Announcements

MDPI is delighted to announce the establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award. Named in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, the award celebrates his exceptional contributions and his profound impact on the field of computational physical science research.

The award will be presented biennially to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of computational physical science—spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

About Professor Michele Parrinello

"Do not be afraid of new things. I see it many times when we discuss a new thing that young people are scared to go against the mainstream a little bit, thinking what is going to happen to me and so on. Be confident that what you do is meaningful, and do not be afraid, do not listen too much to what other people have to say.”

——Professor Michele Parrinello

Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies.

For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.

Award Committee

The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award.

"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."

——Professor Xin-Gao Gong

The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.

About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields. 

In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.

Find more information on awards here.

The World Health Assembly (WHA) formalized 30 January as a day to create better awareness on the devastating impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on the poorest populations around the world. The day is also an opportunity to call on everyone to support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases. We would like to recommend some related articles, Special Issues, and journals in the field of medicine & pharmacology as suitable communication platforms for you. We believe that sharing research like this can help raise awareness of NTDs.

 “Minimal Polymerase-Containing Precursor Required for Chikungunya Virus RNA Synthesis”
by David Aponte-Diaz, Abha Jain, Jayden M. Harris, Jamie J. Arnold and Craig E. Cameron
Viruses 2025, 17(12), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17121556

“First Report on the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Toxocara Infection in Blood Donors from Romania”
by Ana Alexandra Ardelean, Rodica Lighezan, Sorin Ursoniu, Sergiu Adrian Sprintar, Daniela Adriana Oatis, Alin Gabriel Mihu, Maria Alina Lupu and Tudor Rareș Olariu
Pathogens 2025, 14(9), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090857

“Progress and Prospects of Triazoles in Advanced Therapies for Parasitic Diseases”
by Jaime A. Isern, Renzo Carlucci, Guillermo R. Labadie and Exequiel O. J. Porta
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(5), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10050142

“Immunogenicity of Trypanosoma cruzi Multi-Epitope Recombinant Protein as an Antigen Candidate for Chagas Disease Vaccine in Humans”
by Christian F. Teh-Poot, Andrea Alfaro-Chacón, Landy M. Pech-Pisté, Miguel E. Rosado-Vallado, Oluwatoyin Ajibola Asojo, Liliana E. Villanueva-Lizama, Eric Dumonteil and Julio Vladimir Cruz-Chan
Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040342

“Leishmaniasis in Humans and Animals: A One Health Approach for Surveillance, Prevention and Control in a Changing World”
by Claudia Cosma, Carla Maia, Nushrat Khan, Maria Infantino and Marco Del Riccio
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(11), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9110258

“Epidemiological and Entomological Study After the Possible Re-Emergence of Dengue Fever in Croatia, 2024”
by Alan Medić, Vladimir Savić, Ana Klobučar, Maja Bogdanić, Marcela Curman Posavec, Diana Nonković, Ljubo Barbić, Ivana Rončević, Vladimir Stevanović and Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek
Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030565

“Exploring Bioinformatics Solutions for Improved Leishmaniasis Diagnostic Tools: A Review”
by Natáli T. Capistrano Costa, Allana M. de Souza Pereira, Cibele C. Silva, Emanuelle de Oliveira Souza, Beatriz C. de Oliveira, Luiz Felipe G. R. Ferreira, Marcelo Z. Hernandes and Valéria R. A. Pereira
Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5259; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225259

“Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Leishmania spp.”
by Maria Juliana Moncada-Diaz, Cristian Camilo Rodríguez-Almonacid, Eyson Quiceno-Giraldo, Francis T. H. Khuong, Carlos Muskus and Zemfira N. Karamysheva
Pathogens 2024, 13(10), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13100835

“Chemical Control of Snail Vectors as an Integrated Part of a Strategy for the Elimination of Schistosomiasis—A Review of the State of Knowledge and Future Needs”
by Amadou Garba Djirmay, Rajpal Singh Yadav, Jiagang Guo, David Rollinson and Henry Madsen
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(9), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9090222

“Extracts and Terpenoids from Stevia Species as Potential Anthelmintics for Neglected Tropical Diseases Caused by Cestode Parasites”
by María del Pilar Cevasco Contreras, Jimena Borgo, Ana María Celentano, Orlando Germán Elso, Hernán Bach, Cesar Atilio Nazareno Catalán, Augusto Ernesto Bivona, Hugo Rolando Vaca, Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit and Valeria Patricia Sülsen
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4430; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184430

“Trypanosoma cruzi in Bats (Chiroptera; Mammalia) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, São Paulo State”
by Danilo Alves de França, Mariana Louro, Sara Zúquete, Dayane da Silva Zanini, Gustavo Nunes de Moraes, Gabrielle dos Santos Rocha, Leandro Meneguelli Biondo, Felipe Fornazari, Benedito Donizete Menozzi and Isabel Pereira da Fonsecaand Helio Langoni
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050945

“CRISPR Screen Reveals PACT as a Pro-Viral Factor for Dengue Viral Replication”
by Shwetha Shivaprasad, Wenjie Qiao, Kuo-Feng Weng, Pavithra Umashankar, Jan E. Carette and Peter Sarnow
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050725

“Single Amino Acid Substitution in the Matrix Protein of Rabies Virus Is Associated with Neurovirulence in Mice”
by Michiko Harada, Aya Matsuu, Yoshihiro Kaku, Akiko Okutani, Yusuke Inoue, Guillermo Posadas-Herrera, Satoshi Inoue and Ken Maeda
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050699

“Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, Triatomines and the Microbiota of the Vectors—A Review”
by  Günter A. Schaub
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050855

“The End Justifies the Means: Chagas Disease from a Perspective of the Host–Trypanosoma cruzi InteractionProgress and Challenges in HIV-1 Vaccine Research: A Comprehensive Overview”
by Izadora Volpato Rossi, Denise Andréa Silva de Souza and Marcel Ivan Ramirez
Life 2024, 14(4), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040488

“Chemical Compounds or Agents Against Parasites, Bacteria, and Neglected Tropical Diseases” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Annette Kaiser Submission deadline: 1 April 2026	“Advances in the Control and Elimination of Parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases” Guest Editor: Dr. Hammed O. Mogaji Submission deadline: 30 April 2026
“Global Perspectives on Neglected Tropical Diseases: Burden, Science, and Policy Interventions” Guest Editor: Dr. Fabio Zicker Submission deadline: 15 May 2026	“Arboviral and Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Tropics: Challenges in Molecular Evolution, Pathogenesis, and Surveillance” Guest Editor: Dr. Marcos Lázaro Moreli Submission deadline: 31 May 2026
“From Animal Health to Public Health: Eco-Epidemiological Pathways of Neglected Tropical Diseases” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Gina Polo Submission deadline: 31 July 2026	“Discovery of Novel Antiprotozoal Agents: Current Status and Future Perspectives” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Klinger Antonio da Franca Rodrigues Submission deadline: 15 September 2026

World Leprosy Day, which is observed annually on the last Sunday of January, will take place on 25 January this year. This international day provides an opportunity to honor people who have experienced leprosy, raise awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination. The theme for World Leprosy Day 2026, “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma”, highlights the urgent need to address the social barriers that persist despite the availability of effective treatment.

Although leprosy is fully curable when diagnosed early, stigma continues to profoundly affect the lives of those impacted. Misconceptions surrounding the disease led to job loss, social exclusion, disrupted education, and family separation. Fear of discrimination often causes individuals to hide symptoms and delay seeking care, resulting in preventable complications and ongoing transmission. Addressing stigma is therefore essential not only for social justice, but also for effective disease control.

In support of World Leprosy Day 2026, MDPI journals aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and research on the medical, social, and public health dimensions of leprosy. Through Special Issues, research articles, and webinars, MDPI provides platforms to explore stigma, intersectionality, and inclusive approaches to care.

“Tissue Expression of NGF in Skin Lesions of HIV-Coinfected and Non-Coinfected Leprosy Patients and Its Relationship with Leprosy Neural Damage”
by Marília Brasil Xavier, Lucas dos Santos Fontes, Mariana Garcia Borges do Nascimento, Simone Rodrigues dos Passos, Débora Pinheiro Xavier, Larissa dos Santos Alcantara, Elza Baía de Brito, Cláudia Maria de Castro Gomes and Carlos Eduardo Pereira Corbett
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2271; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102271

“Hansen’s Disease in Ecuador: Current Status, Knowledge Gaps, and Research Priorities: A Literature Review”
by Manuel Calvopiña, Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy, Esteban Ortiz-Prado, Jorge Vasconez-Gonzalez, Lorena Vaca and Elías Guamán
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080832

“Vasculonecrotic Reaction Caused by Mycobacterium Lepromatosis Infection—A Case Report of an HIV/Leprosy-Coinfected Patient”
By Fernando Amador-Lara, Jorge L. Mayorga-Garibaldi, Felipe J. Bustos-Rodríguez, Luz A. González-Hernández, Pedro Martínez-Ayala and Jaime F. Andrade-Villanueva
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030058

“Spatial, Social and Serological Factors in the Prevalence and Risk of Leprosy in Areas of High Endemicity: An Integrative Review”
by Daniele dos Santos Lages, Isabela Cristina Lana Maciel, Sarah Lamas Vidal and Francisco Carlos Félix Lana
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030057  

“Correlation and Trends in Primary Health Care and Family Health Strategy Coverage of Leprosy Detection in Minas Gerais”
by Daniele dos Santos Lages, Isabela Cristina Lana Maciel, Sarah Lamas Vidal and Francisco Carlos Félix Lana
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040490

“Integrating Community Engagement in Zero Leprosy Efforts: A Pathway to Sustainable Early Detection, Control and Elimination”
by Anil Fastenau, Matthew Willis, Constanze Vettel, Sophie C. W. Stuetzle, Srilekha Penna, Priyanka Chahal, Fabian Schlumberger, Mowmita Basak Mow, Ngozi Ekeke, Joseph Ngozi Chukwu et al.
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(12), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9120296

“Genomic and Phenotypic Variations Among Thai-53 and Mycobacterium leprae Clinical Isolates: Implications for Leprosy Pathogenesis and Research”
by Tiago Araujo Gomes, Tatiana Pereira da Silva, Edson Machad, Sidra Ezidio Gonçalves Vasconcelos, Bruno Siqueira Mietto, Daniela Ferreira de Faria Bertoluci, Patricia Sammarco Rosa, Roberta Olmo Pinheiro, Philip Noel Suffys, Letícia Miranda Santos Lery et al.
Pathogens 2024, 13(11), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13110986

“Ecuador Towards Zero Leprosy: A Twenty-Three-Year Retrospective Epidemiologic and Spatiotemporal Analysis of Leprosy in Ecuador”
by Santiago Hernandez-Bojorge, Tatiana Gardellini, Jeegan Parikh, Neil Rupani, Benjamin Jacob, Ismael Hoare, Manuel Calvopiña and Ricardo Izurieta
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(10), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9100246

“Community-Based Intervention for Active Detection and Provision of Single-Dose Rifampicin Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to Household Contacts of Leprosy in Bolivia”
by Abundio Baptista Mora, Nimer Ortuño-Gutiérrez, Deisy Zurita Paniagua, Carlos Hurtado Solares, Anil Fastenau and Christa Kasang
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(5), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9050101  

“Self-Care Ability and Life Quality of Cured Leprosy Patients: The Mediating Effects of Social Support”
by Li Xu, Guangjie Jin, Xiang Li, Yuting Shao, Yunhui Li and Lianhua Zhang
Healthcare 2023, 11(23), 3059; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11233059

Join Canada’s leading immunology community for an unforgettable meeting of ideas, innovation, and inspiration. The Canadian Society of Immunology’s 38th Annual Scientific Conference brings together researchers, clinicians, and emerging scientists who are driving advances in one of the most dynamic areas of biology and medicine. This meeting has sold out 4 years in a row, so don't wait—register now! https://www.csi-sci.ca/cgi/page.cgi/2026_Registration.html.

We have expanded our open access portfolio with eight new journals publishing their inaugural issues in December 2025, as well as three journal transfers. These additions span physical sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, environmental and Earth sciences, medicine and pharmacology, and public health and healthcare. We extend our sincere thanks to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who are shaping these journals’ direction. All journals uphold strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, ensuring impactful open access scholarship.

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

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

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.

“Structural Insights into the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Its Implications for Antibody Resistance”
by Yuichiro Yamamoto and Kohji Noguchi
Biomolecules 2025, 15(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 2025, 14(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 2025, 13(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

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 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.

“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

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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:

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.