Announcements

The nomination deadline for the Tu Youyou Award is approaching. Researchers are encouraged to submit nominations by 31 October 2026 (UTC-12).

The Tu Youyou Award recognizes outstanding researchers whose work has made significant contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, advancing scientific innovation and human health. It is named after Nobel laureate Tu Youyou, whose discovery of artemisinin has saved millions of lives. 

The current award committee is chaired by Prof. Dr. William Gerwick, a Distinguished Professor at the University of California San Diego, USA, and a renowned expert in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology. Under his leadership, the committee will evaluate nominations and recognize impactful research achievements in the related fields. 

Prize:

• CHF 100,000
• A medal
• A certificate

The monetary prize will be shared equally should there be multiple recipients.

Who may be nominated?

• Scientists with outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Nominees must be individuals; team or group nominations are not permitted. Nominations are valid only for the current award cycle. 

Who may submit a nomination?

• The director of the nominee’s host research institution or a recognized scientist within the field.

Self-nominations will not be considered. 

Nomination materials:

• A biographical sketch
• A detailed description of the nominee’s contributions
• 5–10 representative academic publications
• A list of academic honors, awards, and funded projects
• A nomination letter signed by two nominators 

How to submit?
Submit your nomination by 31 October 2026 via: https://tuyouyouprize.org/nomination/form. 

For further information, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website. For any inquiries, please contact the Tu Youyou Award Team at tuyouyouaward@mdpi.com.

Conference: The 29th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention
Date: 27 September–1 October 2026
Location: Strasbourg, France

MDPI will participate as an exhibitor at the 29th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention. We welcome researchers and professionals to visit our booth and engage with our team.

Hosted in one of Europe’s most vibrant and historic cities, MICCAI 2026 will once again

bring together leading researchers, clinicians, industry innovators, and technology pioneers from around the world to shape the future of medical imaging and computer-assisted interventions.

First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your invaluable support and partnership. Your contribution as a sponsor plays a vital role in the continued success and global impact of the MICCAI Conference, and we truly appreciate your commitment to our community.

The following open access journals will be represented:

• Diagnostics;
• J. Imaging;
• Algorithms;
• Radiation;
• Tomography.

If you are planning to attend the above event, please feel free to 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, please visit https://conferences.miccai.org/2026/en/default.asp.

Open access helps researchers share methods, compare findings, and build on published work. Journal of Imaging (J. Imaging, ISSN 2313-433X) invites readers to explore selected papers on generative imaging and synthetic visual data. The collection examines variational autoencoders, adversarial networks and diffusion models, with applications in dental radiography, multimodal MRI, platelet classification, retinal translation, underwater scenes and talking-head generation. A study of gender bias adds an evaluation perspective. Together, the papers explore both the uses of synthetic visual data and questions raised by their generation. We hope these freely available contributions inspire new ideas, discussion, and collaboration.

1. “Revealing Gender Bias from Prompt to Image in Stable Diffusion”
by Yankun Wu, Yuta Nakashima and Noa Garcia
J. Imaging 2025, 11(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11020035

2. “Pano-GAN: A Deep Generative Model for Panoramic Dental Radiographs”
by Søren Pedersen, Sanyam Jain, Mikkel Chavez, Viktor Ladehoff, Bruna Neves de Freitas and Ruben Pauwels
J. Imaging 2025, 11(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11020041

3. “Frequency-Aware Diffusion Model for Multi-Modal MRI Image Synthesis”
by Mingfeng Jiang, Peihang Jia, Xin Huang, Zihan Yuan, Dongsheng Ruan, Feng Liu and Ling Xia
J. Imaging 2025, 11(5), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11050152

4. “From Physically Based to Generative Models: A Survey on Underwater Image Synthesis Techniques”
by Lucas Amparo Barbosa and Antonio Lopes Apolinario, Jr.
J. Imaging 2025, 11(5), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11050161

5. “Platelets Image Classification Through Data Augmentation: A Comparative Study of Traditional Imaging Augmentation and GAN-Based Synthetic Data Generation Techniques Using CNNs”
by Itunuoluwa Abidoye, Frances Ikeji, Charlie A. Coupland, Simon D. J. Calaminus, Nick Sander and Eva Sousa
J. Imaging 2025, 11(6), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11060183

6. “Synthetic Scientific Image Generation with VAE, GAN, and Diffusion Model Architectures”
by Zineb Sordo, Eric Chagnon, Zixi Hu, Jeffrey J. Donatelli, Peter Andeer, Peter S. Nico, Trent Northen and Daniela Ushizima
J. Imaging 2025, 11(8), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11080252

7. “AI Diffusion Models Generate Realistic Synthetic Dental Radiographs Using a Limited Dataset”
by Brian Kirkwood, Byeong Yeob Choi, James Bynum and Jose Salinas
J. Imaging 2025, 11(10), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11100356

8. “A Hierarchical Deep Learning Architecture for Diagnosing Retinal Diseases Using Cross-Modal OCT to Fundus Translation in the Lack of Paired Data”
by Ekaterina A. Lopukhova, Gulnaz M. Idrisova, Timur R. Mukhamadeev, Grigory S. Voronkov, Ruslan V. Kutluyarov and Elizaveta P. Topolskaya
J. Imaging 2026, 12(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12010036

Open access promotes the free exchange of scientific knowledge, enabling researchers worldwide to share ideas and build on published findings. Journal of Imaging (J. Imaging, ISSN 2313-433X) invites readers to explore a selection of its most-cited papers published in 2025, covering deepfake forensics, synthetic image generation, biomedical image analysis, and imaging applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and security. These contributions reflect the breadth of imaging research and its practical relevance. We hope the papers below will inspire new ideas, discussions, and collaborations.

1. “Deepfake Media Forensics: Status and Future Challenges”
by Irene Amerini, Mauro Barni, Sebastiano Battiato, Paolo Bestagini, Giulia Boato, Vittoria Bruni, Roberto Caldelli, Francesco De Natale, Rocco De Nicola, Luca Guarnera et al.
J. Imaging 2025, 11(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11030073

2. “Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning to Support the Analysis of Microscopic Images of Cells and Tissues”
by Viviana Benfante, Ghazal Basirinia, Pierpaolo Alongi, Alessandro Sperandeo, Alberto Quattrocchi, Antonino Giulio Giannone, Daniela Cabibi, Anthony Yezzi, Domenico Di Raimondo et al.
J. Imaging 2025, 11(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11020059

3. “A Review on the Detection of Plant Disease Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches”
by Thandiwe Nyawose, Rito Clifford Maswanganyi and Philani Khumalo
J. Imaging 2025, 11(10), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11100326

4. “Synthetic Scientific Image Generation with VAE, GAN, and Diffusion Model Architectures”
by Zineb Sordo, Eric Chagnon, Zixi Hu, Jeffrey J. Donatelli, Peter Andeer, Peter S. Nico, Trent Northen and Daniela Ushizima
J. Imaging 2025, 11(8), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11080252

5. “Design of an Optimal Convolutional Neural Network Architecture for MRI Brain Tumor Classification by Exploiting Particle Swarm Optimization”
by Sofia El Amoury, Youssef Smili and Youssef Fakhri
J. Imaging 2025, 11(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11020031

6. “Pano-GAN: A Deep Generative Model for Panoramic Dental Radiographs”
by Søren Pedersen, Sanyam Jain, Mikkel Chavez, Viktor Ladehoff, Bruna Neves de Freitas and Ruben Pauwels
J. Imaging 2025, 11(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11020041

7. “Skin Lesion Classification Through Test Time Augmentation and Explainable Artificial Intelligence”
by Loris Cino, Cosimo Distante, Alessandro Martella and Pier Luigi Mazzeo
J. Imaging 2025, 11(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11010015

8. “Optimizing Deep Learning Models for Climate-Related Natural Disaster Detection from UAV Images and Remote Sensing Data”
by Kim VanExel, Samendra Sherchan and Siyan Liu
J. Imaging 2025, 11(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11020032

9. “Concealed Weapon Detection Using Thermal Cameras”
by Juan D. Muñoz, Jesus Ruiz-Santaquiteria, Oscar Deniz and Gloria Bueno
J. Imaging 2025, 11(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11030072

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In September 2026, sixteen new journals released their inaugural issues and one transferred journal released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of engineering, public health & healthcare, environmental & earth sciences, chemistry & materials science, social sciences, arts and humanities, medicine & pharmacology, business & economics, computer science & mathematics, and biology & life sciences.

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who are shaping the future course of MDPI’s new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, enabling impactful open access scholarship.

Browse the new journals below to discover more.

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).

MDPI will attend the 19th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering (ICBME 2026), which will take place in Singapore, from 6 to 9 December 2026.

As global healthcare systems grow increasingly complex, biomedical engineering has evolved as a key pillar that holds these systems up, uniting engineering and clinical insights to drive societal impact. As a premier international platform, ICBME consistently attracts a diverse community of experts to share ideas and perspectives that shape the future of biomedical engineering. Building on the success of the 2024 edition, ICBME 2026 offers an opportunity to engage with leading researchers and explore the latest developments in the next generation of healthcare solutions.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• BioTech;
• Biomimetics;
• Imaging;
• Micro;
• Biomechanics;
• Bioengineering;
• Biophysica;
• Biosensors;
• Robotics;
• International Journal of Medical Devices (IMJD).

If you are planning on attending this conference, please do not hesitate to stop by our booth and start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://icbme.org.sg/2026/.

The following is an interview with Professor Qiong Liu:

1. What attracted you to Journal of Imaging and motivated you to become a Section Editor-in-Chief?
What attracts me to Journal of Imaging is the opportunity to exchange ideas across different areas of imaging research. My research in 3D perception, video coding, and embodied intelligence involves closely connected questions about how visual information is represented, transmitted, and used. I value a platform where researchers working on these different aspects can learn from one another. Taking on this editorial role also offers an opportunity to contribute beyond my own research. I hope to work with the Editorial Board to recognize meaningful advances, support constructive scientific discussion, and help authors communicate their contributions clearly to the wider imaging community.

2. What are your plans for developing the Section and contributing to the growth of Journal of Imaging?
I would begin by working with the Editorial Board and Editorial Office to review the Section’s strengths and identify areas where it could better serve the research community. On this basis, I hope to develop a focused publication plan, including review articles that clarify important developments and Special Issues that bring together complementary perspectives on emerging questions. Another priority would be to encourage active participation from Editorial Board Members in shaping topics, recommending contributions, and connecting with different research communities. I would also explore opportunities for webinars and exchanges at academic conferences, allowing discussions to continue beyond publication. Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers would help us refine these activities and build a section that researchers find useful and want to engage with.

3. How do you hope to serve the research community through your role as Section Editor-in-Chief?
I see editorial work as a responsibility to the people who produce, evaluate, and use research. For authors, this means fair consideration, clear communication, and constructive feedback that helps them improve their work. For reviewers, it means matching invitations to their expertise, respecting their time, and recognizing the care and judgment they contribute to. For readers, our responsibility is to provide dependable research and thoughtful reviews that help them understand a topic, assess the evidence, and identify questions worth pursuing. I would also like to support early career researchers through clear guidance and opportunities for academic exchange. Ultimately, I hope the Section can help researchers learn from one another, build on published findings, and form productive collaborations.

We warmly welcome Prof. Qiong Liu as the Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Multimedia Systems and Applications Section”, and we look forward to Journal of Imaging achieving many more milestones under her leadership.

For further information about the Section please click here.

Each October, the Nobel Prizes turn the world’s attention toward the discoveries that have redrawn the boundaries of science. They are science’s most prestigious recognition, and increasingly its most interdisciplinary. Recent laureates have been honored for work spanning quantum dots, machine learning, and molecular medicine, fields that rarely stay within a single discipline’s borders for long.

Open access has a growing role in that story. To date, more than 40 Nobel laureates have published their research in MDPI journals—a body of work spanning genetics, physics, chemistry, and medicine. Publishing openly means a laureate’s findings reach not only fellow scientists, but the students, clinicians, policymakers, and curious readers who would otherwise meet that work only secondhand, if at all. Open access doesn’t just carry Nobel-level research, it amplifies the voice behind it, letting the discovery speak directly to everyone it stands to affect.

This is also where MDPI’s breadth becomes an advantage. With over 500 journals covering the full spectrum of scientific inquiry, our platform mirrors the reality of modern discovery—where breakthroughs increasingly emerge at the intersection of fields, not within the walls of one. It’s this structure that lets us support interdisciplinary work from first submission to global publication, connecting researchers across borders and disciplines alike.

As this year’s laureates are announced, we’ll continue spotlighting where Nobel Prize–winning research intersects with the work of our authors, editors, and reviewers—celebrating both the achievements being recognized and the open access model that helps ensure they reach the widest possible audience.

Explore selected works by Nobel laureates within the MDPI portfolio below, and join us in celebrating the global impact of their ideas.

Put your scientific intuition to the test and join MDPI’s 2026 Nobel Prize Prediction Challenge! As we honor three decades of open research, we invite you to cast your votes for the next trailblazing laureates in chemistry, physics, and physiology or medicine. Predict the pioneer minds shaping tomorrow’s scientific legacy for a chance to win 100 CHF voucher of MDPI Video Service.

Deadline: 4 October 2026 | 18:00 CEST
Winner announcement: 16 October 2026

Discover high-impact research driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Browse our open access selections in Chemistry & Materials Science, Medicine & Pharmacology, and Physical Sciences, featuring key studies aligned with this year’s top Nobel prize-contending topics.

Join our distinguished Editors-in-Chief and Section Editors-in-Chief for an exclusive live discussion on this year’s Nobel Prize announcements. Our expert panel will break down the winning breakthroughs, explore their global impact, and discuss the future trajectories of open science across Chemistry, Physics, and Medicine. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading voices in research.

MDPI remains committed to ensuring that the breakthroughs of today—and tomorrow—are shared, debated, and built upon by the global research community. Explore science, join the conversation, and be part of the next chapter.

To further enhance the quality of Journal of Imaging (ISSN 2313-433X), the journal, under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Raimondo Schettini, has updated its aims and scope. The original and updated versions are listed below:

For more detailed information, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jimaging/about.

Journal of Imaging Editorial Office