Announcements

27 January 2026
Meet Us at the 5th Molecules Medicinal Chemistry Symposium, 14–17 May 2026, Beijing, China


Conference:
5th MMCS: New Trends in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
Date: 14–17 May 2026, Beijing Time
Conference website: https://sciforum.net/event/MMCS2026

This conference is organized by the MDPI journal Molecules (ISSN: 1420-3049, IF: 4.6, and CiteScore: 8.6) and will take place in Beijing, China, from 14 to 17 May 2026 (Beijing time).

Conference Chairs:

  • Prof. Dr. Xiaoguang Lei, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, China;
  • Prof. Dr. Diego Muñoz-Torrero, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Spain.

Topics of interest:
S1. Chemical biology for drug discovery;
S2. AI for drug discovery;
S3. New proximity-based drug modalities;
S4. Natural products in drug discovery;
S5. Biocatalysis for natural product and drug synthesis;
S6. Drug discovery targeting GPCRs and ion channels;
S7. DNA-encoded libraries in drug discovery;
S8. Medicinal chemistry tales.

Important dates:
Deadline for abstract submission:
13 March 2026;
Abstract acceptance notification: 27 March 2026;
Early bird registration deadline: 3 April 2026;
Covering author registration deadline: 3 April 2026;
Registration deadline: 14 May 2026.

Guide for authors:
To submit your abstract, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1319.

To register for the event, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/MMCS2026?section=#registration.

For more information, you may refer to the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/MMCS2026.

For any inquiries regarding the event, please contact mmcs2026@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 5th MMCS: New Trends in Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery.

29 May 2026
Interview with Dr. Renata-Maria Varut—Winner of Pharmaceuticals Outstanding Reviewer Award


Dr. Renata-Maria Varut is an Associate Professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova. Her research focuses on physical chemistry; chemical modeling and drug design. We would like to congratulate Dr. Renata‑Maria Varut on receiving the Pharmaceuticals 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award.

1. Congratulations on receiving the Pharmaceuticals Outstanding Reviewer Award! As this recognition comes from the Editorial Office, could you share your initial reaction upon learning you had received it?
Thank you! I felt honored and pleasantly surprised—this recognition truly motivates me further.

2. Peer reviewing provides a significant voluntary service to the wider academic community. What primarily motivates you to dedicate your time and expertise to reviewing manuscripts for Pharmaceuticals?
I am driven by the desire to support high-quality science and contribute to the advancement of the pharmaceutical field.

3. In your view, what are the core responsibilities of a peer reviewer, and how do you ensure your reviews are fair, constructive, and helpful to authors?
A reviewer’s core duties are objectivity, rigor, and clarity; I strive to provide balanced, well-justified, and helpful feedback.

4. How do you balance providing critical, rigorous feedback with maintaining a supportive and respectful tone that encourages authors to improve their work?
I combine critical evaluation with respect, offering constructive suggestions that guide improvement.

5. Finally, as someone now honored for your reviewing excellence, what message would you like to share with the broader Pharmaceuticals community—authors, readers, and fellow reviewers?
I encourage everyone to collaborate with integrity and openness; together, we can strengthen the quality of research.

25 May 2026
Pharmaceuticals | Top 5 Selected Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Pharmacology” Section


1. “Disposition of Hexahydrocannabinol Epimers and Their Metabolites in Biological Matrices following a Single Administration of Smoked Hexahydrocannabinol: A Preliminary Study”
by Annagiulia Di Trana, Alessandro Di Giorgi, Giorgia Sprega, Jeremy Carlier, Giorgi Kobidze, Eva Montanari, Omayema Taoussi, Giulia Bambagiotti, Maria Sofia Fede, Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro et al.
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020249
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/2/249

2. “Advances and Challenges in Targeting TGF-β Isoforms for Therapeutic Intervention of Cancer: A Mechanism-Based Perspective”
by David Danielpour
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17040533
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/4/533

3. “Strategies to Improve Cannabidiol Bioavailability and Drug Delivery”
by Saoirse Elizabeth O’Sullivan, Sanne Skov Jensen, Aditya Reddy Kolli, Gitte Nykjær Nikolajsen, Heidi Ziegler Bruun and Julia Hoeng
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020244
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/2/244

4. “Solanum macrocarpon L. Ethanolic Leaf Extract Exhibits Neuroprotective and Anxiolytic Effects in Scopolamine-Induced Amnesic Zebrafish Model”
by Ion Brinza, Corina Guliev, Ibukun Oluwabukola Oresanya, Hasya Nazli Gok, Ilkay Erdogan Orhan and Lucian Hritcu
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050706
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/5/706

5. “Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Strains—Searching for New Antimicrobial Agents—Review”
by Michał Michalik, Adrianna Podbielska-Kubera and Agnieszka Dmowska-Koroblewska
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010081
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/1/81

25 May 2026
Pharmaceuticals | Top 5 Selected Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Natural Products” Section


1. “Protective Effects of Oleanolic Acid on Human Keratinocytes: A Defense Against Exogenous Damage”
by Marzia Vasarri, Maria Camilla Bergonzi, Manuela Leri, Rebecca Castellacci, Monica Bucciantini, Lucia De Marchi and Donatella Degl’Innocenti
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020238
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/238

2. “Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum-Sensing Activity of Inula Extracts: A Strategy for Modulating Chromobacterium violaceum Virulence Factors”
by Petya D. Dimitrova, Viktoria Ivanova, Antoaneta Trendafilova and Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050573
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/5/573

3. “Chemical Composition, Biological Activity, and Potential Uses of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and Oregano Essential Oil”
by Renata Nurzyńska-Wierdak and Magdalena Walasek-Janusz
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020267
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/267

4. “Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Mitragynine and Corynoxeine: Kratom-Derived Indole and Oxindole Alkaloids for Pain Management”
by Ahmed S. Alford, Hope L. Moreno, Menny M. Benjamin, Cody F. Dickinson and Mark T. Hamann
Mark T. Hamann
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020222
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/222

5. “Exploring Synergistic Interactions between Natural Compounds and Conventional Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Preclinical Models of Lung Cancer”
by Mihaela Boța, Lavinia Vlaia, Alex-Robert Jîjie, Iasmina Marcovici, Flavia Crişan, Cristian Oancea, Cristina Adriana Dehelean, Tudor Mateescu and Elena-Alina Moacă
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050598
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/5/598

19 May 2026
Pharmaceuticals | Top 5 Selected Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Medicinal Chemistry” Section


1. “A Comprehensive Review on Deep Eutectic Solvents and Its Use to Extract Bioactive Compounds of Pharmaceutical Interest”
by Cátia Ferreira and Mafalda Sarraguça
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17010124
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/1/124

2. “Discovery of Dual TRPA1 and TRPV1 Antagonists as Novel Therapeutic Agents for Pain”
by Nayeon Do, Dongxu Zuo, Miri Kim, Minseok Kim, Hee-Jin Ha, Peter M. Blumberg, Jihyae Ann, Sun Wook Hwang and Jeewoo Lee
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(9), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17091209
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/9/1209

3. “Study of the Lipophilicity and ADMET Parameters of New Anticancer Diquinothiazines with Pharmacophore Substituents”
by Daria Klimoszek, Małgorzata Jeleń, Małgorzata Dołowy and Beata Morak-Młodawska
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060725
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/6/725

4. “The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Innovation: From Drug Discovery to Clinical Trials”
by Vera Malheiro, Beatriz Santos, Ana Figueiras and Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060788
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/6/788

5. “Antidiabetic GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Have Neuroprotective Properties in Experimental Animal Models of Alzheimer’s Disease”
by Melinda Urkon, Elek Ferencz, József Attila Szász, Monica Iudita Maria Szabo, Károly Orbán-Kis, Szabolcs Szatmári and Előd Ernő Nagy
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050614
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/5/614

19 May 2026
Pharmaceuticals | Top 5 Selected Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Pharmaceutical Technology” Section


We invite you to explore the following top five papers published in 2024–2025 in the “Pharmaceutical Technology” Section of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN: 1424-8247):

1. “Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Inhaled Therapy: Improving Respiratory Medicine”
by Elena Cojocaru, Ovidiu Rusalim Petriș and Cristian Cojocaru
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(8), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17081059
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/8/1059

2. “Blood–Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience”
by Evridiki Asimakidou, Justin Kok Soon Tan, Jialiu Zeng and Chih Hung Lo
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050612
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/5/612

3. “Exploring Deep Eutectic Solvents as Pharmaceutical Excipients: Enhancing the Solubility of Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid”
by Mihaela-Alexandra Nica, Valentina Anuța, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Lăcrămioara Popa, Mihaela Violeta Ghica, Florentina-Iuliana Cocoș and Cristina-Elena Dinu-Pîrvu
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101316
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/10/1316

4. “Naringenin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Physical–Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity”
by Federica De Gaetano, Francesco Caridi, Noemi Totaro, Consuelo Celesti, Valentina Venuti, Giovanna Ginestra, Antonia Nostro, Silvana Tommasini, Cinzia Anna Ventura and Rosanna Stancanelli
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020232
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/2/232

5. “Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Natural Bioactives: Advances in Sustainable Wall Materials”
by Lauryna Pudžiuvelytė, Eglė Petrauskaitė, Jolita Stabrauskienė and Jurga Bernatonienė
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18070963
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/7/963

19 May 2026
MDPI Open Science Insights: Academic Publishing Workshop at the University of Hong Kong, 12 May 2026


MDPI, together with the leading journals IJMS, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceuticals and Sci. Pharm., is excited to collaborate with the University of Hong Kong to host an exclusive Academic Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering researchers with the knowledge and tools needed for successful academic publishing. This workshop will explore key topics including open access publishing insights, how to write and structure a journal article, common reasons for pre-check rejection, and the MDPI editorial and peer review processes. The session is designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and valuable skills to support and enhance their publishing journey.

Date: 12 May 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Venue: Teams Meeting

Speaker Program Time
Prof. Xiang Lin Opening Speech 2:00–2:10 p.m.
Dr. Kathy Gong How to Write and Structure a Journal Article 2:10–2:40 p.m.
  Q&A Session 2:40–2:45 p.m.
Mr. Owen Chen Rejection Reasons for Pre-Check 2:45–3:15 p.m.
  Q&A Session 3:15–3:20 p.m.
Ms. Amber Zhao MDPI Editorial Process and Peer Review Process 3:20–3:50 p.m.
  Q&A Session 3:50–3:55 p.m.
  Closing of Program 3:55–4:00 p.m.

Chair:

Prof. Xiang Lin received his BSc degree in Chinese medicines from China Pharmaceutical University in 2007 and his PhD degree in Chinese medicine from the School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, in 2012. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at HKU before joining the School of Chinese Medicine as an Assistant Professor in 2019. He currently also serves as the Assistant Director (Knowledge Exchange and Technology Development). His research focuses on immunology, autoimmune diseases, and Chinese medicine-based therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on Sjögren’s syndrome and immune regulation. He has led multiple competitive research projects funded by local and international agencies, including the General Research Fund and the Health and Medical Research Fund.
Prof. Lin has received several academic honors, including the Excellence in Leukocyte Biology Award from the Society of Leukocyte Biology and the Early Career Faculty Grant from the American Association of Immunologists. He is also active in academic service, holding editorial roles in several international journals in immunology and pharmacology.

MDPI Speakers:

Dr. Kathy Gong obtained her PhD in crop science from the University of Queensland, Australia, where she also completed her postdoctoral research. She joined MDPI in 2025 as an Assistant Editor for the journal Pharmaceutics and currently serves as a Publishing Specialist. In this role, she focuses on supporting the strategic development of journals, strengthening collaboration with academic editors, and ensuring efficient and high-quality publishing services for the research community.

Mr. Owen Chen graduated from Auburn University and joined MDPI in 2018. He previously served as an Assistant Editor for Microorganisms and Section Managing Editor for IJMS. He currently works as the Journal Development Editor for IJMS and Managing Editor for Stresses. In addition to his role in journal relations, he also served as the Deputy Section Leader for overseas editors, providing guidance and support to ensure high editorial standards and efficient workflow management.

Ms. Amber Zhao graduated from the University of York and joined MDPI in 2020. She is currently working as the Managing Editor for Pharmaceuticals. She is responsible for the management of the journal, overseeing content quality, and fostering effective communication and collaboration with authors and academic editors. She is dedicated to delivering efficient, professional publishing support to researchers.

18 May 2026
Pharmaceuticals | Top 5 Selected Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Biopharmaceuticals” Section


1. “Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Associated Gastrointestinal Adverse Events: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Institutes of Health All of Us Cohort”
by Wafa Ali Aldhaleei, Tadesse M. Abegaz and Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020199
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/2/199

2. “Bacteriophage Therapy: Discovery, Development, and FDA Approval Pathways”
by Sarfaraz K. Niazi
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081115
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/8/1115

3. “Antimicrobial Smart Dressings for Combating Antibiotic Resistance in Wound Care”
by Alina-Georgiana Cristea (Hohotă), Elena-Lăcrămioara Lisă, Simona Iacob (Ciobotaru), Ionut Dragostin , Claudia Simona Ștefan, Iuliu Fulga, Andra Monica Anghel (Ștefan), Maria Dragan, Ionela Daniela Morariu and Oana-Maria Dragostin
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060825
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/6/825

4. “The Therapeutic Trip of Melatonin Eye Drops: From the Ocular Surface to the Retina“
by Dario Rusciano and Cristina Russo
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17040441
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/4/441

5. “GNNSeq: A Sequence-Based Graph Neural Network for Predicting Protein–Ligand Binding Affinity”
by Somanath Dandibhotla, Madhav Samudrala, Arjun Kaneriya and Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(3), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030329
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/3/329

14 May 2026
Topics Webinar | 2025 Young Investigator Award Ceremony for Biomedicines, Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceuticals, 22 May 2026


A welcome message from the webinar Chair:

Welcome to the Young Investigator Award Webinar! I am Professor Victor M. Rivera, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, USA, and I have the great pleasure of chairing this important scientific event celebrating the Biomedicines, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceuticals Young Investigator Award winners for the 2025 cycle. These young scientists have been selected from an outstanding and competitive group of international young investigators contending for this prestigious scientific award. The winners were all nominated by two senior scientists, received their PhD/MD degree no more than 10 years before the 31 December 2025, and produced work that was selected for being ground-breaking research and a significant contribution to the advancement of therapeutic medicines. I thank the journals Biomedicines, Pharmaceutics, and Pharmaceuticals, their editorial groups and staff, and their respective Award Committees of recognized and distinguished scholars and members of the Editorial Boards for making this possible.

The 2025 winners will receive 1000 or 2000 CHF, a recognition certificate, and a free voucher for article processing fees valid for one year. The 2025 winners for Biomedicines are Dr. Adil Rasheed and Dr. Meghna Gupta; the winner for Pharmaceutics is Dr. João Carlos Fernandes da Silva; and the winner for Pharmaceuticals is Dr. Karolina Beton-Mysur. We hope you join us for this important scientific recognition and celebration.

Date: 22 May 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CEST | 11:00 a.m. EDT
Webinar ID: 850 8375 3671
Landing page: https://sciforum.net/event/Topics-49?subscribe

Register now for free!

Program:

Speaker Presentation Title Time in CEST Time in EDT
MDPI Host-Marco Pedretti Opening Remarks 5:00–5:05 p.m. 11:00–11:05 a.m.
Prof. Dr. Victor M. Rivera Award Ceremony 5:05–5:15 p.m. 11:05–11:15 a.m.
Dr. Adil Rasheed MLKL (Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like Protein): An Immunometabolic
Nexus of Cardiovascular Disease
5:15–5:35 p.m. 11:15–11:35 a.m.
Dr. Meghna Gupta Supramolecular Assembly Shapes Autoantibody Recognition in
Neuromyelitis Optica
5:35–5:55 p.m. 11:35–11:55 a.m.
Dr. Karolina Beton-Mysur What Cells Whisper: Raman Spectroscopy and Nanomechanical Signatures in Gastrointestinal Cancer Research 5:55–6:15 p.m. 11:55–12:15 p.m.
Dr. João Carlos Silva Bio-instructive and Functional Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering Applications targeting Bone and Cartilage Regeneration 6:15–6:35 p.m. 12:15–12:35 p.m.
  Q&A Session 6:35–6:55 p.m. 12:35–12:55 p.m.
MDPI Host-Marco Pedretti Overview of the Submission Process 6:55–7:00 p.m. 12:55–1:00 p.m.
Prof. Dr. Victor M. Rivera Closing of Webinar 7:00–7:05 p.m. 1:00–1:05 p.m.

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

Unable to attend? You can register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

  • Prof. Dr. Victor M. Rivera, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA;
  • Dr. Adil Rasheed, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, USA;
  • Dr. Meghna Gupta, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA;
  • Dr. João Carlos Silva, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal;
  • Dr. Karolina Beton-Mysur, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland.

6 May 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #34 - MDPI US Office, Coatings 2026, Media and Partnerships, Recapping Poland Summit & Serbia Salon

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

MDPI Opens First US Office in Philadelphia

I am delighted to highlight an important milestone in MDPI’s continued global development: the recent opening of our first office in the United States, located in Philadelphia.

This marks a significant step in building our engagement with one of the world’s most important research communities. The new office will serve as a hub for supporting scholars across the US, creating closer connections and more localized support.

As highlighted in recent coverage by our press release in InPublishing, this expansion reflects MDPI’s broader commitment to growing our international presence while remaining focused on the needs of the research community.

A Key Market for Research and Collaboration

The United States continues to play a central role in global research. To date, MDPI has published more than 237,000 articles affiliated with US institutions, and we collaborate with nearly 12,000 Editorial Board Members across the country. These relationships are fundamental to our mission of supporting Open Access and advancing scientific communication.

The opening of this office is not just about geography; it is about proximity to the communities we serve. It allows us to better understand the evolving needs of researchers while continuing to build collaboration and trust within the academic ecosystem.

The Team Behind this Milestone

This milestone reflects the efforts of teams across MDPI. I extend a special thank-you to Bob Vrooman (Head of Business Development, MDPI), who is leading this expansion, as well as to our colleagues in Toronto and across our North American teams for their continued support.

Bob shared: “MDPI is already a trusted partner of the North American research community, due in no small part to our dedicated team in Canada. Launching our first US office in Philadelphia is a great first step towards expanding MDPI’s market share and recognition in the US. I’m thrilled to be a part of this new phase in MDPI’s journey.”

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on supporting researchers globally and advancing Open Access with integrity.

Impactful Research

Coatings 2026: Highlights from Our Latest MDPI Conference (20-22 April)

I am pleased to share the successful completion of MDPI conference Coatings 2026, which took place last week in Athens from 20 to 22 April 2026. This conference brought together a diverse international community of researchers, industry experts, and partners, highlighting MDPI’s role not only as a publisher but also as a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.

Conference Highlights

Coatings 2026 in numbers:

  • The event attracted approximately 140 participants from 25 countries
  • 143 submissions and a strong scientific program of talks and posters
  • 2 keynote speakers and a wide range of invited contributions
  • 7 sponsors and 11 media partners supporting the event

Scientific Programme

The program centered on “Safe and Sustainable by Design,” reflecting the growing importance of sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and technological innovation in materials science. Topics ranged from advanced coating technologies and additive manufacturing to AI-driven simulations and strategies to phase out potentially harmful substances in industrial processes.

Importantly, the conference brought together both academic and industrial perspectives, creating a space for dialogue on how research can translate into real-world impact. This is important as industries navigate environmental challenges, evolving regulations, and the need for more sustainable and circular approaches to production.

Thank You!

I would like to thank the entire conference team for their work in organizing this successful event. As we continue to grow, conferences like this play an important role in building our connection with global research communities, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, and positioning MDPI at the intersection of science, technology, and societal impact.

Members from Exelisis and MDPI EU Conference & Social Media team at the Coatings 2026 Conference in Athens, Greece.

Inside MDPI

Recent Media Coverage and Partnerships

Over the past two months, news from MDPI has enjoyed strong visibility across international publishing and academic media, reflecting our continued expansion and the increasing relevance of our work within the research community.

Below are some highlights covering partnerships, institutional agreements, and milestones that continue to shape our position in publishing – some of which are featured in leading industry platforms such as InPublishing, which is highly selective and reflects the growing recognition of MDPI’s growth within the publishing ecosystem.

Key Press Releases & Coverage (March–April 2026)

  • MDPI × Sikt (Norway): Partnership Renewal

    We renewed our national Open Access agreement with Sikt, a key consortium partnership, continuing to support researchers across Norway through this partnership. The renewal was covered by several international publishing trade outlets.

    Covered by: Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Europe Says

  • MDPI × Jisc (UK): New Two-Year Open Access Agreement

    A new two-year agreement with Jisc significantly expands MDPI’s footprint across UK academic institutions. Coverage appeared across major publishing industry titles in the UK and internationally.

    Covered by: InPublishing, Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI Opens First US Office

    The opening of our first US office marks an important milestone in our North American expansion to build engagement with one of the world’s leading research communities.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, InPublishing, EdTech Innovation Hub, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI × SIGG: Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics

    We established a new partnership with the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), adding to our growing portfolio of society collaborations.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI × Fast Track Health: New Journal Launch

    The launch of a new journal in partnership with Fast Track Health reflects our continued expansion into emerging areas of health innovation.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, Scienmag, STM Publishing News, ALPSP

  • MDPI 2025 Annual Report

    Our 2025 Annual Report was also widely covered across international media, highlighting a 12% increase in submissions and continued investment in research integrity, infrastructure, and partnerships.

    Coverage by: EurekAlert!, Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Choice 360

Coverage also spanned multiple regions including Poland, Romania and South Korea, reflecting our ongoing efforts to communicate more effectively with regional research communities.

Looking Ahead

This coverage shows that MDPI is growing and building on its position through partnerships, visibility, and engagement across regions. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on supporting researchers globally, building on our institutional collaborations, and advancing Open Access with integrity.

Thank you to all teams involved in delivering these initiatives, and to our External Affairs team for ensuring our work is effectively communicated across the global publishing landscape!

Coming Together for Science

Recapping MDPI Poland Summit 2026 in Krakow (23 April)

On 23 April 2206, we hosted the first MDPI Poland Summit 2026 in Kraków, bringing together an engaged group of editors, researchers, and academic leaders from the country.

The Poland Summit welcomed some 45 participants, including Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members, many with strong academic track records and international recognition.

Our engagements were open and constructive, focusing on MDPI’s positioning and reputation in Poland, alongside community interest in supporting our development, with active participation across our sessions, including Q&A and panel discussions.

MDPI Poland Summit Programme

From research integrity and peer review quality to AI in publishing and the future of academic communication, the agenda featured important topics currently shaping our industry.

During the day, MDPI colleagues shared a series of presentations covering:

  • MDPI’s performance, growth, and impact in Poland: Stefan Tochev (CEO)
  • Engagement with Academic Community: Dr. Marta Colomer (Public Affairs Lead)
  • Research Integrity and Publication Ethics: Anna Pena (Research Integrity Manager)
  • MDPI Editorial Process and Peer-Review Quality Metrics: Dr. Liliane Auwerter (Conference Organizer)
  • AI in the Publishing Industry – Challenges, Innovation and MDPI’s vision: Dr. Enric Sayas (AI Product Owner)
  • Panel Session: The Future of Academic Publishing, moderated by Dr. Marta Colomer 

Poland as a Key Market for Open Access

The summit also highlighted the importance of Poland within the global research landscape.

In 2025:

  • 75% of publications in Poland were made in Open Access
  • 71% of those in Gold Open Access
  • and over 344,000 publications produced in the last five years

MDPI plays a significant role in the Polish publishing ecosystem:

  • #1 Open Access publisher in Poland
  • 17% share of Open Access publications in 2025
  • More than 12,500 publications from Polish institutions in 2025
  • More than 91,000 publications overall since 1996

Looking Ahead

Events like the Poland Summit are an important part of how we evolve as an organization. They allow us to share the latest developments of MDPI and listen directly to our researchers and editors to better understand the market and align our development with the needs of the local community.

As MDPI continues to grow, this type of engagement will remain essential in ensuring that we are not only scaling globally, but doing so in a way that is aligned, trusted, and collaborative.


With Igor Matic (Office Manager, Krakow, Poland, MDPI) at the MDPI Poland Summit in Krakow.

Closing Thoughts

Recapping MDPI Serbia Salon 2026 in Belgrade (22 April)

On 22 April 2026, we hosted the MDPI Serbia Salon 2026 in Belgrade. The Salon welcomed over 50 participants, including more than 40 invited scholars from leading Serbian institutions, alongside colleagues from MDPI. The event also marked two important milestones: 30 years of MDPI and 10 years of our presence in Serbia, making it a celebration and an opportunity for reflection.

A Platform for Exchange

The Salon was designed not just as a series of presentations, but as a place for dialogue. Throughout the day, discussions focused on important topics around publishing today: research integrity and editorial standards, journal indexing and visibility, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and funding and support for Open Access publishing.

Program Overview

  • Opening the Salon MDPI Serbia 2026 – Serbia results and direction: Emir Ramadani (Operations Manager)
  • Update on MDPI’s performance and growth: Stefan Tochev (CEO)
  • Collaboration with MDPI – A personal perspective: Prof. Dr Srećko Stopić (Editorial Board Member)
  • Linking Scientific Quality and Visibility: The role of indexing in publishing
  • Research integrity and editorial ethics: Ana Stanković (Research Integrity Specialist)
  • Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Publishing – Challenges, innovations and vision of MDPI: Dr Miloš Čučulović (Head of Technology Innovation)

It was encouraging to see the high level of engagement and discussion with the local academic community.

Publishing in Serbia

With 10 years of MDPI in Serbia (since 2016) and over 620 colleagues across 10 departments spread across offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad, MDPI continues to invest in the long-term development of the research community in Serbia and beyond.

Some high-level indicators illustrate both the strength of the local research ecosystem and MDPI’s role within it:

  • 12,910 total publications in Serbia in 2025, of which 8,708 (67%) were Open Access (of which, in turn, 75% were Gold OA)
  • A total of more than 55,000 publications (2021–2025), with 68% published Open Access
  • 2,122 MDPI publications from Serbian institutions in 2025
  • 25% of all Open Access publications in Serbia are published with MDPI
  • More than 11,000 MDPI publications from Serbian institutions since 1996
  • More than 75 Editorial Board Members from Serbia, including Editors-in-Chief and Associate Editors.

These figures reflect the growth of OA publishing in Serbia and the strong collaboration between MDPI and Serbia's research community.

Top 5 Publishers in Serbia (MDPI #1 with steady growth)

Looking Ahead

Research integrity and artificial intelligence will remain central topics for the industry. At the same time, clear communication of editorial processes will be essential in building trust and transparency.

Workshops and direct engagement remain among the most effective ways to strengthen these connections. As Open Access funding models continue to evolve, new opportunities for collaboration are emerging across institutions, publishers, and the broader research community.

Thank You!

The excellent feedback from participants shows the value of creating spaces where ideas can be exchanged openly and constructively. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event: our speakers, participants, and especially the MDPI Serbia team for their great organization and support.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

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