Announcements

31 December 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #30 - Scaling with Integrity, Highly Cited Researchers, KEMÖ Consortium, Michele Parrinello, and Best PhD Thesis Awards

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


With colleagues at MDPI headquarters in Basel, representing the people behind our global growth and shared commitment to integrity.

Scaling with Integrity: A Year of Growth, Responsibility, and Trust

When I look back on 2025, one phrase seems to sum up the year: “Scaling with integrity.” That was our watchword for 2025, and it will remain so as we move forward in to 2026.

Our journal portfolio continued to grow in 2025, reflecting the trust of a widening proportion of the scholarly community.

Today, MDPI has 355 journals indexed in Scopus and 330 in Web of Science – a testimonial to the scale at which our journals meet established external quality criteria. During the year, 45 of our journals were newly accepted into Scopus and 29 into Web of Science (this excludes transferred journals to our portfolio that were already indexed), following rigorous, independent evaluation by the world’s leading indexing bodies

Meeting external quality benchmarks

These results underline the fact that scaling responsibly is not only about expanding our catalogue, but also about meeting external quality benchmarks consistently, transparently, and at scale. Our indexing performance remains one of the strongest independent validations of MDPI’s commitment to rigor, trust, and long-term sustainability.

Over the course of 2025, we made targeted investments to ensure that the integrity of our editorial process scaled to keep pace with our growth. We strengthened our editorial governance by doubling down on our dedicated Publication Ethics department, appointing a Head of Ethics, and expanding our research integrity team by the addition of new specialists plus the creation of embedded editorial ethics roles across key journals. We also introduced new internal ethics guidelines, pre-review integrity checks, and monitoring dashboards to help teams identify potential issues and apply consistent standards across our portfolio.

Besides investing in systems and tools, we of course also invested heavily in our people and culture, delivering organisation-wide training on topics such as image integrity, AI use in publishing, and ethical oversight, while actively engaging with the wider publishing community through COPE and STM forums.

All these efforts reflect a simple principle: growth only matters if it is matched by rigor, responsibility, and trust.

Technology and AI: Supporting the editorial decision-making process

At MDPI, AI is designed to assist, not replace, editorial decision-making. It is one element in a broader system that combines people, technology, and processes to support scale responsibly.

In 2025, we continued to invest heavily in technology that supports quality rather than shortcuts. Our AI team doubled in size, ensuring that increased automation goes hand-in-hand with expertise and oversight. Proprietary AI tools such as Scholar Finder have significantly improved the precision of reviewer matching, while Ethicality has been widely adopted across editorial workflows to identify contextual signals, such as scope alignment and citation behaviour, so that human judgment can be applied where it matters most.

Partnerships: Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) agreements and Societies

Our recent growth is also reflected in the strength of our partnerships. In 2025, we entered into more than 150 new IOAP agreements, bringing our total to 975 active agreements worldwide. This activity included the signing of our first-ever consortium agreements in North America, renewals of all major national consortia in the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Austria, and Croatia, and the conclusion of several flat-fee agreements. At the same time, we concluded a total of 30 agreements, encompassing 24 new Society affiliations, four strategic publishing partnerships, and two journal acquisitions.

In 2025, we opened MDPI USA in Philadelphia – our latest global office, which complements our Toronto office in representing North America. MDPI USA is responsible for accelerating Open Access in the US through ongoing support of our scholars and for expanding our institutional and society partnerships.

On the other side of the globe, meanwhile, we signed an IOAP agreement in India, allowing researchers discounted Article Processing Charges (APCs), streamlined APC management for universities, and visibility into submissions, supporting India’s push for wider Open Access by offering flexible models and helping institutions meet national mandates such as Plan S.

Sustainability, sponsorships and awards

We continued to expand our sustainability efforts during 2025, hosting the 11th World Sustainability Forum, awarding CHF 125,000 in sustainability-related funding, and launching the Z-Forum on Sustainability and Innovation conference, which will officially take place in January 2026.

We also saw a record year for conference sponsorships and awards (while establishing new awards such as the Michele Parrinello Award), recognising scholars across disciplines and reinforcing our commitment to supporting the global research community at every stage of the academic journey.

Deepening our relationships

In 2025, I had the opportunity to travel more widely than ever before on MDPI business, meeting many of our stakeholders face to face and relishing the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their science communication needs. It was also excellent to visit a large number of MDPI offices and witness the commitment and service orientation of so many of our colleagues around the world. I shall resume my itinerary in the new year, and I look forward to many more such interactions.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will be celebrating a very significant milestone: 30 years of MDPI. From our foundation as a single Open Access journal in 1996 to the global publishing organisation we are today, our mission has remained consistent: advancing Open Access through rigorous and trustworthy scientific communication.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our stakeholders – authors, Editors-in-Chief, Editorial Board members, and reviewers – who have placed their trust in us during 2025. On behalf of the entire MDPI team, I look forward to deepening our relationships yet further in 2026 and celebrating 30 Years of Open Science at MDPI, something we’ve built together.


Basel, Switzerland, where MDPI was founded in 1996.

Impactful Research

621 MDPI Editors Named Highly Cited Researchers in 2025

I am pleased to share an important milestone for our editorial community and for MDPI. In late November, Clarivate announced the 2025 Highly Cited Researchers, and 621 MDPI Editorial Board Members were included among the most influential scientific contributors over the past decade! 

The 621 editors come from 33 countries, representing 21 scientific disciplines, and account for nearly one in every ten Highly Cited Researchers globally. This recognition speaks to the depth of expertise across our Editorial Boards and the strength of the scientific communities that choose to collaborate with MDPI. It is important to note that while citation metrics are not in themselves a proxy for quality, they do offer one lens on sustained scientific influence.

“Our strength comes from the scientific communities who choose to work with us”

Why this is important

Having more than 600 editors recognized on this list highlights:

  • The high level of expertise guiding peer review across our journals
  • The global and disciplinary diversity within our Editorial Boards
  • Our commitment to maintaining strong, knowledgeable, and engaged editorial oversight

Impactful science is of course shaped by broad, diverse research communities, and no single metric captures the full picture of research quality. However, this recognition does serve as meaningful, independent affirmation of the calibre of many editors who contribute to MDPI’s work.

A closer look at the recognition

Clarivate’s methodology highlights researchers whose publications rank in the top one per cent by citation count, reflecting consistent influence over the past decade. The process includes:

  • Evaluation of c. 200,000 highly cited papers
  • Removal of retracted publications
  • Filtering of papers with unusually large authorship groups to focus on clear contributions

That so many of our editors meet these thresholds reflects the impact of the communities behind our journals.

What this means going forward

This recognition underlines the fact that our strength comes from the scientific communities who choose to work with us.

For authors, partners, and readers, it confirms that:

  • MDPI journals benefit from editorial guidance grounded in active, high-impact research
  • Our Editorial boards include leaders who are helping shape the future direction of their fields
  • MDPI continues to attract experts who value openness, efficiency, and scientific integrity

For our internal teams, it is a reminder that the work we do every day (supporting editors, refining workflows, and improving systems) directly contributes to the trust placed in MDPI by researchers worldwide.

Thank you to all our editorial teams, publishing staff, and journal relationship specialists, and to everyone who collaborates with our Editorial Boards. Achievements like this are only possible because of your ongoing hard work, dedication, and collaboration.


From our first annual MDPI UK Summit in Manchester, bringing together over 30 Chief Editors and Editorial Board Members to discuss MDPI’s mission, achievements, and collaborations in the UK.

Inside MDPI

MDPI Launches the Michele Parrinello Award for Computational Physical Science

In case you missed it, in November, we announced the launch of the Michele Parrinello Award. This new biennial international award will recognize pioneering contributions in computational physical science. The award honours Michele Parrinello, one of the most influential scientists of the past half-century in atomistic simulations and computational materials research.

This award reflects MDPI’s long-standing commitment to recognizing scientific excellence, supporting foundational research, and inspiring the next generation of scholars across disciplines.

“Be confident that what you do is meaningful”

Honouring a transformative scientific legacy

Professor Parrinello’s work has fundamentally reshaped how scientists model matter at the atomic scale. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, widely known as the Car–Parrinello method, opening new pathways in electronic structure calculations and molecular simulations. His subsequent contributions, including the Parrinello–Rahman method and metadynamics, have become core tools across physics, chemistry, materials science, and increasingly biology.

“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

A global, community-led award

The award committee is chaired by Xin-Gao Gong, Professor of Physics at Fudan University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University will serve as the supporting institute, reinforcing the award’s international and cross-cultural foundation.

Nominations for the first edition of the Michele Parrinello Award opened on 1 November 2025, with submissions accepted until March 2026. The award will recognize scientists whose work has advanced computational physical science across physics, chemistry, and materials research – fields increasingly central to energy, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and technological innovation.

Why this matters for MDPI

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which supports science as a driver of long-term societal progress.

Alongside other foundation-level honours, including the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award, this new prize builds on our role in supporting excellence across career stages and disciplines.

MDPI journals and programs continue to recognize researchers through Best Paper Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, and Outstanding Reviewer Awards. Together, these initiatives reflect a simple belief: strong scientific communities are built through recognition, trust, and sustained support.

As MDPI approaches its 30th anniversary, the launch of the Michele Parrinello Award highlights our commitment not only to publishing research but also to helping shape the future of science by celebrating those who expand its boundaries.

Coming Together for Science

KEMÖ Consortium (Austria) Extends Open Access Agreement with MDPI until 2027

I’m pleased to share that MDPI has renewed its Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) agreement with the Austrian library consortium KEMÖ, extending our partnership through 2027.

The renewed agreement now includes 23 Austrian institutions, with the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) joining the partnership. Participating institutions benefit from APC discounts across MDPI’s more than 495 journals, with centralized funding options further reducing the administrative burden for researchers and libraries.

“This renewal reflects shared commitment to advancing Open Access publishing in Europe”

Austria continues to be an important and engaged research community for MDPI, with 525+ Austrian Editorial Board Members, eight Editors-in-Chief, and 15 Section Editors-in-Chief contributing to our journals.

This renewal reflects long-term trust and shared commitment to advancing Open Access publishing in Europe, and improves MDPI’s collaboration with national OA infrastructures such as the Open Access Monitor Austria. Such long-term agreements show how MDPI’s growth is increasingly built on institutional trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to Open Access.

A big thank-you to the IOAP team and everyone involved in supporting this partnership.

Closing Thoughts

Celebrating the Next Generation of Scholars: MDPI’s 2024 Best PhD Thesis Awards

One of the privileges of working in scholarly publishing is supporting the beginning of new scientific journeys. We recently announced the recipients of MDPI’s 2024 Best PhD Thesis Awards, recognizing some of the most promising emerging researchers across disciplines.

These awards do more than celebrate academic excellence. They reflect something deeper about our mission: supporting the next generation of authors and the future of Open Science.

Recognition of Excellence

This year, we made awards to 55 early-career researchers across seven fields:

For those of you who have completed a PhD, you’ll know first-hand that behind each number is a story of perseverance, curiosity, and sustained effort. These researchers represent institutions around the world, with thesis topics spanning:

  • Brain–machine interfaces and neural engineering
  • Sustainable materials and next-generation batteries
  • Cancer genomics, tumour microenvironments, and immunotherapy
  • AI-driven image analysis, robotics, and computational models
  • Climate change monitoring and environmental risk assessment
  • Regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and drug development

These dissertations are early signs of the scientific directions that will shape the coming decade.

“Our mission is about building a global community of authors”

Why this is important

Every year, millions of scholars begin their research careers with limited visibility and few platforms for sharing their work. By recognizing outstanding PhD theses, we elevate authors early in their academic journeys, build MDPI’s connection to the global research community, reinforce our commitment to quality and rigor, and highlight the depth and breadth of scholarship published across our portfolio (from biology to materials science to mathematics).

A foretaste of the future

These 55 awardees represent the next generation of researchers whose work will influence science, policy, and society in the years ahead. What we support today helps shape the scientific ecosystem of tomorrow. Our mission goes beyond publishing papers. It is about building a global community of authors who will define the next era of scientific discovery.

To explore more about MDPI Awards, including current and upcoming Best PhD Thesis Awards, please click here.

Thank you to the editors, reviewers, and teams across MDPI who make these awards possible each year.

Everything we achieved this year was made possible by the collective effort of our global teams and the trust placed in us by the scholarly community. Thank you again, and here’s to the successful continuation of our collaboration in 2026!

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

25 December 2025
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, 27 December 2025


International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is an annual observance aimed at enhancing awareness of epidemic prevention, preparedness and response, fostering a deeper recognition of the urgency to strengthen global resilience against infectious disease outbreaks, while also drawing attention to the widespread health, economic and social burdens that epidemics impose—especially on vulnerable populations and under-resourced regions. This day highlights the pivotal role that collective action plays in advancing epidemic surveillance, early warning systems, vaccine and therapeutic development, and equitable access to medical supplies and care, thereby reinforcing the imperative for robust and proactive epidemic preparedness.

Biology & Life Sciences

Medicine & Pharmacology

Environmental & Earth Sciences

Structural Insights into the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Its Implications for Antibody Resistance
by Yuichiro Yamamoto and Kohji Noguchi
Biomolecules 202515(11), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15111489

HSP60 and SARS-CoV-2: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
by Adelaide Carista, Melania Ionelia Gratie, Francesco Cappello and Stefano Burgio
Biology 202514(9), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14091281

Impact of Obesity on Immunity to the Influenza Virus: Gut Microbiota, Mechanisms, and Novel Therapeutic Strategies
by Xiaoyue Ji and Jing Sun
Diseases 202513(8), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13080267

Immunological Strategies for Enhancing Viral Neutralization and Protection in Antibody-Guided Vaccine Design
by Dimitrina Miteva, Maria Kokudeva, Latchesar Tomov, Hristiana Batselova and Tsvetelina Velikova
Biologics 2025, 5(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics5030021

Manifestations of Post-COVID Syndrome in Healthcare Workers in Northeast England
by Rachael K. Raw, Jon Rees, Deborah Wilson, Sharon Gowans, Ng Cho Ee and David Chadwick
COVID 2025, 5(6), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5060091

Aptamer Development for SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron Variants Using the Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain as a Potential Diagnostic Tool and Therapeutic Agent
by Prasanna V. Shekar, Anuj Kumar, Nirmitee Mulgaonkar, Samneet Kashyap, Gourav Choudhir, Sandun Fernando and Sachin Rustgi
Biomolecules 2025, 15(6), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15060805

The Global Burden of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
by Andrea Marino, Antonino Maniaci, Mario Lentini, Salvatore Ronsivalle, Giuseppe Nunnari, Salvatore Cocuzza, Federica Maria Parisi, Bruno Cacopardo, Salvatore Lavalle and Luigi La Via
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6020021

Intricacies of Global Tuberculosis Management—EndTB-2035 on the Fence?
by Radha Gopalaswamy and Selvakumar Subbian
J. Respir. 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jor5010004

Long COVID: General Perceptions and Challenges in Diagnosis and Management
by Katia Ozanic, Aripuana Sakurada Aranha Watanabe, Alesandra Barbosa Ferreira Machado, Vania Lucia da Silva, Vanessa Cordeiro Dias and Claudio Galuppo Diniz
COVID 2025, 5(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5030041

An Increase in Aspartate Aminotransferase Can Predict Worsening Disease Severity in Japanese Patients with COVID-19
by Kengo Matsumoto, Tsutomu Nishida, Dai Nakamatsu, Masashi Yamamoto, Koji Fukui, Osamu Morimura, Kinya Abe, Yukiyoshi Okauchi, Hiromi Iwahashi and Masami Inada
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(4), 1601-1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14040129

Arbovirus Transmission in Australia from 2002 to 2017
by Elvina Viennet, Francesca D. Frentiu, Emilie McKenna, Flavia Torres Vasconcelos, Robert L. P. Flower and Helen M. Faddy
Biology 2024, 13(7), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070524

Host Innate Antiviral Response to Influenza A Virus Infection: From Viral Sensing to Antagonism and Escape
by Wenlong An, Simran Lakhina, Jessica Leong, Kartik Rawat and Matloob Husain
Pathogens 2024, 13(7), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13070561

Colchicine—The Divine Medicine against COVID-19
by Vanyo Mitev
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(7), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14070756

Towards Improved XAI-Based Epidemiological Research into the Next Potential Pandemic
by Hamed Khalili and Maria A. Wimmer
Life 2024, 14(7), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070783

Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Portable UV-C-Based Coating Activation Device against Candida albicans Biofilm and SARS-CoV-2 as an Additional Feature: An In Vitro Study
by Adityakrisna Yoshi Putra Wigianto, Megumi Watanabe, Yuki Iwawaki, Takaharu Goto, Tamaki Otsuki and Tetsuo Ichikawa
Hygiene 2024, 4(1), 93-102; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene4010006

Clinical and Epidemiological Study of Mycoses
Guest Editors: Dr. Yaxsier de Armas, Dr. Enrique J Calderón and Dr. Héctor Raúl Pérez-Gómez
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

Genetics of Host–Pathogen Interactions
Guest Editors: Dr. Transito Garcia-Garcia and Dr. Sara Zaldívar López
Submission deadline: 15 March 2026

Microorganisms in Neglected Tropical Diseases
Guest Editors: Dr. Ana Abreu-Silva and Prof. Dr. Fernando Almeida-Souza
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Ecology and Evolution of Viral Pathogens: From Wildlife to Human Infections
Guest Editor: Dr. Fernando Spilki
Submission deadline: 30 April 2026

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Virus Transmission: Pathways, Host Factors, and Public Health Strategies
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Francisco José Nunes Antunes
Submission deadline: 30 April 2026

Advances in Coronaviruses Research: Pathogenesis, Immunity, and Antivirals
Guest Editor: Dr. Nadine Alvarez
Submission deadline: 31 July 2026

19 December 2025
Meet Us at the ESCMID Global 2026, 17–21 April 2026, Munich, Germany


MDPI will be attending the ESCMID Global 2026, which will be held from 17 to 21 April 2026, in Munich, Germany.

ESCMID Global 2026 stands as the largest international conference in the fields of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, dedicated to connecting scientists, doctors, veterinarians and other healthcare professionals worldwide. Centered on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this annual congress serves as a pivotal platform for driving innovation and collaboration in the sector.

The conference covers a wide spectrum of key areas, including scientific research, infection management, and innovations in therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines. Attendees will have the opportunity to access the latest scientific breakthroughs, transformative treatments and rapid diagnostic technologies, making it an essential event for those looking to connect, learn and lead the future of infectious disease control.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you plan on attending this conference, please feel free to stop by our booth at #G46 and have 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 link: https://www.escmid.org/congress-events/escmid-global/munich-2026/.

17 December 2025
Microorganisms | Issue Cover Articles in the First Half of 2025

The articles listed below have been selected as the cover articles for Issues 1–6 of Volume 13 by the Editorial Office of Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607). They explore various fields within the journal’s scope, and we hope that they provide some useful insights and references for scholars in related fields.

 

1. “Shattering the Amyloid Illusion: The Microbial Enigma of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis—From Gut Microbiota and Viruses to Brain Biofilms”
by Anna Onisiforou, Eleftheria G. Charalambous and Panos Zanos
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010090 
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/90

 

2. “From Dysbiosis to Hepatic Inflammation: A Narrative Review on the Diet-Microbiota-Liver Axis in Steatotic Liver Disease”
by Andrea Pasta, Elena Formisano, Francesco Calabrese, Elisa Marabotto, Manuele Furnari, Giorgia Bodini, Maria Corina Plaz Torres, Livia Pisciotta, Edoardo Giovanni Giannini and Patrizia Zentilin
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020241 
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/2/241

 

3. “Study Models for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection of the Female Reproductive Tract”
by Jaehyeon Kim, Milena Ślęczkowska, Beatriz Nobre and Paul Wieringa
Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030553 
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/3/553

 

4. “Innovative Strategies for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Advances in Drug Delivery Systems and Treatment”
by Omobolanle A. Omoteso, Adewale O. Fadaka, Roderick B. Walker and Sandile M. Khamanga
Microorganisms 2025, 13(4), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13040722 
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/4/722

 

5. “Biosynthetic Mechanisms of Plant Chlorogenic Acid from a Microbiological Perspective”
by Jiasi Zhong, Qingsong Ran, Yanfeng Han, Longzhan Gan and Chunbo Dong
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051114
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1114

 

6. “Using Postbiotics from Functional Foods for Managing Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms, Sources, Therapeutic Potential, and Clinical Perspectives”
by Teresa D’Amore, Cinzia Zolfanelli, Vincenzo Lauciello, Alessio Di Ciancia, Alessio Vagliasindi, Slim Smaoui and Theodoros Varzakas
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061335
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/6/1335

17 December 2025
Microorganisms | Highly Cited Special Issues in 2023–2024


We are pleased to invite you to read our selection of highly cited Special Issues in 2023 and 2024 in in Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607). We hope that they offer useful insights in this field.

Our list of highly cited Special Issues is outlined below:

10th Anniversary of Microorganisms: Past, Present and Future
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Roger Pickup, Dr. Pramod Gopal, Dr. Paolo Calistri and Prof. Dr. Ute Römling
Views: 360000+ | Cited by 780+
Feature Papers in Gut Microbiota
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Martin Von Bergen
Views: 96000+ | Cited by 660+
Biofilm Formation and Survival Strategies
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Paul Stoodley and Dr. Erin Gloag
Views: 100000+ | Cited by 630+
Latest Review Papers in Environmental Microbiology 2023
Guest Editors: Dr. Nico Jehmlich
Views: 160000+ | Cited by 540+
Gut Microbiota: Health, Clinical & Beyonds
Guest Editors:  Prof. Dr. Shuang-Jiang Liu, Prof. Dr. Changtao Jiang, Prof. Dr. Zhongze Fang, Prof. Dr. Hongwei Liu and Prof. Dr. Jun Wang
Views: 100000+ | Cited by 300+
Pathogens and Antimicrobial Drug Resistance in the Food Chain
Guest Editors: Dr. Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek
Views: 68000+ | Cited by 290+
Effects of Probiotics on Health
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Piotr B. Heczko
Views: 100000+ | Cited by 280+
Screening and Characterization of the Diversity of Food Microorganisms and Their Metabolites 2022
Guest Editor: Dr. João Miguel F. Rocha
Views: 68000+ | Cited by 270+
Latest Review Papers in Medical Microbiology 2023
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Antonella d'Arminio Monforte
Views: 100000+ | Cited by 260+
Probiotics, Prebiotics and Functional Foods: Health Benefits and Biosafety
Guest Editors: Dr. Mutamed Ayyash and Dr. Shao-Quan Liu
Views: 59000+ | Cited by 240+

11 December 2025
Article Layout and Template Revised for Future Volumes

We are pleased to announce updates to our article template, aimed at improving the readability and visual appeal of our publications. The following updates will be applied to articles published in volumes in 2026, starting from 19 December 2025.

Left information bar:

  • Updated the logo and URL for “Check for updates”;
  • Removed the “Citation” section (Note: Citation details remain accessible via “Cite” in the online article version);
  • Changed the link in “Copyright” to a hyperlink format.

Footer:

  • Added a DOI link at the bottom-right corner of each page.

The updated template is now available for download from the Instructions for Authors page of each journal.

We hope that the new version of the template will provide users with better experience and make the process more convenient.

For any questions or suggestions, please contact our production team at production@mdpi.com.

1 December 2025
World AIDS Day, 1 December 2025


1 December is World AIDS Day, the day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care around the world. It has become one of the most widely recognized international health days.

In recognition of this day, we recommend the following related articles, Special Issues, and journals spanning multidisciplinary fields, including clinical medicine and biology. We believe that sharing such research can raise the public’s awareness and understanding of AIDS. The aim is to strengthen scientific cooperation in response to increased awareness about HIV/AIDS and to demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.

Biology & Life Science Medicine & Pharmacology Social Science, Art and Humanities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Progress and Challenges in HIV-1 Vaccine Research: A Comprehensive Overview
by Alex C. Boomgarden and Chitra Upadhyay
Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020148

Drug-Drug Interactions Between HIV Antivirals and Concomitant Drugs in HIV Patients: What We Know and What We Need to Know
by Emanuela De Bellis, Danilo Donnarumma, Adele Zarrella, Salvatore Maria Mazzeo, Annarita Pagano, Valentina Manzo, Ines Mazza, Francesco Sabbatino, Graziamaria Corbi, Pasquale Pagliano et al.
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17010031

High Prevalence of High-Risk HPV Among People with and Without HIV: Insights into Risk Factors for Tailored Screening Approaches
by Elena Bruzzesi, Federica Gandini, Sara Diotallevi, Riccardo Lolatto, Massimo Cernuschi, Caterina Candela, Angelo Roberto Raccagni, Flavia Passini, Andrea Marco Tamburini, Roberto Burioni et al.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122571

Association Between Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction, Systemic Inflammation, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy
by Madalina-Ianca Suba, Bogdan Hogea, Ahmed Abu-Awwad, Voichita Elena Lazureanu, Ovidiu Rosca, Daniela Gurgus, Sorina Maria Denisa Laitin and Alina Abu-Awwad
Diseases 2024, 12(12), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12120313

NSC95397 Is a Novel HIV-1 Latency-Reversing Agent
by Randilea Nichols Doyle, Vivian Yang, Yetunde I. Kayode, Robert Damoiseaux, Harry E. Taylor and Oliver I. Fregoso
Viruses 2024, 16(11), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16111783

HIV Self-Testing: A Discussion on the Benefits, Limitations, and Implications for Public Health with a Focus on Poland
by Aleksandra Kozieł, Igor Domański, Aleksandra Szymczak, Tomasz Dudzik, Brygida Knysz and Bartosz Szetela
Diagnostics 2024, 14(22), 2475; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14222475

Tumor Initiation and Progression in People Living on Antiretroviral Therapies
by Seun E. Olufemi, Daniel A. Adediran, Temitope Sobodu, Isaac O. Adejumo, Olumide F. Ajani and Elijah K. Oladipo
Biologics 2024, 4(4), 390-406; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4040024

J3ExoA: A Novel Anti-HIV Immunotoxin Fusion of Anti-Gp120 J3VHH and PE38 Fragment of Pseudomonas Exotoxin A
by Seth H. Pincus, Kun Luo, Tami Peters, James T. Gordy, Frances M. Cole, Grant Klug, Kelli Ober, Tamera K. Marcotte and Richard B. Markham
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(9), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18091305

A Memo on Factors Associated with Perception of Stigma Attached to PrEP: Evidence from the Keeping It LITE Study
by Shahin Davoudpour, Gregory L. Phillips II, Pedro A. Serrano, Audrey L. French and Sybil G. Hosek
Sexes 2024, 5(3), 300-316; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030023

Effects of E-Cigarettes on the Lung and Systemic Metabolome in People with HIV
by Aline Zaparte, Courtney J. Christopher, Connie Arnold, Lauren Richey, Adairre Castille, Kyle Mistretta, Christopher M. Taylor, Huiyi Lin, Steve Nelson, John P. Kirwan, John W. Apolzan, Shawn R. Campagna and David A. Welsh
Metabolites 2024, 14(8), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14080434

Bone Tissue Changes in Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS: The Importance of a Hierarchical Approach in Investigating Bone Fragility
by Jelena Jadzic, Gordana Dragovic, Relja Lukic, Bozana Obradovic and Marija Djuric
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(8), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14080791

Advanced Therapies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus
by Daniel Josef Lindegger
Med. Sci. 2024, 12(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci12030033

Antiretroviral Therapy Switch in HIV-Infected Adults from a Regional HIV/AIDS Center in NE Romania
by Isabela Ioana Loghin, Șerban Alin Rusu, Andrei Vâţă, Mihaela Cobaschi, Ion Cecan, Carmen Manciuc and Carmen Mihaela Dorobăţ
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060854

Alterations in the Gut Microbiome Composition of People Living with HIV in the Asia–Pacific Region: A Systematic Review
by Paul Benedic U. Salvador, Patrick Josemaria d. R. Altavas, Mark Angelo S. del Rosario, Eric David B. Ornos and Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(3), 846-861; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14030066

Systematic Review: HIV, Aging, and Housing—A North American Perspective, 2012–2023
by Arthur S. Chaminuka, Gayle Prybutok, Victor R. Prybutok and William D. Senn
Healthcare 2024, 12(10), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12100992

The Role of MicroRNAs in HIV Infection
by Nicolas Morando, Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit, Maria A. Pando and Jens Allmer
Genes 2024, 15(5), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050574

HIV-TB Co-Infection and Pediatric Pathogen Dynamics
Guest Editor: Dr. Boris Kevin Tchounga
Submission deadline: 15 March 2026

HIV Expression in Diverse Cell Types: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Pathogenesis
Guest Editor: Dr. Rosemary Kiernan
Submission deadline: 20 March 2026

Research on HIV/AIDS Vaccine
Guest Editors: Dr. Portia Chipo Mutevedzi and Dr. Nagesh Kolishetti
Submission deadline: 31 May 2026

Gene and Cell Therapy: New Findings from Medical Research and Treatment
Guest Editors: Dr. Lorella Tripodi and Dr. Antonio Di Stasi
Submission deadline: 30 June 2026

Emerging Knowledge on Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Guest Editors: Dr. Giota Lourida and Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Paraskevis
Submission deadline: 22 July 2026

Nutrition Intervention in HIV Patients
Guest Editors: Dr. Meena Mahadevan
Submission deadline: 10 August 2026

28 November 2025
Microorganisms | Invitation to Read Editor’s Choice Articles


We are pleased to share the following 10 editor’s choice articles published in Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607). All of the papers included are of particular interest or importance to readers and are all well-received by researchers.

1. “Vine-Winery Byproducts as Precious Resource of Natural Antimicrobials: In Vitro Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Grape Pomace Extracts against Foodborne Pathogens”
by Daniela Sateriale, Giuseppina Forgione, Martina Di Rosario, Chiara Pagliuca, Roberta Colicchio, Paola Salvatore, Marina Paolucci and Caterina Pagliarulo
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030437
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/3/437#

2. “Diversity of Microbial Mats in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana”
by Sevasti Filippidou, Alex Price, Charlotte Spencer-Jones, Anthony Scales, Michael C. Macey, Fulvio Franchi, Lesedi Lebogang, Barbara Cavalazzi, Susanne P. Schwenzer and Karen Olsson-Francis
Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010147
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/1/147

3. “Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Improve Nutrient Uptake and Microbial Diversity Relative to Dryland Site-Specific Soil Conditions”
by Rosalie B. Calderon and Sadikshya R. Dangi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040667
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/4/667

4. “Point-of-Care Method T2Bacteria®Panel Enables a More Sensitive and Rapid Diagnosis of Bacterial Blood Stream Infections and a Shorter Time until Targeted Therapy than Blood Culture”
by Tamara Clodi-Seitz, Sebastian Baumgartner, Michael Turner, Theresa Mader, Julian Hind, Christoph Wenisch, Alexander Zoufaly and Elisabeth Presterl
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050967
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/5/967

5. “Rapid Classification and Differentiation of Sepsis-Related Pathogens Using FT-IR Spectroscopy”
by Shwan Ahmed, Jawaher Albahri, Sahand Shams, Silvana Sosa-Portugal, Cassio Lima, Yun Xu, Rachel McGalliard, Trevor Jones, Christopher M. Parry, Dorina Timofte et al.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071415
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/7/1415

6. “The Citizen Phage Library: Rapid Isolation of Phages for the Treatment of Antibiotic Resistant Infections in the UK”
by Julie Fletcher, Robyn Manley, Christian Fitch, Christina Bugert, Karen Moore, Audrey Farbos, Michelle Michelsen, Shayma Alathari, Nicola Senior, Alice Mills et al.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020253
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/253

7. “The Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from Diarrheal Patients and the Environment in Two Geographically Distinct Rural Areas in Bangladesh over the Years”
by Fatema-Tuz Johura, Marzia Sultana, Abdus Sadique, Shirajum Monira, David A. Sack, Richard Bradley Sack, Munirul Alam and Subhra Chakraborty
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020301
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/301

8. “The Microbiome of Fertilization-Stage Maize Silks (Style) Encodes Genes and Expresses Traits That Potentially Promote Survival in Pollen/Style Niches and Host Reproduction”
by Michelle E. H. Thompson and Manish N. Raizada
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071473
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/7/1473

9. “Harnessing Phosphorous (P) Fertilizer-Insensitive Bacteria to Enhance Rhizosphere P Bioavailability in Legumes”
by Antisar Afkairin, Mary M. Dixon, Cassidy Buchanan, James A. Ippolito, Daniel K. Manter, Jessica G. Davis and Jorge M. Vivanco
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020353
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/353

10. “A Pseudovirus-Based Neutralization Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Rapid, Cost-Effective, BSL-2–Based High-Throughput Assay Useful for Vaccine Immunogenicity Evaluation”
by Zhaohui Cai, Raj Kalkeri, Mingzhu Zhu, Shane Cloney-Clark, Benjamin Haner, Mi Wang, Bahar Osman, Dominic Dent, Sheau-Line Feng, Zach Longacre et al.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030501
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/3/501

20 November 2025
Meet Us at the 2025 Symposium on Marine Microbiology in China, 5–7 December 2025, Guangzhou, China


Conference:
2025 Symposium on Marine Microbiology in China
Date: 5–7 December 2025
Location: Guangzhou, China

MDPI will be attending the 2025 Symposium on Marine Microbiology in China as an exhibitor from 5 December to 7 December 2025. We welcome researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit our booth and share their latest ideas with us.

This conference will showcase the latest achievements and advancements in marine microbiology and related fields in China. It will facilitate in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges faced by marine microbiology in the context of global change, as well as future key research directions. The event aims to drive interdisciplinary integration and collaborative innovation between marine microbiology and other disciplines, thereby promoting high-level development in China's marine microbiology research and the blue marine industry.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at this conference:

If you are planning to attend the conference, please feel free to get in contact with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at our booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information, please visit https://scsio.cas.cn/news/tztg/202509/t20250917_7969331.html.

19 November 2025
MDPI Webinar | World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025, 21 November 2025


In support of World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025, MDPI is delighted to invite you to our special webinar, “MDPI World AMR Awareness Week Webinar 2025”. This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, serves as a powerful call to immediate action against one of the most pressing global health threats—antimicrobial resistance.

Through this webinar, we aim to highlight the latest research, innovations, and cross-sector collaborations addressing AMR. We hope these discussions will inspire collective action to promote the prudent use of antimicrobials, strengthen prevention and surveillance systems, and accelerate global efforts to safeguard human, animal, and environmental health.

Thank you for joining us as we raise awareness, exchange insights, and reaffirm our shared commitment to a healthier, more resilient future.

keywords: antimicrobial resistance; antifungal resistance; food chain contamination; biofilm infections; nanomedicine; microbial genetics; mycology; public health

Date: 21 November 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. CET | 4:00 p.m. CST (Asia)
Webinar ID: 883 6849 1341
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com

Register now for free!

Program:

Speaker

Presentation

Time (CET)

Time (CST Asia)

 

Introduction

9:00–9:10 a.m.

4:00–4:10 p.m.

Prof. Dr. José F. Cobo-Díaz

Antimicrobial Resistance Spread on Food Chain: A Focus on Food Production Environments

9:10–9:30 a.m.

4:10–4:30 p.m.

Dr. Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo

Antifungal Resistance: Current Epidemiology and Emerging Challenges

9:30–9:50 a.m.

4:30–4:50 p.m.

Dr. Anam Ahsan

Nanomedicine Strategies to Overcome Biofilm-Associated Antimicrobial Resistance

9:50–10:10 a.m.

4:50–5:10 p.m.

Prof. Dr. Michaela Lackner

A One Health Framework for Tackling Antimycotic Resistance

10:30–10:50 a.m.

5:30–5:50 p.m.

Dr. Elena Perrin

From Genes to Global Health: Why Basic Research Matters in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

10:30–10:50 a.m.

5:30–5:50 p.m.

 

Q&A Session

10:50–11:15 a.m.

5:50–6:15 p.m.

 

Closing of Webinar

11:15–11:20 a.m.

6:15–6:20 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 for viewing.

Webinar Speakers:

  • Dr. José Cobo-Díaz, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, University of Leon, Spain;
  • Dr. Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo, National Microbiology Center, Carlos III Health Institute, Spain;
  • Dr.  Anam Ahsan, Clinical & Health Sciences / Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, University of South Australia, Australia;
  • Prof. Dr. Michaela Lackner, Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology (HMM), Austria;
  • Dr.  Elena Perrin, Department of Biology, University of Florence, Italy.

Back to TopTop