Announcements

As a leader in open access publishing, MDPI is eager to explore new collaboration opportunities, including the launch of new journals and the transfer of existing ones. At present, MDPI publishes over 400 journals, more than 160 of which have established partnerships with academic organizations. Additionally, we publish 19 association journals.

In order to enhance exchange and cooperation with scientific researchers and share the results of open science, MDPI invites experts and scholars from various fields to submit proposals for new journal collaboration opportunities. If your proposal is approved, you could take on the role of Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, or Editorial Board Member of the journal. This position allows you to manage the manuscript review process alongside our editorial department, participate in calls for papers, strengthen your network with scholars in the field, expand scientific research cooperation, enhance your personal and academic influence internationally, and play a leading role in academia.

Once the new journal is online, MDPI will provide a variety of promotional channels to market the journal internationally.

MDPI will offer various promotional channels to enhance its visibility and promote it internationally.

How can you determine the theme of a new journal?

• Assess research hotspots/academic frontiers;
• Assess pioneers in the field/key research directions of universities;
• Determine whether MDPI has already established a journal in the field.

You can browse MDPI’s existing journals at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals.

Advantages of collaborating with MDPI:

• MDPI is a global leader in open-access publishing with extensive academic resources.
• MDPI offers a professional publishing team that provides comprehensive support throughout the publishing process.
• MDPI’s diverse promotional platforms and channels help journals quickly increase their international visibility and influence.

We invite you to submit new journal proposal here, and contribute to academic development! In addition, if your institution (university, institute, college, national key laboratory, society, etc.) intends to establish a journal, you can also submit a draft to MDPI on its behalf.

MDPI journals frequently grant travel awards to empower junior researchers to showcase their latest research at academic conferences, thereby amplifying their impact within their research fields.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 103 recipients of MDPI's 2023 Travel Awards from different countries and territories for their exceptional presentations. These outstanding individuals were selected by the journal editors based on the strength of their research proposals and the anticipated impact of their presentations at academic conferences. We commend their exceptional contributions and wish them continued success in their academic endeavors.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community. To learn more about the list of awardees, please visit the following pages:

• Biology and Life Sciences;
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
• Engineering;
• Environmental and Earth Sciences;
• Medicine and Pharmacology;
• Public Health and Healthcare;
• Others.

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the academic community, especially young researchers, and enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and are making a significant contribution to the advancement of their fields.

To explore more MDPI awards, please click here.

MDPI’s Best PhD Thesis Awards are granted to promising young scholars whose PhD theses are deemed exceptional within their respective research fields. These awards aim to encourage young scholars to continue their outstanding accomplishments and further contribute to their field.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 54 winners of the 2023 Best PhD Thesis Awards and wish them success with their future research endeavors.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community. To learn more about all the awardees and their research projects in your field of study, please visit the following pages:

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the academic community, especially young researchers, and enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and are making a significant contribution to the advancement of their fields.

To explore more MDPI awards, please click here.

We are pleased to invite you to read the selected papers in Polymers (ISSN: 2073-4360) in the Section “Polymer Processing and Engineering”. The paper list is as follows:

1. “Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Aramid/PETG 3D-Printed Composites with High Fiber Loading through Fused Filament Fabrication”
by Sander Rijckaert, Lode Daelemans, Ludwig Cardon, Matthieu Boone, Wim Van Paepegem and Karen De Clerck
Polymers 2022, 14(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14020298
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/2/298

2. “Influence of Fused Deposition Modelling Nozzle Temperature on the Rheology and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed β-Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP)/Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composite”
by Karim Elhattab, Sarit B. Bhaduri and Prabaha Sikder
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061222
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/6/1222

3. “A Review of Polymer-Based Materials for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF): Focus on Sustainability and Recycled Materials”
by Daniela Fico, Daniela Rizzo, Raffaele Casciaro and Carola Esposito Corcione
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030465
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/3/465

4. “Plasma Surface Engineering of Natural and Sustainable Polymeric Derivatives and Their Potential Applications”
by Renjith Rajan Pillai and Vinoy Thomas
Polymers 2023, 15(2), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020400
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/2/400

5. “Application of New Conformal Cooling Layouts to the Green Injection Molding of Complex Slender Polymeric Parts with High Dimensional Specifications”
by Abelardo Torres-Alba, Jorge Manuel Mercado-Colmenero, Juan de Dios Caballero-Garcia and Cristina Martin-Doñate
Polymers 2023, 15(3), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030558
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/3/558

6. “Functionality Versus Sustainability for PLA in MEX 3D Printing: The Impact of Generic Process Control Factors on Flexural Response and Energy Efficiency”
by Markos Petousis, Nectarios Vidakis, Nikolaos Mountakis, Emmanuel Karapidakis and Amalia Moutsopoulou
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051232
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/5/1232

7. “Advancements in Functionally Graded Polyether Ether Ketone Components: Design, Manufacturing, and Characterisation Using a Modified 3D Printer”
by Eric McNiffe, Tobias Ritter, Tom Higgins, Omid Sam-Daliri, Tomas Flanagan, Michael Walls, Pouyan Ghabezi, William Finnegan, Sinéad Mitchell and Noel M. Harrison
Polymers 2023, 15(14), 2992; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15142992
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/14/2992

8. “Customizing Starch Properties: A Review of Starch Modifications and Their Applications”
by Julia Compart, Aakanksha Singh, Joerg Fettke and Ardha Apriyanto
Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3491; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163491
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/16/3491

9. “Effect of Additives and Print Orientation on the Properties of Laser Sintering-Printed Polyamide 12 Components”
by Lucie Zárybnická, Jana Petrů, Pavel Krpec and Marek Pagáč
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061172
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/6/1172

10. “Design for 3D Printed Tools: Mechanical Material Properties for Direct Polymer Additive Tooling”
by Peter Frohn-Sörensen, Michael Geueke, Bernd Engel, Bernd Löffler, Philipp Bickendorf, Arian Asimi, Georg Bergweiler and Günther Schuh
Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091694
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/9/1694

Conference: The 33rd Annual Conference Biomaterials in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Date: 10–13 October 2024
Location: Rytro, Poland
Conference homepage: https://www.biomat.agh.edu.pl/

The annual conferences on Biomaterials in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine organized by the Polish Society for Biomaterials address both the fundamentals and clinical applications of carbon, metals, polymers, ceramics and composite biomaterials. Their aim is to present the latest results of scientific research and to provide a platform for the exchanging of ideas, knowledge and experiences with scientists, researchers and clinicians in the field of biomaterials.

This year, the conference will be held from 10 to 13 October 2024 in Rytro, Poland. Excellent plenary speakers have been invited, such as Prof. Małgorzata Włodarczyk-Biegun, Prof. Sachiro Kakinoki, and Prof. Miguel Oliveira, to share their passion and knowledge with conference participants. Podium and poster presentations will allow our presenters to showcase their latest research. Also, Best Poster and Rapid-Fire Presentation Competitions are planned for early career scientists. Finally, in addition to the high-quality scientific elements, a rich cultural and social program is offered for attendees to enjoy throughout the conference (all included in the fee).

Abstracts for late posters can be still submitted from 26–31 August 2024.

We are pleased to invite you to read the selected papers in Polymers (ISSN: 2073-4360) in the Section “Polymer Physics and Theory”. The paper list is as follows:

1. “A Review on Modeling Cure Kinetics and Mechanisms of Photopolymerization”
by Margit Lang, Stefan Hirner, Frank Wiesbrock and Peter Fuchs
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102074
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/10/2074

2. “Machine Learning Approach to Predict Physical Properties of Polypropylene Composites: Application of MLR, DNN, and Random Forest to Industrial Data”
by Chonghyo Joo, Hyundo Park, Hyukwon Kwon, Jongkoo Lim, Eunchul Shin, Hyungtae Cho and Junghwan Kim
Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3500; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173500
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/17/3500

3. “Aero Grade Epoxy Vitrimer towards Commercialization”
by Alaitz Ruiz de Luzuriaga, Nerea Markaide, Asier M. Salaberria, Itxaso Azcune, Alaitz Rekondo and Hans Jürgen Grande
Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3180; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153180
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/15/3180

4. “Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites—Modular and Multiscale Methods”
by Andrey E. Krauklis, Christian W. Karl, Iuri B. C. M. Rocha, Juris Burlakovs, Ruta Ozola-Davidane, Abedin I. Gagani and Olesja Starkova
Polymers 2022, 14(1), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010216
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/1/216

5. “DPD Modelling of the Self- and Co-Assembly of Polymers and Polyelectrolytes in Aqueous Media: Impact on Polymer Science”
by Karel Procházka, Zuzana Limpouchová, Miroslav Štěpánek, Karel Šindelka and Martin Lísal
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030404
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/3/404

6. “Hybrid Epoxy Nanocomposites: Improvement in Mechanical Properties and Toughening Mechanisms—A Review”
by Anita Białkowska, Mohamed Bakar, Wojciech Kucharczyk and Iwona Zarzyka
Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061398
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/6/1398

7. “Material-Dependent Effect of Common Printing Parameters on Residual Stress and Warpage Deformation in 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Finite Element Analysis Study”
by Hussein Alzyod and Peter Ficzere
Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132893
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/13/2893

8. “Effects of Laser Power and Hatch Orientation on Final Properties of PA12 Parts Produced by Selective Laser Sintering”
by Anouar El Magri, Salah Eddine Bencaid, Hamid Reza Vanaei and Sébastien Vaudreuil
Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3674; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173674
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/17/3674

MDPI will be attending the 2024 National Symposium on Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, which will be held from 15 to 19 October 2024 in Yangzhou, China.

The 2024 National Symposium on Polymer Materials Science and Engineering is a grand event, centered around polymer material science and engineering, with a total of 10 academic sub-venues covering many cutting-edge areas in this field. The conference’s organizing committee has invited renowned experts and scholars from various fields to give innovative academic presentations, whilst providing opportunities for participants to present their achievements orally.

The following topics will be covered:

• Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Materials;
• Structure and Properties of Polymer Materials;
• Polymer Material Forming, Processing, and 3D/4D Printing;
• Polymer Composite Materials and Nanocomposites;
• Functional and Self-assembled Polymer Materials;
• Biomedical and Environmentally Friendly Polymer Materials;
• Industrialization of Polymer Materials and New Instruments and Equipment;
• Polymer Materials under the Dual-Carbon Strategy;
• China US Polymer Forum;
• Feng Xinde Polymer Award Presentation.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the symposium:

• Materials;
• Polymers;
• Marine Drugs;
• Polysaccharides;
• Gels;
• Sustainability;
• Electrochem;
• Micromachines;
• Membranes;
• Construction Materials.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, we encourage you to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We are eager to meet you in person and assist you with any queries that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the official website at
https://www.bagevent.com/event/mat2024/p/535459.

Polymers 2024, a conference held in Athens, Greece, from 28 to 31 May 2024, featured an event entitled “Polymers for a Safe and Sustainable Future”. Polymers 2024 is an international conference covering the latest progress and innovations in the fields of polymers for the production of new materials and additives for a safe and sustainable world. The conference aimed to explore the latest findings in the scientific field of polymers, with a particular emphasis on the synthesis of safe polymers with unique properties for human health and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the goal was to focus on green polymer chemistry and industrial approaches using bioresources to synthesize biobased and biodegradable polymers in addition to exploring safe and sustainable-by-design polymers using modeling, theory, and simulation, simultaneously investigating their chemical and physical properties for different applications. Clean, green, and efficient production processes were presented, while life cycle assessments, exposure, risk assessment, decontamination, and environmental remediation were also discussed. The conference also aimed to propose novel techniques for polymer recycling and reuse. The event provided a unique opportunity for polymer scientists from around the world to present their works, findings, and innovations in polymer chemistry and technology with regard to sustainable development and with respect to human life and the environment.  

Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Bikiaris, Section Editor-in-Chief of the journal Polymers and one of the chairs of the conference, made a speech for opening ceremony. 

Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Bikiaris is a Chemist and Professor at the Chemistry Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His scientific work includes more than 530 published papers, with over 23.600 citations and an h-index of 81 (Scopus). He is also the author of four chapters in international scientific books, and he holds 15 international and two Greek patents. He has participated in more than 64 research projects (national and international).

There were more than 300 attendees from 36 countries gathering at this conference. The conference provided a great opportunity for all attendees to interact with each other and to exchange academic ideas.

Poster Session

The two poster sessions took place on the second and third day of the conference. During coffee breaks, many attendees took this opportunity to exhibit their reseach achievements with poster presentations. It was a perfect occasion for Ph.D. students and young researchers to exchange academic ideas and broaden their scientific horizons.

Poster Session Award Ceremony

One of highlights of the conference was that two awards, Best Oral Presentation Award and Best Poster Award, were presented. The winners for these two awards were announced to recognize the most outstanding works presented during the event. 

Sacha Pérocheau Arnaud was awarded the Best Oral Presentation Award for his talk on “Understanding additive degradation pathways and formation of Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) in polystyrene: impact on chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties” (awarded EUR 600). Nidhi Gupta received the Best Poster Award for her work entitled “Stimulus-Responsive Bicompartmental Microcarriers For Dual Drug Delivery” (awarded EUR 500). These awards not only celebrate the achievements of the winners but also serve as inspiration and motivation for the rest of the attendees in regard to scientific excellence.

Editorial Board Members Meeting at the Conference

During the conference, the journal team invited Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Bikiaris, the chair of the conference as well as Section Editor-in-Chief of the journal Polymers, for an EBM meeting. Taking this opportunity, the journal team also invited 12 other EBMs who attended this conference as well.

Our Journal Relations Specialist made a presentation regarding journal history, journal achievements, and journal development.

It was a unique opportunity for the journal team to have a face-to-face discussion with so many EBMs who consistently support the journal’s development. The EBMs expressed their positive experience in regard to working with the journal and highly complimented the journal’s core service of fast publication. The fact that articles are published quickly under strict quality control has been recognized. Regarding journal development in the future, the EBMs provided several valuable suggestions:

• Exclusively promoting high-quality papers in different ways;
• Doing a deep analysis of hot topics that are of interest to researchers and building collaborations with them;
• Continuing to enhance quality control of each submission by collaborating with reviewers with high reputation.

Polymers will maintain its close collaboration with the Editorial Board Members and further engage with scholars across various disciplines to enhance the journal's visibility. Beyond maintaining our commitment to swift yet rigorous publication processes, we aim to diversify our collaboration efforts in various innovative formats.

MDPI’s Young Investigator Awards recognize promising early career scientists, acknowledge their contributions, and foster collaboration within the scientific community. We are proud to announce the recipients for 2023, who were carefully selected by the journals’ esteemed Award Evaluation Committee.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 79 winners of MDPI’s 2023 Young Investigator Awards for their excellent contributions in their research field. We look forward to seeing these rising stars continue to contribute to the advancement of science.

MDPI will continue to support and recognize the academic community. To explore details about the awardees by field, please visit the individual pages listed below:

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions and dedication to advancing scientific research.

About MDPI Awards:
To support the academic community, particularly young researchers, and to enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help to elevate the profiles of talented individuals who have made outstanding achievements and are making significant contributions to advancements in their respective fields.

To find out more about MDPI awards, please click here.