Announcements

The Outstanding Reviewer Award is presented annually to recognize individuals who generously dedicate their time to reviewing papers while demonstrating thoroughness, professionalism, and timeliness.

We are thrilled to share the following interview with one of the winners of the Materials 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award, Prof. Dr. Radosław Jasiński. In the field of academic publishing, reviewers play a pivotal role as the “gatekeepers” of scholarly quality. Through their expertise and rigorous approach, they meticulously examine each submitted academic paper, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of research and academic quality.

Below is a short interview with Prof. Dr. Radosław Jasiński:

1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers? What is your current research area?
I am a researcher (Full Professor) at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology, Head of the Laboratory of Civil Engineering Faculty. I am a graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, specializing in bridges. My scientific interests include masonry structures, reinforced concrete structures, diagnosis of structures (NDT, MDT), and numerical modeling of structures. I publish in journals of various publishers (MDPI, Elsevier, Polish Academy of Science). I have published over 350 publications, handbooks (17), patents (2), papers in technical journals, and at national and international conferences. At the same time, I have reviewed work in the fields of civil engineering and materials engineering in various journals (MDPI, Elsevier, Hindavi, ASCEE) for almost 50 journals (>400 reviews since 2018). In line with my area of interest, I am currently conducting experimental and theoretical research on masonry stiffening walls, with particular emphasis on the redistribution of internal forces. I am analyzing the cooperation of stiffening walls through connections of walls of different structures. I am also conducting research on the broadly understood safety of lintels made of AAC in terms of deflections and support on the wall. Recently, I have also dealt with the issue of fiber concrete resistant to dynamic impacts with kevlar fibers.

2. What factors motivate you to be a reviewer for Materials?
The Materials journal has a recognized reputation among scientists, not only in Poland. Reviewing papers greatly broadens the horizon in terms of research areas and current trends. The best papers published in Materials can, in addition to purely scientific knowledge, also benefit from the workshops of other scientists from renowned scientific centers in the world.

3. What are your tips for preparing a high-quality review report?
Of course, when reviewing each paper, I am guided by the main achievements of the paper and the contribution to the development of a specific discipline: civil engineering, and materials engineering. I try to follow the publisher’s guidelines regarding the principles of conducting reviews, but in addition, I pay attention to the way the publication is prepared. I pay attention to the details in the research program, the description of the research, and the analysis. Wherever possible I provide instructions to the authors. I do not leave my comments without comment. Rather, I try to help the authors improve the manuscript so that it meets all the conditions of scientific work.

4. Based on your rich reviewing experience, could you please share the common problems that authors face?
As I mentioned earlier, most often the authors focus their attention on the research and analyses performed. Often, after analyzing the state of knowledge, the aim and scope of the work, the contribution of the research to the development of the discipline, and the most important achievements are lost. The part describing the research often contains a fairly detailed description instead of more readable tables or block diagrams. When researching structures, static diagrams of research stands and procedures for loading the structure are often ignored. The sections devoted to FEM modeling are not complete. The authors omit descriptions of material models, initial-boundary conditions, and load sequences in nonlinear models. They focus their attention on the results in the form of maps or graphs. I think that the authors should focus their attention on better formulation of conclusions in the summaries of the publication. The summaries are often too laconic and do not present the entire content of the publication and the directions of further work.

5. Materials is an open access journal. Is the peer review process of Materials different from that of subscription journals?
In this respect, the Materials journal does not differ significantly from other journals of renowned publishers. The time allocated for a review is much shorter than in other publishers, but I consider this to be very positive. A significant disadvantage that I would like to draw attention to is the shortening of the review time. Such situations occur when the editor already has two reviews and occasionally the invitation to perform the review is withdrawn. This may discourage potential reviewers.

6. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
I think I will not be original, but potentially the most interesting topics will concern the use of artificial intelligence and broadly understood decarbonization in the production of binders (geopolymers) and aggregates (recycled aggregates) and the use of materials for reuse. It cannot be ruled out that artificial intelligence tools will be used more often in research, especially in the analysis of “big data” of studies, image analysis, and validation of theoretical models. Topics related to construction safety and the introduction of new technological solutions will constantly appear.

7. Has being a reviewer affected how you prepare your manuscripts?
Undoubtedly yes. As I mentioned earlier, reviews help to broaden research horizons, especially in current trends, and facilitate the query of current literature. We are not able to absorb all publications on a given topic, but reviewing works allows us to separate important information from irrelevant and focus on current problems.

MDPI will be attending the 2025 International Conference on Electronics Packaging and iMAPs All Asia Conference (ICEP-IAAC 2025) in Nagano, Japan, which will take place from 15 to 19 April 2025. ICEP is Japan’s largest international conference on electronic packaging, attracting more than 360 attendees and hosting roughly 35 technical sessions. The conference comprises technical sessions covering a wide range of topics including advanced packaging, design, modeling and reliability, emerging technologies, high-speed, wireless components, interconnections, materials and processes, optoelectronics, power electronics integration, and thermal management. 

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Electronics;
• Applied Sciences;
• Chips;
• Hardware;
• Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Analyses;
• Journal of Low Power Electronics and Applications;
• Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks;
• Materials;
• Micromachines;
• Technologies. 

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about this conference, please visit the following website: https://www.jiep.or.jp/icep/.

MDPI is pleased to share a significant milestone in its mission to advance scholarly research and promote the dissemination of knowledge—300+ MDPI journals are now indexed in Web of Science (WoS). This milestone highlights the global recognition, interdisciplinary impact and enhanced visibility of our journals. It also reflects our adherence to rigorous editorial standards, scientific integrity, and our mission to foster open scientific exchange in all forms, across all disciplines. 

To explore the full list of our journals indexed in WoS, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals/wos. Beyond expanding the coverage of our publications in the leading academic databases, we are dedicated to ensuring that our journals are included in as many scope-specific databases as possible. This increases the visibility of our authors’ work and extends the reach of their significant data. 

This milestone would not have been possible without the efforts and expertise of our academic editors, reviewers and authors. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in creating an inclusive, accessible, and impactful publishing platform. We also extend our gratitude to the global research community for their trust as we continue to break new ground in academic publishing. This milestone is not just a celebration of MDPI’s progress but also recognition of the collective strides made by researchers worldwide. 

As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, MDPI remains steadfast in its commitment to open access publishing and ensuring that high-quality research reaches and inspires a global audience.

MDPI is pleased to announce our participation in the MRS Spring Exhibit and Meeting 2025, which will be held from 7 to 11 April 2025, in Seattle, USA.

The Materials Research Society (MRS) Spring Meeting is a premier event bringing together researchers, scientists, and industry professionals from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in materials science. The conference will feature cutting-edge symposia, keynote presentations, and networking sessions covering a diverse range of materials research topics, from nanotechnology to biomaterials.

MDPI is committed to supporting and disseminating high-quality research in the field of materials science.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the event:

• Materials;
• Nanomaterials;
• Applied Nano;
• Batteries;
• Bioengineering;
• Biomimetics;
• Crystals;
• Energies;
• Magnetochemistry;
• Membranes;
• Solids;
• Electrochem;
• Biosensors.

If you are attending the MRS Spring Exhibit and Meeting 2025, we warmly invite you to visit our booth. Our representatives will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, open access benefits, and our commitment to advancing materials research.

For more information about the conference, please visit the official website here.

MDPI, a pioneer in scholarly open access publishing, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), Singapore, proudly announce the successful conclusion of the first edition the MDPI Early Career Researcher Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to medical and biomedical research, were presented to six exceptional researchers during an awards ceremony held at LKCMedicine HQ Building on 28 November 2024.

Honoring Excellence in Research

The awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students who have demonstrated outstanding originality, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. We are honored to announce the winners of the 2024 edition:

Early Career Researcher (Postdoc) Award:

• Dr. Theresia Handayani Mina, “Adiposity and Metabolic Health in Asian Populations: An Epidemiological Study Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Singapore”;
• Dr. Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, “Wound Healing Improvement by Novel Aligned Antimicrobial Nanofibrous 3D Scaffolds”;
• Dr. Yadollah Ranjbar Slamloo, “Functional Alterations of The Prefrontal Circuit Underlying Cognitive Aging in Mice”.

Early Career Researcher (Ph.D.) Award:

• Pritisha Rozario, “Mechanistic Basis for Potassium Efflux-Driven Activation of the Human NLRP1 Inflammasome”;

• Michelle Law Cheok Yien, “Chikungunya Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 is a Versatile RNA Capping and Decapping Enzyme”;
• Yin Ruoyu, “The Use of Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Tools in Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study”.

Our collaboration highlights a shared commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and research within the academic community, addressing today’s healthcare challenges, and inspiring continued innovation.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building on the success of the first edition, MDPI and LKCMedicine are excited to announce that the 2025 MDPI Early Researcher Awards will continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in medical research. The next edition promises to expand its scope, introducing new categories and providing even greater recognition for impactful research.

Further details on the 2025 awards, including nomination criteria and timelines, will be shared in the coming months. We remain committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and collaboration within the global scientific community.

Conference: ACS Spring 2025
Organization: American Chemical Society
Date: 23−27 March 2025
Place: San Diego, CA, USA
Booth ID: 3749

A number of MDPI journals will be attending ACS Spring 2025 as exhibitors, an exciting event being held in San Diego, CA, USA, from 23 to 27 March 2025.

ACS Meetings & Expositions are the prime location for chemistry professionals to meet in order to exchange ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. By attracting thousands of professionals in the field of chemistry, the meetings provide excellent opportunities for peers to engage with one another and share their passion for chemistry, connecting with one of the world's largest scientific societies and helping to advance careers in this ever-changing global field.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Molecules;
• Crystals;
• DDC;
• Laboratories;
• Materials;
• Polymers;
• Separations;
• Analytica;
• AppliedChem;
• Batteries;
• Chemistry;
• Fibers;
• Inorganics;
• Molbank;
• Organics;
• Reactions.

If you are attending the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth, booth #3749. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

Of the participating journals, one is celebrating its anniversary:

The year 2025 also marks the 10th anniversary of Batteries (ISSN: 2313-0105), a peer-reviewed, open access journal of chemistry, published online on a monthly basis by MDPI. With an Impact Factor of 4.6 and a CiteScore of 4.0, the journal is indexed in Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, Ei Compendex, CAPlus/SciFinder, and other databases.

We value the contributions made by our editors, authors, and reviewers.

The following is an interview with Ms. Inês S. Marques:

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
I completed my B.Sc. in chemistry in 2019 and my M.Sc. in 2021 at Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, where I focused on electrocatalysis and energy conversion for both theses. I also completed a one-year specialization in environmental economics and management at the Faculdade de Economia da Universidade do Porto. Since 2021, I have been a researcher at the Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV@REQUIMTE), where I started my Ph.D. in 2022. During this time, I have published five papers, authored a book and contributed to a book chapter. My research interests include electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, sustainable processes, biomass, materials design, energy storage and conversion, green chemistry and bioeconomy.

2. Where do you obtain journal award participation information?
I found out about these journal award opportunities from my supervisor, Dr. Diana M. Fernandes, who always encourages me to get involved and supports my involvement in such initiatives.

3. How did winning this award impact your career, and what do you hope to do?
Winning this award has opened the door for me to present my latest research at an international conference, which is an incredible opportunity. Attending these conferences is essential for Ph.D. students as they provide a platform to share and discuss our work with a wider audience and engage with leading experts in the field. Beyond the exchange of ideas, these events provide invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to make connections that could lead to future collaborations and help shape the direction of my professional career. I believe this experience will contribute significantly to my growth as a researcher and open up new opportunities for future work.

4. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
I believe that the energy sector, and renewable energy in particular, will remain a key focus for the research community in the coming years. The transition to sustainable energy solutions is crucial to address climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Topics such as advanced energy storage systems, hydrogen production, biomass utilization and efficient electrocatalytic processes will receive considerable attention. In addition, the development of innovative materials and processes to improve energy conversion and storage will be crucial to achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

5. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
I believe that the open access model is essential for the sharing and communication of science. It ensures that research is accessible to everyone and encourages collaboration, innovation and the rapid dissemination of knowledge.

6. What qualities do you think young scientists need?
Young scientists need curiosity, a passion for discovery and the ability to adapt to challenges. Good communication skills are also important for sharing ideas and collaborating. Being persistent and critical thinking are also key to success in research.

7. Have you had difficulties to overcome in your work? How did you approach those situations?
One of the main difficulties I have faced is the lack of funding and resources, especially when access to certain characterization techniques is limited. To overcome this, I use alternative methods or collaborate with others who have the necessary equipment.

Conference: The 32nd Korean Conference on Semiconductors (KCS 2025)
Date: 12–14 February 2025
Location: Jeongseon, Republic of Korea

MDPI will be attending the 32nd Korean Conference on Semiconductors (KCS 2025), which will be held from 12 to 14 February 2025, as an exhibitor, and we welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

The conference is organized by the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association. The theme of KCS 2025 is “Future Normal in Semiconductor”. “Future Normal” represents the enduring standards and transformative trends that will define the future, remaining relevant even a decade from now. It embodies the pursuit of groundbreaking insights and influential innovations in semiconductor research, shaping the trajectory of the industry and providing a visionary roadmap for the future.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Electronics;
• Materials;
• AI;
• Applied Nano;
• Applied Sciences;
• Ceramics;
• Chips;
• Electronic Materials;
• Energies;
• Eng;
• Hardware;
• Inventions;
• Micromachines;
• Sensors;
• Technologies.

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 at booth #32 and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: http://kcs.cosar.or.kr/2025/index.jsp.

Cancer impacts millions of lives worldwide, yet each person’s journey with the disease is uniquely their own. World Cancer Day reminds us that while the disease impacts individuals differently, our shared strength, innovation, and focus on holistic care bring us closer to a future where cancer no longer dictates lives. Every experience, challenge, and success story contribute to the broader fight against cancer, demonstrating the resilience and hope that unite us all. As we continue to make strides through innovative research, treatment advancements, and global collaboration, it is essential to recognize both the diversity of stories and our common goal of overcoming cancer together.

In observance of this day, we invite you to explore the following resources that delve into the field of cancer and the cutting-edge advancements shaping its care. By prioritizing people-centered treatment where patients’ voices and needs guide care, we can ensure personalized attention for all. It is our hope to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of cancer and encourage meaningful action to support patients, caregivers, and researchers in their pursuit of a world free from cancer’s hold. Together, we can inspire action and work toward a cancer-free future.

“Rare Variants of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Clinical, Histologic, and Molecular Features and Diagnostic Pitfalls”
by Celestine M. Trinidad, Sintawat Wangsiricharoen, Victor G. Prieto and Phyu P. Aung
Dermatopathology 2023, 10(1), 54–62; https://doi.org/10.3390/dermatopathology10010008

“Nitrogen Containing Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective”
by Adarsh Kumar, Ankit Kumar Singh, Harshwardhan Singh, Veena Vijayan, Deepak Kumar, Jashwanth Naik, Suresh Thareja, Jagat Pal Yadav, Prateek Pathak, Maria Grishina et al.
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020299

“Artificial Intelligence in Brain Tumor Imaging: A Step toward Personalized Medicine”
by Maurizio Cè, Giovanni Irmici, Chiara Foschini, Giulia Maria Danesini, Lydia Viviana Falsitta, Maria Lina Serio, Andrea Fontana, Carlo Martinenghi, Giancarlo Oliva and Michaela Cellina
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(3), 2673–2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30030203

“Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Limitations: Future Outlook”
by Onyinyechi Obidiro, Gantumur Battogtokh and Emmanuel O. Akala
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(7), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15071796

“Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: An Old Story with a New End”
by Lyvia Neves Rebello Alves, Débora Dummer Meira, Luiza Poppe Merigueti, Matheus Correia Casotti, Diego do Prado Ventorim, Jucimara Ferreira Figueiredo Almeida, Valdemir Pereira de Sousa, Marllon Cindra Sant’Ana, Rahna Gonçalves Coutinho da Cruz, Luana Santos Louro et al.
Genes 2023, 14(7), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14071364

“Could Microbiome Be the Common Co-Denominator between Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer?”
by Marin Golčić and Andrej Belančić
Diabetology 2023, 4(4), 553–559; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology4040049

“Targeting Solute Carrier Transporters (SLCs) as a Therapeutic Target in Different Cancers”
by Ravi Bharadwaj, Swati Jaiswal, Erandi E. Velarde de la Cruz and Ritesh P. Thakare
Diseases 2024, 12(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12030063

“Significance of TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4 and KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer”
by Dimitrios Stefanoudakis, Maximos Frountzas, Dimitrios Schizas, Nikolaos V. Michalopoulos, Alexandra Drakaki and Konstantinos G. Toutouzas
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 2827–2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040177

“Metformin: From Diabetes to Cancer—Unveiling Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies”
by Emilia Amengual-Cladera, Pere Miquel Morla-Barcelo, Andrea Morán-Costoya, Jorge Sastre-Serra, Daniel Gabriel Pons, Adamo Valle, Pilar Roca and Mercedes Nadal-Serrano
Biology 2024, 13(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050302

“Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Fundamental Mechanisms, Current Status and Future Directions”
by Abdullah Younis and John Gribben
Immuno 2024, 4(3), 186–210; https://doi.org/10.3390/immuno4030013

“Breast Cancer Screening among African Immigrants in the United States: An Integrative Review of Barriers, Facilitators, and Interventions”
by Julian I. Rauch, Joseph Daniels, Alyssa Robillard and Rodney P. Joseph
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081004

“Predicting Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Interpretable Machine Learning: A Retrospective Analysis”
by Salem Shamsul Alam, Saif Ahmed, Taseef Hasan Farook and James Dudley
Oral 2024, 4(3), 386–404; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4030032