Announcements

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.

We are honored to recognize the 2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers—scholars whose exemplary commitment to rigorous and constructive peer review is vital in upholding the highest standards of academic publishing.

Selected from a distinguished pool of 215,000 reviewers from 65 countries and regions worldwide, these honorees stand out for their exceptional expertise, diligence, and dedication to advancing research through timely and thoughtful reviews. Their constructive and impartial feedback ensures the publication of high-quality, impactful research, while their timely reviews facilitate swift revisions and faster publication of innovative work.

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. With gratitude and respect, we celebrate these 1000 scholars who made that foundation stronger in 2024. We respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.

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

Name: Dr. José Alberto Rodrigues
Affiliation: Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
Research interests: Finite element methods, isogeometric analysis, numerical analysis, numerical methods, topological data analysis, graph theory, network dynamics, machine learning, mathematical biology

The following is an interview with Dr. José Alberto Rodrigues:

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?  Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?
I am currently affiliated with the Department of Mathematics at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, part of the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon. My work lies at the intersection of mathematical analysis, applied mathematics, scientific computing, and data-driven modeling. Throughout my academic career, I have been motivated by a desire to understand complex systems through rigorous mathematical frameworks, while at the same time developing computational tools that can be used to address real scientific and engineering challenges. This dual focus has allowed me to work across both theoretical and applied domains, contributing to mathematical foundations as well as interdisciplinary collaborations.
My research spans a broad range of topics, including finite element methods, isogeometric analysis, numerical analysis, numerical methods, topological data analysis, graph theory, network dynamics, machine learning, and mathematical biology. These areas provide complementary perspectives on how to model, approximate, and analyze complex phenomena. For example, finite element and isogeometric methods offer powerful tools for solving partial differential equations arising in engineering and physics, while numerical analysis ensures the reliability and stability of these computations. At the same time, topological data analysis, graph theory, and network dynamics allow me to study the structure of high-dimensional data and interconnected systems, and machine learning provides modern techniques for extracting patterns and building predictive models. Mathematical biology further enriches this work by grounding these methods in real-world biological processes.
In my recent research, I have been working on integrating these mathematical and computational approaches to create more robust and versatile analytical frameworks. My current efforts include developing improved numerical schemes, exploring the use of topological and graph-based methods for understanding complex data, and studying dynamical behaviors in networked systems. I am also interested in how machine learning can be combined with classical numerical techniques to enhance accuracy and efficiency. These ongoing projects reflect my broader aim: to contribute to the advancement of mathematical tools that not only deepen theoretical understanding but also support practical applications in science, engineering, and biology.

2. Can you please share with us your sentiments about winning the award?
This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but also a reflection of my commitment to advancing the field through careful, constructive, and rigorous peer review. Reviewing allows me to engage deeply with the latest research, support authors in refining their work, and contribute to maintaining the high standards of our community. Winning this award inspires me to continue dedicating myself to this important aspect of scholarly collaboration, and I hope it encourages others to recognize the value of thoughtful, thorough peer review.

3. Could you share some insights into your approach to reviewing manuscripts? How do you balance thoroughness with efficiency?
My approach to reviewing manuscripts is grounded in a balance of rigor, fairness, and clarity. I start by carefully reading the paper to understand its core contributions, methodology, and context within the field. I aim to identify both the strengths and areas that need improvement, providing constructive feedback that can genuinely help the authors enhance their work.
To balance thoroughness with efficiency, I focus on prioritizing the most critical aspects first: the validity of the results, the clarity of the arguments, and the originality of the contribution. I also use a structured approach, breaking the review into sections such as novelty, methodology, presentation, and references,  so I can systematically cover all important points without getting lost in minor details. My goal is to provide detailed, actionable feedback in a timely manner, ensuring that the review is both valuable and respectful of everyone’s time.

4. What are the key factors and aspects that you consider most when reviewing a manuscript?
When reviewing a manuscript, I focus on several key factors to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation. First, originality and significance: I assess whether the work makes a meaningful contribution to the field. Second, rigor and validity: I examine the soundness of the methodology, the accuracy of the results, and the logic of the conclusions. Third, clarity and presentation: I consider whether the ideas are communicated clearly, the structure is coherent, and the figures and tables effectively support the content. Fourth, relevance and context: I check if the work properly situates itself within existing literature and acknowledges prior research. Finally, I pay attention to ethical and reproducibility standards, ensuring that the research meets professional and scholarly expectations.
By keeping these aspects in mind, I strive to provide constructive, fair, and actionable feedback that helps both the authors and the broader research community.

5. Based on your experience, which research topics do you think are of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
Based on my experience, several research areas are likely to attract significant attention in the coming years. In mathematics, data-driven and computational approaches, including machine learning, numerical analysis, and optimization, are rapidly evolving and increasingly intersecting with other fields. Applied mathematics in modeling complex systems, such as climate dynamics, epidemiology, medical imaging, and personalized medicine, is gaining prominence due to its real-world impact. Pure mathematical research in areas like algebra, number theory, topology, and combinatorics continues to inspire breakthroughs that underpin other disciplines.
I also see growing interest in interdisciplinary work, where mathematics collaborates with artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biomedical research, and engineering, creating new challenges and opportunities. Overall, the community is keen on research that combines rigor with practical relevance, particularly in applications that improve human health and advance medical science.

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 Committee on Mathematical Logic of the Chinese Mathematical Society (CML-CMS) and our journal Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) have signed an affiliation agreement.

The Committee on Mathematical Logic of the Chinese Mathematical Society (CML-CMS) was established in 1987 under the Chinese Mathematical Society, dedicated to advancing research and development in the field of mathematical logic. Its first Chairperson was Prof. Dongping Yang from the Institute of Software, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Successive chairs have included renowned logicians such as Prof. Qieyuan Huang, Prof. Decheng Ding, and Professor Qi Feng. The Committee is currently chaired by Professor Su Gao, with Vice Chairs including Prof. Longyun Ding and Prof. Yanjing Wang. The Committee launched the first National Conference on Mathematical Logic in 1989, initially held triennially and transitioning to a biennial schedule from 2014, and organised annual thematic academic meetings in mathematical logic. These initiatives have established essential platforms for scholarly exchange in mathematical logic and its applications, significantly promoting academic collaboration and accelerating the progress of research in the field.

As part of this affiliation, CML-CMS members will receive a discount on regular submissions to Mathematics. We look forward to a productive and inspiring collaboration!

We are writing to inform you that the nomination deadline for the Mathematics Young Investigator Award (31 December 2025) is approaching. We welcome you to share this information with any young investigators in the field of Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390).

For detailed information about the Mathematics Young Investigator Award, please visit the following link: www.mdpi.com/journal/mathematics/awards/3395.

Eligibility criteria and requirements of candidates:

• Must have received their PhD no more than 10 years prior to December 2025;
• Must have produced ground-breaking research and made a significant contribution to the advancement of mathematical sciences;
• Must be nominated by senior scientists.

List of documents for nomination:

• The candidate’s detailed curriculum vitae, including an updated list of their publications and a list of their own research grants;
• A scanned copy of their doctorate certificate;
• Signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists.

Prize:

• CHF 2000;
• An electronic certificate;
• A voucher that fully covers the article processing charge for one article after peer review, valid for one year.

Number of winners: 1.

Nomination deadline: 31 December 2025.

Application link: www.mdpi.com/journal/mathematics/awards/3395.

We appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration.

We are pleased to announce that Entropy 2026: Exploring Complexity and Information in Science will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from 1 to 3 July 2026.

This conference, organized by MDPI's open access journal Entropy (ISSN: 1099-4300; IF: 2.0), offers an exciting opportunity to explore cutting-edge advances and foster collaboration in the rapidly evolving fields of fundamental and applied physics, information theory, mathematics, and complex systems. We anticipate that Entropy 2026 will bring together more than 200 participants from around the world.

Topics of interest:
S1. Complex systems and network science;
S2. Information theory, data science, and artificial intelligence;
S3. Quantum information and quantum computing;
S4. Thermodynamics and energy systems;
S5. Non-equilibrium systems and entropy production;
S6. Statistical physics and stochastic processes;
S7. Soft and living matter;
S8. Applications of entropy in science and engineering.

Conference Chairs:

• Prof. Dr. Miguel Rubi, University of Barcelona, Spain;
• Prof. Dr. Kevin H. Knuth, University at Albany, USA.

Important dates:

• Abstract submission deadline: 1 March 2026;
• Acceptance notification deadline: 30 March 2026;
• Early bird registration deadline: 31 March 2026;
• Registration: 15 June 2026.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact entropy2026@mdpi.com. We look forward to seeing you at Entropy 2026.

Welcome message from the webinar Chair:

It is my great pleasure and privilege to welcome you to today's webinar on “Recent Progress in Real Analysis and PDEs” As Chair of this session, I am honored to facilitate what promises to be an intellectually stimulating exchange of ideas at the intersection of two fundamental areas of mathematical analysis.

We are fortunate to have assembled a distinguished panel of speakers whose research contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of partial differential equations and real analysis. I am delighted to introduce Prof. Scott Rodney from Canada, whose work in nonlinear analysis and differential equations has been widely recognized; Prof. Tigran Bakaryan from Armenia, whose research on mean-field games, optimal control, and the analysis of coupled PDE systems has made significant contributions to our understanding of stationary mean-field games, regularity theory, and their connections to network equilibria; and Prof. Yoshihiro Sawano from Tokyo, whose expertise in function spaces and harmonic analysis has enriched the field considerably.

The interplay between real analysis and the theory of partial differential equations remains one of the most fertile areas of mathematical research. The analytical techniques developed in real analysis—from harmonic analysis to functional inequalities—provide essential tools for understanding the existence, regularity, and qualitative behavior of solutions to PDEs. Conversely, questions arising from PDEs continue to inspire new developments in real analysis.

Today's presentations will showcase recent advances in this dynamic area, and I anticipate that the ensuing discussions will foster new collaborations and insights. I encourage all participants to engage actively during the Q&A sessions.

Date: 19 November 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. CET | 8:00 a.m. EST
Webinar ID: 852 8705 8406

Register now for free!

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

Unable to attend? Feel free to register anyway; the session will be recorded, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Program:

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

• Prof. Giuseppe Di Fazio, Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy;
• Prof. Yoshihiro Sawano, Department of Mathematics, Chuo University, Japan;
• Dr. Rafayel Teymurazyan, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia;
• Prof. Scott Rodney, Department of Mathematics, Physics and Geology, Cape Breton University, Canada.

Relevant Special Issues:

“Numerical Methods for Linear PDEs and Applications”
Guest Editors: Dr. Mozhgan Nora Entekhabi and Prof. Dr. Hugo Leiva
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026

“New Trends in Nonlinear Waves”
Guest Editor: Dr. Mirko Tarulli
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-21?subscribe.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact mathematics@mdpi.com.

Mathematics Webinar Secretariat

Name: Dr. Daniele Ritelli
Affiliation: University of Bologna, Italy

The following is a short interview with Dr. Daniele Ritelli:

I hold the position of Professor of mathematical analysis at the University of Bologna, within the Department of Statistics. I am responsible for instructing students at both undergraduate and graduate levels in subjects such as differential equations, complex analysis, and mathematical methods for finance. Additionally, I teach at the doctoral level in the field of special functions. My research interests encompass applications in economics and mechanics, utilizing methods including differential equations, special functions, computer algebra, and generalized trigonometric functions.

The recognition bestowed upon me by the journal Mathematics is a distinguished honor that reinforces my personal conviction regarding the pivotal role of review work within scientific communication. It is evident that the primary contribution, as well as the scientific prestige, resides with the authors; the reviewer assumes an auxiliary role. Nevertheless, in an era characterized by substantial pressure on scholars to publish and increasing levels of specialization, the reviewer's function is to guide authors in preparing presentations that are accessible to a broad audience. A reader, even if an expert in the specific techniques utilized in a particular paper, must be able to understand the fundamental features and, if considered of interest, be directed to primary sources that facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects employed by the authors.

Maintain a respectful demeanor even when encountering errors or substandard work. Offer constructive feedback, even if it results in the rejection of the article. Request that the authors, even when a self-contained summary is unfeasible, provide a minimal overview of the topic along with general bibliographic references, in addition to specialized sources. Review the bibliography to determine whether the cited authors have published additional research related to the subject that has not been previously reported. Utilize reputable databases such as MathSciNet, Zentralblatt MATH, arXiv, preprint servers, and Qeios within the discipline of mathematics, employing the paper's keywords to verify the manuscript's originality and, if necessary, to substantiate claims with concrete evidence and arguments. When in doubt, request that the editor use plagiarism detection software.

Do not limit your acceptance criteria solely to articles that precisely correspond to your domain of expertise; a high-caliber publication can effectively clarify its objectives and methodologies to professionals across various disciplines. Naturally, the subject matter should retain some relevance to our field, without being exclusively restricted to our specific focus.

Points of attention: What are the principal questions addressed by the research? Is the topic original or pertinent to the discipline? Does it address a particular gap within the field? What contributions does the paper offer in comparison to other published works? Are the conclusions consistent with the arguments presented, and do they respond adequately to the primary research question? Are the references appropriate and correctly cited?

Digital transformation and artificial intelligence present remarkable opportunities that necessitate the development of new skills and comprehensive training. The emergence of artificial intelligence is anticipated to improve the efficiency of computer algebra, alongside numerical and probabilistic methods, across all applied mathematical models. Moreover, the endeavor to obtain symbolic solutions to differential equations through Lie symmetries, as well as the calculation of definite integrals using special functions, will reach frontiers that were considered unattainable only a few years prior.