Announcements

Name: Dr. Joseph Lakey
Affiliation: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, United States
Research interests: harmonic analysis; signal processing; spectral graph theory
Brief introduction: I am an Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. I have worked at NMSU for over 25 years.

The following is a short interview with Dr. Joseph Lakey:

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?
The past five years I have been studying primarily spectral graph theory for certain special types of graphs in which there should be results analogous to known results from classical harmonic analysis. I have also been working on higher dimensional versions of so-called prolate functions and prolate wavelets using techniques from Clifford analysis.

2. Could you share with us your emotions upon winning this award?
I am very pleased to be recognized as an exceptional reviewer for Mathematics.  The peer review process can be quirky but is critical for maintaining scientific standards. The vast majority of work I have reviewed for Mathematics is scientifically sound but can make a much more significant impact by providing clear motivation and context to explain where the results fall into the scope of other work, and how they advance the field of study.

3. Could you share some insights into your approach to reviewing manuscripts? How do you balance thoroughness with efficiency?
MDPI puts an emphasis on a fast publication cycle. I try to give manuscripts a quick initial read to orient myself, to allow myself to ask if the approach makes sense and if any change in approach will assist the interested reader. If proofs at the beginning and end are solid, then what is in the middle should be okay.

4. In your opinion, what are some key qualities that make a review outstanding?
An excellent review should add insight for the authors: not just check if the results are correct but also provide the author with the opportunity to make modifications that will help the reader to understand their work and its significance.

5. Based on your experience, which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
Obviously there has been emphasis on large language models and deep learning. I believe that spectral graph theory can be of use in understanding fundamental aspects of these models that are not well understood yet. Graphs provide models for so many things ranging from behavior of materials at the molecular level to providing insights for large scale networks. Understanding these structures benefits both from clever mathematical insight and careful combinatorial analysis to numerical simulation.

Conference: 2025 IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory (ISIT 2025)
Organization: IEEE Information Theory Society and University of Michigan
Date: 22–27 June 2025
Place: Ann Arbor, USA

MDPI journals will be attending ISIT 2025 as an exhibitor. This symposium will be held in Ann Arbor (Michigan), USA, from 22 to 27 June 2025.

ISIT 2025 will feature contributed papers, tutorial sessions, social, mentoring, and outreach events, and much more. The symposium will also feature outstanding plenary speakers.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the symposium:

• Entropy;
• Information;
• Future Internet;
• BDCC;
• Data;
• Computation;
• Cryptography;
• JCP;
• Network;
• Mathematics.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://2025.ieee-isit.org/.

To celebrate International Day of Mathematics 2025, MDPI is hosting a special webinar to bring researchers together, foster collaboration, and highlight the crucial role that mathematics plays in driving breakthroughs across all disciplines. This event aims to raise awareness of how the exchange of ideas and findings enhances our understanding and application of mathematical principles in real-world innovations.

We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the International Day of Mathematics Webinar 2025. Please find an up-to-date outline of the webinar below.

Date: 14 March 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. CET | 10:00 a.m. EST | 11:00 p.m. CST Asia 
Webinar ID: 897 5592 5773
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Webinar Announcement: https://sciforum.net/event/MIDoMW2025-2

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

Unable to attend? Still feel free to register; we will inform you when the recording is available.

Register now for free!

Program:

Webinar Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Sujit Ghosh, Department of Statistics, NC State University, USA;
• Prof. Graham Hall, Institute of Mathematics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

Relevant Topic Information: 
Session 1—https://sciforum.net/event/MIDoMW2025

To celebrate International Day of Mathematics 2025, MDPI is hosting a special webinar to bring researchers together, foster collaboration, and highlight the crucial role that mathematics plays in driving breakthroughs across all disciplines. This event aims to raise awareness of how the exchange of ideas and findings enhances our understanding and application of mathematical principles in real-world innovations.

We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the International Day of Mathematics Webinar 2025. Please find an up-to-date outline of the webinar below.

Date: 14 March 2025 at 7:00 a.m. CET | 2:00 a.m. EDT | 2:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 886 5910 5983
Webinar: https://sciforum.net/event/MIDoMW2025

Register now for free!

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

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available.

Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Antonino Morassi, Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Udine, Italy;
• Dr. Alexandre Kawano, Department of Mechatronics Engineering and Mechanical Systems - University of Sao Paulo, Brazil;
• Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Di Fazio, Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of Catania, Italy;
• Prof. Dr. Ricardo López-Ruiz, Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Spain.

Relevant Special Issue:

“Econophysics, Financial Markets, and Artificial Intelligence”
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Ricardo Lopez-Ruiz
Submission deadline: 31 March 2025

Conference: XI International Conference on Coupled Problems in Science and Engineering (COUPLED PROBLEMS 2025)
Organization: European Community on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences
Date: 25–28 May 2025
Place: Villasimius, Italy

MDPI journals will be attending the XI International Conference on Coupled Problems in Science and Engineering as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Villasimius, Italy, from 25 to 28 May 2025.

The objectives of COUPLED PROBLEMS 2025 are to present and discuss state-of-the-art, mathematical models, numerical methods and computational techniques for solving coupling problems of multidisciplinary character in science and engineering. The conference goal is to take a step forward in the formulation and solution of real-life problems with a multidisciplinary vision, accounting for all the complex couplings involved in the physical description of the problem.

The conference topics will include, but are not limited to, the following: artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques; coupled solution strategies; loose and strong coupling schemes; mathematical formulation of multidisciplinary problems; numerical methods for coupled problems: finite difference, finite elements, finite volume, meshless methods, particle methods, etc.; optimum design in multi-disciplinary problems; parallel and real-time computational techniques; and applications in science and engineering.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Computation;
• Mathematical and Computational Applications (MCA);
• Modelling;
• AI;
• AppliedMath;
• Mathematics;
• Foundations;
• Energies;
• Computers;
• Symmetry;
• Analytics;
• Eng;
• ASI;
• BDCC.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://coupled2025.cimne.com/.

We are excited to invite you to delve into the 10 highly cited papers from our journal Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390). These papers, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and relevance, represent cutting-edge research in various branches of mathematics and applied mathematics.

1. “General Fractional Integrals and Derivatives with the Sonine Kernels”
by Yuri Luchko
Mathematics 2021, 9(6), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9060594
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/6/594

2. “Unified Convergence Criteria for Iterative Banach Space Valued Methods with Applications”
by Ioannis K. Argyros
Mathematics 2021, 9(16), 1942; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9161942
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/16/1942

3. “Riemann–Hilbert Problems and Soliton Solutions of Type (λ∗, −λ∗) Reduced Nonlocal Integrable mKdV Hierarchies”
by Wen-Xiu Ma
Mathematics 2022, 10(6), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10060870
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/6/870

4. “Fractional Differential Equations with the General Fractional Derivatives of Arbitrary Order in the Riemann–Liouville Sense”
by Yuri Luchko
Mathematics 2022, 10(6), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10060849
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/6/849

5. “A Guide to Special Functions in Fractional Calculus”
by Virginia Kiryakova
Mathematics 2021, 9(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9010106
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/1/106

6. “Bifurcation Behavior and Hybrid Controller Design of a 2D Lotka–Volterra Commensal Symbiosis System Accompanying Delay”
by Qingyi Cui, Changjin Xu, Wei Ou, Yicheng Pang, Zixin Liu, Peiluan Li and Lingyun Yao
Mathematics 2023, 11(23), 4808; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11234808
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/23/4808

7. “On Laplacian Eigenvalues of the Zero-Divisor Graph Associated to the Ring of Integers Modulo n”
by Bilal A. Rather, Shariefuddin Pirzada, Tariq A. Naikoo and Yilun Shang
Mathematics 2021, 9(5), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9050482
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/5/482

8. “On the Boundary Value Problems of Hadamard Fractional Differential Equations of Variable Order via Kuratowski MNC Technique”
by Ahmed Refice, Mohammed Said Souid and Ivanka Stamova
Mathematics 2021, 9(10), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9101134
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/10/1134

9. “On Some Generalized Simpson’s and Newton’s Inequalities for (α, m)-Convex Functions in q-Calculus”
by Ifra Bashir Sial, Sun Mei, Muhammad Aamir Ali and Kamsing Nonlaopon
Mathematics 2021, 9(24), 3266; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9243266
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/24/3266

10. “New Criteria for Sharp Oscillation of Second-Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations”
by Irena Jadlovská
Mathematics 2021, 9(17), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/math9172089
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/17/2089

To further enhance the international influence of Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390), promote academic exchange in all mathematical sciences among young scientists, and provide the Editorial Board with additional expertise, Mathematics invites interested and eligible early career researchers to apply for Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) membership.

Recruitment:
A total of 50 Early Career Editorial Board Members will be recruited. Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) members will hold the position for two years. If serving on the Board, you will have the possibility of renewal or promotion to the Editorial Board Member for a second term, and if not serving you will be removed from the list.

Application Eligibility:

• Completed their doctorate/Ph.D. degree in the past 10 years (considering exceptions for career interruptions, including medical and family leave);

• Served as the first author on at least five peer-reviewed and published manuscripts in journals with high reputation and influence in their respective fields;
• Evidence of significant research achievements in the field of pure mathematics and applied mathematics;
• Willingness to dedicate their time to the development of the journal with passion and enthusiasm;
• Being active and engaged in their community (e.g., experienced at presenting at academic conferences or involved in professional organizations).

Benefits of Becoming an Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• A certificate of appointment as an Early Career Editorial Board Member will be provided;
• The achievements of Early Career Editorial Board Members are publicized on journal media platforms to improve academic visibility;
• An opportunity will be provided to be promoted to Editorial Board Member based on contributions;
• The journal will regularly acknowledge those who participate in the peer-review process on its website;
• Opportunities to participate in or host annual meetings and online seminars organized by the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board Members are available.

Responsibilities of Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• Publicizing and promoting the journal at academic conferences and among peers;
• Selecting high-quality articles and preparing bilingual media content for promotion;
• Reviewing at least four manuscripts per year;
• Providing input on any new journal development initiatives;
• Inviting submissions from leading scientists (local and overseas) in their respective research fields.

Applications:
Please fill in the application form here.

Please send the application form and your academic resume to mathematics@mdpi.com with the subject line “Mathematics Early Career Editorial Board Application + Name + Institute + Research Expertise”.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2025.

Selection Process and Announcement:
The selection process: initial screening of application materials → selection by the Editors-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members → email notification → issuing a certificate of appointment.

The selection will be made within one month of the application deadline, and the results will be announced on the journal website.

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.

Name: Dr. Hairong Lin
Affiliation: School of Electronic Information, Central South University, Changsha, China
Research interests: neural networks and neurodynamics; chaotic systems and circuits; chaotic encryption and information security; neuromorphic systems and circuits

Dr. Hairong Lin, Ph.D., is an associate professor and master supervisor at the School of Electronic Information, Central South University, China. He was selected for the 2023 and 2024 “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list released by researchers from Stanford University, USA. He is an IEEE Member, a member of the Chaos and Nonlinear Circuits Committee of the China Institute of Electronics, and a member of the Internet of Things Committee of the Hunan Institute of Electronics and serves as an editor or young editor of domestic and international journals. He has presided over several national and provincial projects and participated in a number of major projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. As the first/corresponding author, he has published more than 30 high-level SCI papers in international top-tier journals, including 9 ESI hot papers and 16 ESI highly cited papers. His papers have been cited more than 3,200 times in total, with an h-index of 33 in Scopus.
Our interview with him can be found below:

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 obtained my Ph.D. in computer science and technology from Hunan University, China, in December 2021. Subsequently, I conducted post-doctoral research at Hunan University for two years. In January 2024, I joined Central South University as an associate professor.
My research directions mainly focus on two aspects: the theoretical research and applications of neurodynamics. In terms of theoretical research, I’m committed to constructing neuron and neural network models by introducing emerging technologies such as nonlinear dynamics, fractional-order calculus, and memory components (such as memristors and memcapacitors) to simulate the nonlinear dynamic behavior of biological nervous systems. This research direction aims to deeply explore the computational mechanisms and intelligent characteristics of brain networks. At present, my team and I have successfully proposed a variety of memristive neural network models with complex dynamic behaviors, which have helped us reveal the evolution mechanisms of some brain dynamic behaviors.
In terms of the application of neurodynamics, I mainly focus on the application of brain-inspired chaotic encryption technology in resource-constrained terminal devices such as edge computing, intelligent perception, and the Internet of Things. Especially for the requirements of secure communication in extreme environments such as deep water and deep space, we are dedicated to developing communication solutions that are low-power, lightweight, efficient, reliable, and highly secure. Currently, we have proposed a variety of brain-inspired chaos-based data privacy protection schemes, which can be widely applied in fields such as the medical Internet of Things and satellite networks, providing strong protection for data security.
In the future, I will continue to deeply explore the frontier issues of neural networks and neurodynamics and strive to transform theoretical research results into practical applications, contributing to the development of intelligent technology.

2. Could you please share some particularly interesting or unexpected results you have found during your research experience? Also, what’s your opinion on interdisciplinary research?
When studying the multi-scroll attractor dynamics and multi-wing multi-butterfly attractor dynamics of memristive neural networks, we indeed encountered some very interesting and unexpected findings. Initially, we hypothesized that the generation mechanisms of multi-scroll and multi-wing multi-butterfly attractors might have similar internal laws. However, the experimental results surprised us.
We found that the generation of multi-scroll dynamic behavior mainly depends on the structure and parameter settings of the neural network model itself, while the generation of multi-wing multi-butterfly dynamic behavior is mainly affected by the memristor model and its parameters. This discovery completely overturned our expectations because usually, we would think that as a core component of the neural network, the memristor should play a key role in the generation of both types of attractors. However, the experimental results show that the memristor plays a dominant role in the formation of multi-wing multi-butterfly attractors, while its influence on the generation of multi-scroll attractors is relatively weak.
This phenomenon shocked us and also triggered our in-depth thinking about the underlying mechanism. Currently, we are further exploring the theoretical basis of this phenomenon, trying to reveal the specific mechanisms of the neural network model and the memristor in the generation of different attractors. We suspect that this may be closely related to the topological structures, dynamic characteristics of the two types of attractors, and the nonlinear behavior of the memristor, but the specific reasons still need to be verified through more experiments and theoretical analyses.
This discovery not only provides a new perspective for the research of memristive neural networks but also brings more possibilities for our subsequent research directions. We hope that through further research, we can reveal more mysteries about the complex relationship between neural networks and memristors and provide theoretical support for applications in related fields. In scientific research, we often encounter such “accidents”, and these “accidents” are often the driving force that pushes us forward.

3. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
Personally, I think that in the next few years, the research on neurodynamics based on new memory components such as memristors and memcapacitors will still be a hot topic in this field. New memory components have natural memory-bionic characteristics and are considered core components of brain-inspired computing. Although the research on memristive neurons and neural networks is already very extensive, high-dimensional memristive neural networks and discrete memristive neural networks are still research hotspots.
In addition, compared with memristors, the research on memcapacitors is still in its infancy. However, its unique physical properties and potential application value make it show great development potential in the fields of neurodynamics, brain-inspired computing, and artificial intelligence. Therefore, the research on neurodynamics based on memcapacitors not only has important theoretical significance but may also provide a new breakthrough for the development of future intelligent technology.
In my opinion, interdisciplinary research is the key to solving complex problems. At present, the development of science and technology is increasingly showing a trend of cross-integration. The research methods of a single discipline often cannot cope with complex real-world problems. For example, the research of neurodynamics requires the integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines such as mathematics, physics, computer science, and biology, while the application of memcapacitors and memristors involves fields such as materials science, electronic engineering, and information security.
Interdisciplinary research can not only break down disciplinary barriers and promote the innovation and integration of knowledge but also provide a more comprehensive perspective and methods for solving practical problems. Therefore, I believe that in the future, interdisciplinary research will witness more vigorous development and become an important driving force for scientific and technological progress.

4. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
For young researchers who aspire to have a significant impact in their respective fields, I wouldn’t say I’m giving suggestions, but I can share some of my personal experiences.
First of all, it’s very important to choose a promising small field and continue to delve into it. Scientific research requires time and patience. Only by continuously accumulating in one direction can you form your unique insights and make breakthroughs.
Secondly, the path of scientific research is not always glamorous. Many times, you need the perseverance to “sit on the cold bench”. Chasing hot topics can bring short-term attention, but real influence often comes from the long-term exploration of core issues.
Finally, the courage to break through traditional thinking is also essential. Scientific progress often stems from the questioning and innovation of existing theories. Young researchers should keep an open mind and be brave enough to challenge the norm. I’m also constantly learning and exploring, and I hope to encourage each other with everyone and jointly push the boundaries of science.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
As the winner of this Young Investigator Award, I’m filled with gratitude and emotion.
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the chairperson of the journal Award Committee and all the judges for their hard work and recognition. This honor is not only an affirmation of my personal research but also an incentive for my future scientific research path.
Secondly, I would like to thank the journal Mathematics and peer experts for their continuous support and encouragement. It is with such an open and inclusive academic platform that I can communicate and cooperate with outstanding peers at home and abroad and keep making progress.
Finally, I would like to especially thank my supervisor, Professor Chunhua Wang from Hunan University, China. Professor Wang is the guide of my academic career. From my master’s to Ph.D. and post-doctoral stages, I have been learning and growing under his guidance. Professor Wang’s rigorous academic attitude, profound academic attainments, and boundless enthusiasm for scientific research have deeply influenced me. It can be said that without his careful guidance and support, I wouldn’t have achieved my current academic achievements. He has not only taught me how to conduct research but also made me understand the responsibilities and missions of scientific researchers. This honor belongs to all those who have helped me and every member of our team. In the future, I will continue to work hard, hold myself to higher standards, and contribute to the development of scientific undertakings. Thank you again for your support and love!

6. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
The open access publishing model is undoubtedly the future direction of academic publishing. It plays an important role in promoting the dissemination and communication of academic achievements.
First of all, open access breaks down the barriers of the traditional subscription model, enabling global researchers to access the latest research results for free and instantly, which greatly promotes the sharing and dissemination of knowledge. Especially for scholars in regions with limited research funds, this model provides them with an equal opportunity to access academic resources, helping to narrow the research gap.
Secondly, the open access publishing model, through its transparent publishing process and extensive reader participation, can to some extent curb the breeding of pseudo-academic research and enhance the quality and credibility of academic research. Although the open access model incurs page-charge expenses for authors, if the fees can be controlled within a reasonable range and supported by institutions or funds, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Overall, the open access model not only accelerates the dissemination of academic achievements but also provides a broader platform for global scientific research cooperation and innovation, making it an important force in promoting academic progress.

We wish Dr. Hairong Lin every success in his current work, and we look forward to his future contributions to the journal.

For more information about the awards presented by Mathematics, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/mathematics/awards.

We wish to congratulate Mr. Tao Wen on winning the Mathematics 2024 Travel Award.

Name: Mr. Tao Wen
Affiliation: The University of Manchester, UK
Research interests: network analysis; decision-making; game theory; data science

The following is an interview with Mr. Tao Wen:

1. Could you give a brief introduction to the readers, introduce your current research direction, and provide an update on your progress?

I am currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Manchester. My research focuses on decision-making and behavioral dynamics in complex networks, particularly in online social networks and transportation systems. I apply network science, computational modeling, and data analytics to understand how individuals and organizations make decisions under uncertainty. Recently, I have been working on a project analyzing maritime transport networks, studying how disruptions affect global trade using network-based models. This research is crucial for improving resilience and efficiency in international trade. Moreover, I actively participate in academic conferences, collaborate with researchers from different fields, and contribute to peer-reviewed journals. My goal is to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications, providing data-driven solutions to real-world challenges.

2. How does it feel to receive this recognition for your work? Where do you obtain information about participation in journal awards?

Receiving this award is a great honor, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my research. It is always rewarding to see that my work is valued by the academic community, and this award encourages me to contribute even more.

I heard about this opportunity through the journal website and email subscription. I discovered this opportunity last year and finally had the chance to obtain it this year. Engaging with editorial boards, and participating in academic discussions have also helped me stay informed about such opportunities.

3. Have you promoted the journal at any conferences? In addition, how do you prefer to share the journal with your community?

I did not have the chance to promote the journal at conferences, but I am willing to introduce the journal at conferences or workshops to fellow researchers who may find it relevant to their work. Beyond conferences, I will share the journal through multiple channels. I will discuss relevant papers with colleagues, include references in my presentations, and share links through academic social platforms like ResearchGate and LinkedIn. Moreover, I have contributed as the Guest Editor Assistant, helping to uphold the journal’s quality and visibility. Open discussions and collaborations are key to increasing a journal’s reach and impact, and I am happy to engage with high-quality publications in our field.

4. What is your opinion on the open access model of publishing?

I strongly support the open access model because it enhances knowledge sharing and makes research findings accessible to a broader audience. Open access removes financial barriers, allowing researchers, policymakers, and the public to benefit from new discoveries without subscription costs. This is particularly important for early career researchers, independent scholars, and institutions with limited resources.

However, sustainability remains a key challenge. It is important for funding agencies and universities to support open access publishing so that high-quality research remains freely available. Despite these challenges, open access plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, accelerating scientific progress, and ensuring that research has a real-world impact beyond academia.

5. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

Several emerging topics will likely attract significant attention in the coming years. One key area is the study of AI-driven decision-making, particularly how generative artificial intelligence influences human behavior in social networks and economic systems. As AI continues to advance, understanding its interactions with human decision-making is crucial. Moreover, the intersection of computational social science and policy-making is gaining interest. Using AI and data-driven models to inform policies on misinformation, digital governance, and public health interventions will be essential. Overall, interdisciplinary research combining network science, AI, and real-world applications will continue to shape the future of academia and industry.

6. Do you have any advice for other aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?

My main advice is to stay curious, persistent, and open to interdisciplinary collaboration. Research is a journey filled with challenges, but maintaining curiosity and a passion for discovery will keep you motivated. It is important to ask meaningful questions, explore diverse perspectives, and continuously seek feedback to refine your work. Networking is also important for young researchers. Engaging with other researchers, attending conferences, and actively participating in academic discussions can open up new opportunities and collaborations. Lastly, impact also comes from making research accessible and applicable. Try to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and consider how your work can contribute to solving real-world problems.

7. As the winner of this award, is there anything you want to express or anyone you would like to thank?

I am truly grateful for this recognition and would like to express my sincere appreciation to my advisors, colleagues, and collaborators who have supported me throughout my research journey. Their guidance, insightful discussions, and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping my work. I also want to thank the journal for providing a platform to share and promote high-quality research. These initiatives help young researchers like me gain confidence and contribute to our fields in a meaningful way. This award inspires me to continue exploring new ideas and contributing to impactful research in the future.