Announcements

In May, MDPI Romania held three author training sessions – one endorsing an external event and two stand-alone sessions.

The National Session of Scientific Student Communications took place at Technical University Cluj on 17 and 18 May 2024. MDPI Romania sponsored this event and contributed an author training session on the production of research papers and case study analyses. JRS Norbert Kiss gave a presentation called The World of Open Access to explain different open access publishing models and the benefits of open access publishing. His presentation highlighted the impact of open access publishing on scientific progress and innovation.

On 29 May 2024, MDPI Romania hosted an author training session for Ph.D. students, early career researchers, and professors at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In collaboration with Prof. Andreea Arsene, JRS Ioana Paunescu prepared two presentations: The Steps of the Publishing Process and Elaboration of a Peer Review Report. In her first presentation, she delved into MDPI’s history and mission, MDPI’s editorial process, and MDPI journals of various scopes that are accepting submissions. Her second presentation outlined the types of peer review, the contents of a peer review report by an MDPI reviewer, and the responsibilities of an MDPI reviewer.

MDPI Romania also hosted an author training session at the Iasi University of Life Sciences on 29 May 2024. JRSs Laurentiu Preda and Cosmin Artan gave four presentations: Efficient Writing of an ISI-Indexed Scientific Article, Benefits of Publishing in the Open Access Model, Various Methods of Open Access Publishing, and MDPI Guide for the Article Review Process. The first three presentations offered guidance on how to improve academic writing, the fourth focused on how to write peer review reports. A highly interactive discussion followed the presentations, during which the JRSs provided extensive answers to attendees’ questions.

MDPI is grateful for all the attendees, speakers, and organizers involved in these events. Through their enthusiasm and dedication, these events were great successes.

In this webinar, esteemed researchers from various research groups will give presentations about work that has led to the publication of important articles, primarily encompassing research that utilizes X-ray absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with other techniques.

Date: 30 July 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CEST | 8:00 a.m. EDT | 8:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 858 6693 2084

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining 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 watch.

Webinar Chairs and Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Simone Pollastri, ¹Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy; ²Department of Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
Dr. Martina Fracchia, ¹University of Pavia, Department of Chemistry, viale Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy; ²INSTM, National Inter-University Consortium for Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
Dr. Boby Joseph, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14, Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, 34149, Italy
Dr. Danilo Oliveira de Souza, Institute of Physics, Rio de Janeiro State University: Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ – Brasil

Relevant Special Issue:
“State-of-the-Art Insights into Nanostructures by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy”
Edited by Simone Pollastri
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 October 2024

Relevant Feature Papers:
“Effect of Ag-Decorated BiVO₄ on Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: An X-ray Absorption Spectroscopic Investigation”
by Ta Thi Thuy Nga, Yu-Cheng Huang, Jeng-Lung Chen, Chi-Liang Chen, Bi-Hsuan Lin, Ping-Hung Yeh, Chao-Hung Du, Jau-Wern Chiou, Way-Faung Pong, K. Thanigai Arul et al.
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3659; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203659

“X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study of Thickness Effects on the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Pr_2−δNi_1−xMn_1+xO_6−y Double Perovskite Thin Films”
by Mónica Bernal-Salamanca, Javier Herrero-Martín, Zorica Konstantinović, Lluis Balcells, Alberto Pomar, Benjamín Martínez and Carlos Frontera
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234337

“Kinetics, Electronic Properties of Filled Carbon Nanotubes Investigated with Spectroscopy for Applications”
by Marianna V. Kharlamova
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010176

For more information, please see the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Nanomaterials-19.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Di Wei has been appointed Associate Editor of Section “Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991).

Prof. Dr. Di Wei is a principal researcher at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems (BINN). He oversees the Iontronics Laboratory, holding the titles of Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and Senior Member of Wolfson College at Cambridge University. Additionally, he holds the adjunct position at both Cambridge University in the UK and Åbo Akademi University in Finland. He has published over 100 journal papers including Nat. Energy, Nat. Commun., PNAS, Adv. Mater., Energ. Environ Sci., Chem. Soc. Rev., Matter, Device etc., as the first/corresponding author. He has also edited three English books, published by Wiley, Cambridge University Press etc., focusing on nanoengineering for energy and information. The book published by Cambridge University Press was highlighted and reviewed in Science. Recent advancements from his research group have been reported by Cell Press, MIT Technology Review, DeepTech, and the American Physical Society (phys.org) etc. His academic achievements have been recognized by the Brian Conway Prize in Physical Electrochemistry from the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) and he has received various other prizes from ISE and RSC.

Name: Prof. Dr. Di Wei
Affiliation: Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: iontronics; triboiontronics; nanoenergy; contact-electro-chemistry; nanosensor
Website: http://iontronics.group/en/

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Di Wei, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area:

1. What motivated you to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for this journal?
My academic background and research experience, which include extensive scholarly work and participation in numerous research projects, have provided a robust foundation and fostered critical thinking, meticulous problem-solving, and effective communication skills. I am committed to collaborating with a diverse array of scholars to drive academic progress and make significant contributions to the academic community. In the digital age, leveraging the internet and social media to actively promote the content of academic journals and establish close connections with readers and researchers is crucial. By fully utilizing modern technological means, we can disseminate academic achievements to a broader audience, thereby enhancing the impact of academic journals. In particular, the importance of nanotechnology in nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and devices cannot be overstated. The journal Nanomaterials has a strong history of advancing these fields, and I am eager to contribute to its mission of fostering innovation and excellence in nanotechnology research.

2. Could you share your vision for the Section and its future direction?
The future of nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and devices lies in transcending the limitations of traditional von Neumann architectures. Nanoconfined iontronics, which involves the precise control of ion flow within nano-confined spaces, promises to revolutionize these fields. This innovative approach offers unprecedented applications in efficient, low-energy sensing and energy provision. By leveraging nano-confinement to manipulate ionic behavior, we can develop new generations of sensors and energy devices that are not only more efficient but also significantly reduce energy consumption. This paradigm shift heralds a new era of technological advancement, driving forward the capabilities and impact of nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and devices.

3. How do you envision the evolution of this research field in the coming years?
Iontronics, once a nascent concept when I established my lab, has now emerged as a burgeoning field of interest. Iontronics, which utilizes ions as carriers, offers a wide array of possibilities and stands at the forefront of future technological advancements. By harnessing ions to transmit signals, this field enables the control of charge flux and the regulation of ion currents in ways analogous to neural systems. This capability allows for signal amplification and operation at high frequencies, opening new avenues for innovation and application in advanced electronics and sensing technologies.

4. What are your thoughts on the progress of open access within the publishing realm?
Open access not only improves researchers' access to literature and promotes academic progress but also enhances the efficiency of scholarly communication, becoming a pivotal form of academic research.

5. What advice or principles would you offer to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence?
The allure of research lies in its inherent uncertainty, much like life itself. While uncertainty can evoke a sense of the unknown, it simultaneously signifies boundless possibilities. It is often said that one must believe in the power of belief to transform the impossible into the possible; this principle applies equally to scientific research. Looking forward, our efforts may seem scattered, but retrospectively, they form a coherent whole. Life resembles a hidden blind box, and the purpose of living is to find and earnestly unveil it.

6. Your research background spans various institutions and countries. What key moments influenced your decisions in this regard?
From China to Finland, to the UK, and back to China, I have consistently adhered to the principle of “conducting useful research” when confronting career crossroads. My ability to face all uncertainties with composure stems from this unwavering commitment. Although my path has not followed a conventional academic trajectory, it is precisely this divergence that has enabled me to confront the unknown and embrace uncertainty.

7. Having secured more than 50 US patents, many of which have had transformative impacts, what challenges do you foresee in transitioning scientific technologies from the lab to industrial applications?
In my book, National Science and Technology Strategy Engine: New R&D Institutions, published by China Economic Publishing Press, I introduce the concept of the two “valleys of death” between science, technology, and the market. The first “valley of death” is the transition from science to technology; the second is the commercialization of technology into the market. Successfully navigating these “valleys of death” requires exceptional talent with distinct skills at each of the three stages. First, in the initial scientific research phase, we need outstanding scientists—individuals deeply passionate about science and capable of conducting pioneering fundamental research. Second, the transition from science to technology demands excellent engineers, whose design and engineering skills can swiftly amplify technological advancements. Third, the phase from technology to market requires extraordinary tech product managers—distinct from current market product managers—who possess profound insights into industry and technological development and a strong understanding of the essence of commerce, all grounded in their education and experience.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Di Wei as the Associate Editor of Section “Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices” of Nanomaterials, and we wish his every success in his new position.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Silvia Villar-Rodil has been appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “2D and Carbon Nanomaterials” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991).

Dr. Silvia Villar-Rodil is a scientific researcher at the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono (INCAR), which belongs to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the largest research institution in Spain. She entered the field of nanomaterials when the research field of two-dimensional (2D) materials emerged after the first isolation of graphene. In fact, the research team she belongs to pioneered experimental work on graphene in her country. Her current research activity focuses on the development of scalable preparation and processing methods for graphene and other 2D materials, investigating their potential in energy storage and environmental applications. Her research includes the optimization of 2D materials performance in application and the exploitation of the basic knowledge generated in parallel.

The following is a short Q&A with Dr. Silvia Villar-Rodil, who shared her vision for the journal with us, as well as her views of the research area:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take on the role as its Section Editor-in-Chief?
Nanomaterials is a well-known and respected journal in its field. The fact that the scope of this Section, “2D and Carbon Nanomaterials”, covers my field of research and encompasses the full range of materials I have studied throughout my scientific career makes it very exciting to become its Section Editor-in-Chief. For someone whose research career started in carbon materials science, and who entered fully into the field of two-dimensional materials hand in hand with graphene and then expanded the scope of her research to include other 2D materials, this role offers a great opportunity to witness, share and promote the advances of the field from a privileged position.

2. What is your vision for the Section?
I see this Section as an open platform for the advancement of scientific research in its scope and as a window into the field of research for the whole scientific community. I look forward to the discovery and publication of new methodologies for the preparation and processing of 2D and carbon nanomaterials with optimized performance in relevant applications to address our society’s demands.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
New preparation avenues are expected to open up for an increasing number of 2D materials, including those coming from non-layered 3D precursors. The availability of a large number of 2D materials with different characteristics will open up the possibility of their tailor-made development for each specific application. Their combinations will give way to an even greater number of both 2D and 3D materials with emergent and tunable properties. To this end, new methodologies will have to be developed for the large-scale preparation of both 2D materials-based heterostructures and superlattices. It is also expected that new and better strategies will be developed to address the tendency of 2D nanolayers to restack, an issue that impedes fully exploiting their potential. Not only incremental but also disruptive advancements are expected to arise from the implementation of 2D and carbon nanomaterials application to diverse fields, such as nanomedicine, nanosensing, optoelectronics, catalysis or energy storage, among others. Overcoming difficulties with scalability and cost-effectiveness will be crucial to enable the actual implementation of these materials in application. Given the increasing focus on sustainability in science policy worldwide, more sustainable preparation and processing methodologies for 2D and carbon nanomaterials are expected to become available in the coming years. This trend will also be reflected in the increasing use of 2D and carbon nanomaterials in sustainability-related applications, such as catalysis for pollutant degradation and energy storage in relation to decarbonization. As with any other type of nanomaterial, attention must be paid to potential toxicity and health effects, as well as biocompatibility in medical applications.

We warmly welcome Dr. Silvia Villar-Rodil as the Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “2D and Carbon Nanomaterials”, and we wish her every success in her new position.

Five new journals covering multiple subjects have launched their inaugural issue in June 2024. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the Editorial Board Members and each journal will ensure its high-quality output using excellent editorial and rigorous peer review processes, to ensure that the articles achieve high impact and visibility.

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.

Journal	Founding Editor-in-Chief	Journal Topics (Selected)
	Prof. Dr. Marco Ranucci, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	anaesthetic medications; blood and fluid management; pain management; critical care; critical illness | view journal scope | submit an article
	Dr. Giovanni E. Cacciamani, University of Southern California, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	surgical/procedural complications; complications; perioperative adverse events; postoperative adverse events | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr.  Gassan Hodaifa, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain | Editorial | view inaugural issue	laboratory management; laboratory safety; protective equipment; laboratory problems and challenges; laboratory Innovation | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski, Texas A&M University, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	companion animals health and disease; veterinary care and nutrition; genetics and genomics; behavior and welfare; human-animal relations | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Pierfrancesco De Paola, University of Naples Federico II, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	real estate appraisal; economic and financial valuation of real estate projects; sustainable real estate; housing and urban economics | view journal scope | submit an article

We wish to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. You are welcome to send an application here, or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com) if you would like to create more new journals.

MDPI will be attending the 50th International Micro and Nano Engineering Conference (MNE 2024) held in Montpellier, France, from 16 to 19 September 2024.

The scientific topics of the conference cover all the domains impacted by micro/nano engineering activities:

• T1 – METHODS and PROCESS: micro/nano fabrication methods and processes;
• T2 – STRUCTURES and DEVICES: fabrication and integration of micro/nano structures and devices;
• T3 – SYSTEMS: micro/nano systems for computing, communication, sensing and quantum applications;
• T4 – BIO: micro/nano engineering for life and analytical sciences;
• T5 (New) – SUSTAINABILITY: energy efficiency of micro/nano engineering and environmental and ecological applications.

The MNE conference is the flagship event of the International Society for Micro- and Nanotechnology (iMNEs). It has always been the leading international conference for micro- and nano-fabrication, manufacturing techniques and applications of the fabricated micro/nanostructures, devices and microsystems in electronics, photonics, energy, environment, chemistry and life sciences. The MNE brings together researchers and experts from all over the world to meet and discuss the latest research results and their applications. Furthermore, the conference aims to promote, involve and train young talent in the field of micro and nano engineering.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Micromachines;
• Nanomaterials;
• Fibers;
• Applied Nano;
• Micro;
• Eng;
• Technologies;
• Sensors;
• Machines;
• Bioengineering;
• Applied science;
• Nanomanufacturing;
• JETA.

If you plan on attending this conference, feel free to stop by our booth at #42. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have.

For more information about the conference, please see the following link: https://mne2024.imnes.org/.

MDPI is pleased to announce the inclusion of 237 journals in the 2024 release of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and share the key results (see above).

This year, journals covered in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) received category ranks together with journals in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Overall, 139 MDPI journals indexed in ESCI are included in the new unified rankings for the first time.

Enhanced Comparability of Data

According to Clarivate, "the creation of unified category rankings [provides] a simpler and more complete category view for the evaluation of journal performance. [...] The category-first approach simplifies journal performance assessment with a holistic view of all journals in each subject category."

We are thrilled to announce that 72% of our ranked MDPI journals (171 of 237) are above average, in Q1 or Q2. Twenty-nine of our journals received their first Impact Factor this year, accounting for more than 5% of the journals accepted into the Web of Science last year.

MDPI Journals Ranked in JCR

The following data includes all MDPI journals indexed in SCIE, SSCI, ESCI and AHCI.

Source: 2023 Journal Impact Factors, Journal Citation Reports ^TM (Clarivate, 2024)

About MDPI

A pioneer in scholarly, open access publishing, MDPI has supported academic communities since 1996. MDPI is leading the transition to open science by making more research free and accessible to everyone. Over 3.5 million researchers have entrusted MDPI with publishing their scientific discoveries. MDPI’s editorial process is bolstered by a network of dedicated reviewers, a team of 6000 professional, well-trained staff members, and an in-house article submission platform that was designed to ensure efficient processes within its 440 fully open access titles.

The China Materials Conference 2024 will be held from 8 to 11 July 2024 in Guangzhou, China. The conference was hosted by the Chinese Materials Research Society and co-hosted by the European Materials Research Society.

The areas of focus for the conference include the following:

• Energy materials;
• Environmental materials;
• Advanced structural materials;
• Functional materials;
• Material design, preparation and evaluation;
• Others.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Materials;
• Nanomaterials;
• Symmetry;
• Fibers;
• Coatings;
• Catalysts;
• Inorganics;
• Nanoenergy Advances;
• Membranes;
• Journal of Composites Science;
• Crystals;
• Gels;
• C;
• Metals;
• Ceramics;
• Alloys;
• Polymers.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you and answering any questions that you may have. Our booth number is #2258, located on the first floor of Baiyun International Hall Phase II.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://cmc2024.scimeeting.cn/cn/web/index/.

Conference: ACS Fall 2024
Organization: American Chemical Society
Date: 18–22 August 2024
Place: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202
Booth ID: 1420

A variety of MDPI journals will be attending ACS Fall 2024 as exhibitors, an exciting event being held in Denver, USA, from 18 to 22 August 2024.

ACS Meetings & Expositions are where chemistry professionals meet to exchange ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. By attracting thousands of chemical professionals, the meetings provide excellent opportunities for peers to engage with each other and share their passion for chemistry, connecting with one of the world's largest scientific societies and helping to advance careers in this ever-changing global economy.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Molecules;
• Nanomaterials;
• Separations;
• Organics;
• Molbank;
• AppliedChem;
• Chemistry;
• Batteries;
• Fibers;
• Crystals;
• Polymers;
• Colorants;
• Analytica;
• Coatings;
• Symmetry;
• Liquids;
• Reactions.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth #1420. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to the Nanomaterials 2023 Young Investigator Award Ceremony, which will be held online at 10 a.m. CEST on 17 June 2024.

The Nanomaterials Young Investigator Award was established in 2018 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The Award Committee selected the 2023 winners from a high number of highly qualified candidates based on the candidates’ academic background/potential, their research’s relevance to the topics covered by Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991), the innovative aspects of their research, and the strength of their references.

In this ceremony, we will have the opportunity to learn more about the two winners and listen to their presentations regarding their latest outstanding research achievements on the topic of “Advanced Materials for Energy Applications”.

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions has propelled research and development in advanced materials, which play a crucial role in the transformation of energy technologies. These materials, designed at the atomic and molecular levels, offer innovative solutions to improve energy storage, conversion, and efficiency. Here, we explore some of the key advancements in materials science that are driving progress in energy applications.

I look forward to welcoming and “meeting” you online at the webinar!

Prof. Dr. Sotirios Baskoutas

Section Editor-in-Chief, Nanomaterials

Date: 17 June 2024 at 10.00 a.m. CEST | 4:00 a.m. EDT | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia

Webinar ID: 864 8497 3004

Nanomaterials 2023 Young Investigator Award

The Nanomaterials Young Investigator Award was established in 2018 to acknowledge the achievements of young investigators in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The winners of the Nanomaterials 2023 Young Investigator Award were chosen by a selection committee chaired by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Shirley Chiang. Following a review process by the Award Evaluation Committee, three winners were selected.

The First Award will be presented to Dr. Robert Hoye, Associate Professor of Materials Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, UK. His main research is focused on the use of optoelectronic nanomaterials for renewable energy applications, including photovoltaic, LEDs, energy harvesting, and photocatalysis.

The Second Awards will be presented to Dr. Deblina Sarkar and Dr. Zhen Wen. Dr. Deblina Sarkar is an Assistant Professor at the MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. Her research interests involve integrating nanomaterials, applied physics, and biology to develop nano-electronic devices for sustainable Artificial Intelligence, exploring their integration with biological systems to transform healthcare.

Dr. Zhen Wen is a Full Professor at the Institute of Functional Nano and Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, China. His research focuses on nanomaterials and nanogenerators for micro-nano devices, encompassing flexible energy harvesting, energy storage devices, smart sensors, and selfpowered sensing systems.

More information can be read here: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nanomaterials/awards/2242.

Register now for free!

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

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

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Sotirios Baskoutas (Chair), Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, Patras, Greece;
• Zhen Wen, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China;
• Robert Hoye, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.