Announcements

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

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

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.

19 November 2025
World AMR Awareness Week—“Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, 18–24 November 2025


World AMR Awareness Day 2025 draws attention to the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—one of the greatest threats to public health, food security, and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, calls on the international community to take immediate, coordinated, and sustained action to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobials. AMR affects every region of the world and every aspect of modern medicine, from surgery and cancer therapy to animal health and agriculture. Without effective antibiotics, common infections and minor injuries could once again become deadly.

To address this growing crisis, selected MDPI journals provide leading platforms for advancing research on antimicrobial resistance, surveillance, stewardship, and innovative therapeutic strategies. These include studies on new antibiotics, resistance mechanisms, diagnostic tools, infection control, and global policy frameworks. Through curated articles, Special Issues, and reprints, these journals foster cross-disciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to combat AMR through innovation, education, and evidence-based practice.

World AMR Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder that tackling antimicrobial resistance requires shared responsibility, sustained investment in research and innovation, and collective global action to secure a healthier, more resilient future for all.

Biology & Life Sciences

Medicine & Pharmacology

 

Engineering

Date and time: 21 November 2025, 9:00 a.m. CET

Webinar ID: 883 6849 1341

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

 

Invited Speakers:

Dr. José F. Cobo-Díaz,
University of Leon, Spain

Dr. Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo,
National Microbiology Center, Spain

Dr. Anam Ahsan,
University of South Australia, Australia

Prof. Dr. Michaela Lackner,
Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Austria

Dr. Elena Perrin,
University of Florence, Italy

Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral Activity, and Mechanisms of Action of Plant Polyphenols
by Slavena Davidova, Angel S. Galabov and Galina Satchanska
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122502 

An Overview of the Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Resistance
by Manuela Oliveira, Wilson Antunes, Salete Mota, Áurea Madureira-Carvalho, Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira and Diana Dias da Silva
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091920

A Mini-Review of In Vitro Data for Candida Species, Including C. auris, Isolated during Clinical Trials of Three New Antifungals: Fosmanogepix, Ibrexafungerp, and Rezafunesgin
by Ana Espinel-Ingroff and Nathan P. Wiederhold
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050362

ESKAPE: Navigating the Global Battlefield for Antimicrobial Resistance and Defense in Hospitals
by Kamna Ravi and Baljit Singh
Bacteria 2024, 3(2), 76-98; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria3020006

Special Issues:

Fungal Infections and Antifungals
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Rejane Pereira Neves
Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

Unraveling Genomic Mechanisms of Stress Tolerance and Antimicrobial Resistance in Foodborne Pathogens
Guest Editors:  Dr. Eduardo Eustáquio de Souza Figueiredo and Dr. Vinicius Silva Castro
Submission deadline: 25 January 2026

A Six-Step Protocol for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends Using WHONET and R: Real-World Application and R Code Integration
by Fabio Ingravalle, Antonio Vinci, Marco Ciotti, Carla Fontana, Francesca Pica, Emanuele Sebastiani, Clara Donnoli, Martino Guido Rizzo, Dario Tedesco, Silvia D’Arezzo et al.
Methods Protoc. 2025, 8(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps8050115 

Improved Prognostic Accuracy of NEWS2 Score with Triage Data in Adults with Bacterial Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Pietro Pozzessere, Roberto Lovero, Corrado Crocetta, Najada Firza, Vincenzo Brescia, Angela Pia Cazzolla, Mario Dioguardi, Francesco Testa, Marica Colella and Luigi Santacroce
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2025, 5(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm5040044

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Typhoid Fever in Ghana: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Frederick Kungu, Aaron Awere-Duodu and Eric S. Donkor
Diseases 2025, 13(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13040113

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Biofilm Analysis via Sonication in Intensive Care Unit Patients at a County Emergency Hospital in Romania
by Ioana Roxana Codru, Bogdan Ioan Vintilă, Alina Simona Bereanu, Mihai Sava, Livia Mirela Popa and Victoria Birlutiu
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020161 

Special Issues:

Hospital-Acquired Infections: Evolving Threats and Epidemiological Insights
Guest Editor: Dr. Amir Nutman
Submission deadline: 25 February 2026

Global Partnerships in Response to Antimicrobial Resistance: From Policy to Practice
Guest Editor: Dr. Helena Rosado
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials of Silver Tungstate Nanoparticles, Cytotoxicity and Interference on the Activity of Antimicrobial Drugs
by Washington de Souza Leal, Juliane Zacour Marinho, Isabela Penna Ceravolo, Lucas Leão Nascimento, Antonio Otávio de Toledo Patrocínio and Marcus Vinícius Dias-Souza
Drugs Drug Candidates 2025, 4(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ddc4030030

Release Profile and Antibacterial Activity of Thymus sibthorpii Essential Oil-Incorporated, Optimally Stabilized Type I Collagen Hydrogels
by Caglar Ersanli, Ioannis Skoufos, Konstantina Fotou, Athina Tzora, Yves Bayon, Despoina Mari, Eleftheria Sarafi, Konstantina Nikolaou and Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
Bioengineering 2025, 12(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12010089

Antimicrobial Peptides from Frogs of the Glandirana Genus
by Frederick Harris, David A. Phoenix and Sarah R. Dennison
Biologics 2024, 4(4), 444-507; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4040027

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of Myrciaria cauliflora Hydroethanolic Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii
by Luciane Dias de Oliveira, Ana Luisa Monteiro Ribeiro, Sthéfani de Oliveira Dias, Geovani Moreira da Cruz, Raquel Teles de Menezes, Lara Steffany de Carvalho, Mariana Gadelho Gimenez Diamantino, Thaís Cristine Pereira, Maria Cristina Marcucci and Amjad Abu Hasna
Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7040060

LL-37: Structures, Antimicrobial Activity, and Influence on Amyloid-Related Diseases
by Surajit Bhattacharjya, Zhizhuo Zhang and Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy
Biomolecules 2024, 14(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14030320

Special Issues:

Development of Antibacterial Drugs to Combat Drug-Resistant Bacteria: 2nd Edition
Guest Editors: Dr. Adriána Liptáková and Dr. Iryna Voronkina
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Spread in Food and Drinks Using Bacteriophage Technologies
Guest Editor:  Dr. Janet Nale
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Targeting Biofilm-Associated Infections: Mechanistic Insights, Challenges, and Therapeutic Innovations
Guest Editors: Dr. Zhaojun Jia and Dr. Jianglong Yan
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Translational Science to Clinical Practice
Guest Editors: Dr. Giovanni Gherardi and Dr. Roberta Creti
Submission deadline: 15 July 2026

Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Patterns in Traditional Montenegrin Njeguški Cheese Revealed by qPCR
by Vesna Milanović, Giorgia Rampanti, Andrea Cantarini, Federica Cardinali, Giuseppe Paderni, Aleksandra Martinovic, Andrea Brenciani, Lucia Aquilanti, Andrea Osimani and Cristiana Garofalo
Genes 2025, 16(9), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16091089

Immunotherapy Potential of Animal-Sourced Probiotic Bacteria
by Isaac Oluseun Adejumo
Biologics 2025, 5(3), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics5030017

Screening and Genomic Profiling of Antimicrobial Bacteria Sourced from Poultry Slaughterhouse Effluents: Bacteriocin Production and Safety Evaluation
by Nuria Peña, Irene Lafuente, Ester Sevillano, Javier Feito, Diogo Contente, Estefanía Muñoz-Atienza, Luis M. Cintas, Pablo E. Hernández and Juan Borrero
Genes 2024, 15(12), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15121564 

The Impact of Antibiotics and Steroids on the Nasal Microbiome in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review According to PICO Criteria
by Antonella Loperfido, Carlo Cavaliere, Elona Begvarfaj, Andrea Ciofalo, Giovanni D’Erme, Marco De Vincentiis, Antonio Greco, Stefano Millarelli, Gianluca Bellocchi and Simonetta Masieri
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(11), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13111583

Special Issues:

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Food Chain: Detection Gaps and Mitigation Strategies
Guest Editors: Dr. Joana Castro and Dr. António Machado
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

Microbiota in Human Disease
Guest Editors: Dr. Rossella Cianci and Dr. Pierluigi Rio
Submission deadline: 31 August 2026

Med. Sci. Forum, 2025, ECA 2025

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Antibiotics
Organiser: MDPI and Antibiotics
Volume Editors: Manuel Simões and Marc Maresca

Highlights

Click here to read the full list of papers.

17 November 2025
World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day—“Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer”, 17 November 2025


World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is an annual observance aimed at enhancing awareness of cervical cancer prevention and treatment, fostering a deeper recognition of the urgency to eliminate the disease, while also drawing attention to the global health burden it imposes—especially on women’s well-being. This day highlights the pivotal role that collective action plays in advancing cervical cancer screening, vaccination, and access to care, thereby reinforcing the imperative for its elimination. Under the theme “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer”, calls for bold, united action to build on existing progress and accelerate impact toward the 90-70-90 targets by 2030.

 

Progress and Challenges in Canada’s Path Toward the Elimination of Cervical Cancer
by Samara Perez
Curr. Oncol. 202431(10), 5850-5861; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31100435

High-Risk HPV Screening Initiative in Kosovo—A Way to Optimize HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer
by Jessica L. Bentz, Rachael E. Barney, Natalia Georgantzoglou, Suzana Manxhuka-Kerliu et al.
Diseases 2024, 12(8), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080189

Cervical Cancer Genetic Profile through Circulating Tumor DNA: What Can We Learn from Blood?
by Sevastiani Antonouli, Valentina Di Nisio, Nikoletta Daponte, Athina-Ioanna Daponte and Alexandros Daponte
Biomolecules 2024, 14(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14070825

An Epidemiological Study of Cervical Cancer Trends among Women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
by Arlesia Mathis, Ukamaka D. Smith, Vanessa Crowther, Torhonda Lee and Sandra Suther
Healthcare 2024, 12(12), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12121178

Artificial Intelligence and Colposcopy: Automatic Identification of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Precursors
by Miguel Mascarenhas, Inês Alencoão, Maria João Carinhas, Miguel Martins, Pedro Cardoso, Francisco Mendes, Joana Fernandes, João Ferreira, Guilherme Macedo and Rosa Zulmira Macedo
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13103003

Post-Conization HPV Vaccination and Its Impact on Viral Status: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Troms and Finnmark, 2022
by Marie Rykkelid, Helga Marie Wennberg, Elin Richardsen and Sveinung Wergeland Sørbye
Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050381

Identification and Validation of eRNA as a Prognostic Indicator for Cervical Cancer
by Lijing Huang, Jingkai Zhang, Zhou Songyang and Yuanyan Xiong
Biology 2024, 13(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13040227

Cervical Cancer Associated with Pregnancy: Current Challenges and Future Strategies
by Jennifer Le Guévelou, Lise Selleret, Enora Laas, Fabrice Lecuru and Manon Kissel
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071341

Correlation of the HPV 16 Genotype Persistence in Women Undergoing LEEP for CIN3 with the Risk of CIN2+ Relapses in the First 18 Months of Follow-Up: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
by Maria Teresa Bruno, Gaetano Valenti, Zaira Ruggeri, Giosuè Giordano Incognito, Paola Coretti, Giuseppe Dario Montana, Marco Marzio Panella and Liliana Mereu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(5), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14050509

Exploring Immune-Related Gene Profiling and Infiltration of Immune Cells in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma
by Jialu Li and Juqun Xi
Genes 2024, 15(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15010121

Pain in High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Ángel Becerra-Bolaños, Miriam Jiménez-Gil, Mario Federico, Yurena Domínguez-Díaz, Lucía Valencia and Aurelio Rodríguez-Pérez
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(8), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13081187

Viral Infections, Chronic Inflammation and Carcinogenesis
Guest Editors: Dr. Angioletta Lasagna and Dr. Davide Dalu
Submission deadline: 15 February 2026

Clinical Management of Cervical Cancer
Guest Editor: Dr. Vanessa Samouëlian
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026 

HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention
Guest Editor: Dr. Andreia Cristina de Melo
Submission deadline: 30 April 2026

Recent Advances and Strategies for the Management of CIN and HPV Eradication Starategies for the Prevention of Uterine Cervical Cancer
Guest Editor: Dr. Masaru Sakamoto
Submission deadline 30 April 2026 

6 November 2025
MDPI Launches the Michele Parrinello Award for Pioneering Contributions in Computational Physical Science


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

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


About Professor Michele Parrinello

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

——Professor Michele Parrinello

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.

4 November 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #28 - WSF11, Nobel Laureates, Proofig AI, Romania Summit, STM and FBF

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.

In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.


Opening Thoughts

Highlights from the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona

I’m pleased to share some highlights from the 11th World Sustainability Forum (WSF 11), held in Barcelona on 2–3 October 2025 under the theme Sustainable and Resilient Cities.

Why WSF matters

The WSF series is a flagship initiative for MDPI and is supported by the MDPI Sustainability Foundation. It serves as a transdisciplinary platform for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage on sustainability challenges. WSF is now held annually as part of our commitment to maintain momentum in the sustainability discourse.

This year’s Barcelona edition focused on urban resilience, landscape design, and social community impact in the sustainability space. Over 48 hours of sessions, we brought together leading minds across disciplines to translate vision into practice. With participants from 53 countries across all continents, WSF 11 was truly global in scope.

“WSF is now held annually as part of our commitment to maintain momentum in the sustainability discourse”

What made WSF 11 especially successful (from my vantage point) was the level of positive engagement with our participants. Chief editors, researchers, and attendees repeatedly told me how professionally executed the event was, highlighting the high energy, logistical smoothness and quality of MDPI’s event management. That kind of recognition from peers really builds our reputation as more than just a publisher, but as a convener of meaningful scientific dialogue.

Our conferences are a form of experiential marketing as they create memorable and immersive connections between a brand and attendees. These positive associations build promotion and brand loyalty, ultimately impacting the MDPI’s trust and reputation for the better.

WSF 11: By the numbers

Here’s a quick snapshot of WSF 11’s scale and reach:

  • 181 registrations across global participants.
  • 8 keynote speakers and 5 invited speakers.
  • 144 abstracts accepted (over 355 submitted), resulting in 75 short talks and 69 posters.
  • 53 countries were represented across all continents, making it a truly international event.
  • First time that we ran parallel sessions for WSF (an ambitious program).
  • A dedicated awards ceremony to honour outstanding sustainability research: World Sustainability Award (WSA) x 2 winners, and Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (ESLA) x 3 winners.

Interviews with our World Sustainability Award Winners

One of the most rewarding parts of WSF is recognizing researchers whose work advances sustainability in powerful ways. In our Blog series, Daniella Maritan-Thomson (Content Specialist, MDPI) interviewed the two winners of the World Sustainability Award, Professor Dr. Stuart Pimm and Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, who offered insights to the human side of sustainability research, the people behind the data, and the stories behind the science.

Prof. Stuart Pimm, whose decades of conservation work make him a leader in biodiversity preservation, reflected on his WSF Award experience and research in this interview: [Interview: Prof Stuart Pimm]

Dr. Abdelbagi M. Ismail, an expert in crop improvement and winner of the WSF Award, shares his journey and perspectives here: [Interview: Dr Abdelbagi M. Ismail]

“Our conferences create memorable and immersive connections”

Emerging Sustainability Leader Award winners


Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi, Dr. Katya Rhodes, and Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz (left to right).

We also recognized three recipients of the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award: Prof. Dr. Vhahangwele Masindi, Dr. Katya Rhodes, and Prof. Dr. Myriam Ertz, for their contributions as early-career researchers advancing sustainability through innovation, impact, and academic excellence across the field.

What this means for MDPI

  1. Building our global identity in events
    WSF is a marquee MDPI event, not just a gathering, but a statement of how we wish to position ourselves in the global sustainability ecosystem. The positive feedback helps us build on our approach for future editions, so that we remain a reference point for quality, relevance, and engagement.
  2. Expanding capacity across offices
    The success of WSF 11 in Barcelona’s would not have happened without great teamwork from Basel, Barcelona, Romania, the UK, and the APAC Conference team. Thanks to everyone for their work to bring this ambitious event to life.
  3. Supporting MDPI’s mission
    At this event, I had the opportunity to present on MDPI's role in Open Access, sustainability publishing, and the intersection of science and policy. WSF is not only about the science; it’s also a platform for us to position MDPI as a thought leader and a collaborator in shaping the future of sustainable research.

I look forward to the WSF momentum as we work towards WSF 12 in Hong Kong, which is scheduled for August 2026.


MDPI Colleagues at the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona, Spain, 2–3 October 2025.

Impactful Research

Celebrating 2025 Nobel Laureates who have published with MDPI

October is always an inspiring month in science. It’s when the world turns its attention to the Nobel Prize announcements, recognizing discoveries that have changed how we understand the world.

Over the years, many distinguished researchers who have received the Nobel Prize have chosen to publish their work with MDPI. These are scientists whose breakthroughs have shaped entire fields of research, and who have entrusted our Open Access journals to share their findings with the world.

“The work we support can be world-class and world-changing”

Congratulations to the 2025 Laureates

Dozens of Nobel Laureates have published in our journals: as at 2024, more than 40 laureates had contributed over 115 articles across more than 35 MDPI journals. Congratulations to the three 2025 Nobel prize-winners who have published with MDPI during their careers. Below are links to their MDPI publications and announcements for further reading:

These connections strengthen our mission to make research freely available and ensure that transformative ideas reach the widest possible audience.

Publishing at the leading edge of knowledge

The privilege of hosting such contributors resonates deeply with our editorial teams. It shows that top-tier scientific work has a home at MDPI, which builds our visibility in the research community. It signals that our publishing model, our editorial workflows, and our commitment to Open Access are respected at the very highest levels of science. It also gives our authors, reviewers, editors and staff the message that the work we support can be world-class and world-changing.

Publishing at the leading edge of knowledge isn’t just about individual papers – it’s about the ecosystem of support, transparency, and accessibility that makes discovery possible. Let’s continue to build a publishing platform and provide a service that attracts and enables both everyday research and the breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Inside MDPI

Strengthening Research Integrity: MDPI partners with Proofig AI

I’m pleased to share that MDPI has entered a multi-year partnership with Proofig AI, a leader in AI-driven proofing and integrity software for scientific publishing. This follows the success of our pilot program, in which Proofig AI proved highly effective in detecting duplicated, altered, and manipulated images across biomedical submissions.

Safeguarding the credibility of the research we publish

Research integrity is at the core of MDPI’s mission. The life sciences, in particular, face increasing risks of image-related issues due to advanced editing tools and generative AI. By integrating Proofig AI into our workflows, we improve our ability to detect issues early, reduce post-publication corrections, and safeguard the credibility of the research we publish.

Pilot outcomes

  • Successful detection of duplicated confocal and histology images, even when altered to disguise similarities.
  • Early results showed a significant drop in post-publication image manipulation flags year-on-year.
  • Positive feedback from editors and staff highlighted the tool’s ease of use and reliability.

Dr. Dror Kolodkin-Gal (co-founder and CEO of Proofig AI) said: 

“The MDPI team conducted a highly professional and carefully monitored pilot, achieving excellent results in detecting problematic images.

Their fast and effective integration process was impressive, and we are excited to contribute to this important collaboration.”

Sanita Meijere (IT Product and Project Manager, MDPI), shared:

“For more than a year, we’ve tested all the available image manipulation detection tools. Proofig AI’s quality and ease of use, alongside positive feedback from our internal users, made their software a clear stand-out.

We’re thrilled to be moving forward with this partnership, ensuring we do our utmost to protect MDPI’s biomedical journals. Using this advanced image proofing software reaffirms MDPI’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in research integrity.”

Raising the bar for integrity

This partnership sets a new benchmark for quality control in biomedical publishing.

As Tim Tait-Jamieson (Head of Publication Ethics, MDPI), explains:

“The life sciences are disproportionately affected by research integrity issues, making vigilance in this field especially critical. This is driven, in part, by the increasing sophistication of image editing software and generative AI.

Whether accidental or deliberate, image manipulation can have a lasting impact on credibility. By integrating Proofig AI into our editorial workflows, we strengthen our ability to detect scientific misconduct early and reduce post-publication amendments.”

Faster and more accurate quality control

Proofig will automatically flag potentially problematic images during submission checks, giving our editors more confidence in the integrity of manuscripts and freeing up time to focus on editorial decisions. The tool will also reduce the burden of manual checks, while supporting faster and more accurate quality control. This partnership reinforces MDPI's reputation as a publisher that takes integrity seriously and continues to invest in tools to support authors, editors, and reviewers alike.

A big thank-you to all colleagues who supported the pilot and rollout. You can read more in our MDPI Blog post.

Coming Together for Science

The MDPI Romania Summit 2025

On 21–22 October, I had the pleasure of joining our colleagues in Bucharest for the MDPI Romania Summit 2025. The event was organized by our Romania Marketing team, with support from colleagues across our Romanian offices. It brought together academics, policymakers, and collaborators to discuss the country’s evolving research landscape.

Over two days, we welcomed more than 30 participants, including Editorial Board Members, Guest Editors, and policy-makers from the Romanian research and education sectors, including representatives from the Romanian Academy and the National Commission for the Accreditation of Academic Titles (CNATDCU).

The discussions and presentations reflected the strength and growth of Romania’s research community and its active engagement in Open Access publishing.

“The discussions and presentations reflected the strength and growth of Romania’s research community”

Romania’s role in Open Access

Romania loves Open Access and has emerged as one of MDPI’s most engaged national research communities. The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 67% of all publications in Romania were Open Access in 2024.
  • MDPI accounts for 39% of the country’s total OA publications (14,779 in 2024).
  • Over the last five years (2020–2024), Romanian institutions published over 33,000 papers with MDPI.
  • There are 460 active Editorial Board Members from Romania, including 8 Chief Editors.
  • 29 institutions are part of our Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), with 8 new members joining in 2025.

These numbers reflect the trust and reliable partnership we have built with the Romanian academic community.

Highlights from the Summit

The program covered a wide range of topics from MDPI’s achievements and updates to our editorial processes, peer-review quality, AI in publishing, IOAP and Open Access funding models, and publication ethics.

Agenda Highlights:

  • MDPI Introduction, Performance & Achievements, and Collaboration with Romania – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI).
  • Trust the Process: Editorial Workflow and Quality in Publishing – Dr. Liliane Auwerter (Scientific Review Group).
  • Publication Ethics at MDPI: Safeguarding the Integrity of the Published Scholarly Record – Diana Cristina Apodaritei (Research Integrity Specialist).
  • Institutional Partnerships – Becky Castellon (Institutional Partnerships Manager, MDPI).
  • AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Sanita Meijere (AI Product Manager).
  • Closing Remarks – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI).

Participants shared feedback and ideas for future collaborations, including organizing author workshops, possible conference collaborations, and strengthening our engagement with national institutions such as the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Council of Romanian Rectors.

As Acad. Dr. Nicolae-Victor Zamfir, Vice President of the Romanian Academy, noted during the discussions:

“The organization of the event is very timely, because MDPI is a publishing house in full development and expansion. The opinion of researchers is important for increasing the quality of published works.”

A collaborative future

Events like this remind us how essential it is to engage locally and listen directly to the voices of our editors, authors, and institutional partners. They help us build relationships, improve our understanding of the local market, and align our shared goals in advancing Open Access and research quality.

Thank you to everyone involved, especially our Romania Marketing team, who organized the event, and to all colleagues who continue to build relationships with our academic communities around the world.

Thank you!

A special thank-you to the Romanian Marketing team and all colleagues behind the scenes who made this Summit such a success. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. We look forward to building on this momentum with future Summits in Europe and beyond.

Closing Thoughts

STM and FBF 2025: Connecting Through Science and Publishing


Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Constanze Schelhorn (Head of Indexing, MDPI) at STM Conference, Frankfurt, 14 October 2025.

On 13–14 October, I attended the STM Frankfurt Conference 2025, my fourth visit to the Frankfurt event, and it continues to be one of the most valuable gatherings in our industry.

The STM meeting brings together the publishing community and key opinion leaders to speak on current trends and challenges shaping our industry.

This year’s theme – “Science Diplomacy: What is it and How Does it Work?” – unpacked the growing intersection of science, policy, and publishing.

Discussion topics ranged from what is science diplomacy and how publishers can contribute to global collaboration to how science communication can help maintain trust during an era of disruption.

I was joined by Dr. Constanze Schelhorn, our Head of Indexing, who met with representatives from Scopus, Web of Science, Digital Science, ProQuest, and other partners. These meetings give us a chance to share feedback on our collaborations, learn about new updates being developed, and build our relationships with indexing bodies.

“The STM meeting brings together the publishing community and key opinion leaders”

STM also provides a space to connect with industry peers, as I did with colleagues from Elsevier, Frontiers, Clarivate, Sage, and STM itself, reinforcing MDPI’s engagement within the broader publishing community. It was also nice to bump into some former colleagues and see them continuing to grow in their publishing careers.

At the Frankfurt Book Fair


The MDPI booth at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.

Following STM, I spent the next day at the Frankfurt Book Fair (15–19 October) – one of the largest and most influential events in the publishing world.

It’s always inspiring to see the scale and energy of this global gathering, which spans everything from books and education to digital innovation and academic publishing.

We set up an MDPI booth to host discussions with partners, vendors, and researchers.

The Fair ran into the weekend, with colleagues from several MDPI departments attending to represent the company and connect with the scholarly community.


Events like STM and FBF are a nice reminder of how dynamic and interconnected our industry is, and how important it is for MDPI to continue taking part in global conversations about science, communication, and the future of publishing.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

16 October 2025
World Food Day—“Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, 16 October 2025

World Food Day commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. This global observance unites researchers, policymakers, and communities to reflect on the vital role of food in human health, sustainability, and global development. 

The 2025 theme calls for collective action to build a fairer, more sustainable, and resilient food system for all. From advancing sustainable agriculture and ensuring equitable food distribution to promoting nutritious diets and reducing food waste, the focus is on transforming the way we produce, consume, and share food—so that no one is left behind.

MDPI journals provide essential platforms for scientific dialogue and innovation in food research. Through a collection of articles, Special Issues, and reprints, we invite you to explore the latest findings shaping the future of food systems. Covering themes such as food safety and quality assurance, functional foods and probiotics, nutrition and public health, innovation and technology in food production, and the intersection of food security, climate, and social equity, these contributions foster global collaboration toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

Together, through research, innovation, and shared responsibility, we can build a world where food security and sustainability go hand in hand for better foods and a better future—nourishing both people and the planet.

Biology & Life Sciences

Engineering

Environmental & Earth Sciences

Public Health & Healthcare

Social Science, Art and Humanities

 

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clostridium perfringens Isolated from Pork and Chicken Meat in Vietnam
by Hoang Minh Duc, Tran Thi Khanh Hoa, Cam Thi Thu Ha, Le Van Hung, Nguyen Van Thang, Hoang Minh Son and Gary A. Flory
Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050400

Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Glyphosate in Cereals Together with a Discussion of Its Occurrence, Accumulation, Fate, Degradation, and Regulatory Status
by Maurizio Masci, Roberto Caproni and Teresina Nevigato
Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7030038

Clostridium perfringens—Opportunistic Foodborne Pathogen, Its Diversity and Epidemiological Significance
by Tomasz Grenda, Aleksandra Jarosz, Magdalena Sapała, Anna Grenda, Ewelina Patyra and Krzysztof Kwiatek
Pathogens 2023, 12(6), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12060768 

A Preliminary Investigation of Special Types of Honey Marketed in Morocco
by Rania Mehdi, Saadia Zrira, Rossella Vadalà, Vincenzo Nava, Concetta Condurso, Nicola Cicero and Rosaria Costa
J. Exp. Theor. Anal. 2023, 1(1), 1-20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jeta1010001


Special Issues:

Food Hygiene and Human Health
Guest Editors:  Dr. Fernando Perez Rodriguez and Prof. Dr. Wojciech Kolanowski
Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

Promotion of Food Safety and Functional Improvement Using Microorganisms
Guest Editor: Dr. Franca Rossi
Submission deadline: 28 February 2026

Analysis of the Impact of the Addition of Alphitobius diaperinus Larval Powder on the Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensorial Properties of Shortbread Cookies
by Sylwia Mierzejewska, Zdzisław Domiszewski, Joanna Piepiórka-Stepuk, Anna Bielicka, Arkadiusz Szpicer and Iwona Wojtasik-Kalinowska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4269; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084269

Antimicrobial Activity of Diffusible Substances Produced by Lactococcus lactis Against Bacillus cereus in a Non-Contact Co-Culture Model
by Yuting Han, Adenike A. Akinsemolu, Christian K. Anumudu, Taghi Miri and Helen Onyeaka
Hygiene 2024, 4(4), 469-482; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene4040035

Effect of Fermentation on the Nutritional Quality of the Selected Vegetables and Legumes and Their Health Effects
by Eliza Knez, Kornelia Kadac-Czapska and Małgorzata Grembecka
Life 2023, 13(3), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030655

Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Bacillus velezensis Strain BV379 for Human Probiotic Applications
by Laura M. Brutscher, Sebhat Gebrechristos, Sean M. Garvey and Jessica L. Spears
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030436

Fatty Acid Composition of Pseudocereals and Seeds Used as Functional Food Ingredients
by Małgorzata Czerwonka and Agnieszka Białek
Life 2023, 13(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010217

Special Issues:

Advances in Food Metabolomics for Functional Food Development and Analysis
Guest Editors: Dr. Amanda J. Lloyd and Dr. MJ Pilar Martinez-Martin
Submission deadline: 28 February 2026

Functional Foods and Metabolic Health
Guest Editor: Dr. Lucas Fornari Laurindo
Submission deadline: 5 June 2026

Industrial Production of Functional Foods for Human Health and Sustainability
by Xinrui Yuan, Moyu Zhong, Xinxin Huang, Zahid Hussain, Maozhi Ren and Xiulan Xie
Foods 2024, 13(22), 3546; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13223546

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Food Hygiene among Mothers from Rural Communities in Malawi
by Vitowe Batch, Martina Kress, Ezekiel Luhanga, Maurice Monjerezi, Daniel Pfaff, Horace Phiri, Aggrey Pemba Gama, Kelvin Chomanika, Anja Schmidt, Bianca Duelken et al.
Hygiene 2024, 4(3), 361-373; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene4030028 

Mindful Eating Approaches to Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies
by Paola Iaccarino Idelson, Lanfranco D’Elia and Pasquale Strazzullo
Dietetics 2024, 3(3), 271-288; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics3030022

Common Nutritional Shortcomings in Vegetarians and Vegans
by Joshua Gibbs and Francesco P. Cappuccio
Dietetics 2024, 3(2), 114-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics3020010 

Special Issues:

The Nutritional Implications and Future Prospects of Gluten-Free Diets Beyond Celiac Disease
Guest Editor: Dr. Dalia El Khoury
Submission deadline: 25 February 2026

 

Agroecology and Conscious Food Systems for Flourishing of People, Places, and Planet
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Victor Ernesto Méndez, Prof. Dr. Karen Spiller, Prof. Dr. Molly D. Anderson, Prof. Dr. Hannah Gosnell, Dr. Xiaoan Li and Dr. Carlos Andres Gallegos-Riofrío
Submission deadline: 31 December 2026

Storage Profiling: Evaluating the Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Metabolomic Changes of Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)
by Johannes Brockelt, Robin Dammann, Jennifer Griese, Agnes Weiss, Markus Fischer and Marina Creydt
Metabolites 2025, 15(5), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15050330 

Measuring the Effects of an Anti-Food-Waste Digital Application from the Operators’ Perspective in Urban Contexts
by Alexandra Lagorio and Giulio Mangano
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8020057

The Application of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in the Food Industry
by Haohan Ding, Jiawei Tian, Wei Yu, David I. Wilson, Brent R. Young, Xiaohui Cui, Xing Xin, Zhenyu Wang and Wei Li
Foods 2023, 12(24), 4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244511

Special Issues:

Agri-Food Wastes as Natural Source of Bioactive Antioxidants: Fourth Edition
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Silvana Hrelia, Dr. Cristina Angeloni and Dr. Maria Cristina Barbalace
Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

Innovative Soil Amendments for Food Security: Biochar, Nanoparticles and Waste Valorization
Guest Editor: Dr. Sami Abou Fayssal
Submission deadline: 10 April 2026

Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Human Health: The Interconnection Between Soil, Food Quality, and Nutrition
by Giulia Feliziani, Laura Bordoni and Rosita Gabbianelli
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050530 

Climate Change Impacts on Household Food Security in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zones: A Qualitative Analysis
by Sisira Kumara Naradda Gamage, Solanga Arachchige U. Niranjala, Jayasooriya Mudiyanselage Harshana M. Upulwehera, Allayarov Piratdin, Kumara Bandage Thilini Udesha K. Bandara, Hatharakorale Gedara Kolitha N. Bandara, Hetti Arachchige Buddhika W. Hettiarachchi, Adikari Mudiyanselage P. Adikari, Sumanapalage D. Amasha Sumanapala, Manamendra K. Nilakshi Pabasara et al.
Challenges 2025, 16(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe16020020

Multiresource Pastoralism, Dynamic Foodways, and Ancient Statecraft in Mongolia
by William Honeychurch, Chunag Amartuvshin, Joshua Wright, Christina Carolus and Michelle Hrivnyak
Land 2023, 12(9), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12091715 

Multidimensional Role of Agrovoltaics in Era of EU Green Deal: Current Status and Analysis of Water–Energy–Food–Land Dependencies
by Aikaterini Roxani, Athanasios Zisos, Georgia-Konstantina Sakki and Andreas Efstratiadis
Land 2023, 12(5), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051069

Special Issues:

The Past and the Present of Food Sustainability and Resilience of Local Food Production: 2nd Edition
Guest Editors: Dr. Désirée Gmür and Prof. Dr. Tobias Haller
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Nutrition Security: 2nd Edition
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Peter J. Gregory and Dr. Thorsten Kraska
Submission deadline: 10 May 2026

VI International Congress la ValSe-Food
Lima, Peru | 23–25 September 2024
Volume Editors: Nancy Chasquibol, Norma Sammán, Pedro Maldonado, Laura Mereles, Ma. Carolina Zúñiga-López, Ritva Repo-Carrasco-Valencia and Claudia Monika Haros
Full list of the conference proceedings

15 October 2025
MDPI’s Newly Launched Journals in September 2025


Nine new journals covering a range of subjects launched their inaugural issues in September 2025. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.

We extend our sincere thanks to all Editorial Board Members for their commitment and expertise. Each journal is dedicated to upholding 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.

Journal

Founding Editor-in-Chief

Journal Topics (Selected)

Prof. Dr. Joseph G. Grzywacz,

San José State University, USA

Editorial | view inaugural issue

family formation and dynamics; family relationships; family diversity and structure; family processes; family challenges; global perspectives of family |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Chengkuo Lee,

National University of Singapore, Singapore

Editorial | view inaugural issue

AIoT sensing technologies; distributed AI and federated learning; AI-enhanced edge analytics; sensor fusion in edge computing; low-power AI sensing; security and privacy in edge-AI systems; AI-driven optimization of IoT networks |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Steven Paul Nistico,

Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Editorial | view inaugural issue

aesthetics; reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery; dermatology; oral and maxillofacial surgery; surgical procedures; non-surgical procedures |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Mauro Tonelli,

University of Pisa, Italy

Editorial | view inaugural issue

plasma physics and technology; atomic and molecular physics; nuclear physics; quantum physics and technology; dielectrics, ferroelectrics, and multiferroics; semiconductor physics and devices; engineering physics; material physics; biophysics|

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Sergej M. Ostojic,

University of Agder, Norway;
University of Pécs, Hungary

Editorial | view inaugural issue

biochemical research methods; biochemistry and molecular biology; cell biology; clinical and medicinal chemistry; clinical neurology; endocrinology and metabolism; medicine, general and internal; nutrition and dietetics; toxicology |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Michele Nappi,

University of Salerno, Italy

Editorial | view inaugural issue

foundations and advancements in multimedia technologies; computational social media analytics; human–AI interaction in social contexts; multimedia understanding and generation for social insight; ethics, fairness, and privacy in multimedia systems |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Philippe Gorce,

Toulon University, France

Editorial | view inaugural issue

ergonomic design and evaluation of workspaces, tools, and equipment; biomechanical analysis and ergonomic interventions for musculoskeletal health; cognitive workload assessment and management; human-computer interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) research; ergonomic wearables; AI-driven ergonomic assessment tools; neuroergonomics |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. Ronald Charles Sims,

Utah State University, USA

Editorial | view inaugural issue

bioresources; bioproducts; bioenergy and biofuels; environmental protection; public health protection; biological waste treatment; biomass transformation; circular bioeconomy; bio-based materials and chemicals; bioresidues |

view journal scope | submit an article

Prof. Dr. M. Jamal Deen,

McMaster University, Canada

Editorial | view inaugural issue

device design and engineering; circuit design and system integration; applications and emerging technologies; materials and fabrication innovations; testing, reliability, and standards |

view journal scope | submit an article

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).

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