Announcements

30 April 2025
Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller Share the 2024 Tu Youyou Award


We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Tu Youyou Award has been conferred upon Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller, in recognition of their significant contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

2024 Tu Youyou Award Laureates

Richard DiMarchi
Indiana University, USA
Prof. Richard DiMarchi is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University, USA. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Dr. DiMarchi is a former Group Vice President at Eli Lilly and later at Novo Nordisk. He is recognized for his contributions to the discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humulin®, Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. His academic research has broadened the understanding of glucagon and incretin physiology and pioneered the discovery of single-molecule multi-mechanism agonists for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The central element to success has been the chemical vision and technology to install within single molecules simultaneous agonism at related G-protein coupled receptors, coupled to the counter-intuitive discovery that glucagon and GIP agonism could synergize the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1. These peptides and their conceptual approach have transformed the management of excessive body weight to a condition comparable to how hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, and excess cholesterol are medicinally managed.
Professor DiMarchi was recognized by the 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members as being an exceptional leader in the medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins of natural origin, and as a pioneer in the field of chemical biotechnology. His very important discoveries have led to breakthroughs in new drugs related to the therapy of diabetes and obesity. He has been named as an inventor on a very large number of patents, and he has had initially a highly successful scientific and administrative career in industry, which was followed by over two decades in academia as a distinguished professor.
—Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee
   

Rolf Müller
Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Germany;
Helmholtz Centre for Infections Research (HZI), Germany;
Saarland University, Germany
Prof. Rolf Müller is the Founding and Managing Director of the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and Professor of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Saarland University, Germany. Having received his training from the University of Bonn, he held research positions at the University of Washington, USA, and Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany, prior to his appointment as professor to Saarland University. His laboratory has dedicated itself to the exploration of bacterial natural-product biosynthetic pathways for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in working with myxobacteria and other microbial producer strains. Starting from the isolation and characterization of new microorganisms, the scope of work includes microbiology-, biotechnology-, bioinformatics-, and chemistry-based approaches to exploit these isolates as sources of new drugs with a special focus on novel anti-infectives. Müller and his team apply a variety of state-of-the-art analytical methods and biological assays to perform biological and chemical characterizations of the identified compounds. Prof. Müller has received several awards, including the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, the PHOENIX Pharmacy Research Award, the DECHEMA Prize, and the Inhoffen Medal, as well as being an elected member of acatech, Leopoldina, and the German Academy of Sciences and Literature.
The 2024 Tu Youyou Award Committee members were highly impressed by the truly outstanding past and ongoing contributions of Professor Müller in both microbial natural products isolation chemistry and in biosynthesis, as well as in the development of lead compounds for their potential in treating human diseases, through his global connections with various major funding agencies. He is also a dedicated teacher who has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and he has lectured on his research in countries all over the world.
—Prof. Dr. A. Douglas Kinghorn, Chair of the Award Committee

The achievements of Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller highlight the transformative impact of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. We congratulate them and invite the global academic community and public to join us in celebrating their significant contributions.

2024 Award Committee
Committee Chair:

Committee Members (listed in alphabetical order):

  • Prof. Angelo Fontana, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy;
  • Prof. Binghe Wang, Georgia State University, USA;
  • Dr. Diana Pinto, University of Aveiro, Portugal;
  • Prof. Hideaki Kakeya, Kyoto University, Japan;
  • Dr. RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel, University of Strathclyde, UK;
  • Prof. Thomas Prisinzano, University of Kentucky, USA
  • Prof. Wei Li, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.

About the Tu Youyou Award:
The 2024 Tu Youyou Award includes a total monetary prize of 100,000 Swiss Francs and a medal for each recipient. Established in 2016 to honor the pioneering spirit of Nobel laureate Tu Youyou, the Tu Youyou Award is an international award honoring exceptional scholars dedicated to the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

For further information about the award and the winners, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website.

23 June 2025
International Women in Engineering Day—“Together We Engineer”, 23 June 2025


International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), observed annually on 23 June, is a global initiative that celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in engineering while inspiring more young women to pursue engineering careers. Established in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the UK, this observance has become a vital platform for advancing diversity and inclusion in the engineering profession.

Aligned with the 2025 theme, “Together We Engineer” and Goal 5 of the SDG Publishers Compact: Gender Equality, MDPI emphasizes the power of collective action to break down gender barriers and foster a more inclusive engineering culture. In this era of both challenges and opportunities, women engineers are driving technological innovation in unprecedented ways—from sustainable development solutions to AI ethics frameworks, their contributions are fundamentally reshaping our industry.

Join us in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day and supporting initiatives that empower women in STEM. Together, we can build a future where engineering innovation thrives through diversity, and where every aspiring engineer has equal opportunities to shape our world.

Engineering

Actuators;
Automation;
Biomimetics;
● 
Buildings;
● 
Eng;
● 
Lubricants;
● 
Machines;
● 
Micromachines;
● 
Processes;
● 
Sensors.

Chemistry & Materials Science

Applied Nano;
● 
C;
● 
Coatings;
● 
JFB;
● 
JMMP;
● 
Materials;
● 
Metals;
● 
Nanomaterials.

Computer Science & Mathematics

Software.

Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Challenges;
Education Sciences.

Session 1: Breaking Barriers as Rising Stars Session 2: Legacy Building Through Inclusive Leadership
Date: 23 June 2025, 11:00 a.m. (CEST)
Webinar ID: 834 2423 4697
Free to register for this webinar here!
Date: 23 June 2025, 4:00 p.m. (CEST)
Webinar ID: 835 3354 6710
Free to register for this webinar here!

We are pleased to announce that the first Young Women in Engineering Award is open for nominations. This award was established to acknowledge the achievements of young women investigators in the field of engineering and to inspire young women to consider research and careers in engineering.

Nomination deadline: 30 November 2025.

Prize:

  • CHF 1000;
  • An electronic certificate;
  • A voucher to waive the article processing charges (APCs) for one submission to a journal within the field of engineering (subject to peer review)—valid for one year.

For more details about the award, please visit here. Please feel free to send the nomination letter to ywe-award@mdpi.com.

We are honored to interview several outstanding female scholars in engineering field to share their research journey and your insight into being a female engineer.

Name: Dr. Teresa Donateo
Affiliation: Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Italy

“Female engineers often bring a unique set of strengths to academic research, shaped by their life experiences and the challenges they routinely navigate. One particularly valuable strength is the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, a skill frequently sharpened through balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments, such as motherhood.”

Please read the full interview here.

Name: Dr. Jelena Svorcan
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia

“Females are generally very responsible, well organized, do not do everything at the last minute, and can very successfully deal with particular, tedious tasks. They perform well under pressure and are great as team leaders and teachers since they engage more with the younger colleagues, but can also be strict when necessary.”

Please read the full interview here.

Name: Dr. Yong Wei Tiong
Affiliations: 1 Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
2 Singapore Integrative Biosystems and Engineering Research (SIBER), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore

“Female engineers often bring a collaborative, systems-oriented mindset that’s well-suited for complex interdisciplinary problems. They tend to approach problem-solving holistically and with strong communication skills, qualities essential for cross-functional research.”

Please read the full interview here.

Artificial Intelligence for Non-Destructive Imaging in Composite Materials
by Mine Seckin, Pinar Demircioglu, Ahmet Cagdas Seckin, Ismail Bogrekci and Serra Aksoy
Eng 2025, 6(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6030046

Disassembly Plan Representation by Hypergraph
by Abboy Verkuilen, Mirjam Zijderveld, Niels de Buck and Jenny Coenen
Automation 2025, 6(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/automation6010010

Probing Solid-Binding Peptide Self-Assembly Kinetics Using a Frequency Response Cooperativity Model
by Taylor Bader, Kyle Boone, Chris Johnson, Cindy L. Berrie and Candan Tamerler
Biomimetics 2025, 10(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10020107

Fast Multi-Distance Time-Domain NIRS and DCS System for Clinical Applications
by Marco Nabacino, Caterina Amendola, Davide Contini, Rebecca Re, Lorenzo Spinelli and Alessandro Torricelli
Sensors 2024, 24(22), 7375; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24227375

Understanding the Effect of Carbon Nanotube Core Designs on Controlling Bandgaps and Wave Directionality in Cement
by Nanziri Esther Kayondo and Shreya Vemuganti
Eng 2024, 5(3), 1811–1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5030096

On the Importance of Solar Radiation and Shading for the Alkali–Aggregate Reaction Prediction of Concrete Arch Dams
by Noemi Schclar Leitão
Eng 2024, 5(3), 1673–1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5030088

Label- and Reagent-Free Optical Sensor for Absorption-Based Detection of Urea Concentration in Water Solutions
by Carlo Anelli, Vanessa Pellicorio, Valentina Bello and Sabina Merlo
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2754; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092754

Electromechanical Actuator-Based Solution for a Scissor Lift
by Łukasz Stawiński, Viacheslav Zakharov, Andrzej Kosucki and Tatiana Minav
Actuators 2023, 12(10), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12100394

A Synthesis-Based Stateful Approach for Guiding Design Thinking in Embedded System Development
by Hung-Fu Chang and Supannika Koolmanojwong Mobasser
Software 2023, 2(3), 332–349; https://doi.org/10.3390/software2030016

Special Issues:

New Technologies for Sensors Recent Advances in Compliant Mechanisms
Advanced Sensors and Signal Processing for Psychophysiological Monitoring Digital Twins for Sustainable Industrial Processes
Micro-/Nanofluidic and Lab-on-a-Chip Devices for Biomedical Applications, 3rd Edition Emerging Trends in Materials Engineering for Clean Energy Applications

Effect of Heat Treatment on Polymorphism and Particle Size Distribution of Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticle Synthesized via Mechanochemical Process
by Md Nuruzzaman, Yanju Liu, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Saifullah Omar Nasif and Ravi Naidu
Appl. Nano 2025, 6(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano6020008

Skin Sensitization Potential of Sensitizers in the Presence of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles In Vitro
by Claudia Meindl, Kristin Öhlinger, Verena Zrim, Jennifer Ober, Ramona Jeitler, Eva Roblegg and Eleonore Fröhlich
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221811

Two-Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheets Derived from Cathodic Exfoliation for Lithium Storage Applications
by Alberto Martínez-Jódar, Silvia Villar-Rodil, José M. Munuera, Alberto Castro-Muñiz, Jonathan N. Coleman, Encarnación Raymundo-Piñero and Juan I. Paredes
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110932

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric and Fluorescent Dual-Mode Lateral Flow Immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
by Ying Gan, Hefan Zhang, Jing Liu, Fuqin He, Fengheng Li, Ao Li, Man Xing, Dongming Zhou, Shan-Yu Fung and Hong Yang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15030058

Examining the Impact of Intermediate Cooling on Mechanical Properties of 22MnB5 in a Tailored Tempering Process
by Alborz Reihani, Sebastian Heibel, Thomas Schweiker and Marion Merklein
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2024, 8(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp8010005

Investigating the Effect of Interface Temperature on Molecular Interdiffusion during Laser Transmission Welding of 3D-Printed Composite Parts
by Anh-Duc Le, André Chateau Akué Asséko, Benoît Cosson and Patricia Krawczak
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186121

Synthesis, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Biocompatibility of Multi-Component Collagen-Based Hydrogels Developed by E-Beam Irradiation
by Maria Demeter, Andreea Mariana Negrescu, Ion Calina, Anca Scarisoreanu, Mădălina Albu Kaya, Marin Micutz, Marius Dumitru and Anisoara Cimpean
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(9), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14090454

A Modelling-Based Framework for Carbon Emissions Calculation in Additive Manufacturing: A Stereolithography Case Study
by Vasiliki C. Panagiotopoulou, Aikaterini Paraskevopoulou and Panagiotis Stavropoulos
Processes 2023, 11(9), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11092574

Natural Polyphenols and the Corrosion Protection of Steel: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives for Green and Promising Strategies
by Rossella Sesia, Silvia Spriano, Marco Sangermano and Sara Ferraris
Metals 2023, 13(6), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13061070

Special Issues:

Recent Developments in Friction Stir Welding Technology and Applications Women’s Special Issue Series: Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition)
Healthy and Affordable Zero-Emission Buildings: A Challenge for the Near Future Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Biomimetic Surfaces and Interfaces 2025
Advanced Materials and Processing Technologies The 15th Anniversary of Nanomaterials—Women in Nanomaterials

20 June 2025
Young Women in Engineering Award—Open for Nominations


We are pleased to announce that the Young Women in Engineering Award is open for nominations. This award was established to acknowledge the achievements of young women investigators in the field of engineering and to inspire young women to consider research and careers in engineering. All the nominations will be assessed by an Award Evaluation Committee, and winners will be announced online on 8 March 2026.

Prizes:

  • CHF 1000;
  • An electronic certificate;
  • A voucher to waive the article processing charges (APCs) for one submission to a journal within the field of engineering (subject to peer review)—valid for one year.

Number of winners: 2.

Eligibility and requirements:

  • This role is designated for female candidates;
  • Must have received their Ph.D. no more than 10 years prior to 31 December 2025;
  • Must have produced groundbreaking research and made a significant contribution to the advancement of engineering;
  • Must be nominated by senior scientists.

List of documents for nomination:

  • Detailed curriculum vitae, including an updated publication list and a list of the researcher’s own research grants;
  • Scanned copy of doctorate certificate;
  • Signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists.

Schedule:

Open for nominations: 23 June 2025;
Nomination deadline: 30 November 2025;
Winner announcement: 8 March 2026.

Nominations and contact:

All nomination materials and award-related communications must be submitted via our official email: ywe-award@mdpi.com.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Young Women in Engineering Award Team

20 June 2025
MDPI Webinar | MDPI 2025 International Women in Engineering Day, 23 June 2025


In alignment with International Women in Engineering Day, MDPI emphasizes the power of collective action to break down gender barriers and foster a more inclusive engineering culture. MDPI has invited female engineers to showcase their groundbreaking engineering research and share their personal journeys and insights through roundtable discussion. Join us in building a future for engineering and supporting initiatives that empower women in STEM.

Session 1Breaking Barriers as Rising Stars

Keywords: women in engineering, female engineers, inspiring women, together we engineer, breaking barriers
Date: 11:00 a.m. CEST | 7:00 p.m. AEST| 5:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 834 2423 4697
Webinar Page: https://sciforum.net/event/2025INWED-1

Register now for free!

Speaker/Presentation

Time in CEST

Time in AEST

Dr. Giulia Scalet
Chair’s Introduction

11:00–11:10 a.m.

7:00–7:10 p.m.

Dr. Kyriaki-Evangelia Aslani
Effect of Micromagnetorotation on Blood Flows under Strong Magnetic Fields

11:10–11:30 a.m.

7:10–7:30 p.m.

Dr. Athanasia Tolkou
Novel Approaches in Water and Wastewater Treatment

11:30–11:50 a.m.

7:30–7:50 p.m.

Dr. Sabina Alexandra Nicolae
Dark Solutions for a Brighter Future: Sustainable Carbon Materials for Environmental Application

11:50 a.m. –12:10 p.m.

7:50–8:10 p.m.

Dr. Giulia Scalet, Dr. Miriam Filippi, Dr. Sabina Alexandra Nicolae, Dr. Kyriaki-Evangelia Aslani, Dr. Athanasia Tolkou
Roundtable Discussion

12:10–12:50 p.m.

8:10–8:50 p.m.

Dr. Giulia Scalet
Closing of Webinar

12:50–1:00 p.m.

8:50–9:00 p.m.

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

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

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Giulia Scalet, University of Pavia, Italy;
  • Dr. Miriam Filippi, ETH Zurich, Switzerland;
  • Dr. Kyriaki-Evangelia Aslani, University of the Peloponnese, Greece;
  • Dr. Athanasia Tolkou, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece;
  • Dr. Sabina Alexandra Nicolae, National Institute of Materials Physics, Romania.

Session 2Legacy Building Through Inclusive Leadership

Keywords: Women in Engineering, Female Engineers, Inspiring Women, Together We Engineer,Leadership
Date: 4:00 p.m. CEST | 10:00 a.m. EDT| 10:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 835 3354 6710
Webinar Page: https://sciforum.net/event/2025INWED-2

Register now for free!

Speaker/Presentation

Time in CEST

Time in EDT

Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo
Chair’s Introduction

4:00–4:10 p.m.

10:00–10:10 a.m.

Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo

4:10–4:25 p.m.

10:10–10:25 a.m.

Dr. Fabiola Pineda
Towards Thermosolar Storage Efficiency: The Use of 2D Nanomaterials to Enhance Molten Salts

4:25–4:40 p.m.

10:25–10:40 a.m.

Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu
Role of Carbon Materials in Energy Storage Landscape

4:40 p.m. –4:55 p.m.

10:40–10:55 a.m.

Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro
A Travel Through Particle Technology

4:55–5:10 p.m.

10:55–11:10 a.m.

Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo, Prof. Dr. Yuliya Semenova, Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu, Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro, Dr. Fabiola Pineda, Dr. Tatiana Ferreira
Roundtable Discussion

5:10–5:50 p.m.

11:10–11:50 a.m.

Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo
Closing of Webinar

5:50–6:00 p.m.

11:50 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

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

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

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

  • Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo, University of Pavia, Italy;
  • Dr. Fabiola Pineda, Universidad Mayor, Chile;
  • Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu, Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse, France;
  • Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro, University of Coimbra, Portugal;
  • Prof. Dr. Yuliya Semenova, Technological University Dublin, Ireland;
  • Dr. Tatiana Ferreira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

10 June 2025
Meet Us at the 6th International Conference on Vibration and Energy Harvesting Applications (VEH 2025), 11–14 July 2025, Hong Kong


MDPI will be attending the 6th International Conference on Vibration and Energy Harvesting Applications (VEH 2025), which will take place in Hong Kong from 11 to 14 July 2025.

Vibration energy harvesting has garnered significant attention from academia and industry in recent years due to its potential in enabling green, renewable, and self-powered systems. As a premier international platform, VEH consistently attracts a diverse community of experts advancing innovations in dynamics, sound and vibration, and energy-harvesting technologies. Building on the success of the 2024 edition held in Auckland, Australia, and many past editions, VEH 2025 offers an opportunity to engage with leading researchers and explore the latest developments shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please do not hesitate to stop by our booth and start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://veh2025.hkust.edu.hk/.

5 June 2025
Meet Us at the 7th International Conference on Nanoenergy and Nanosystems (NENS 2025), 28–30 June 2025, Beijing, China


MDPI is pleased to announce our participation in the 7th International Conference on Nanoenergy and Nanosystems (NENS 2025), which will be held on from 28 to 30 June 2025, in Beijing Yanqi Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center, Beijing, China.

NENS 2025 is intended to stimulate discussions at the forefront of research in nanoenergy and nanosystems. Starting from 2014, NENS has been organized once every two years by the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences (BINN, CAS). The conference has attracted high-profile scholars worldwide to deliver plenary and invited talks. The average number of participants is over 700 attendees per event. In 2025, this conference will provide a platform for scientists to exchange scientific information, build relationships, and possibly establish collaborations with a focus on the following topics:

Symposia: 
Symposium 1: Nanogenerators;
Symposium 2: Self-Powered Sensors and Systems;
Symposium 3: Piezotronics and Semiconductor Devices;
Symposium 4: Energy Storage and Self-Charging Power Systems;
Symposium 5: Self-Powered Bioelectronics;
Symposium 6: Contact-Electro-Catalysis, Electrocatalysis, and Photocatalysis;
Symposium 7: Wearable Electronics and AI;
Symposium 8: Blue Energy and Marine Science.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you are attending NENS 2025, we invite you to visit us at booth #B11. Our representatives look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit its official website: http://www.nens.cn/.

3 June 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #23 - MDPI Summits Spain & Italy, Ei Compendex, and Editorial Independence

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 MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona (21-22 May)

In May we hosted the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona – our second summit in the city following the inaugural one in November 2023.


Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI) at the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona, 22 May 2025.

Creating a space for exchange of views

The goal of our summits is to bring together Chief Editors of MDPI journals from across disciplines and institutions. These intimate gatherings provide a platform to present the latest developments at MDPI and to initiate open conversations about our journals, the future of open access, and the evolving landscape of scientific publishing.

Most importantly, these are opportunities for in-person connection, providing a more meaningful space for the exchange of views and for building long-term relationships.

Exploring the future of scientific publishing in Spain

The summit took place on 21–22 May and featured a mix of MDPI presentations (including two guest presentations), roundtable discussions, and Q&A sessions. On the first day, we held a focused session with our Chief Editors to gather feedback and have open discussions on their journal development, the peer-review process, and local accreditation systems.


Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI, presents MDPI’s Editorial Process and Peer Review Quality Metrics at the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona, 22 May 2025.

I had the pleasure of opening the Summit with a welcome address and an overview of MDPI’s recent milestones. The agenda then included the following sessions:

  • MDPI and Recent Developments in the Spanish Market – Dr. Marta Colomer (Public Affairs Specialist, MDPI)
  • MDPI Editorial Process and Peer Review Quality Metrics – Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI)
  • Open Access in Spain – Dr. Remedios Melero (Researcher, CSIC – guest speaker)
  • AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Dr. Enric Sayas (Business Analyst, MDPI), Daniele Raimondi (Data Scientist, MDPI), and Dr. Alexandre López-Borrull (Researcher, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya – guest speaker)
  • Publication Ethics – Ana Stankovic (Research Integrity and Publication Ethics, MDPI)
  • Opening and Closing remarks were provided by Rocksy Zhang (Editorial Director, MDPI)

We are extremely grateful for the strong engagement shown by our Editors, who were clearly appreciative of the event and the discussions we had. They felt seen and heard, which is a vital prerequisite for building open channels of communication and cultivating productive long-term collaborations.


MDPI colleagues during MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona (22 May 2025).

A big thank-you to the entire Barcelona team for organizing such a successful event!

Upcoming MDPI Summit events:

  • Italy Summit – Rome (26–27 May)
  • US Summit – Boston, MA (5–6 June)
  • France Summit – Paris (12–13 June)
  • US Summit – Houston, TX (26–27 June)
  • UK Summit – London (16–17 September)
  • Germany Summit – Berlin (18–19 September)
  • Romania Summit – Bucharest (23–24 October)
    ...with more in between, and more to follow.

Impactful Research

50 MDPI Journals Now Indexed in Ei Compendex

Indexing is a key indicator of a journal’s scientific impact. An indexed journal gives research greater visibility and credibility within the global academic community and is recognized for its quality and relevance. While many of our journals are included in major databases such as Web of Science and Scopus, MDPI also places strong emphasis on journal inclusion in subject-specific indexing platforms that align with each journal’s scope. This ensures that when you publish with MDPI, you publish with impact.

I’m pleased to share that as at May 2025, 51 of our journals are now indexed in Ei Compendex, a leading bibliographic database for engineering and applied sciences. This is a major milestone that reflects both the quality or our editorial processes and the relevance of the research we publish in these fields.

“When you publish with MDPI, you publish with impact”

Discoverability and reach

Inclusion in Ei Compendex means greater discoverability for our authors and broader reach of our journals in the fields of engineering and technology. It improves our ability to support global research and innovation, while building MDPI’s reputation in the applied sciences. This recognition is the result of the dedicated work of our editorial teams, reviewers, and authors, and of our overall commitment to excellence in publishing.

You can read our full announcement here.

Appreciative thanks to everyone involved in reaching this milestone.

Inside MDPI

 

One Year of MDPI’s Seoul Office

On 29 April, we marked one year since the opening of our Seoul office, MDPI’s first local hub in South Korea. South Korea is a key market for MDPI, currently ranking as our sixth-largest contributor to the company’s total publications, with over 89,000 MDPI articles authored by individuals affiliated with Korean institutions. Over the past 12 months, the Seoul team has made great strides in building our visibility, networks, and presence in the region.

A few highlights from the past year


Claude Seo (MDPI Korea Office Manager, Seoul)

Claude Seo, who has over 15 years of experience in the academic publishing industry, is the Office Manager of the Seoul office.

In its inaugural year, the Seoul office focused primarily on marketing and promotional activities to support the MDPI brand locally. During that time, the team concentrated on scholar visits to local institutions, attending academic conferences, and hosting editorial board meetings.

The team also secured 10 Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) renewals, signed three new IOAP agreements, and established one new Society affiliation.

The Seoul office also hosted its first library book fair and reached over 1,000 followers on its LinkedIn channel, which is an encouraging indication of local visibility and engagement.

“The Seoul team has made strides in building our visibility, networks, and presence in the region”

Growth plans

Later this year, we are working on opening a new Seoul office in a more central location, with room for our growing team. The new space will bring us closer to other publishing partners and provide easier access to and from the airport. The Seoul office will continue to expand its efforts in outreach and engagement as its builds its presence in South Korea.

Warm thanks to the entire Seoul team for their hard work and dedication, and to all MDPI colleagues who have contributed to this exciting chapter in our global journey.

Coming Together for Science

Highlights from the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (26–27 May)

We closed the month of May by hosting the first MDPI Italy Summit in Rome. This was an important event for us, as Italy has consistently ranked among the top ten countries globally for open access publications over the past decade.

MDPI and Italy: Facts & Figures

  • With over 144,000 publications (as at 31 May 2025), Italy is MDPI’s third largest contributor after China and the USA.
  • In 2024, MDPI was the second-largest publishing house in Italy.
  • The 7,165 Editorial Board Members (EBMs) drawn from Italian institutions represent 8.9% of all MDPI academic editors.
  • Among these, 319 serve as Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) or Section Editors-in-Chief (SEiCs).
  • Eleven Italian EBMs were recognized as 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers.
  • In 2024, MDPI received 24,873 review reports and collaborated with 88,578 reviewers from Italy.
  • 23,131 Guest Editors from Italian institutions led 4,827 Special Issues across 248 MDPI journals.
  • MDPI partners with over 900 institutions globally, of which 17 are in Italy.

The MDPI Italy Summit in Rome


Dr. Prof. Giulio Cerullo, EiC of Applied Sciences, at the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (27 May 2025).

Held on 26–27 May, the MDPI Italy Summit brought together 25 Chief Editors from across our journal portfolio, including some of our largest journals such as Applied Sciences, to discuss MDPI’s latest developments and collaborations in the Italian market, our use of data intelligence and AI to support strategic decision-making, a look into our editorial process, peer-review quality metrics, and conversations around research integrity and community engagement.

The Summit featured MDPI presentations followed by Q&A and concluded with a roundtable discussion. On the evening of the 26th, we hosted a dinner with our Editors to connect personally, learn more about their research, and hear feedback on journal operations and the broader academic landscape in Italy.


Gathering of Editors-in-Chief and MDPI staff at the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (27 May 2025).

Event Agenda – 27 May

Moderated by Maddalena Favaretto (Conference Scientific Advisor, MDPI), the program featured:

  • MDPI Overview, Achievements, Latest News and Future Developments – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI)
  • Country Report: Italy – Dr. Laura Perez Martin (Conference Assistant, MDPI)
  • AI in Publishing and MDPI’s Actions – Dr. Andrea Perlato (Head of Data Analytics, MDPI)
  • MDPI Editorial Process and Research Integrity – Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI)
  • Panel Discussion – Stefan, Andrea, Giulia


Panel Discussion with Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI), Dr. Andrea Perlato (Head of Data Analytics, MDPI) during the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (27 May 2025).

A big thank-you to our Conference team and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make these events run smoothly.

Closing Thoughts

Upholding Editorial Independence in Scholarly Publishing

A recent MDPI blog post written by Dr. Ioana Craciun (Scientific Communications Specialist, MDPI), “Editorial Independence and Publisher Support: Collaborating to Uphold Integrity,” highlights the important balance between editorial autonomy and publisher collaboration in academic publishing.

As the leading fully Open Access scholarly publisher, we are proud to champion editorial independence within our publishing process.

Drawing from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, the article emphasizes that while editors must have the freedom to make decisions based on scholarly merit, publishers play a critical role in providing the necessary infrastructure and tools to support the editorial process. This collaborative approach ensures the integrity of the peer review process, builds trust among authors and readers, and upholds the quality and relevance of published content.

MDPI highlights its commitment to this model by investing in research integrity specialists, AI tools for plagiarism detection, and administrative support, all aimed at empowering editors to make independent, informed decisions.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

16 May 2025
Meet Us at the CSME-CFDSC-CSR 2025 International Congress, 25–28 May 2025, Montreal, Canada


MDPI is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the CSME-CFDSC-CSR 2025 International Congress, which will be held in Montreal, Canada, from 25 to 28 May 2025.

Organized jointly by the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME), the Computational Fluid Dynamics Society of Canada (CFDSC) and the Canadian Society of Rheology (CSR), CSME-CFDSC-CSR 2025 will provide exciting opportunities for collaboration and insight into mechanical engineering, CFD and rheology communities both in Canada and abroad.

The conference will focus on the following topics:

  • Advanced Energy Systems;
  • Advanced Manufacturing;
  • Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering;
  • Computational Mechanics;
  • Engineering Analysis and Design;
  • Environmental Engineering;
  • Fluid Mechanics;
  • Machines & Mechanisms;
  • Materials Technology;
  • Mechatronics, Robotics & Controls;
  • Microtechnology & Nanotechnology;
  • Smart Production Systems;
  • Solid Mechanics;
  • Sustainable Practices in Engineering;
  • Thermal Science & Engineering;
  • Transportation Systems;
  • Hydraulic Turbines;
  • Computational Methods & Model Development;
  • Canonical Flows, Flow Physics & Turbulence;
  • Compressible & Multiphysics Flows;
  • Applications of CFD;
  • Theoretical & Computational Rheology, Rheometry;
  • Applied Rheology.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

Discover how MDPI can support your research and academic goals. Our team will be at the booth to discuss MDPI’s submission process, editorial support, and the benefits of open access publishing. Plus, enjoy exciting gifts and exclusive resources available only at our booth!

If you are planning to attend the conference, we would love to connect with you! Our delegates are eager to meet you in person and answer any questions you may have. For more details about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.csmecongress.org/. We look forward to seeing you there!

14 May 2025
International Day of Light—“Light, Innovation, Society”, 16 May 2025


Celebrating the International Day of Light, we reflect on light’s essential role in connecting scientific discovery with daily life. Guided by the 2025 theme, “Light, Innovation, Society”, we explore how light transcends boundaries—driving innovations across disciplines, enhancing human experiences, and fostering collaborative solutions to shared challenges. As both a universal symbol and a scientific tool, light continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections in an ever-evolving world.

MDPI invites researchers and readers to engage with our open access journals, Special Issues, and collaborative platforms dedicated to advancing light-related research. Discover freely accessible studies spanning from foundational principles to emerging applications, participate in global discussions through interdisciplinary forums, and contribute to open science efforts that bridge ideas and communities. Together, let us harness light’s simplicity and depth to spark dialogue, empower collective progress, and illuminate pathways toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

“Preparation and Photoelectric Properties of Nanostructured Native Oxide of Gallium Monoselenide with Applications in Gas Sensors
by Veaceslav Sprincean, Alexandru Macovei, Liviu Leontie, Aurelian Carlescu, Silviu Gurlui and Mihail Caraman
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(4), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9040194

“Optical Forces on Chiral Particles: Science and Applications
by Weicheng Yi, Haiyang Huang, Chengxing Lai, Tao He, Zhanshan Wang, Xinhua Dai, Yuzhi Shi and Xinbin Cheng
Micromachines 2024, 15(10), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15101267

“Innovative Integration of Dual Quantum Cascade Lasers on Silicon Photonics Platform
by Dongbo Wang, Harindra Kumar Kannojia, Pierre Jouy, Etienne Giraud, Kaspar Suter, Richard Maulini, David Gachet, Léo Hetier, Geert Van Steenberge and Bart Kuyken
Micromachines 2024, 15(8), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15081055

“Extremely Weak Electro-Optic Kerr Effect in Methyl Silicone Oils
by Marek Izdebski, Rafał Ledzion and Szymon Węgrzynowski
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081850

“Estimating Compressive and Shear Forces at L5-S1: Exploring the Effects of Load Weight, Asymmetry, and Height Using Optical and Inertial Motion Capture Systems
by Iván Nail-Ulloa, Michael Zabala, Richard Sesek, Howard Chen, Mark C. Schall, Jr. and Sean Gallagher
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061941

“A Review of Solar Forecasting Techniques and the Role of Artificial Intelligence
by Khadija Barhmi, Chris Heynen, Sara Golroodbari and Wilfried van Sark
Solar 2024, 4(1), 99-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/solar4010005

“Pulp Particle Classification Based on Optical Fiber Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques”
by Stefan B. Lindström, Rabab Amjad, Elin Gåhlin, Linn Andersson, Marcus Kaarto, Kateryna Liubytska, Johan Persson, Jan-Erik Berg, Birgitta A. Engberg and Fritjof Nilsson
Fibers 2024, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib12010002

“A Review of State-of-the-Art and Short-Term Forecasting Models for Solar PV Power Generation”
by Wen-Chang Tsai, Chia-Sheng Tu, Chih-Ming Hong and Whei-Min Lin
Energies 2023, 16(14), 5436; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145436

“Long-Cavity M-Plane GaN-Based Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers with a Topside Monolithic Curved Mirror
by Nathan C. Palmquist, Ryan Anderson, Jared A. Kearns, Joonho Back, Emily Trageser, Stephen Gee, Steven P. Denbaars and Shuji Nakamura
Photonics 2023, 10(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10060646

“Direct Fabrication of Ultrahydrophobic Laser-Induced Graphene for Strain Sensors”
by Devanarayanan Meena Narayana Menon, Matteo Giardino and Davide Janner
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4935; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084935

“Photonic Crystals Fabricated by Two-Photon Polymerization with Mechanical Defects”
by Victoria Paige Stinson, Nuren Shuchi, Dustin Louisos, Micheal McLamb, Glenn D. Boreman and Tino Hofmann
Optics 2023, 4(2), 300-309; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt4020021

“Beyond Conventional Sensing: Hybrid Plasmonic Metasurfaces and Bound States in the Continuum”
by Dominic Bosomtwi and Viktoriia E. Babicheva
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071261

“Novel Approaches for High Speed Optical Communication
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Roger Dorsinville and Dr. Amin Malek
Submission deadline: 20 June 2025

“New Prospects in Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Xingwei Wang and Dr. Xu Guo
Submission deadline: 25 June 2025

“Photonic Integrated Circuits for Information, Computing and Sensing
Guest Editors: Dr. Andrea Salamon, Dr. Liam O’Faolain and Dr. Simone Iadanza
Submission deadline: 30 June 2025

“Microrheology with Optical Tweezers
Guest Editor: Dr. Manlio Tassieri
Submission deadline: 30 June 2025

“Optical Composites, Nanophotonics and Metamaterials
Guest Editor: Dr. Hong Zhou
Submission deadline: 18 July 2025

“Recent Trends in Light-Assisted Reactions for CO2 Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals
Guest Editors: Dr. Antonietta Mancuso, Dr. Vincenzo Vaiano and Dr. Olga Sacco
Submission deadline: 31 October 2025

 

13 May 2025
Empowering Academic Growth with MDPI: A Scientific Publishing Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, 15 May 2025


MDPI is excited to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University to host an engaging Scientific Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection, the editorial workflow, and the essentials of publication ethics. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from an experienced professional. This session promises to equip attendees with valuable skills to elevate their publishing journey.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Learn How to Better Write and Structure a Research Article;
  • How to Choose Where to Publish Academic Work;
  • How to Respond to Reviewer Comments;
  • Reasons for Rejection During Pre-Check;
  • How to Navigate Through Ethics and AI Use.

Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Speakers

Program and Content

Time

Dr. Stephen Mora

Introduction to MDPI

12:00–12:05 p.m.

 

How to Write and Structure a Research Article

12:05–12:45 p.m.

 

How to Respond to Reviewer Comments

12:45–1:30 p.m.

Dr. Stephen Mora has an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in kinesiology and health science from York University, Canada. He started working at MDPI in May 2024 and is now the Managing Editor of IJOM, a newly transferred society journal published by MDPI. During his graduate studies and MDPI tenure, Stephen has gained extensive experience in attending conferences, meeting with scholars, and hosting online and in-person presentations.

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