Announcements

1 June 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #35 – 30 Years of Open Science, Open Access Policies, Spain Summit, MMCS 2026 & Antibiotics 2026

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

30 Years of Open Science, Built Together

This month, we officially launched MDPI’s 30th Anniversary campaign and dedicated anniversary website, marking an important milestone in our journey as an open access publisher. What began in 1996 with a single journal and the simple belief that scientific knowledge should be shared openly and freely has grown into a global publishing organization supporting more than 500 journals, 68,000 Editorial Board Members, and millions of researchers worldwide.

The anniversary page, entitled 30 Years of Open Science, Built Together, reflects on the people, milestones, and partnerships that have shaped MDPI over the past three decades. It includes a retrospective of our development, key moments in the evolution of open access, landmark research articles, journal anniversaries, an interview with the CEO, and perspectives from colleagues and partners who have contributed to our success.

Looking back, one of the most striking aspects of our journey is not simply our growth, but the broader transformation of scholarly publishing itself.

Open access has moved from a niche concept to a widely adopted publishing model, helping make research more accessible, discoverable, and impactful for researchers, institutions, policymakers, and society.

MDPI has been part of this transition and continues to invest in the people, technology, partnerships, and research integrity infrastructure needed to support high-quality open science at scale.

While anniversaries naturally encourage reflection, they are also an opportunity to look ahead. The challenges facing scholarly publishing today, including research integrity, artificial intelligence, accessibility, and global participation in science, will require continued collaboration across the research ecosystem. As we celebrate 30 years of publishing, our focus remains on supporting researchers, strengthening trust in open science, and helping shape the future of scholarly communication together.

I encourage you to visit the anniversary page, explore the milestones, and take a moment to reflect on the role each of us has played in contributing to MDPI’s story.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Impactful Research

Highlights from MMCS 2026 in Beijing (14-17 May)

From 14–17 May, MDPI hosted The 5th Molecules Medicinal Chemistry Symposium (MMCS 2026) in Beijing, China, bringing together academia and industry to explore advances in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery.

The conference hosted more than 230 attendees from 37 countries and regions, alongside 257 submissions and 145 accepted abstracts. With a significant increase in attendance – up by 100 participants compared with the previous edition – the popularity of MMCS continues to grow in terms of its international profile and scientific relevance within this rapidly evolving field.

The scientific program covered seven themes:

  • Chemical Biology for Drug Discovery
  • Medicinal Chemistry Research Progress
  • Natural Products in Drug Discovery
  • AI-enabled Drug Discovery
  • GPCR & Ion Channel Targeted Drug Development
  • Innovative Proximity-Based Drug Modalities
  • Biocatalysis for Natural Product & Drug Synthesis

The event featured three plenary speakers, 14 keynote speakers, 35 selected oral presentations, and 98 poster presentations, creating opportunities for open scientific exchange and collaboration. Conference Chair Prof. Dr. Diego Muñoz-Torrero described this edition as one of the most successful MMCS events to date.

Thanks to our Sponsors

MMCS 2026 secured sponsorship support from 12 industrial partners, 11 of which set up on-site exhibition booths. Covering biopharmaceutical R&D, life science supplies, pharmaceutical experimental instruments, and industrial service sectors, exhibitors were able to connect their businesses directly with attendees and make connections at the conference.

30th Anniversary Celebration of Molecules

During the conference, we also celebrated the 30th anniversary of Molecules, one of MDPI’s flagship journals. The celebration brought together Section Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Board Members, MDPI leadership, and editorial colleagues to reflect on the journal’s development, achievements, and continued future growth.

Events such as MMCS 2026 highlight the important role conferences play in creating scientific exchange and collaboration, and in connecting our research communities in person.

They also reflect the continued development of MDPI’s conference portfolio and our commitment to supporting academic engagement beyond publishing alone. Thanks to everyone involved in organizing and contributing to the success of this event.

Inside MDPI

Open Access Policies Continue to Accelerate Globally

One of the clearest indicators of the continued momentum behind open access is the growing number of national and institutional policies supporting, and increasingly requiring, open dissemination of research.

Around the world, governments, funding agencies, and universities are building their open access mandates, with increasing focus on transparency, rights retention, and public accessibility of publicly funded research. While these policies vary across regions, the broader direction is clear: expectations around openness and compliance continue to accelerate.

For researchers, navigating these evolving requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Supporting the research community therefore means not only publishing high-quality open access content but also helping stakeholders better understand changing requirements and emerging opportunities. At MDPI, we see this as an important part of our role within scholarly communication.

“Expectations around openness and compliance continue to accelerate”

Through the MDPI Blog, our Content team continues to publish monthly articles overviewing different countries’ relationships with open access, exploring their histories, policies, opportunities, and statistics. All this information is centralized into an article which contains brief summaries of each country, with links to all the full articles, and is updated monthly.

Recent Policy Developments

South Africa

In 2026, South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation introduced the South African Open Science Policy. The policy states that: “Open access shall be required for publications arising from publicly funded research, and desirable for research from all sources of funding.”

The policy envisions a coordinated and broad approach to open science that will sustainably and ethically drive socio-economic development by increasing the practice of open science through policy, training, incentivization, and infrastructure.

Canada

In Canada, the Tri-Agency OA Policy on Publications was revised, removing the 12-month embargo for research that must be deposited in a repository with an open license and with author rights retained.

The Agencies argue that “societal advancement is made possible through widespread and barrier-free access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.”

Chile

Chile is a collaborative and engaged member of the global open access movement.

The National Research and Development Agency (Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, or ANID) is Chile’s main funding agency for R&D. It mandates that all beneficiaries must deposit the final version of their published scientific output, with an embargo period of up to 12 months, into a repository.

ANID also supports the InES Open Science funding program, which allows universities to request funding for capacity and infrastructure building. Further, Chile is an active participant in various international initiatives, such as Redalyc, SciELO, and Red de Repositorios Latinoamericanos.

Openness Beyond Research

At MDPI, openness remains one of our core values, ensuring that research outputs are freely accessible to anyone. This commitment also extends to sharing knowledge about the scholarly publishing landscape itself, which we practice on the MDPI Blog through various topics, including open access, recent advances in science, and opportunities for researchers.

As the open access landscape continues to evolve, helping researchers, institutions, editors, and partners navigate these changes will remain an important priority for us.

Thank You

I would like to thank Jack McKenna (Senior Content Specialist, MDPI) from our Content team for his ongoing work on the MDPI Blog series covering global open access policy developments. Initiatives such as this help make complex policy discussions more accessible and useful to the wider research community.

Coming Together for Science

Reflections from the MDPI Spain Summit 2026 in Valencia (21 May)

On 21 May, we hosted the MDPI Spain Summit 2026 in Valencia.

The Summit brought together 30 Editorial Board Members and MDPI colleagues for a discussions on the future of publishing, research integrity, peer review, artificial intelligence, and the evolving research landscape in Spain.

We hosted participants from leading Spanish institutions and spoke on the importance of Spain as a major contributor to global open access (OA) research. In 2025 alone, Spain ranked among the leading countries worldwide for OA publishing, with more than 85% of publications made openly accessible. MDPI also continues to play a significant role within the Spanish research ecosystem.

MDPI in Spain

Spain remains one of MDPI's most important academic markets and a leading contributor to OA research globally. Ever since our Barcelona office opened in 2016 (Happy 10th Anniversary!), MDPI Spain has been actively supporting researchers, institutions, societies, and academic partners across the country. Today, the office plays an important role in creating engagement with the Spanish scholarly community through editorial support, partnerships, conferences, training initiatives, and outreach activities.

A cluster of high-level indicators highlight both the strength of the local research ecosystem and MDPI’s role within it:

  • 43,218 total publications in Spain in 2025, of which 35,728 (83%) were open access (49% Gold OA).
  • 211,200+ total publications (2021–2025), with 84% published open access.
  • 13,444 MDPI publications from Spanish institutions in 2025, representing 14% of all open access publications in Spain.
  • More than115,100 MDPI publications from Spanish institutions since 1996.
  • More than 4,500 Editorial Board Members from Spain, including more than 150 Chief Editors and 57 Associate Editors.
  • 42 institutional partners participating in MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP).
  • Spain ranks second globally for MDPI society affiliations, with 26 affiliated society agreements currently in place.

Program Overview

What made this summit special was the openness of the discussions around the research landscape in Spain and the role MDPI plays within the market. General topics of the presentations included:

  • MDPI Introduction – Stefan Tochev (CEO).
  • Engagement with the Academic Community – Dr. Marta Colomer (External Affairs Lead).
  • Latest Developments in the Editorial Process – Dr. Jordi Martinez (Deputy Managing Editor).
  • Research integrity and Publication Ethics – Slavomir Nikodijevic (Research Integrity Specialist).
  • A 360 View of Academic Publishing – Prof. Dr. Luis Angel Ruiz Fernandez (EBM of Remote Sensing).

Panel Discussion

We also hosted a panel discussion moderated by Marta, entitled “The Future of Academic Publishing” with Prof. Luis Ruiz, Prof. Marta Feliz (EBM of the journal Catalysts), Dr. Enric Sayas (Product Owner, AI & Technology Innovation), and myself. The discussion looked at the evolving role of editors, the future of peer review, and the growing importance of maintaining trust, ethics, and research integrity in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

Themes from the Summit

Several themes emerged throughout the discussions, reflecting broader conversations taking place across publishing:

  • The academic community values efficient publishing workflows, but expectations around scientific quality and editorial rigor continue to rise.
  • Reviewer fatigue and long-term sustainability of peer review remain major challenges across the industry.
  • AI is rapidly changing scholarly communication and requires transparent and responsible governance.
  • Reputation and trust continue to depend on long-term engagement, transparency, and quality-focused decision-making.

“Maintaining an open dialogue with researchers, editors, reviewers, and institutions remains a priority for MDPI”

It was constructive to see the willingness of participants to engage directly and candidly with us. These conversations provide insights that help inform how we continue to develop our editorial processes, engagement activities, and support for the research community. While certain discussions included concerns, there was also recognition that open dialogue between publishers and the research community is essential if we want to improve scholarly communication together.

Events such as this are increasingly important for MDPI. They allow us to present our perspective, to listen to the experiences, expectations, and concerns of editors, reviewers, and researchers, and to address these accordingly.

Thank You

Thank you to our Barcelona Office and all colleagues involved in organizing the summit, as well as all participants for contributing to these thoughtful and constructive discussions.

As publishing continues to evolve, maintaining an open dialogue with researchers, editors, reviewers, and institutions remains an important priority for MDPI. Events such as the Spain Summit play an important role in helping us to build relationships, foster trust, and better understand the needs of our community.

Closing Thoughts

Highlights from Antibiotics 2026 in Barcelona (11–14 May)

This week, MDPI hosted the Antibiotics 2026 — Advances in Antimicrobial Action and Resistance conference in Barcelona, bringing together academics and industry experts to discuss one of the most important scientific and public health challenges of our time: antimicrobial resistance.

The conference welcomed 145 attendees from 42 different countries and territories, alongside 265 submissions and 127 accepted abstracts, showing the international reach of the event and the strong scientific interest in this rapidly evolving field.

Scientific Exchange on a Global Challenge

Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a global concern, creating collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and regions. The conference program focused on a range of topics including:

  • Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms
  • One Health approaches to antimicrobial stewardship
  • Discovery of novel antimicrobial agents
  • Innovation in clinical strategies and treatment approaches
  • Ethnopharmacology and emerging therapies

Through keynote plenaries, invited lectures, oral presentations, and poster sessions, the conference created a platform for dialogue and scientific exchange.

International Participation and Collaboration

One of the highlights of the event was the diversity of participation across both geography and expertise. Researchers and speakers from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Latin America took part in discussions throughout the conference, highlighting the global nature of both the challenge and the scientific response.

The scientific program included:

  • 2 keynote speakers
  • 10 invited speakers
  • 36 selected talks
  • 78 posters

The conference brought together perspectives from academia, healthcare, and industry, helping facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration around future approaches to antimicrobial research and resistance management.

The Role of Conferences in Scholarly Communication

Conferences are an important platform for collaboration, scientific exchange, and community-building. Events such as Antibiotics 2026 show the value of bringing researchers together in person to discuss emerging challenges, share new findings, and strengthen international networks across disciplines and regions.

Thank You

I would like to thank the conference chairs, speakers, participants, sponsors, and the entire MDPI conference team for their work in making this event a success. The engagement and positive feedback from attendees highlight the importance of our events in addressing some of the most pressing scientific challenges facing society today.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

28 May 2026
Recruiting Volunteer Reviewers for Journal of Fungi


Journal of Fungi (JoF, ISSN: 2309-608X) is an international, peer-reviewed scientific open access journal that provides an advanced forum for studies related to pathogenic fungi, fungal biology, and all other aspects of fungal research. Peer reviewing is an essential part of the publication process, ensuring that Journal of Fungi maintains its high standards for the quality of published papers. We wish to recruit expert reviewers to help uphold the quality and efficiency of Journal of Fungi.

The main responsibility of the reviewers is providing high-quality reports. More details regarding the position can be found at https://www.mdpi.com/reviewers.

Volunteer reviewers should meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a PhD or be an MD;
  • Have relevant experience and have a proven publication record in the field of the submitted paper;
  • Are experienced scholars in the field of the submitted paper;
  • Hold an official and recognized academic affiliation.

Volunteer reviewers’ benefits:

  • Discount voucher code based on review quality, which entitles you to a reduction in the article processing charge (APC) of a future submission. Reviewer voucher codes can be used to pay for Author Services such as professional English editing;
  • A personalized reviewer certificate;
  • Inclusion in the journal’s annual acknowledgment of reviewers;
  • Help with building your profile on Publons and have your reviewing activity automatically added for participating journals. Publons profiles can also be integrated into ORCID.

To apply for a position as a volunteer reviewer, please use the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/volunteer/journals/review.

Journal of Fungi Editorial Office

28 May 2026
Journal of Fungi Travel Award—Open for Applications


The Journal of Fungi Travel Award was launched in 2018, and it is presented to encourage junior scientists to present their latest research at academic conferences in the field of pathogenic fungi, fungal biology, and all other aspects of fungal research, which helps to increase their influence. The application period will be open from April to October, and winners will be announced by the end of December.

Prize:

  • CHF 800;
  • A certificate.

Number of winners: 2.

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Postdoctoral fellows or PhD students, research fellows;
  • Plans to attend an international conference in 2027 (oral presentation or poster).

List of documents for application:

  • Information of the conference the applicant is planning to attend and the abstract that will be submitted;
  • Curriculum vitae and list of publications;
  • Justification letter describing the focus of the research (max. 800 words);
  • Letter of recommendation from the supervisor, research director, or department head, which also confirms the applicant’s status.

Please feel free to contact the Editorial Office (jof@mdpi.com) if you have any questions.

26 May 2026
Meet Us at the KMB 2026 53rd Annual Meeting and International Symposium, 24–26 June 2026, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea


Conference:
KMB 2026 53rd Annual Meeting and International Symposium
Booth Number: N/A
Date: 24–26 June 2026
Location: HICO, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea

KMB is a leading academic organization in Korea dedicated to microbiology, biotechnology, and related multidisciplinary fields. KMB 2026 53rd Annual Meeting and International Symposium (KMB 2026) aims to foster academic networking and human exchange through various sessions covering the entire spectrum of microbiology and biotechnology.

MDPI is excited to join KMB 2026 as an exhibitor. Taking place in Gyeongju from 24 to 26 June 2026, this conference will be a major opportunity for advancement of the bio-industry.

We warmly welcome all attendees to our booth to share their valued research findings. We look forward to the opportunity to engage in professional exchange and explore how we can support your scholarly journey through potential collaborations.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

Our team is excited to welcome you to our booth for a face-to-face discussion and to assist with any of your inquiries. For more information regarding this conference, please visit the following website: https://www.kormb.or.kr/abstract/2026_spring/.

25 May 2026
Meet Us at the International Conference on Mycorrhiza, 12–17 July 2026, Cairns, Australia


Conference:
 International Conference on Mycorrhiza
Date: 12–17 July 2026
Location: Cairns, Australia

From 12 to 17 July 2026, MDPI will be attending the International Conference on Mycorrhiza as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

The International Mycorrhiza Society, the umbrella society of the biennial International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM), is dedicated to advancing education, research and development in the field of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Our work is of international significance; our conference attracts delegates from across the globe, with members from over 40 countries and an attendance of 450 to 600 people from academia, government and industry.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cairns for an unforgettable experience at the International Conference on Mycorrhiza!

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online 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://icom2026.org/.

21 May 2026
International Day for Biological Diversity —“Acting Locally for Global Impact”, 22 May 2026


The International Day for Biological Diversity, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, is celebrated on 22 May. The theme of the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Acting Locally for Global Impact”. Biodiversity is critical to life—healthy ecosystems provide food, clean water, climate regulation, and disease control, supporting all forms of existence on Earth. Local actions such as restoring habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable agriculture collectively generate global benefits for nature and people. However, rapid biodiversity loss continues to undermine these vital contributions, with profound impacts on human well-being and planetary stability. Echoing the mission of protecting biodiversity for a resilient future, established MDPI journals in the Biology&Life Sciences subject serve as platforms for scientific communication, fostering collaboration and innovation in biodiversity conservation to tackle the global nature crisis.

 

Invited speakers:

Prof. Dr. Edward L. Braun, Department of Biology, University of Florida, USA

Dr. Isabel L. Maurício, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal

Dr. Vittorio Capozzi, Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Italian National Research Council, Italy

Register for this webinar for free here!

Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)
by Apostolis Stefanidis, Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Konstantina Zografou, Georgios Fotiadis, Luc Willemse, Olga Tzortzakaki and Vassiliki Kati
Ecologies 2025, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6010005

Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea
by Elena Bisinicu, Valeria Abaza, Laura Boicenco, Filimon Adrian, George-Emanuel Harcota, Oana Marin, Andra Oros, Elena Pantea, Alina Spinu, Florin Timofte et al.
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114449

Using Citizen Science to Document Biodiversity on a University Campus: A Year-Long Case Study
by Peter M. Baker, Brendon Samuels and Timothy J. A. Hain
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 533-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030032

Illegal Activities for Survival: Understanding the Influence of Household Livelihood Security on Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 339-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030022

Algal Biodiversity of Nine Megaliths in South-East Bulgaria
by Maya Stoyneva-Gärtner, Miroslav Androv, Blagoy Uzunov, Kristian Ivanov and Georg Gärtner
Life 2024, 14(8), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080948

Shifts in Microbial Community Structure and Co-occurrence Network along a Wide Soil Salinity Gradient
by Yan Li, Juan Wang, Eryang Li, Xiaodong Yang and Jianjun Yang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071268

Exploring mtDNA Databases to Evaluate the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean: Implications for the Conservation of a Small, Offshore Populatio
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Ecologies 2024, 5(2), 170-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5020011

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Improve Nutrient Uptake and Microbial Diversity Relative to Dryland Site-Specific Soil Conditions
by Rosalie B. Calderon and Sadikshya R. Dangi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040667

Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding
by Liyang Wang, Hongxuan Wu, Wei He, Guihong Lai, Junxi Li, Siling Liu and Qiang Zhou
Insects 2024, 15(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040228

Weed Species’ Diversity and Composition as Shaped by the Interaction of Management, Site, and Soil Variables in Olive Groves of Southern Greece
by Petros Vahamidis, Demosthenis Chachalis, Antigoni Akrivou, Evangelos Karanasios, Maria Ganopoulou, Apostolia Argiri, Athanasia Mandoulaki, Evangelos Hatzigiannakis, Georgios Arampatzis, Andreas Panagopoulos et al.
Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030640

Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation via Urban Ecosystem Regeneration
by Gad Perry and Robert D. Cox
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030131

Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern
by Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Tanja Pipan and David C. Culver
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030157

Odonata Assemblages in Urban Semi-Natural Wetlands
by Marina Vilenica, Andreja Brigić, Ana Štih Koren, Toni Koren, Mirela Sertić Perić, Bruno Schmidt, Tomislava Bužan and Sanja Gottstein
Insects 2024, 15(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030207

The Influence of Sugar Beet Cultivation Technologies on the Intensity and Species Biodiversity of Weeds
by Barbora Kotlánová, Pavel Hledík, Stanislav Hudec, Petra Martínez Barroso, Magdalena Daria Vaverková, Martin Jiroušek and Jan Winkler
Agronomy 2024, 14(2), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14020390

Diversity and Phylogeny of Fungi
Guest Editor: Dr. Napalai Chaiwan
Deadline for submissions: 30 September 2026

Effect of Biological Invasion on Aquatic Ecosystem
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Jay Stauffer
Deadline for submissions: 30 August 2026

Microbial Diversity in Different Environments
Guest Editor: Dr. Silvena B. Boteva
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

Diversity, Adaptation, and Biogeography of Gastropods
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Andrzej Falniowski
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

Island Ecosystems as Natural Laboratories: Biodiversity, Threats, and Conservation Opportunities
Guest Editors: Dr. Yiannis G. Zevgolis,Dr. Christodoulos Sazeides and Dr. Giorgos Stavrianakis
Deadline for submissions: 15 October 2026

Changing Coral Reef Biodiversity and Function in the Anthropocene
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Morgan Pratchett
Deadline for submissions: 15 August 2026

21 May 2026
Meet Us at the Northern European Conference on Travel Medicine (NECTM10), 3–5 June 2026, Belfast, UK


Conference:
The Northern European Conference on Travel Medicine (NECTM10)
Date: 3–5 June 2026
Location: Belfast, UK

We are excited to announce that MDPI will participate as an exhibitor at the Northern European Conference on Travel Medicine (NECTM10) from 3 to 5 June 2026.

NECTM was founded by twelve travel health organizations and societies in eight countries to meet common educational needs in the expanding multidisciplinary field of travel medicine. The first biennial conference was successfully held in Edinburgh in 2006, followed by Bergen, Hamburg, Dublin, Helsinki, London, Stockholm, Rotterdam, and Copenhagen. Between 500 and 1000 travel medicine specialists and practitioners across Europe and beyond meet every other year to share the latest scientific updates, discuss ideas, interact, learn, and enjoy the experience together—always with smiles on our faces. Every NECTM is unique and reflects current scientific challenges as well as specific travel medicine issues.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to reach out to us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth 7 and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://mkon.nu/nectm_10/nectm.

15 May 2026
Meet Us at the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS), 10–13 June 2026, Belgrade, Serbia


Conference: the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS)
Date: 10–13 June 2026
Place: Belgrade, Serbia
Conference website: https://setcoms2026.ums.rs/

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating as an exhibitor at the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS), which will be held from 10 to 13 June 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia.

On behalf of the scientific and organizing committees of the Congress, we would like to cordially

invite you to participate in the 1st SOUTH-EAST TRANSNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MICROBIAL SCIENCES (SETCoMS 2026 & MIKROMED REGIO 6) “MicroFusion, Big Impact – Microbiology, Health & Environment in Harmony” with one clear goal—to integrate diverse microbial disciplines and generate impactful, real-world solutions.

Our mission is rooted in three core values:

  • Integration across disciplines and borders;
  • Crisis response to global health challenges;
  • Sustainability for long-term planetary well-being.

SETCoMS 2026 is the beginning of a new platform for scientific exchange, partnership building, and cross-sector cooperation.

As part of our commitment to supporting high-quality research in these fields, MDPI is proud to sponsor the event through the participation of the following journals:

Our editorial team will be available on-site and would be delighted to meet with attendees. If you are attending the conference, feel free to stop by our booth to learn more about our open access publishing opportunities, ongoing Special Issues, and how we support researchers in advancing their work.

We look forward to meeting you in Belgrade!

14 May 2026
Meet Us at the ASM Microbe 2026, 4–7 June 2026, Washington, USA


Conference:
ASM Microbe 2026
Date: 4–7 June 2026
Location: Washington, USA

MDPI will be attending the ASM Microbe 2026 as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

ASM Microbe 2026 is transforming the way we connect with science. For the first time, they are hosting three independent meetings under one roof and offering the most comprehensive access to cutting-edge research and experts driving discovery in your field.

Delve into your scientific community by attending 1 of 3 distinct meetings—Health, Applied & Environmental Microbiology or Mechanism Discovery. Each offers a focused, in-depth experience tailored to your field, providing the latest research, perspectives and developments shaping the future of microbial science. Wherever your expertise lies, you will find a meeting that speaks directly to your science at ASM Microbe.

  1. Shape the Direction of Microbial Science: Collaborate with peers who are setting research agendas and driving progress across academia, industry and government. ASM Microbe brings together the most accomplished minds across disciplines to advance collective understanding and influence the future of microbial research and application.
  2. Discover Tools, Ideas and Industry Innovations: Visit the dynamic exhibit hall where leading companies showcase the latest technologies, products and solutions. Connect with industry experts, gain insights into emerging tools and uncover opportunities to advance your research and applications.
  3. Uncover the Latest Breakthroughs in Microbial Science: Explore the poster hall and cutting-edge abstracts to discover the newest findings presented by scientists from around the world. Gain insights that advance your research, spark new ideas and reveal trends shaping the future of the field.
  4. Connect With the Brightest Minds: Build collaborations and form new partnerships across academia, industry and government. Network with peers and mentors who can challenge your thinking and amplify your science.
  5. Be Part of the Conversation That Moves Science Forward: ASM Microbe 2026 brings together your community to present research, define priorities, share perspectives and accelerate discovery. From the leading experts shaping the field, to the rising stars driving the next generation of discoveries, this is where leaders convene, game-changing research is unveiled and the next era of microbial science takes shape.

The following open acess journals will be represented:

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online 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://asm.org/events/asm-microbe/home.

12 May 2026
International Day of Plant Health—“Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, 12 May 2026


Observed annually on 12 May, the International Day of Plant Health is a United Nations initiative that calls global attention to the critical role of healthy plants and the urgent need to protect them from pests and diseases. The theme for 2026, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, positions plant biosecurity as the first line of defense for the world’s food systems.

As a committed academic partner in plant protection, crop science, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture, MDPI leverages its open‑access publishing platform to disseminate cutting‑edge research. On the International Day of Plant Health 2026, MDPI journals in in the Biology & Life Sciences actively supports cross‑disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange on plant health, crop biosecurity, and food systems by showcasing relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals. Our goal is to help strengthen phytosanitary capacities across countries and regions, thereby building a solid barrier for the security and stability of global food supply chains.

Plant Hormone Regulation of Competitive Growth: Implications for Agriculture and Inclusive Fitness
by Jasmina Kurepa and Jan A. Smalle
Appl. Biosci. 2026, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci5020024

Genomic and Phylogenetic Evidence for a Novel Emaravirus Infecting Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Amazonas, Peru
by Angel F. Huaman-Pilco, Nicola Fiore, Oscar P. Hurtado-Gonzales, Larissa Carvalho Costa, Xiaojun Hu, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Jorge R. Díaz-Valderrama and Alan Zamorano
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040142

Linking Soil Microbial Functional Profiles to Fungal Disease Resistance in Winter Barley Under Different Fertilisation Regimes
by Mariana Petkova, Petar Chavdarov and Stefan Shilev
Plants 2025, 14(20), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203199

Antioxidant Defense Systems in Plants: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Biotechnological Strategies for Enhanced Oxidative Stress Tolerance
by Faustina Barbara Cannea and Alessandra Padiglia
Life 2025, 15(8), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081293

Deciphering Cowpea Resistance to Potyvirus: Assessment of eIF4E Gene Mutations and Their Impact on the eIF4E-VPg Protein Interaction
by Fernanda Alves de Andrade, Madson Allan de Luna-Aragão, José Diogo Cavalcanti Ferreira, Fernanda Freitas Souza, Ana Carolina da Rocha Oliveira, Antônio Félix da Costa, Francisco José Lima Aragão, Carlos André dos Santos-Silva, Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon and Valesca Pandolfi
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081050

Unlocking Plant Resilience: Metabolomic Insights into Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops
by Agata Głuchowska, Bartłomiej Zieniuk and Magdalena Pawełkowicz
Metabolites 202515(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15060384

Microbially Enhanced Biofertilizers: Technologies, Mechanisms of Action, and Agricultural Applications
by Sylwia Figiel, Piotr Rusek, Urszula Ryszko and Marzena Sylwia Brodowska
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051191

Effective Strategies for Managing Wheat Diseases: Mapping Academic Literature Utilizing VOSviewer and Insights from Our 15 Years of Research
by Ioannis Vagelas
Agrochemicals 2025, 4(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals4010004

Humic Substances: Bridging Ecology and Agriculture for a Greener Future
by Angela Maffia, Mariateresa Oliva, Federica Marra, Carmelo Mallamaci, Serenella Nardi and Adele Muscolo
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020410

Plant Biostimulants to Enhance Abiotic Stress Resilience in Crops
by Luciana Di Sario, Patricia Boeri, José Tomás Matus and Gastón A. Pizzio
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031129

ROS, an Important Plant Growth Regulator in Root Growth and Development: Functional Genes and Mechanism
by Jialin Su, Yumei Liu, Fengqing Han, Fuxin Gao, Fangyi Gan, Ke Huang and Zhansheng Li
Biology 2024, 13(12), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13121033

Exploring the Origins of Hexaploid Wheats: Typification of Archaeological Triticum vulgare var. antiquorum and Description of Modern Triticum sphaerococcum subsp. antiquorum (Poaceae: Triticeae)
by Diego Rivera, Pedro Pablo Ferrer-Gallego, Concepción Obón, Francisco Alcaraz, Emilio Laguna and Nikolay P. Goncharov
Taxonomy 2024, 4(4), 780-794; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4040042

Cadmium Stress Signaling Pathways in Plants: Molecular Responses and Mechanisms
by Valentina Vitelli, Agnese Giamborino, Andrea Bertolini, Alessandro Saba and Andrea Andreucci
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 6052-6068; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060361

Plant Health in the Context of Fungal and Other Microbial Threats: Systematics, Pathogenesis and Integrated Management
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Yi Zhou, Dr. Jinglong Zhou and Dr. Jianwei Jiang
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

Fungal Diseases of Cereals
Guest Editors: Dr. Lorenzo Covarelli and Dr. Giovanni Beccari
Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026

   

Plant Life: Integrating Multi-Omic Approaches from Molecules to Environment
Guest Editors: Dr. Sen Meng and Dr. Fang He
Deadline for submissions: 25 September 2026

Plant Stress Resilience: Unveiling Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies
Guest Editor: Dr. Giuseppe Mannino
Deadline for submissions: 20 November 2026

   

Biological Control: Insect-Plant Interactions for Sustainable Pest Management
Guest Editors: Dr. Helena Maura Torezan-Silingardi, Dr. Rostislav Zemek and Dr. Eduardo Soares Calixto
Deadline for submissions: 10 December 2026

Monitoring, Management and Ecotoxicological Implications of Plant Fungal Disease Control
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Gil Rodrigues dos Santos and Dr. Eugenio E. Oliveira
Deadline for submissions: 31 December 2026

   

The 3rd International Online Conference on Agriculture
Organizers: MDPI and Agriculture
Volume Editor: Bin Gao
Highlights:

Click here to read the full list of papers.

Back to TopTop