highlighted current research trends, publication opportunities, and potential collaborations within the field. She also shared practical tips for creating high-quality scientific figures using AI-assisted tools and Canva, demonstrating how these resources can improve the visual presentation of research findings.

The fourth session, “How to Write Scientific Papers”, was presented by Dr. Juthathip Poofery, Editorial Team Leader and Regional Engagement Editor. The presentation outlined practical strategies for preparing a well-organized scientific manuscript, with guidance on developing compelling titles, writing informative abstracts, selecting appropriate keywords, and presenting research findings in a clear and logical manner. The importance of publication ethics, transparency, and complete manuscript reporting was also emphasized. The discussion session was highly interactive, with participants expressing particular interest in effective keyword selection to improve article visibility, the use of AI tools for English language polishing, MDPI's English editing services, and the availability of discounts for both article processing charges (APCs) and author services. These discussions provided researchers with practical insights into improving manuscript quality and navigating the publication process more effectively.

The fifth session was shared by Dr. Krit Inthajak, MDPI's Regional Engagement Editor, with the topic “MDPI Editorial Process and Peer Review Process”. This lesson emphasizes how MDPI, as a publisher, processes submitted manuscripts in detail; how we select reviewers to review manuscripts; and how we assure quality control for review reports before informing authors of the decision made. Scholars learned how our editorial team, especially Section Managing Editors and Assistant Editors, manage the manuscript processing workflow, as well as how they ensure fast processing times. Meanwhile, we explained how an Academic Editor's judgment remains the most important factor influencing the decision on whether to publish or reject a manuscript.

The sixth session, titled “How to Respond to Peer Reviewers”, was presented by Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana, a Regional Engagement Editor Specialist. She discussed the peer-review process at MDPI and guided attendees through how to revise a manuscript professionally. This session also included key revision preparation tips and explained how we can organize a response in an effective way. In conclusion, she encouraged the audience to remain positive, open-minded, and professional when replying to reviewers.

The workshop concluded with a closing session, during which participants reflected on the valuable knowledge and practical strategies shared throughout the day. Attendees remained actively engaged across all sessions, with particularly lively discussions on manuscript preparation, publication ethics, journal selection, the use of AI tools in academic writing, and the peer-review process. The workshop highlighted the shared commitment of MDPI, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, and collaborating institutions to supporting high-quality research and strengthening scholarly communication. By fostering knowledge exchange and providing practical guidance on academic publishing, the event not only enhanced participants' confidence in navigating the publication process but also reinforced the collaborative partnership between MDPI and the participating institutions, laying a strong foundation for future academic cooperation and research excellence.

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In June 2026, eleven new journals released their inaugural issues and two transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of environmental & earth sciences, chemistry & materials science, public health & healthcare, engineering, medicine & pharmacology, and biology & life sciences. 

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, enabling 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 a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. The 2025 MDPI Top Reviewers are some of the key experts who helped build it.

We are honored to recognize 1000 individuals from our global community of 210,000 reviewers across 67 countries and territories—chosen for their commitment to rigorous, constructive peer review and the consistency of their contributions throughout 2025.

The Top Reviewers provided constructive and impartial feedback that makes research stronger and more impactful, and we are grateful for it.

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

(Note: we respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.)

1. “Understanding Quorum-Sensing and Biofilm Forming in Anaerobic Bacterial Communities”
by Kinga Markowska, Ksenia Szymanek-Majchrzak, Hanna Pituch and Anna Majewska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312808
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/23/12808
Viewed by 10000+| Cited by 10+

2. “Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination”
by Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052655
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/5/2655
Viewed by 12000+ | Cited by 60+

3. “Antimicrobial Peptides Derived from Bacteria: Classification, Sources, and Mechanism of Action against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria”
by Raynichka Mihaylova-Garnizova, Slavena Davidova, Yordan Hodzhev and Galina Satchanska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10788; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910788
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/19/10788
Viewed by 10700+ | Cited by 30+

4. “Antimicrobial Activity of Arthrospira (Former Spirulina) and Dunaliella Related to Recognized Antimicrobial Bioactive Compounds”
by Yana Ilieva, Maya Margaritova Zaharieva, Hristo Najdenski and Alexander Dimitrov Kroumov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105548
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/10/5548
Viewed by 8000+ | Cited by 20+

5. “The Role of Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) Chaperones in Environmental Stress Adaptation and Virulence of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria”
by Donata Figaj
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020528
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/2/528
Viewed by 4200+ | Cited by 10+

6. “Postbiotics as Metabolites and Their Biotherapeutic Potential”
by Emília Hijová
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105441
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/10/5441
Viewed by 11000+ | Cited by 80+

7. “Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Nutrition and Its Relationship to Epigenetics”
by Katarzyna Ferenc, Aneta Sokal-Dembowska, Kacper Helma, Elżbieta Motyka, Sara Jarmakiewicz-Czaja and Rafał Filip
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021228
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/2/1228
Viewed by 10500+ | Cited by 50+

8. “Emerging Biomarkers in Metabolomics: Advancements in Precision Health and Disease Diagnosis”
by Dang-Khoa Vo and Kieu The Loan Trinh
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313190
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/23/13190
Viewed by 12900+ | Cited by 40+

9. “The Gut Microbiome and Epigenomic Reprogramming: Mechanisms, Interactions, and Implications for Human Health and Disease”
by Noelle C. Rubas, Amada Torres and Alika K. Maunakea
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178658
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/17/8658
Viewed by 9000+ | Cited by 20+

10. “The Gut and Skin Microbiome and Its Association with Aging Clocks”
by Mildred Min, Caitlin Egli and Raja K. Sivamani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137471
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/13/7471
Viewed by 8800+ | Cited by 10+

We invite you to submit your abstract and participate in the upcoming 6th International Symposium on Frontiers in Molecular Science (ISFMS 2027), taking place from 14 to 17 September 2027 in Barcelona, Spain.

We cordially invite you to attend this event organized by MDPI International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS, ISSN 1422-0067, IF: 5.6). This in-person conference brings together leading experts, researchers and R&D teams to share their insights across trends in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Event Chairs

• Prof. Dr. José L. Quiles (University of Granada, Spain);
• Prof. Dr. Antonio Pisani (University of Pavia, Italy).

Abstract Submissions are Open!
Don’t miss this opportunity to directly connect and showcase your work to peers and leading experts.

Submit your abstracts by 14 May 2027 using the following link:
https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1810.

Find out more about the instructions for authors:
https://sciforum.net/event/ISFMS2027?section=#instructions.

Find out more about the publication opportunities available for authors:
https://sciforum.net/event/ISFMS2027?section=#PublicationOpportunities.

Please feel free to share information about this conference to your colleagues and students. We look forward to hearing your research in Barcelona!

The ISFMS 2027 Organizing Committee,
6th International Symposium on Frontiers in Molecular Science (ISFMS 2027)
isfms@mdpi.com

We are pleased to share that International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS, ISSN 1422-0067) has been awarded an increased Impact Factor of 5.6 in the 2025 Journal Citation Reports™ released by Clarivate™ in June 2026, ranking in Q1 in the “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” category.

Additionally, the journal has received an increased CiteScore of 10.0 this month, ranking in the Q1 category in the “Molecular Biology”, “Inorganic Chemistry”, “Organic Chemistry”, “Spectroscopy”, “Physical and Theoretical Chemistry”, and “Computer Science Applications” categories.

To learn more, please visit our journal statistics website (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/stats) for detailed metrics.

The support and dedication of all our academic editors, reviewers, authors, and readers are integral to the journal’s success. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the journal.

Depression, often described as the “silent epidemic” of the 21st century, represents a complex and pervasive mental health challenge that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While its clinical manifestations are readily observable in the form of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily life, the true depths of this condition lie hidden within the intricate web of the human brain. Understanding the molecular basis of depression has become a crucial endeavor in contemporary neuroscience and psychology, as it holds the potential to unravel the mysteries behind this debilitating disorder and, ultimately, pave the way for more effective therapeutic interventions.

Date: 26 June 2026 at 9 a.m. CEST | 3 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 826 0267 4628
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/IJMS-10?subscribe

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. 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. Terézia Kisková-Šimková, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovakia;
• Dr. Dominika Jarčušková, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovakia;
• Prof. Dr. Ali Saffet Gönül, Ege University, Türkiye.

Relevant Special Issues:
“Depression: From Molecular Basis to Therapy—3rd Edition”
Guest Editor: Terezia Kiskova-Simkova
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026

“Depression: From Molecular Basis to Therapy—2nd Edition”
Guest Editor: Terezia Kiskova-Simkova

We are delighted to announce the MDPI Academic Publishing Workshop, organized in partnership with the Institute of Research and Development (IRD), Suranaree University of Technology (SUT). This event reflects a shared commitment to advancing academic research through open access publishing, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative scholarly communication.

As part of our ongoing dedication to researcher development, the workshop will improve academic writing skills, facilitate scholarly communication, and guide authors in selecting appropriate journals for submissions. Designed specifically for young researchers, PhD and master’s students, and potential researchers, the workshop will provide practical skills to enhance the visibility and impact of scholarly research while fostering meaningful connections with MDPI Journal Editors and publishing professionals.

Date: 3 July 2026
Time: 13:00–16:00
Location: Meeting Room C2-124, Academic Building 2, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT)
Language: Thai
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R2WDF5

MDPI was pleased to partner with Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai on 5 June 2026 for a highly productive Academic Publishing Workshop dedicated to advancing academic publishing and scholarly communication. The event was officially opened by Associate Professor Dr. Apichat Tantraworasin, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, who welcomed the MDPI speaker team and expressed his appreciation for their contribution in sharing valuable knowledge with faculty members, researchers, and students.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Apichat highlighted the challenges of publishing in international journals and emphasized the importance of developing practical skills throughout the publication process. He noted that the workshop addressed key researcher needs, including manuscript preparation, responding to peer reviewers, publication ethics, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and effective figure and table design. The event brought together experts and members of the academic community to explore the latest trends and best practices across a range of scientific disciplines. Through insightful presentations and engaging discussions, participants gained valuable practical skills in scientific writing, data visualization and layout, responding to peer-reviewer comments, navigating the MDPI editorial process, understanding publication ethics, and engaging responsibly with artificial intelligence in scholarly publishing. The audience comprised participants from various academic levels—including professors, PhD students, master's students, and postgraduate researchers—with strong engagement maintained throughout the day.

During the first presentation, Mr. Pongsakorn Vithayanon, Editorial Team Leader and Deputy Managing Editor at MDPI Thailand, introduced the concept of open access publishing and MDPI’s role as a leading academic publisher. He highlighted several journals, including IJMS, Medicina, CIMB, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Stress, and explained how these journals provide valuable publication opportunities for researchers in the medical and life sciences fields. The session also provided an overview of the publication process and the benefits of publishing in open access journals.

The session, “How to Write Scientific Papers”, was delivered by Dr. Juthathip Poofery, Editorial Team Leader and Regional Engagement Editor. The presentation provided practical guidance on preparing and structuring a scientific paper, covering essential components from the title and abstract to the discussion, conclusions, and back matter. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying research gaps, presenting methods with sufficient detail to ensure reproducibility, and clearly distinguishing between the reporting of results and their interpretation. The session also highlighted best practices for enhancing the visibility and impact of research through effective scientific writing, including the selection of appropriate keywords and the development of clear and informative manuscript elements. Ethical and transparency requirements, including authorship contributions, funding disclosure, data availability, informed consent, and conflicts of interest statements, were also discussed. Participants showed particular interest in practical approaches to improving manuscript quality, especially refining titles and keywords, strengthening scientific writing, and increasing the discoverability of their research.

The third session, titled “How to Respond to Peer Reviewers”, was presented by Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana, a Regional Engagement Editor. She discussed the peer-review process at MDPI and guided the audience through how to revise the manuscript professionally. This session also included the key tips of revision preparations and how we can organize a response in an effective way. In conclusion, she encouraged the audience to remain positive, open-minded, and professional when replying to reviewers.

For the next session of the event program, Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon, Regional Engagement Editor at MDPI's Bangkok Office, delivered a presentation entitled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Scientific Publishing”. The session explored the growing impact of artificial intelligence on scholarly communication and the evolving publishing landscape. The presentation provided an overview of AI technologies, with particular attention to Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), which have become increasingly integrated into research and academic writing workflows. Participants gained insights into the capabilities of these tools, as well as their current limitations and potential risks. Emphasis was placed on the importance of human oversight, critical evaluation, and responsible use when incorporating AI-generated content into scholarly work. The session also addressed ethical considerations surrounding AI use in research and publishing. Drawing upon the recommendations of COPE and STM, the presentation outlined MDPI's policies and guidelines regarding the appropriate use of AI by authors, reviewers, and editors. The importance of transparency and proper disclosure of AI-assisted content was highlighted as a key aspect of maintaining research integrity. To conclude, participants were introduced to several AI-powered solutions developed by MDPI’s AI team. These tools are designed to support editorial processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the publishing experience for authors, reviewers, and editors.

The next session, titled “Publication Ethics for Authors”, was presented by Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai, Regional Engagement Editor at the MDPI Bangkok Office. She began by highlighting the importance of maintaining ethical standards throughout the research and publication process. The presentation then explored common ethical issues encountered in scholarly publishing, along with an overview of MDPI’s policies and guidelines for addressing them. The session also discussed the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research, emphasizing the associated ethical considerations and potential risks. In closing, Dr. Siriporn explained the procedures followed by MDPI when handling ethical concerns identified after publication, providing participants with a clearer understanding of how such cases are investigated and managed.

The sixth session, titled “How to Make Good Figures for Scientific Papers”, was presented by Ms. Pratthana Kruekantha, Production Editor at MDPI. She highlighted the importance of well-designed figures in enhancing the clarity, readability, and impact of scientific publications. The presentation covered different types of figures, the essential components of graphical abstracts and scientific figures, and best practices for figure preparation, including captions, image quality, and data presentation. The session also introduced practical graphic design principles, such as selecting appropriate chart types, using effective color schemes, improving accessibility, and maintaining visual consistency. It concluded with an overview of design tools that can help researchers create professional, publication-ready figures. The final session, titled “How to Design Tables in Scientific Papers”, was also presented by Ms. Pratthana Kruekantha. She introduced the essential components of scientific tables and shared practical guidelines for designing clear, accurate, and publication-ready tables. The session covered table structure, formatting standards, data organization, and common issues encountered during manuscript preparation. It concluded with recommendations for table-editing practices and an overview of MDPI’s figure and table editing services.

The workshop concluded with a closing session and a certificate awarding ceremony, recognizing the active participation of all attendees throughout the day. Participants remained attentive throughout the presentations, and while only a limited number of questions were raised during the Q&A sessions overall, the discussions that did arise were focused and substantive. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of MDPI and Chiang Mai University to fostering interdisciplinary research and promoting global excellence in academic output. The event not only strengthened the partnership between MDPI and the university but also laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration and future academic advancement.