Announcements

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.

We are pleased to announce that the 2^nd International Conference on Bioengineering (BIOENG 2026) is back and it will take place from 11 to 13 November 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

This conference is organized by MDPI’s open access journal Bioengineering (ISSN: 2306-5354, Impact Factor 3.7). Following the success of IOCBE 2024, an earlier edition in this series, BIOENG 2026 aims to gather leading minds from around the world once more to discuss transformative advances in bioengineering at the intersection with AI.

Conference Chairman:

• Prof. Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie, Texas A&M University, USA.

Session topics of interest:
S1. Regenerative engineering;
S2. Biochemical engineering;
S3. Biosignal processing;
S4. Biomedical engineering and biomaterials;
S5. Biomechanics and sports medicine;
S6. Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering.

Important dates:
Deadline for abstract submission: 7 July 2026;
Abstract notification of acceptance: 6 September 2026;
Deadline for Early Bird registration: 7 September 2026;
Deadline for covering author registration: 17 September 2026;
Deadline for registration: 4 November 2026.

Guide for authors:

To submit your abstract, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1424.

To register for the event, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/BIOENG2026?section=#registration.

For details regarding abstract submission, poster and slide submission, and publication opportunities, please refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section: https://sciforum.net/event/BIOENG2026?section=#instructions.

We welcome you to partake in this opportunity to contribute to and shape the AI-enabled evolution of bioengineering.

For any enquiries regarding this event, please contact bioeng2026@mdpi.com.

AI-powered material science and engineering is a rapidly growing and highly popular research field at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials innovation. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI accelerates the discovery, design, and optimization of new materials, significantly reducing time and costs compared with traditional trial-and-error methods. Researchers use AI to predict material properties, screen vast databases, and simulate complex behaviors under various conditions. This transformative approach is revolutionizing industries such as energy, electronics, and healthcare. With increasing investments and breakthroughs, AI-driven materials science is now a hotspot in both academia and industry, offering immense potential for sustainable and high-performance material development.

To advance this transformative frontier, we invite you to explore a curated collection of cutting-edge research articles, journals, and Special Issues spanning diverse domains within AI-powered material sciences and engineering, including intelligent materials design, autonomous experimentation, multiscale modeling, and sustainable materials innovation. By disseminating these breakthroughs, we aim to inspire, accelerate, and champion innovation in materials research, translating scientific discovery into collaborative dialog and real-world applications that will shape a more resilient and sustainable future.

Keynote Speakers:

Prof. Dr. Stefano Mariani Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy	Prof. Dr. Jian Feng Wang City University of Hong Kong, China

 Free to register for this webinar here!

Prof. Michele Parrinello is an Italian physicist particularly known for his work in molecular dynamics, the computer simulation of physical movements of atoms and molecules. To honor his enduring legacy in advancing computational science, MDPI is proud to establish the Michele Parrinello Award through the initiative of his former student, Prof. Xin-Gao Gong. This biennial international award recognizes senior researchers who have made outstanding contributions to computational physical sciences, encompassing physics, chemistry, and materials science with particular emphasis on pioneering contributions to foundational science.

Nomination deadline: 31 March 2026.

Prize:

• EUR 50000;
• An award medal and a certificate.

For more details about the award, please visit here.

We are honored to present a series of thought-provoking interviews with pioneering experts at the forefront of AI-powered materials science and engineering, as they share their transformative journeys and visionary insights on accelerating material discovery, innovation, and sustainable development across diverse scientific and industrial landscapes.

Name: Dr. Fernando Gomes de Souza Junior Affiliation: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil “Perhaps the work I am most proud of is the development of a unique, unprecedented scale for assessing the hazard of micro- and nanoplastics. No standardized global metric existed. We aggregated data from hundreds of articles—toxicity, size, shape, surface charge, chemical composition, environmental behavior—and trained an AI model to classify the relative risk of each particle type. This would have been impossible without AI.” Please read the full interview here.

Name: Dr. Pedro Morouço Affiliation: Polytechnic University of Leiria, Portugal “In my own work, AI has become the “glue” between biomechanics and biomaterials. Wearable-sensor and imaging data inform digital twins of tissues; surrogate models then explore scaffold designs that best support anticipated loads, healing profiles, or athlete-specific movement patterns. This has shortened iteration cycles (from weeks to days) when tuning lattice density, pore geometry, or printing paths to meet simultaneous targets like strength, compliance, and nutrient diffusion.” Please read the full interview here.

 “A Comprehensive Review of Machine-Learning Approaches for Crystal Structure/Property Prediction”
by Mostafa Sadeghian, Arvydas Palevicius and Giedrius Janusas
Crystals 2025, 15(11), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15110925

“Synthetic Rebalancing of Imbalanced Macro Etch Testing Data for Deep Learning Image Classification”
by Yann Niklas Schöbel, Martin Müller and Frank Mücklich
Metals 2025, 15(11), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15111172

“Enhancing Biomedical Metal 3D Printing with AI and Nanomaterials Integration”
by Jackie Liu, Jaison Jeevanandam and Michael K. Danquah
Metals 2025, 15(10), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101163

“Machine Learning in the Design and Performance Prediction of Organic Framework Membranes: Methodologies, Applications, and Industrial Prospects”
by Tong Wu, Jiawei Zhang, Qinghao Yan, Jingxiang Wang and Hao Yang
Membranes 2025, 15(6), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15060178

“Interpretable Machine Learning Prediction of Polyimide Dielectric Constants: A Feature-Engineered Approach with Experimental Validation”
by Xiaojie He, Jiachen Wan, Songyang Zhang, Chenggang Zhang, Peng Xiao, Feng Zheng and Qinghua Lu
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121622

“Integrating Machine Learning into Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Biomaterials: A Comprehensive Review”
by Shangyan Zhao, Yixuan Shi, Chengcong Huang, Xuan Li, Yuchen Lu, Yuzhi Wu, Yageng Li and Luning Wang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030077

“Influence of Processing Parameters on Additively Manufactured Architected Cellular Metals: Emphasis on Biomedical Applications”
by Yixuan Shi, Yuzhe Zheng, Chengcong Huang, Shangyan Zhao, Xuan Li, Yuchen Lu, Yuzhi Wu, Peipei Li, Luning Wang and Yageng Li
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020053

“Prediction of Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Particle-Reinforced Resin Composites”
by K. Rooney, Y. Dong, A. K. Basak and A. Pramanik
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100416

“Data-Driven Optimization of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Coatings with Explainable Artificial Intelligence Insights”
by Patricia Fernández-López, Sofia A. Alves, Aleksey Rogov, Aleksey Yerokhin, Iban Quintana, Aitor Duo and Aitor Aguirre-Ortuzar
Coatings 2024, 14(8), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14080979

“Feature-Assisted Machine Learning for Predicting Band Gaps of Binary Semiconductors”
by Sitong Huo, Shuqing Zhang, Qilin Wu and Xinping Zhang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050445

“Silicon Solar Cells: Trends, Manufacturing Challenges, and AI Perspectives”
by Marisa Di Sabatino, Rania Hendawi and Alfredo Sanchez Garcia
Crystals 2024, 14(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14020167

“Synergizing Machine Learning Algorithm with Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Advanced Self-Powered Sensing Systems”
by Roujuan Li, Di Wei and Zhonglin Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020165

“Predicting the Performance of Functional Materials Composed of Polymeric Multicomponent Systems Using Artificial Intelligence—Formulations of Cleansing Foams as an Example”
by Masugu Hamaguchi, Hideki Miwake, Ryoichi Nakatake and Noriyoshi Arai
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4216; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214216

“Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Design”
by Silvia Badini, Stefano Regondi and Raffaele Pugliese
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175927

“Determination of Particle Size Distributions of Bulk Samples Using Micro-Computed Tomography and Artificial Intelligence”
by Stefan Höving, Laura Neuendorf, Timo Betting and Norbert Kockmann
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031002

“Insight on Corrosion Prevention of C1018 in 1.0 M Hydrochloric Acid Using Liquid Smoke of Rice Husk Ash: Electrochemical, Surface Analysis, and Deep Learning Studies”
by Agus Paul Setiawan Kaban, Johny Wahyuadi Soedarsono, Wahyu Mayangsari, Mochammad Syaiful Anwar, Ahmad Maksum, Aga Ridhova and Rini Riastuti
Coatings 2023, 13(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13010136

“Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Polymer Processing” Guest Editors: Dr. Davide Masato, Dr. Saeed Farahani and Dr. Peng Gao Deadline for manuscript submissions: 26 February 2026	“Advances of Machine Learning in Nanoscale Materials Science” Guest Editor: Dr. Gang Tang Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 February 2026
“Machine Learning for Material and Process Optimization in Additive Manufacturing” Guest Editors: Dr. Haining Zhang, Dr. Joon Phil Choi and Dr. Xingchen Liu Deadline for manuscript submissions: 26 February 2026	“Smart Sensing and Artificial Intelligence in Metal Processing and Machining” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Simon Klančnik Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026
“Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Method Development for Complex Membrane Transport” Guest Editor: Dr. Christian Jorgensen Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2026	“Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Material Design, Discovery, and Optimization” Guest Editors: Dr. Craig Hamel and Dr. Devin J. Roach Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with materials science and engineering has become one of the most dynamic and transformative frontiers in contemporary research. By leveraging AI techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, and data-driven modeling, scientists can now accelerate material discovery, optimize material properties, and predict performance with unprecedented efficiency. Recognizing its immense potential, MDPI has launched the AI-Powered Material Science and Engineering event. We were sincerely honored to interview Dr. Pedro Morouço, an Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Functional Biomaterials (JFB, ISSN: 2079-4983).

Name: Dr. Pedro Morouço Affiliation: ESECS, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal Interests: exercise and health; artificial intelligence; machine learning; technology

The following is a short interview with Dr. Pedro Morouço:

1. Could you introduce yourself and share a brief overview of your research field?
I am a researcher and academic working at the intersection of human movement science, biomechanics, and regenerative medicine, currently serving in public-health leadership and innovation roles while maintaining active teaching and editorial duties. My scientific focus is twofold: (i) understanding how humans generate and transmit forces in real-world contexts (from sport performance to everyday function) using wearable sensing and advanced analytics; and (ii) translating those insights into smarter interventions (digital and material) such as 3D/4D-printed, functionally graded biomaterials that support performance, recovery, and healthy ageing. My group’s work combines experimental biomechanics, signal processing, and AI/ML with tissue engineering concepts, aiming for solutions that are rigorous in the lab and useful in the field.

2. What was the biggest challenge you faced in your research career?
The hardest problem has been bridging elegant laboratory findings with messy, real-world impact. Field data are noisy, heterogeneous, and often scarce in exactly the edge-cases that matter. Convincing different communities (clinicians, coaches, engineers, data scientists) to converge on common protocols, quality standards, and outcomes has also been non-trivial. I addressed this by (a) building genuinely interdisciplinary teams, (b) designing studies with deployment in mind (robust sensor pipelines, calibration and uncertainty reporting, and pragmatic endpoints), and (c) committing to transparent methods and data stewardship so results can be reproduced and extended by others.

3. In your view, what are the key advantages of integrating artificial intelligence into material science and engineering? How has artificial intelligence transformed your research methods or outcomes?
AI condenses decades of trial-and-error into tractable search. Three advantages stand out:

• Structure–property learning at scale: Models learn mappings from composition/microstructure/architecture to properties (mechanical, transport, degradation), reducing expensive experiments and accelerating down-selection;
• Inverse design and multi-objective optimization: Given target properties (e.g., stiffness, toughness, permeability, bioactivity), AI proposes candidate micro-architectures or print parameters that balance competing constraints;
• Automation of characterization: Computer vision and foundation models speed microscopy/µCT segmentation, defect detection, and feature extraction, making data flows faster and more consistent.

In my own work, AI has become the “glue” between biomechanics and biomaterials. Wearable-sensor and imaging data inform digital twins of tissues; surrogate models then explore scaffold designs that best support anticipated loads, healing profiles, or athlete-specific movement patterns. This has shortened iteration cycles (from weeks to days) when tuning lattice density, pore geometry, or printing paths to meet simultaneous targets like strength, compliance, and nutrient diffusion.

4. Looking ahead to the next decade, could you share your insights on the key development opportunities and potential breakthroughs in AI-powered material science and engineering?
I believe that the following opportunities and breakthroughs may emerge in the next decade:

• Self-driving labs for biomaterials: Closed-loop platforms that pair robotics with active learning will autonomously synthesize, test, and refine candidates, dramatically reducing discovery time;
• Physics-informed and multi-scale AI: Hybrid models will combine mechanistic simulation with ML, improving extrapolation and trust. Expect better linkages from molecular chemistry to microstructure, macroscale function, and in vivo performance;
• Four-dimensional, responsive, and “personalized” materials: Patient-specific digital twins will inform scaffolds that adapt to evolving mechanical and biochemical cues, enabling staged stiffness, controlled degradation, and guided tissue remodeling;
• Sustainability and safety by design: AI will help minimize critical raw materials, reduce waste, and flag toxicity early, aligning innovation with regulatory and ESG demands;
• Data standards and model governance: Common ontologies, benchmark datasets, and uncertainty reporting will move AI from “promising” to “qualifiable” in regulated pathways, opening doors for clinical-grade applications. 

5. As an Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Functional Biomaterials, could you share your experience with MDPI?
My experience with MDPI has been positive. The editorial workflows are efficient and transparent, which authors value; the open access model provides immediate visibility; and Special Issues, when well-curated, catalyze focused communities. I have seen steady improvements in screening, ethics checks, and data-availability expectations. Two areas I continue to champion are (i) broadening and refreshing the reviewer pool to sustain depth across fast-moving subfields and (ii) strengthening reproducibility standards (code/data deposition, reporting checklists, and clearer guidance on statistical rigor). Overall, the Journal of Functional Biomaterials has been a constructive venue for interdisciplinary biomaterials research and a journal that listens to its community.

We are excited to announce that MDPI will be attending the MRS Fall Meeting and Exhibit, taking place from 30 November to 5 December 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Join us at the world’s foremost international scientific gathering for materials research, the MRS Meeting showcases leading interdisciplinary research in both fundamental and applied areas presented by scientists from around the world.

Why visit MDPI’s booth?

• Explore our open access journals covering coloring matters, electronic materials, technology, materials degradation, and more;
• Meet our team and learn how to publish your research with MDPI;
• Discover partnership opportunities and how MDPI supports the scientific community;
• Get exclusive conference materials and gifts.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Batteries;
• Coatings;
• Electronic Materials;
• Spectroscopy Journal;
• Physics;
• Journal of Functional Biomaterials;
• Energies;
• Chemosensors;
• Methane;
• Corrosion and Materials Degradation;
• Colorants;
• Microplastics;
• Materials.

World Diabetes Day will take place on 14 November 2025, under the theme “Diabetes and well-being”. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation. A healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. In addition, diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with medication, regular screening and treatment for complications.

In recognition of this important day, we recommend the following related articles, Special Issues and journals spanning multidisciplinary fields, including clinical medicine, biology and material sciences. We believe th.at promoting such research contributes to enhanced public awareness of innovative ideas regarding the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes. This World Diabetes Day, 14 November, let us put well-being at the heart of diabetes care and start the change for a better life with diabetes.

“New-Onset Diabetes After Transplantation in Renal Recipients: A Pilot Comparative Study of Immediate vs. Extended-Release Tacrolimus Formulation”
by Ioana Adela Ratiu, Florin Bănică, Corina Moisa, Bianca Pașca, Daniela Gîtea, Iulia Dana Grosu, Gabriel Cristian Bako, Oliviu Voștinaru, Wael Abu Dayyih and Lorena Filip
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(10), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18101532

“From Current Therapeutics to Multitarget Ligands: A Review of Diabetes Pharmacological Treatments”
by Francesc Cabré, Josep J. Centelles and Marta Cascante
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091125

“Impact of Antidiabetic Medication on Therapy Outcomes in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Patients Receiving Enfortumab Vedotin Monotherapy”
by Laila Schneidewind, Bernhard Kiss, Friedemann Zengerling, Annemarie Uhlig, Niklas Klümper, Thomas Büttner, Julia Heinzelbecker, Thomas Elegeert, Cem Aksoy, Cindy Rönnau et al.
Biologics 2025, 5(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics5030020

“Gene–Diet Interactions in Diabetes Mellitus: Current Insights and the Potential of Personalized Nutrition”
by Angeliki Kapellou, Effie Salata, Dimitrios Miltiadis Vrachnos, Sevastiani Papailia and Spiros Vittas
Genes 2025, 16(5), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16050578

“Anti-Diabetic Therapies and Cancer: From Bench to Bedside”
by Dimitris Kounatidis, Natalia G. Vallianou, Irene Karampela, Eleni Rebelos, Marina Kouveletsou, Vasileios Dalopoulos, Petros Koufopoulos, Evanthia Diakoumopoulou, Nikolaos Tentolouris and Maria Dalamaga
Biomolecules 2024, 14(11), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14111479

“Untargeted and Targeted Lipidomics Unveil Dynamic Lipid Metabolism Alterations in Type 2 Diabetes”
by Li Feng, Bingshu He, Jianzhen Xia and Zhonghua Wang
Metabolites 2024, 14(11), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14110610

“Quality of Dietetic Patient Education Materials for Diabetes and Gastrointestinal Disorders: Where Can We Do Better?”
by Kelly Lambert, Olivia Hodgson and Claudia Goodman
Dietetics 2024, 3(3), 346-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics3030026

“Biomaterials Designed to Modulate Reactive Oxygen Species for Enhanced Bone Regeneration in Diabetic Conditions”
by Mingshan Li, Zhihe Zhao and Jianru Yi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(8), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15080220

“The Interrelationship between Diabetes Mellitus and Emotional Well-Being: Current Concepts and Future Prospects”
by Polyxeni Mangoulia, Charalampos Milionis, Eugenia Vlachou and Ioannis Ilias
Healthcare 2024, 12(14), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12141457

“Are Hyperglycemia-Induced Changes in the Retina Associated with Diabetes-Correlated Changes in the Brain? A Review from Zebrafish and Rodent Type 2 Diabetes Models”
by Kaylee Augustine-Wofford, Victoria P. Connaughton and Elizabeth McCarthy
Biology 2024, 13(7), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070477

“Interleukin-6 as a Director of Immunological Events and Tissue Regenerative Capacity in Hemodialyzed Diabetes Patients”
by Maria-Florina Trandafir, Octavian Savu, Daniela Pasarica, Coralia Bleotu and Mihaela Gheorghiu
Med. Sci. 2024, 12(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci12020031

“Euonymus alatus Extract Reduces Insulin Resistance in db/db Mice by Regulating the PI3K–AKT Pathway”
by Seoung-Uk. Lee, Pallavi Gurung, Til Bahadur Thapa Magar, Junmo Lim, Rajeev Shrestha, Yoon-Hee Kim and Yong-Wan Kim
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2024, 4(2), 286-297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm4020018

“Personalized Diabetes Management with Digital Twins: A Patient-Centric Knowledge Graph Approach”
by Fatemeh Sarani Rad, Rasha Hendawi, Xinyi Yang and Juan Li
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(4), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040359

“NAFLD Fibrosis Progression and Type 2 Diabetes: The Hepatic–Metabolic Interplay”
by Simona Cernea
Life 2024, 14(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020272

“Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Diabetes: Shedding Light on a Widespread Oversight”
by Franklyn Nonso Iheagwam, Amarachi Joy Joseph, Eniola Deborah Adedoyin, Olawumi Toyin Iheagwam and Samuel Akpoyowvare Ejoh
Pathophysiology 2025, 32(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathophysiology32010009

“Is Tirzepatide the New Game Changer in Type 2 Diabetes?”
by Giuseppe Lisco, Olga Eugenia Disoteo, Vincenzo De Geronimo, Anna De Tullio, Vito Angelo Giagulli, Edoardo Guastamacchia, Giovanni De Pergola, Emilio Jirillo and Vincenzo Triggiani
Endocrines 2024, 5(1), 72-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines5010005

“Fostering Resilience and Wellness: The Synergy of Mindful Eating and the Mediterranean Lifestyle”
by Efstratios Christodoulou, Georgia-Eirini Deligiannidou, Christos Kontogiorgis, Constantinos Giaginis and Antonios E. Koutelidakis
Appl. Biosci. 2024, 3(1), 59-70; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci3010004

“The Main Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes for Cognitive Dysfunction, Depression, and Psychosocial Problems: A Systematic Review”
by Maarja Randväli, Toomas Toomsoo and Jekaterina Šteinmiller
Diabetology 2024, 5(1), 40-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology5010004

“Chronic Kidney Disease in the Older Adult Patient with Diabetes”
by Raja Ravender, Maria-Eleni Roumelioti, Darren W. Schmidt, Mark L. Unruh and Christos Argyropoulos
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020348

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.

This webinar will highlight the growing need for alternatives to traditional bone grafts and implants, emphasizing how biocomposites—hybrids of polymers and bioactive ceramics—are engineered to mimic the structure and function of natural bone. Participants will gain insights into key design principles, cutting-edge fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, and the critical role of material properties in enhancing osteogenesis and improving healing outcomes.

The session will also present recent advances in scaffold development, in vitro and in vivo testing, and emerging strategies to address key challenges such as balancing mechanical strength with porosity and promoting vascularization in large defects. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, or student, this webinar offers a valuable opportunity to explore how biocomposites are shaping the next generation of therapies in bone tissue engineering.

Join us for an engaging session on the development of biocomposites for bone tissue engineering, where experts will discuss how innovative material combinations are transforming the future of bone repair and regeneration.

Date: 13 November 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CET | 4.00 a.m. EST | 5.00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 859 2900 4742
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/JFB-1

Register now for free!

Program:

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

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

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Maria Pia Ferraz (Chair), i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health and Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal;
• Prof. Dr. Susana Sousa, i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health and Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal;
• Prof. Dr. Nuno Alegrete, i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health and Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal;
• Prof. Dr. Eduardo Henrique Backes, Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM), Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil.

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

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

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

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