Announcements

We are pleased to share that Polymers (ISSN: 2073-4360) has been awarded an increased Impact Factor of 4.9 and a 5-Year Impact Factor of 5.2 in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports™ released by Clarivate™ in June 2025. Polymers ranks in Q1 (19th among 94 titles) in the “Polymer Science” category. 

The 2024 Journal Impact Factor is calculated by dividing the number of citations received in 2024 for all the publications in the journal from 2022 to 2023 by the total number of citable publications from those same years. 

To learn more, visit our journal statistics website for detailed metrics or check out our news article for general information. 

The support and dedication of all the editors, reviewers, authors, and readers are an integral part of the journal’s performance.

We would like to share a message from the Polymers Editor-in-Chief to thank all of you who have contributed to the journal: 

Dear authors, referees, guest editors, and Board Members of Polymers, 

Today, it is my great pleasure to announce the new Impact Factor of the journal Polymers.

We reached 4.9 and a 5-year IF of 5.2. This is an outstanding achievement, especially when one considers that the number of citable items considered for the IF calculation increased by a factor of three from 2020 to 2024, now counting 10,200. This increase was naturally accompanied by high standards and excellent visibility of the articles in the polymer community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your contributions to this success. We are counting on you for the future of high-quality open access publishing! 

Best regards,
Alexander Böker, Editor-in-Chief of Polymers

We are pleased to announce that the Young Women in Engineering Award is open for nominations. This award was established to acknowledge the achievements of young women investigators in the field of engineering and to inspire young women to consider research and careers in engineering. All the nominations will be assessed by an Award Evaluation Committee, and winners will be announced online on 8 March 2026.

Prizes:

• CHF 1000;
• An electronic certificate;
• A voucher to waive the article processing charges (APCs) for one submission to a journal within the field of engineering (subject to peer review)—valid for one year.

Number of winners: 2.

Eligibility and requirements:

• This role is designated for female candidates;
• Must have received their Ph.D. no more than 10 years prior to 31 December 2025;
• Must have produced groundbreaking research and made a significant contribution to the advancement of engineering;
• Must be nominated by senior scientists.

List of documents for nomination:

• Detailed curriculum vitae, including an updated publication list and a list of the researcher’s own research grants;
• Scanned copy of doctorate certificate;
• Signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists.

Schedule:

Open for nominations: 23 June 2025;
Nomination deadline: 30 November 2025;
Winner announcement: 8 March 2026.

Nominations and contact:

All nomination materials and award-related communications must be submitted via our official email: ywe-award@mdpi.com.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Young Women in Engineering Award Team

On 22 April 2025, MDPI Singapore's office hosted the much-anticipated Scientific Publishing Workshop. The event brought together a small but engaged group, including 9 students and a distinguished guest, Prof Dr. Huang Weimin.

The session provided a platform for insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing on the ins and outs of academic publishing, with a focus on enhancing understanding and skills for early-career researchers. It was an intimate yet impactful gathering that set the stage for deeper engagement and collaboration within the academic community.

Building on the session, the event featured two key topics that were delivered by MDPI experts. The first topic, “How to Respond to Peer Reviewers”, offered valuable insights into the often-daunting process of addressing peer reviewer feedback. Participants learned the importance of maintaining professionalism, clarity, and a constructive attitude when revising their manuscripts.

The second topic, “How to Write and Structure an Academic Paper”, provided a comprehensive guide on organizing academic writing effectively, from crafting a solid introduction to ensuring a clear argument and conclusion. Both topics sparked meaningful conversations, equipping students and faculty alike with practical strategies to elevate their academic writing and publishing journeys.

During the Q&A session, a significant portion of the discussion centered around the role of AI in research paper writing and the ethical concerns that surround its use in academia. The conversation delved into the complexities of how AI tools, especially those used for language assistance, are increasingly being integrated into the writing process. MDPI representatives emphasized that the issue of AI in research writing is broad and must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

They clarified that while AI tools for language enhancement—such as grammar checks or writing assistants—are generally acceptable, it is strongly recommended that authors disclose their use of these tools upfront. Transparency during submission is key to maintaining the integrity of the academic work and addressing any potential concerns related to authorship and originality. The lively discussion highlighted the evolving nature of academic publishing in the digital age and the ongoing need for clear ethical guidelines.

The session wrapped up with a delightful short tour of the MDPI Singapore office, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens. The atmosphere shifted to a more casual tone as MDPI representatives and participants mingled, exchanging thoughts and experiences from the session. To top it off, a break where tea was served offered a perfect opportunity for informal chats and networking. The break allowed everyone to unwind, fostering a relaxed environment for further discussions and building connections. It was a great way to end an engaging and informative afternoon!

We are pleased to share that Polymers (ISSN: 2073-4360) has received an increased CiteScore of 9.7 in June 2025. The CiteScore ranks the journal 58 out of 404 titles (Q1) in the “General Chemistry” category, and 25 out of 167 titles (Q1) in the “Polymers and Plastics” category, an impressive achievement for a journal running in Volume 17.

You can find more statistics on our website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/stats.

The current CiteScores measure the average number of citations within a journal over a four-year window (2021–2024). The Scopus database provides a comprehensive suite of metrics that support informed publishing strategies, research evaluation and enable benchmarking of journal performance.

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our authors, reviewers, and editors. Together we will continue to track the progress of Polymers and its growing impact in polymers science research.

Name: Dr. Xavier Montané
Affiliation: Department of Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/Marcel·lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
Interests: liquid crystalline polymers, membranes, polymer capsules, encapsulation; synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials; polyphenols, flavonoids; encapsulation of biological active compounds; fuel cell applications; conducting polymers for hydrogen
“It was an insightful, rewarding, and challenging experience reviewing articles on advanced polymers for biomedical, cosmetic, and sustainable innovations with focus on real-world impact and novel materials.”

Name: Dr. Eugenio Amendola
Affiliation: Institute of Polymers, Composite and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council of Italy, 80055 Portici, Italy
Interests: self-healing composites; polymer; materials science; thermosetting resins; self-healing material; elastomer; ultimate tensile strength
“The experience reviewing for the Polymers journal was challenging and rewarding, balancing the Editors' demand for speed with the ethical duty to ensure a fair, thorough review in limited time.”

Name: Dr. Jingwei Tian
Affiliation: Key Lab of Structures Dynamic Behavior and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150090, China
Interests: frp; polymer composites; fiber surface modification; friction and wear; corrosion, self-healing and self-repair
“As a Polymers editorial reviewer, I systematically evaluate manuscripts through dual lenses of scientific validity and industrial potential. My expertise in polymer composites centers on assessing fiber-matrix interface engineering, particularly surface modification strategies that enhance tribological performance and corrosion resistance. When analyzing wear-resistant systems, I focus on stress distribution patterns and interfacial characterization methodologies to verify structure-property relationships. For emerging self-healing materials, I scrutinize repair mechanisms through three-dimensional validation: chemical design logic, damage-responsive kinetics, and multi-cycle durability evidence. My reviews emphasize experimental reproducibility across different aging conditions while encouraging cross-disciplinary approaches that integrate materials science with mechanical failure analysis. This evaluation philosophy aligns with the journal's commitment to advancing functional polymers that address real-world engineering challenges through rigorous fundamental research.”

Name: Dr inż. Rafał Bielas
Affiliation: Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS & Université de Toulouse (UPS, INP), 31077 Toulouse, France
Interests: polymers; polyelectrolytes; poly(ionic liquid)s; ionic liquids; drug delivery; poly(amino acid)s
“The review process for Polymers is very clear and efficient, every step is clear and there's always support available from the editors.”

Name: Lars Järnström
Affiliation: Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences, Karlstad University, 65188 Karlstad, Sweden
Interests: polymers (focus on biopolymers); rheology; nanocomposites; paper coating; barrier properties; food packaging
“I have been a reviewer for 21 different scientific journals.”

The China Materials Conference 2025 will be held from 5 to 8 July 2025, in Xiamen, China. The conference is organized by the China Materials Society.

Areas include the following:

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

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to initiate an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #4052 and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://cmc2025.scimeeting.cn/.

Conference: EPF European Polymer Congress 2025
Date: 22–27 June 2025
Place: Groningen, the Netherlands

We are excited to announce that MDPI journals will participate as exhibitors in the EPF European Polymer Congress 2025, from 22 to 27 June 2025.

With the theme “Polymers for a Sustainable Future”, EPF 2025 promises to be a landmark congress. It will bring together scientists engaged in macromolecular chemistry, polymer science, physics of polymers and polymer materials, modern polymer applications, polymer reaction engineering, rheology and polymer processing, polymer characterization methods and more areas. Special thematic sessions will cover a wide array of topics, including the following:

• Advances in polymer synthesis;
• Green polymer synthesis;
• Supramolecular polymer systems, dynamic networks and vitrimers;
• Polymers for biological, medical and food applications;
• Physics, physical chemistry of polymers;
• Modern characterization techniques;
• Rheology and polymer processing;
• Additive manufacturing;
• Polymer systems for reduced carbon footprint;
• Recycling techniques and design for recycling;
• Nanostructured polymers, composites, blends and soft matter;
• Theory, modeling and AI approaches of polymers and their properties.

The following MDPI journals will be presenting at the conference:

• Polymers;
• Macromol;
• Molecules;
• Polysaccharides;
• Materials;
• IJMS;
• Chemistry;
• Marine Drugs;
• Nanomaterials;
• Colloids and Interfaces;
• Fibers;
• Solids;
• Molbank;
• AppliedChem;
• Compounds.

MDPI is excited to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University to host an engaging Scientific Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection, the editorial workflow, and the essentials of publication ethics. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from an experienced professional. This session promises to equip attendees with valuable skills to elevate their publishing journey.

Workshop Highlights:

• Learn How to Better Write and Structure a Research Article;
• How to Choose Where to Publish Academic Work;
• How to Respond to Reviewer Comments;
• Reasons for Rejection During Pre-Check;
• How to Navigate Through Ethics and AI Use.

Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University

Program:

Polymer and macromolecular sciences are multi-disciplinary and dynamic fields dedicated to the understanding of molecular science on a large, complex scale. This field encompasses the study of novel polymerization methods and macromolecular research, exploring vast, elaborate molecules that can have varied structures and functions. Polymers and macromolecules have high molecular weight, structural complexity, and the ability to perform a wide range of functions depending on their architectures, biological properties, and biomedical applications, making them fundamental to both materials science and biological systems. 

MDPI’s cluster of polymer and macromolecular science journals aims to publish recent advances in the field that have profound implications in multiscale modeling/simulations, mechanistic insights into emergent physical phenomena, and advanced characterization breakthroughs essential in advancing science and technology. These journals will collaborate to offer the scientific community the most up-to-date research and discoveries within the field of polymer and macromolecular science. 

The seven participating journals include:

• Polymers focuses on all aspects of polymers science and technology, with special emphasis on (i) polymerization methods, (ii) theory, simulation, and modeling, (iii) the understanding of new physical phenomena, (iv) advances in characterization techniques, and (v) harnessing of self-assembly and biological strategies for producing complex multifunctional structures. Polymers is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Alexander Böker (Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien und Polymertechnologie, University of Potsdam, Germany); 
• Gels focuses on physical and chemical gel-based materials, with special emphasis on organogels, hydrogels, ionic gels, metallogels, dried gels, colloidal gels, and gels in mixed solvents, as well as their synthesis, characterization, applications, and computational modeling. Gels is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Esmaiel Jabbari (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, USA); 
• Polysaccharides focuses on studies related to polysaccharides and their derivatives, with special emphasis on synthesis, analysis, functionalization, modifications, isolation, extraction, purification, degradation, chemical–physical properties, structure–property relationships, applications in drug delivery, medicine, tissue engineering, environmental sciences, food or agricultural science, and other industrial applications, as well as glycobiology. Polysaccharides is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Karin Stana Kleinschek (Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Biobased Systems, Graz University of Technology, Austria); 
• Textiles focuses on all perspectives of textiles, including science, engineering, design, and business. Textile materials composed of fibers linked by weaving, braiding, knitting, or sewing constitute a wide range of materials and are essential for many applications. Textiles is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Philippe Boisse (Université de Lyon, France); 
• Macromol focuses on all aspects of macromolecular research, with special emphasis on biomacromolecules, biopolymers, chitins, lignins, tannins, polyaromatic polymers, macrocycles, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, as well as their synthesis, physics, theory, modeling, analysis, characterization, engineering, and applications. Macromol is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez-Pascual (Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Alcalá, Spain); 
• Microplastics focuses on the field of microplastic sources, sinks, the environmental fate, their potential effect on ecosystem services and human life, and mitigation measures to reduce the adverse effects of microplastics. Microplastics is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Nicolas Kalogerakis (School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece); 
• Adhesives focuses on adhesive science, technology, and materials, with special emphasis on adhesion mechanisms, adhesive materials, surface chemistry, physical and mechanical properties, adhesive joints, cohesion, interfacial bonds, bioadhesion, sealants, and testing. Adhesives is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Vasileios Koutsos (Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, UK). 

Journals	Launch year	Impact Factor (2023)	CiteScore (2023)	First Decision (median)	Acceptance to Publication (median)	APC
	2009	4.7	8.0	14.5	2.6	CHF 2700
	2015	5	4.7	10.8	2.5	CHF 2600
	2020	4.7	7.2	24	3.5	CHF 1000
	2021	Tracked for Impact Factor	Tracked for CiteScore	28.2	4.9	CHF 1000
	2021	Tracked for Impact Factor	5.2	21.5	3.9	CHF 1000
	2022	Tracked for Impact Factor	Tracked for CiteScore	27.5	4.7	CHF 1000
	2025	-	-	18	4	CHF 1000

MDPI’s Mission and Values:

As a pioneer of academic open access publishing, MDPI has served the scientific community since 1996. We aim to foster scientific exchange in all forms across all disciplines. MDPI's guidelines for disseminating open science are based on the following values and guiding principles: 

• Open Access—All of our content is published in open access and distributed under a Creative Commons License, providing free access to science and the latest research, allowing articles to be freely shared and content to be re-used with proper attribution;
• Timeliness and Efficiency—Publishing the latest research through thorough editorial work, ensuring a first decision is provided to authors in under 32 days and papers are published within 7-10 days upon acceptance;
• Simplicity—Offering user-friendly tools and services in one place to enhance the efficiency of our editorial process;
• High-Quality Service—Supporting scholars and their work by providing a range of options, such as journal publication at mdpi.com, early publication at preprints.org, and conferences on sciforum.net to positively impact research;
• Flexibility—Adapting and developing new tools and services to meet the research community's changing needs, driven by feedback from authors, editors, and readers;
• Rooted in Sustainability—Ensuring long-term preservation of published papers and supporting the future of science through partnerships, sponsorships, and awards. 

By adhering to these values and principles, MDPI remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting open science practices. 

Selected Topics:

• Future Trends in Polymer Science: Materials, Design, and Advanced Applications;
• Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications;
• Polymer Physics;
• Plastic Contamination (Plastamination): An Environmental and Public Health-Related Concern. 

Selected Articles: 

Polymers
“Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications”
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081159 

Gels
“Evolution of Hybrid Hydrogels: Next-Generation Biomaterials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering”
 Gels 2024, 10(4), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040216 

Polysaccharides
“Structural and Thermal Characterization of Some Thermoplastic Starch Mixtures”
Polysaccharides 2024, 5(4), 504-522; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5040032 

Textiles
“Functionalization of Technical Textiles with Chitosan”
Textiles 2024, 4(1), 70–90; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles4010006 

Macromol
“Electrospinning: Processes, Structures, and Materials”
Macromol 2024, 4(1), 58-103; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4010004 

Microplastics
“Bridging the Gaps between Microplastics and Human Health”
Microplastics 2024, 3(1), 46-66; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics3010004 

Adhesives
“Investigating Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing for Disassembly and Reparability of Adhesive Joints by Precision Heating”
Adhesives 2025, 1(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/adhesives1010004