Announcements
6 November 2025
MDPI Launches the Michele Parrinello Award for Pioneering Contributions in Computational Physical Science
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
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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
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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.
1 October 2025
2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers
11 December 2025
Metals Best PhD Thesis Award—Winner Announced
11 December 2025
Article Layout and Template Revised for Future Volumes
9 December 2025
Editorial Board Members from Metals Featured in the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers List Published by Clarivate
2 December 2025
Welcoming New Early Career Editorial Members of Metals
Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701) is pleased to announce the following 34 researchers who have been added to our group of 2025–2026 Early Career Editorial Board Members. Please join us in congratulating them on joining the Metals community.
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Name: Dr. Jinfu Zhao |
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Name: Dr. Jianlei Zhang |
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Name: Dr. Alessandro Pisapia |
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Name: Dr. Bin Zhang |
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Name: Dr. Jianwei Tang |
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Name: Dr. Karl Davidson |
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Name: Dr. Jie Wang |
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Name: Dr. Xin Tong |
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Name: Dr. Gianluca Parodo |
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Name: Dr. Gang Niu |
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Name: Dr. Bingqin Wang |
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Name: Dr. Daniele Rigon |
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Name: Dr. Youliang Yang |
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Name: Dr. Sheng Du |
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Name: Dr. Luca Pezzato |
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Name: Dr. Yipeng Wang |
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Name: Dr. Bin Han |
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Name: Dr. Ulises Martin |
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Name: Dr. Hesong Wang |
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Name: Dr. Mengyu Chai |
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Name: Dr. Wandercleiton Cardoso |
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Name: Dr. Zhengwei Li |
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Name: Dr. Rongrong Wang |
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Name: Dr. Emanuele Ghio |
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Name: Dr. Zedong Lin |
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Name: Dr. Yunfa Guo |
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Name: Dr. Gábor Gyarmati |
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Name: Dr. Wenchao Ke |
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Name: Dr. Chao Chen |
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Name: Dr. Jianguang Bao |
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Name: Dr. Haoyue Li |
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Name: Dr. Zhiming Yan |
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Name: Dr. Chao Yang |
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Name: Dr. Fei Li |
28 November 2025
Hot Topic Series | AI-Powered Material Science and Engineering
AI-powered material science and engineering is a rapidly growing and highly popular research field at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials innovation. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI accelerates the discovery, design, and optimization of new materials, significantly reducing time and costs compared with traditional trial-and-error methods. Researchers use AI to predict material properties, screen vast databases, and simulate complex behaviors under various conditions. This transformative approach is revolutionizing industries such as energy, electronics, and healthcare. With increasing investments and breakthroughs, AI-driven materials science is now a hotspot in both academia and industry, offering immense potential for sustainable and high-performance material development.
To advance this transformative frontier, we invite you to explore a curated collection of cutting-edge research articles, journals, and Special Issues spanning diverse domains within AI-powered material sciences and engineering, including intelligent materials design, autonomous experimentation, multiscale modeling, and sustainable materials innovation. By disseminating these breakthroughs, we aim to inspire, accelerate, and champion innovation in materials research, translating scientific discovery into collaborative dialog and real-world applications that will shape a more resilient and sustainable future.
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Keynote Speakers:
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Prof. Dr. Stefano Mariani |
Prof. Dr. Jian Feng Wang |
Free to register for this webinar here!
Prof. Michele Parrinello is an Italian physicist particularly known for his work in molecular dynamics, the computer simulation of physical movements of atoms and molecules. To honor his enduring legacy in advancing computational science, MDPI is proud to establish the Michele Parrinello Award through the initiative of his former student, Prof. Xin-Gao Gong. This biennial international award recognizes senior researchers who have made outstanding contributions to computational physical sciences, encompassing physics, chemistry, and materials science with particular emphasis on pioneering contributions to foundational science.
Nomination deadline: 31 March 2026.
Prize:
- EUR 50000;
- An award medal and a certificate.
For more details about the award, please visit here.
We are honored to present a series of thought-provoking interviews with pioneering experts at the forefront of AI-powered materials science and engineering, as they share their transformative journeys and visionary insights on accelerating material discovery, innovation, and sustainable development across diverse scientific and industrial landscapes.
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Name: Dr. Fernando Gomes de Souza Junior |
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Name: Dr. Pedro Morouço |
“A Comprehensive Review of Machine-Learning Approaches for Crystal Structure/Property Prediction”
by Mostafa Sadeghian, Arvydas Palevicius and Giedrius Janusas
Crystals 2025, 15(11), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15110925
“Synthetic Rebalancing of Imbalanced Macro Etch Testing Data for Deep Learning Image Classification”
by Yann Niklas Schöbel, Martin Müller and Frank Mücklich
Metals 2025, 15(11), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15111172
“Enhancing Biomedical Metal 3D Printing with AI and Nanomaterials Integration”
by Jackie Liu, Jaison Jeevanandam and Michael K. Danquah
Metals 2025, 15(10), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101163
“Machine Learning in the Design and Performance Prediction of Organic Framework Membranes: Methodologies, Applications, and Industrial Prospects”
by Tong Wu, Jiawei Zhang, Qinghao Yan, Jingxiang Wang and Hao Yang
Membranes 2025, 15(6), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15060178
“Interpretable Machine Learning Prediction of Polyimide Dielectric Constants: A Feature-Engineered Approach with Experimental Validation”
by Xiaojie He, Jiachen Wan, Songyang Zhang, Chenggang Zhang, Peng Xiao, Feng Zheng and Qinghua Lu
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121622
“Integrating Machine Learning into Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Biomaterials: A Comprehensive Review”
by Shangyan Zhao, Yixuan Shi, Chengcong Huang, Xuan Li, Yuchen Lu, Yuzhi Wu, Yageng Li and Luning Wang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030077
“Influence of Processing Parameters on Additively Manufactured Architected Cellular Metals: Emphasis on Biomedical Applications”
by Yixuan Shi, Yuzhe Zheng, Chengcong Huang, Shangyan Zhao, Xuan Li, Yuchen Lu, Yuzhi Wu, Peipei Li, Luning Wang and Yageng Li
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16020053
“Prediction of Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Particle-Reinforced Resin Composites”
by K. Rooney, Y. Dong, A. K. Basak and A. Pramanik
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(10), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8100416
“Data-Driven Optimization of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Coatings with Explainable Artificial Intelligence Insights”
by Patricia Fernández-López, Sofia A. Alves, Aleksey Rogov, Aleksey Yerokhin, Iban Quintana, Aitor Duo and Aitor Aguirre-Ortuzar
Coatings 2024, 14(8), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14080979
“Feature-Assisted Machine Learning for Predicting Band Gaps of Binary Semiconductors”
by Sitong Huo, Shuqing Zhang, Qilin Wu and Xinping Zhang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050445
“Silicon Solar Cells: Trends, Manufacturing Challenges, and AI Perspectives”
by Marisa Di Sabatino, Rania Hendawi and Alfredo Sanchez Garcia
Crystals 2024, 14(2), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14020167
“Synergizing Machine Learning Algorithm with Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Advanced Self-Powered Sensing Systems”
by Roujuan Li, Di Wei and Zhonglin Wang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020165
“Predicting the Performance of Functional Materials Composed of Polymeric Multicomponent Systems Using Artificial Intelligence—Formulations of Cleansing Foams as an Example”
by Masugu Hamaguchi, Hideki Miwake, Ryoichi Nakatake and Noriyoshi Arai
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4216; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214216
“Unleashing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Design”
by Silvia Badini, Stefano Regondi and Raffaele Pugliese
Materials 2023, 16(17), 5927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16175927
“Determination of Particle Size Distributions of Bulk Samples Using Micro-Computed Tomography and Artificial Intelligence”
by Stefan Höving, Laura Neuendorf, Timo Betting and Norbert Kockmann
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031002
“Insight on Corrosion Prevention of C1018 in 1.0 M Hydrochloric Acid Using Liquid Smoke of Rice Husk Ash: Electrochemical, Surface Analysis, and Deep Learning Studies”
by Agus Paul Setiawan Kaban, Johny Wahyuadi Soedarsono, Wahyu Mayangsari, Mochammad Syaiful Anwar, Ahmad Maksum, Aga Ridhova and Rini Riastuti
Coatings 2023, 13(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13010136
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“Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Polymer Processing” |
“Advances of Machine Learning in Nanoscale Materials Science” |
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“Machine Learning for Material and Process Optimization in Additive Manufacturing” |
“Smart Sensing and Artificial Intelligence in Metal Processing and Machining” |
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“Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Method Development for Complex Membrane Transport” |
“Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Material Design, Discovery, and Optimization” |
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24 November 2025
Metals | Issue Cover Collection Published in 2024
The articles below have been selected as the 2024 Issue Cover Articles by the Editorial Office of Metals (ISSN: 2075-4701), covering multiple fields within the scope of the journal. We hope that they provide insights and references for scholars in these fields.
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1. “Deciphering Microstructures and Phases of Gas-Atomised Novel Al-Fe-Si-Cr-Ni Alloys” by Bhaskaranand Bhatt, Alessandra Martucci, Enrico Virgillito, Federico Gobber, Federica Bondioli, Diego Manfredi, Mariangela Lombardi and Paolo Fino Metals 2024, 14(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14010017 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/1/17 Cover story: This groundbreaking research investigated the effects of high cooling rates in the inert gas atomization (IGA) process on the amount of Fe, Cr, and Ni as alloying elements in Al-Si-based alloys. To emphasize the importance of sustainability in developing novel alloys, the widespread AlSi10Mg and AISI 304L were used as starting materials for IGA. The selected AlFe9Si8Cr2Ni and AlFe18Si8Cr5Ni2 compositions were extensively analyzed from compositional and microstructural points of view, focusing on the alloying element content and particle size. The results revealed unique microstructural features, distinct phases, increased melting temperatures than typical Al alloys, and promising potential for additive manufacturing. |
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2. “A First-Time Investigation into Ecofriendly and Biocompatible Mg-Se Binary System for a Greener Earth” by Michael Johanes, Vasuudhaa Sonawane and Manoj Gupta Metals 2024, 14(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14020163 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/2/163 Cover story: In the 21st century and beyond, researchers must select materials that do not contaminate planet earth (especially water bodies, soil, and air) to make it a sustainable place to live. To ensure this, we have explored a new Mg-Se binary alloy targeting both engineering and biomedical applications. In the Mg-Se system, magnesium is a nutritional element and selenium has medicinal characteristics. Fundamental thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical characterizations revealed promising results paving the way for materials scientists to develop many more Mg-Se-based alloys (ternary and quaternary or even multicomponent alloys) for a wide spectrum of applications. |
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3. “Microstructure Evolution and Numerical Modeling of TC4 Titanium Alloy during Ultrasonic Shot Peening Process” by Yuxuan Yi, Fei Yin, Jiajun Zhai and Yanxiong Liu Metals 2024, 14(3), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14030275 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/3/275 Cover story: A gradient nanostructured surface layer was successfully fabricated on the TC4 Titanium alloy via USP technology. The surface microhardness was elevated from 330 HV to 438 HV with a penetrating depth of around 900 μm after USP. EBSD characterization results confirmed the presence of high-density grain boundaries and dislocation density within the gradient structure within the region of 0–200 μm. TEM characterization indicated a substantial amount of nanograin with an average size of 74.58 nm. The surface strengthening effect was predicted. The calculated maximum residual stress reached 973 MPa after multi-ball impact. The impact behavior of the shots was studied. |
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4. “The Integrated Preparation of Porous Tungsten Gradient Materials with a Wide Porosity Range” by Ke Zhu, Hao Jia, Jin Huang and Jian Zhang Metals 2024, 14(4), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040427 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/4/427 Cover story: Porous tungsten gradient materials with ordered gradient variations in pore size are valuable in the field of vacuum electronic devices. This work combines tape casting and dealloying methods to achieve the integrated preparation of porous tungsten gradient materials with a wide range of controllable porosity. This study focuses on the phase composition and microstructure evolution during the preparation of porous tungsten gradient materials. This work provides a design concept for the integrated preparation of porous metal gradient materials. |
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5. “Influence of Various Processing Routes in Additive Manufacturing on Microstructure and Monotonic Properties of Pure Iron—A Review-like Study” by Christof J. J. Torrent, Seyed Vahid Sajadifar, Gregory Gerstein, Julia Richter and Thomas Niendorf Metals 2024, 14(5), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050557 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/5/557 Cover story: The properties of pure iron processed via hot rolling and electron and laser powder bed fusion, using different raw materials and process conditions, are compared. The manufacturing of the specimens led to five distinct microstructures, each with unique features and mechanical responses. Using optical, electron and transmission electron microscopy, the material was explored in various strain states, allowing for an in-depth examination of the material in the course of quasistatic loading. Grain size and substructures within the grains define the homogeneity of strain distribution and localization. Macro-to-micro insight is given to evaluate the behavior of characteristic microstructures. |
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6. “Compositional Design and Thermal Processing of a Novel Lead-Free Cu–Zn–Al–Sn Medium Entropy Brass Alloy” by Spyridon Chaskis, Stavroula Maritsa, Paul Stavroulakis, Sofia Papadopoulou, Russell Goodall and Spyros Papaefthymiou Metals 2024, 14(6), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14060620 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/6/620 Cover story: The rapid development in the field of multicomponent and high-entropy alloys provides an appealing alternative to the challenging issue of lead encountered in commercial brass alloys. Engineering challenges arising in attempts to reduce lead could be successfully tackled by applying the high-entropy alloy (HEA) design concept to these otherwise conventional alloys, resulting in the creation of novel high-entropy brasses (HEBs). Our research deals with the compositional design and thermal processing of a novel lead-free Cu–Al–Zn–Sn medium-entropy brass alloy. This alloy has an elevated specific strength, surpassing many commercial brass alloys, while being entirely lead-free. Applying this approach to commercial alloys provides a feasible solution for modern engineering challenges. |
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7. “Effect of Ag and Cu Content on the Properties of Zn-Ag-Cu-0.05Mg Alloys” by Gloria Jara-Chávez, Adrián Amaro-Villeda, Bernardo Campillo-Illanes, Marco Ramírez-Argaez and Carlos González-Rivera Metals 2024, 14(7), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14070740 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/7/740 Cover Story: Zn-Ag-Cu base alloys are reported to more than meet the mechanical property requirements for biomedical alloys by showing YS values > 300 MPa, UTS close to 400 MPa, and elongations between 18 and 26%. The joint effect of increasing amounts of the second phase (Ag, Cu)Zn4 and a micro-alloy with 0.05% Mg is explored as a measure to improve mechanical properties and meet the requirements for biomedical applications. The manufacture of a Zn-based heteromaterial is reported, whose microstructure and mechanical behavior achieve a synergy of strength and ductility that allows these alloys to achieve the properties required for biomedical applications. |
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8. “Nodular Graphite Dissolution and Nucleus Observation: High-Temperature Dynamics of Ductile Iron Recycling” by I. Adhiwiguna, N. Nobakht and R. Deike Metals 2024, 14(8), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14080915 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/8/915 Cover story: A significant advancement in ductile cast iron research may have been achieved with the detailed description of the dissolution sequence of nodular graphite structures. This study introduces an alternative approach that enhances the observation of non-metallic inclusion cores within nodular graphite, offering substantial potential for improving material analysis and performance. This work marks a critical step forward in metallurgy, providing insights that could drive future innovations in cast iron technology. |
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9. “The Interplay between Nucleation and the Rates of Chemical Reduction in the Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles in Microemulsions: A Computer Study” by Concha Tojo Metals 2024, 14(9), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14090987 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/9/987 Cover story: The interaction between nucleation and the rates of chemical reduction in Au/Ag, Au/Pt, and Au/Pd nanoparticles prepared in microemulsions were studied via simulations. The impact of nucleation on the final nanostructure depends on the critical nucleus size. At high critical nucleus sizes, nucleation is the main factor determining the final nanostructure, even with very large differences in reduction rates between metals. At small critical nucleus sizes, the difference in reduction rates determines the final nanostructure. The relevance of heteroatomic nucleation on the mechanism of nanoparticle formation depends on the difference between the reduction rates of the two metals selected. |
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10. “Microstructure and Fatigue Behavior of PM-HIPed Ni-Based Superalloys and Martensitic Tool Steels: A Review” by Faezeh Javadzadeh Kalahroudi, Fengxiang Lin, Pavel Krakhmalev and Mikael Grehk Metals 2024, 14(10), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14101159 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/10/1159 Cover story: This review investigates the effects of powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP) on the microstructure and fatigue behavior of Ni-based superalloys and martensitic tool steels. The influences of several PM-HIP parameters, e.g., powder size distribution and oxygen content, on the properties of these high-performance materials are discussed. By focusing on grain size refinement, oxide and precipitate formation and distribution, and other microstructural features, this paper demonstrates how these factors influence mechanical properties and fatigue performance. In addition, it provides insights into fatigue crack initiation mechanisms. These findings could highlight the potential applications of PM-HIPed components. |
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11. “Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing of SS316L with a Stochastic Scan Strategy: Microstructure, Texture Evolution, and Mechanical Properties” by K. N. Chaithanya Kumar, Shashank Sharma, Madhavan Radhakrishnan, Rohit Randhavan, Krishna Kamlesh Verma, Shelden Dowden, Zane Weldon Hughes, Rajarshi Banerjee and Narendra B. Dahotre Metals 2024, 14(11), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14111278 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/11/1278 Cover story: Structural and textural evolution in electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) is governed by the complex interplay of thermo-kinetic and thermo-mechanical phenomena during melting and solidification. This study from the Center for Agile and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing at the University of North Texas explores how stochastic spot melting (FreeMelt®) and preheat temperature affect the evolution of microstructure and texture of SS316L. A 3D thermo-kinetic/mechanical model revealed compressive stress-driven <110> texture formation, preferred {110}<001> and {110}<111> orientations influenced by solidification kinetics and spatial spot arrangement and triangular-shaped grains orthogonal to the build direction. This work provides fundamental insights for optimizing EB-PBF texture and microstructure. |
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12. “Effect of Stable and Transient Cavitation on Ultrasonic Degassing of Al Alloy” by Youngki Lee, Jongmin Kim, Taekyu Ha, Byungil Kang and Youngjig Kim Metals 2024, 14(12), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14121372 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/12/1372 Cover story: This study provides a novel perspective on the ultrasonic degassing of the A356 alloy by elucidating the distinct roles of stable and transient cavitation. In the initial stages of degassing, the number of bubbles available to rapidly and effectively remove dissolved gases from the melts is critical. Transient cavitation promotes bubble collapses, increasing the generation of new tiny bubbles, which facilitates hydrogen diffusion and gas release. Consequently, this study identifies transient cavitation as the dominant factor in the initial degassing stage and clearly demonstrates that optimizing frequency to enhance transient cavitation is an effective approach to improving degassing efficiency. |
4 November 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #28 - WSF11, Nobel Laureates, Proofig AI, Romania Summit, STM and FBF
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
Highlights from the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona
I’m pleased to share some highlights from the 11th World Sustainability Forum (WSF 11), held in Barcelona on 2–3 October 2025 under the theme Sustainable and Resilient Cities.
Why WSF matters
The WSF series is a flagship initiative for MDPI and is supported by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation. It serves as a transdisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage on sustainability challenges. WSF is now held annually as part of our commitment to maintain momentum in the sustainability discourse.
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This year’s Barcelona edition focused on urban resilience, landscape design, and social community impact in the sustainability space. Over 48 hours of sessions, we brought together leading minds across disciplines to translate vision into practice. With participants from 53 countries across all continents, WSF 11 was truly global in scope.
“WSF is now held annually as part of our commitment to maintain momentum in the sustainability discourse”
What made WSF 11 especially successful (from my vantage point) was the level of positive engagement with our participants. Chief editors, researchers, and attendees repeatedly told me how professionally executed the event was, highlighting the high energy, logistical smoothness and quality of MDPI’s event management. That kind of recognition from peers really builds our reputation as more than just a publisher, but as a convener of meaningful scientific dialogue.
Our conferences are a form of experiential marketing as they create memorable and immersive connections between a brand and attendees. These positive associations build promotion and brand loyalty, ultimately impacting the MDPI’s trust and reputation for the better.
WSF 11: By the numbers
Here’s a quick snapshot of WSF 11’s scale and reach:
- 181 registrations across global participants.
- 8 keynote speakers and 5 invited speakers.
- 144 abstracts accepted (over 355 submitted), resulting in 75 short talks and 69 posters.
- 53 countries were represented across all continents, making it a truly international event.
- First time that we ran parallel sessions for WSF (an ambitious program).
- A dedicated awards ceremony to honour outstanding sustainability research: World Sustainability Award (WSA) x 2 winners, and Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) x 3 winners.
Interviews with our World Sustainability Award Winners
One of the most rewarding parts of WSF is recognizing researchers whose work advances sustainability in powerful ways. In our Blog series, Daniella Maritan-Thomson (Content Specialist, MDPI) interviewed the two winners of the World Sustainability Award, Professor Dr. Stuart Pimm and Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, who offered insights to the human side of sustainability research, the people behind the data, and the stories behind the science.
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Prof. Stuart Pimm, whose decades of conservation work make him a leader in biodiversity preservation, reflected on his WSF Award experience and research in this interview: [Interview: Prof Stuart Pimm] |
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Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, an expert in crop improvement and winner of the WSF Award, shares his journey and perspectives here: [Interview: Dr Abdelbagi M. Ismail] |
“Our conferences create memorable and immersive connections”
Emerging Sustainability Leader Award winners
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi, Dr. Katya Rhodes, and Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz (left to right).
We also recognized three recipients of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award: Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi, Dr. Katya Rhodes, and Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz, for their contributions as early-career researchers advancing sustainability through innovation, impact, and academic excellence across the field.
What this means for MDPI
- Building our global identity in events
WSF is a marquee MDPI event, not just a gathering, but a statement of how we wish to position ourselves in the global sustainability ecosystem. The positive feedback helps us build on our approach for future editions, so that we remain a reference point for quality, relevance, and engagement. - Expanding capacity across offices
The success of WSF 11 in Barcelona’s would not have happened without great teamwork from Basel, Barcelona, Romania, the UK, and the APAC Conference team. Thanks to everyone for their work to bring this ambitious event to life. - Supporting MDPI’s mission
At this event, I had the opportunity to present on MDPI's role in Open Access, sustainability publishing, and the intersection of science and policy. WSF is not only about the science; it’s also a platform for us to position MDPI as a thought leader and a collaborator in shaping the future of sustainable research.
I look forward to the WSF momentum as we work towards WSF 12 in Hong Kong, which is scheduled for August 2026.
MDPI Colleagues at the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona, Spain, 2–3 October 2025.
Impactful Research
Celebrating 2025 Nobel Laureates who have published with MDPI
October is always an inspiring month in science. It’s when the world turns its attention to the Nobel Prize announcements, recognizing discoveries that have changed how we understand the world.
Over the years, many distinguished researchers who have received the Nobel Prize have chosen to publish their work with MDPI. These are scientists whose breakthroughs have shaped entire fields of research, and who have entrusted our Open Access journals to share their findings with the world.
“The work we support can be world-class and world-changing”
Congratulations to the 2025 Laureates
Dozens of Nobel Laureates have published in our journals: as at 2024, more than 40 laureates had contributed over 115 articles across more than 35 MDPI journals. Congratulations to the three 2025 Nobel prize-winners who have published with MDPI during their careers. Below are links to their MDPI publications and announcements for further reading:
- Omar M. Yaghi (Chemistry)
- Awarded for his pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MDPI published his article “Covalent Organic Frameworks: Organic Chemistry Beyond the Molecule” in Molecules (2017).
- MDPI Announcement: https://www.mdpi.com/news/13455
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry – The Science Behind the Prize
- Shimon Sakaguchi (Medicine)
- Recognized for discoveries in immune-system self-tolerance and regulatory T-cells. Published in Cancers (2021).
- MDPI Announcement: https://www.mdpi.com/news/13443
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine – The Science Behind the Prize
- John M. Martinis (Physics)
- Recognized for quantum tunnelling in electrical circuits. MDPI’s Journal of Nuclear Engineering (2025) includes his co-authored work.
- MDPI Announcement: https://www.mdpi.com/news/13450
- Nobel Prize in Physics – The Science Behind the Prize
These connections strengthen our mission to make research freely available and ensure that transformative ideas reach the widest possible audience.
Publishing at the leading edge of knowledge
The privilege of hosting such contributors resonates deeply with our editorial teams. It shows that top-tier scientific work has a home at MDPI, which builds our visibility in the research community. It signals that our publishing model, our editorial workflows, and our commitment to Open Access are respected at the very highest levels of science. It also gives our authors, reviewers, editors and staff the message that the work we support can be world-class and world-changing.
Publishing at the leading edge of knowledge isn’t just about individual papers – it’s about the ecosystem of support, transparency, and accessibility that makes discovery possible. Let’s continue to build a publishing platform and provide a service that attracts and enables both everyday research and the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Inside MDPI
Strengthening Research Integrity: MDPI partners with Proofig AI
I’m pleased to share that MDPI has entered a multi-year partnership with Proofig AI, a leader in AI-driven proofing and integrity software for scientific publishing. This follows the success of our pilot program, in which Proofig AI proved highly effective in detecting duplicated, altered, and manipulated images across biomedical submissions.
Safeguarding the credibility of the research we publish
Research integrity is at the core of MDPI’s mission. The life sciences, in particular, face increasing risks of image-related issues due to advanced editing tools and generative AI. By integrating Proofig AI into our workflows, we improve our ability to detect issues early, reduce post-publication corrections, and safeguard the credibility of the research we publish.
Pilot outcomes
- Successful detection of duplicated confocal and histology images, even when altered to disguise similarities.
- Early results showed a significant drop in post-publication image manipulation flags year-on-year.
- Positive feedback from editors and staff highlighted the tool’s ease of use and reliability.
Dr. Dror Kolodkin-Gal (co-founder and CEO of Proofig AI) said:
“The MDPI team conducted a highly professional and carefully monitored pilot, achieving excellent results in detecting problematic images.
Their fast and effective integration process was impressive, and we are excited to contribute to this important collaboration.”
Sanita Meijere (IT Product and Project Manager, MDPI), shared:
“For more than a year, we’ve tested all the available image manipulation detection tools. Proofig AI’s quality and ease of use, alongside positive feedback from our internal users, made their software a clear stand-out.
We’re thrilled to be moving forward with this partnership, ensuring we do our utmost to protect MDPI’s biomedical journals. Using this advanced image proofing software reaffirms MDPI’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in research integrity.”
Raising the bar for integrity
This partnership sets a new benchmark for quality control in biomedical publishing.
As Tim Tait-Jamieson (Head of Publication Ethics, MDPI), explains:
“The life sciences are disproportionately affected by research integrity issues, making vigilance in this field especially critical. This is driven, in part, by the increasing sophistication of image editing software and generative AI.
Whether accidental or deliberate, image manipulation can have a lasting impact on credibility. By integrating Proofig AI into our editorial workflows, we strengthen our ability to detect scientific misconduct early and reduce post-publication amendments.”
Faster and more accurate quality control
Proofig will automatically flag potentially problematic images during submission checks, giving our editors more confidence in the integrity of manuscripts and freeing up time to focus on editorial decisions. The tool will also reduce the burden of manual checks, while supporting faster and more accurate quality control. This partnership reinforces MDPI's reputation as a publisher that takes integrity seriously and continues to invest in tools to support authors, editors, and reviewers alike.
A big thank-you to all colleagues who supported the pilot and rollout. You can read more in our MDPI Blog post.
Coming Together for Science
The MDPI Romania Summit 2025
On 21–22 October, I had the pleasure of joining our colleagues in Bucharest for the MDPI Romania Summit 2025. The event was organized by our Romania Marketing team, with support from colleagues across our Romanian offices. It brought together academics, policymakers, and collaborators to discuss the country’s evolving research landscape.
Over two days, we welcomed more than 30 participants, including Editorial Board Members, Guest Editors, and policy-makers from the Romanian research and education sectors, including representatives from the Romanian Academy and the National Commission for the Accreditation of Academic Titles (CNATDCU).
The discussions and presentations reflected the strength and growth of Romania’s research community and its active engagement in Open Access publishing.
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“The discussions and presentations reflected the strength and growth of Romania’s research community”
Romania’s role in Open Access
Romania loves Open Access and has emerged as one of MDPI’s most engaged national research communities. The numbers speak for themselves:
- 67% of all publications in Romania were Open Access in 2024.
- MDPI accounts for 39% of the country’s total OA publications (14,779 in 2024).
- Over the last five years (2020–2024), Romanian institutions published over 33,000 papers with MDPI.
- There are 460 active Editorial Board Members from Romania, including 8 Chief Editors.
- 29 institutions are part of our Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), with 8 new members joining in 2025.
These numbers reflect the trust and reliable partnership we have built with the Romanian academic community.
Highlights from the Summit
The program covered a wide range of topics from MDPI’s achievements and updates to our editorial processes, peer-review quality, AI in publishing, IOAP and Open Access funding models, and publication ethics.
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Agenda Highlights:
- MDPI Introduction, Performance & Achievements, and Collaboration with Romania – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI).
- Trust the Process: Editorial Workflow and Quality in Publishing – Dr. Liliane Auwerter (Scientific Review Group).
- Publication Ethics at MDPI: Safeguarding the Integrity of the Published Scholarly Record – Diana Cristina Apodaritei (Research Integrity Specialist).
- Institutional Partnerships – Becky Castellon (Institutional Partnerships Manager, MDPI).
- AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Sanita Meijere (AI Product Manager).
- Closing Remarks – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI).
Participants shared feedback and ideas for future collaborations, including organizing author workshops, possible conference collaborations, and strengthening our engagement with national institutions such as the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Council of Romanian Rectors.
As Acad. Dr. Nicolae-Victor Zamfir, Vice President of the Romanian Academy, noted during the discussions:
“The organization of the event is very timely, because MDPI is a publishing house in full development and expansion. The opinion of researchers is important for increasing the quality of published works.”
A collaborative future
Events like this remind us how essential it is to engage locally and listen directly to the voices of our editors, authors, and institutional partners. They help us build relationships, improve our understanding of the local market, and align our shared goals in advancing Open Access and research quality.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially our Romania Marketing team, who organized the event, and to all colleagues who continue to build relationships with our academic communities around the world.
Thank you!
A special thank-you to the Romanian Marketing team and all colleagues behind the scenes who made this Summit such a success. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. We look forward to building on this momentum with future Summits in Europe and beyond.
Closing Thoughts
STM and FBF 2025: Connecting Through Science and Publishing
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Constanze Schelhorn (Head of Indexing, MDPI) at STM Conference, Frankfurt, 14 October 2025.
On 13–14 October, I attended the STM Frankfurt Conference 2025, my fourth visit to the Frankfurt event, and it continues to be one of the most valuable gatherings in our industry.
The STM meeting brings together the publishing community and key opinion leaders to speak on current trends and challenges shaping our industry.
This year’s theme – “Science Diplomacy: What is it and How Does it Work?” – unpacked the growing intersection of science, policy, and publishing.
Discussion topics ranged from what is science diplomacy and how publishers can contribute to global collaboration to how science communication can help maintain trust during an era of disruption.
I was joined by Dr. Constanze Schelhorn, our Head of Indexing, who met with representatives from Scopus, Web of Science, Digital Science, ProQuest, and other partners. These meetings give us a chance to share feedback on our collaborations, learn about new updates being developed, and build our relationships with indexing bodies.
“The STM meeting brings together the publishing community and key opinion leaders”
STM also provides a space to connect with industry peers, as I did with colleagues from Elsevier, Frontiers, Clarivate, Sage, and STM itself, reinforcing MDPI’s engagement within the broader publishing community. It was also nice to bump into some former colleagues and see them continuing to grow in their publishing careers.
At the Frankfurt Book Fair
The MDPI booth at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.
Following STM, I spent the next day at the Frankfurt Book Fair (15–19 October) – one of the largest and most influential events in the publishing world.
It’s always inspiring to see the scale and energy of this global gathering, which spans everything from books and education to digital innovation and academic publishing.
We set up an MDPI booth to host discussions with partners, vendors, and researchers.
The Fair ran into the weekend, with colleagues from several MDPI departments attending to represent the company and connect with the scholarly community.
Events like STM and FBF are a nice reminder of how dynamic and interconnected our industry is, and how important it is for MDPI to continue taking part in global conversations about science, communication, and the future of publishing.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
21 October 2025
Meet Us at the 13th National Conference on Corrosion and Protection, 7–9 November 2025, Xi’an, China
