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Announcements
11 July 2025
Processes Webinar | Digital Twins for Process Monitoring and Control—Some Recent Developments and Perspectives, 29 July 2025

Industrial operations are characterized by the continuous search for more efficient process operations, more reliable and robust equipment designs, the maximization of benefits, and the minimization of deleterious environmental and social impacts. Simultaneously, the digital revolution provides increasingly cheaper computation platforms, with progressively larger storage, memory, and computational capabilities. The combination of these factors has encouraged the continuous development of new modeling and numerical tools that are expected to be applied in actual industrial sites throughout the world and in different process engineering fields, for both offline and online analyses. Typical examples include the use of complex phenomenological models for the design of actual industrial equipment and process flowsheets; the implementation of empirical models based on machine learning procedures for process monitoring, fault identification, and diagnoses; and the utilization of identification techniques for the construction of virtual sensors and process twins, for the purposes of process monitoring and control.
In this context, the present webinar titled “Digital Twins for Process Monitoring and Control—Some Recent Developments and Perspectives” intends to describe and discuss the recent advances related to the development and implementation of Digital Twins in real industrial environments for the purposes of process monitoring and control. In order to achieve the proposed goals, this session will cover fundamental aspects of current technologies and discuss real advanced applications in the oil production and chemical manufacturing fields, emphasizing the benefits that can be obtained using these tools. As a consequence, during the webinar, the attendees will have the opportunity to revise the principles of Digital Twin implementations and to consider some very recent real applications in this field.
Date: 29 July 2025 at 3:00 p.m. CEST | 10:00 a.m. BRT | 9:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar webpage: https://sciforum.net/event/Processes-8
Webinar ID: 874 9267 7679
Register now for free:
Program:
Speaker | Presentation Title | Time in CEST | Time in BRT | Time in CST (Asia) |
Prof. José Carlos Pinto (Chair) | Chair Introduction | 3:00–3:10 p.m. | 10:00–10:10 a.m. | 9:00–9:10 p.m. |
Prof. José Carlos Pinto | “Fundamental Aspects of Real Digital Twin Applications” | 3:10–3:30 p.m. | 10:10–10:30 a.m. | 9:10–9:30 p.m. |
Mr. Thiago Anzai | “Real Advanced Digital Twin Applications in the Oil Production Field” | 3:30–3:50 p.m. | 10:30–10:50 a.m. | 9:30–9:50 p.m. |
Dr. Thiago Feital | “Real Advanced Digital Twin Applications in the Chemical Manufacturing Field” | 3:50–4:10 p.m. | 10:50–11:10 a.m. | 9:50–10:10 p.m. |
Q&A Session | 4:10–4:20 p.m. | 11:10–11:20 a.m. | 10:10–10:20 p.m. | |
Prof. José Carlos Pinto | Webinar Closing | 4:20–4:30 p.m. | 11:20–11:30 a.m. | 10:20–10:30 p.m. |
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic and institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.
Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:
- Prof. José Carlos Pinto, Programa de Engenharia Quimica / COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- Mr. Thiago Anzai, CENPES—Centro de Pesquisas Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello/ PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- Dr. Thiago Feital, OPTIMATECH, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Relevant Special Issue:
“Development and Implementation of Digital Twins for Industrial Processes”
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Jose Carlos Pinto, Prof. Dr. Maurício B. de Souza, Jr, Prof. Dr. Marcellus G. F. De Moraes and Dr. Maurício M. Câmara
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026
9 July 2025
Processes | Interview with Prof. Dr. Young-Cheol Chang, Session Chair of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Processes

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Prof. Dr. Young-Cheol Chang, who is serving as one of the Session Chairs for the upcoming 4th International Electronic Conference on Processes – Sustainable Process Design, Engineering, Control, and Systems Innovation (ECP2025). Prof. Dr. Chang is chairing the session on environmental and green processes, where he brings valuable insight and expertise in sustainable process engineering.
The following is our interview with Prof. Dr. Young-Cheol Chang:
1. As the session chair for Session 1: Environmental and Green Processes, what do you hope to achieve through this session at our conference?
My main goal is to foster meaningful exchange among researchers from diverse backgrounds. Interdisciplinary dialogue is essential in solving today’s complex environmental challenges.
Personally, I work with researchers across different fields and countries. Sometimes these collaborations lead to innovative studies or co-authored review articles. I believe joint research doesn’t just multiply output—it transforms perspectives and opens new doors.
2. Have you seen significant changes in environmental engineering practices over the past decade?
Yes, definitely. Environmental engineering has evolved rapidly, and we are witnessing a true paradigm shift: Sustainability has moved to the core of every process, Advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and real-time sensors are now integral tools, nature-based solutions are replacing purely artificial systems, and carbon neutrality is no longer optional—it’s a design standard. This transformation is as inspiring as it is necessary.
3. Have you encountered any challenges in your research? How did you overcome these challenges? Could you share your experience?
Absolutely. Research is full of challenges—technical, financial, and even emotional. One of the biggest hurdles I've faced is funding. Securing research grants requires not only exceptional results but also collaboration with top-tier researchers.
To overcome this, I’ve focused on continuously improving both the quality and quantity of my work. I also actively engage with researchers worldwide to share knowledge and build strong networks. Persistence is key—research takes time, and I never give up.
For example, I aim to publish in journals with an IF of 5 for short-term projects, 8 for mid-term ones, and over 10 for large-scale collaborative efforts. I treat each project as a step forward in a long and rewarding journey.
4. What advice would you give to young researchers or graduate students who are just beginning their journey in the field of environmental and sustainable engineering?
Believe in the importance of your work. Your research contributes directly to the future of our planet. Remain curious, stay open to other disciplines, and seek collaboration whenever you can. Great breakthroughs often happen at the intersection of different fields. Stay persistent, stay passionate—and never stop asking questions.
5. What are your thoughts on the current trends and developments of open access publishing?
Open access is the future. It makes knowledge more accessible, more equitable, and more impactful. The speed and reach it offers are unmatched. In Japan, even the government has started recommending universities make their research outputs open access. It’s a global movement—and I fully support it.
4 July 2025
MDPI’s Newly Launched Journals in June 2025
Six new journals covering a range of subjects launched their inaugural issues in June 2025. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access. We are pleased to present the latest research and to make it accessible to all.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the 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) |
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Prof. Dr. Chang-Pu Sun, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing, China; Computational Science Research Center, China Editorial | View inaugural issue |
quantum information and phenomena; condensed matter physics and statistical physics; atomic, molecular, and optical physics; computational physics and mathematical methods View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Hualiang Lin, Sun Yat-sen University, China; Prof. Dr. Jose L. Domingo, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain Editorial | View inaugural issue |
green and organic food; green infrastructures; green exercise; environmental impact of the healthcare sector; effects of climate change on human health | View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Francesco Veglio, University of L’Aquila, Italy Editorial | View inaugural issue |
ultra-pure substances; water purification; air purification; gas purification; inorganic chemical purification; purification technologies View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Junxing Zheng, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China Editorial | View inaugural issue |
computer-aided design and engineering; artificial intelligence and machine learning; building information modeling (BIM) and digital twins; robotics and automation in construction; smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT); intelligent control systems and facilities management View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Assunta Di Vaio, University of Naples Parthenope, Italy Editorial | View inaugural issue |
sustainability, managerial, and biodiversity accounting; carbon management accounting; corporate social responsibility; artificial intelligence and disclosure View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Changjun Liu, Sichuan University, China Editorial | View inaugural issue |
bioeffects of electromagnetic waves; electromagnetic science and engineering; microwave, millimeter-wave, and terahertz technologies; metamaterials and metasurfaces; communication, sensing, and networks; energy, power, and sustainable applications; quantum and emerging technologies; artificial intelligence and advanced fabrication View journal scope | Submit an article |
2 July 2025
Meet Us at the 2025 International System Dynamics Conference, 3–7 August 2025, Boston, USA

MDPI will be attending the 2025 International System Dynamics Conference in Boston, USA, which will take place from 3 to 7 August 2025. The International System Dynamics Conference (ISDC) unites global minds with a shared passion for System Dynamics and systems thinking. Now celebrating its 43rd year, the ISDC stands as a beacon for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, attracting a diverse audience from business, academia, philanthropy, and more.
The following MDPI journals will be represented:
- Systems;
- Administrative Sciences;
- Applied Sciences;
- Dynamics;
- Electronics;
- Knowledge;
- Modelling;
- Processes;
- Forecasting.
If you are attending the conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://systemdynamics.org/conference.
2 July 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #24 - 2024 Impact Factor & CiteScore, MDPI Summits France & USA, Tu Youyou Award

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’s 2024 Impact Factor Highlights
For those of our readers who are new to academic publishing, you may have heard some news in June around the Impact Factor release. Every year, typically in June, Clarivate releases its annual Journal Citation Reports (JCR), which include Journal Impact Factors (JIF). This metric is widely used in academic publishing to reflect the average number of citations received by recent articles in each journal.
While Impact Factor is just one of many indicators of journal influence, it remains a major milestone for authors, editors, and publishers. It’s used to assess journal visibility, researcher recognition, and scholarly reach. Throughout our international meetings and events, it’s clear that the Impact Factor is something many of our authors and editorial board members care about, as it can influence where they choose to submit an article and the funding they receive for their research.
“These results reflect the trust that the scholarly community places in MDPI”
MDPI’s 2024 Impact Factor Highlights
- 298 MDPI journals received a Journal Impact Factor.
- 60 journals earned their first-ever Impact Factor
- To put this in perspective: MDPI’s 60 new journal acceptances into the Web of Science was the second highest number of any publisher in 2024, behind Elsevier and ahead of Springer Nature. Our 87% acceptance rate for journals submitted to Web of Science shows the strength of our editorial process and our proven ability to develop journals aligned with Clarivate’s 24 evaluation criteria.
- Notably, Textiles, Mathematics, International Journal of Neonatal Screening, Smart Cities, Systems, and Pharmaceutics ranked in the top 10% in their respective categories, highlighting their growing influence and prestige within their academic fields. This shows that high-quality indexing goes beyond visibility; it upholds credibility and trust.
- 193 MDPI journals are now ranked in the top 50% (Q1/Q2) of their subject categories.
- What does this mean, and why is it important? Journals are ranked by quartiles within their field, based on their Impact Factor. Q1 represents the top 25% of journals in their category, Q2 the next 25%, and so on. Being in Q1 or Q2 shows that a journal is performing well relative to other journals in its category. Authors and institutions often look at quartile rankings when choosing where to publish – it’s an important indicator of visibility and recognition, within its respective category.
- 116 of our previously ranked journals increased their Impact Factor.
- 14 MDPI journals achieved an Impact Factor of 5.0 or higher, suggesting a high degree of influence and visibility.
These results reflect our staff's hard work: from our editorial and production teams to our indexing, communications, and data teams, and beyond. This also reflects the trust that the scholarly community places in MDPI, reinforcing the message that when researchers publish with MDPI, they publish with impact.
Open Access with Impact
As the leading fully open access publisher, our journals have received a total of 18.4 million citations in the Web of Science by the end of 2024, reflecting the growing reach and engagement of research published with MDPI. We are committed to making scientific research freely accessible to everyone, everywhere. With the support of more than 4.2 million contributing authors, we’re proud to support the global shift toward open access.
Further Reading
If you’d like to better understand how journals get indexed and why Impact Factors matter, please read this recent interview with Dr. Constanze Schelhorn (Head of Indexing). It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the role our indexing team plays in supporting journal indexing and visibility.
You can also read our official news announcement shared last week: MDPI Journals in the 2024 Journal Citation Reports.
Thank you to everyone, from our authors and reviewers to our editors and internal teams, who contributed to the progress of our journal indexing in 2024. We’re continuing to build journals that are recognized and trusted across disciplines.
Impactful Research
MDPI Journals See Continued Growth in 2024 CiteScore Results
Continuing our indexing updates, I’m pleased to share that MDPI has achieved strong results in the latest CiteScore metrics, released on 5 June by Scopus. These results reflect the collective efforts of our editors, reviewers, authors, and internal teams, with their dedication to quality and visibility in scientific publishing. You can read the full announcement here.
2024 Highlights:
- 322 MDPI journals received a CiteScore (up from 274 last year).
- 283 journals (88%) are ranked in Q1 or Q2 of their subject categories.
- 237 journals (85%) saw an increase in their CiteScore compared to last year.
- 48 journals received a CiteScore for the first time.
- 39 journals are now placed in the top 10% of their subject areas.
“This growth highlights our commitment to supporting open, trusted science”
What is CiteScore and how is it measured?
CiteScore metrics are developed by Elsevier as an alternative to the Impact Factor. They measure the citation impact of journals and can be accessed freely on Scopus. The metric represents the yearly average number of citations to recent articles published in a journal. If you’re interested in learning more about citation metrics and how we use them, check out this blog post.
Why is this important?
These results show the growing recognition for, and impact of, MDPI journals across disciplines. CiteScore rankings help researchers, institutions, and funders assess where high-quality work is being published. This growth improves our journals’ positioning in the publishing landscape and highlights our commitment to supporting open, trusted science.
Inside MDPI
Highlights from the MDPI USA Summit in Boston (5–6 June)
With several Summits already behind us, I think this is a good time to reflect on the purpose of these Summits.
Why do we organize MDPI Summits?
These one-and-a-half-day, invite-only gatherings are designed to improve our relationships with Chief Editors who lead our journals and are respected voices in their fields. The Summits aim to:
- Share MDPI’s values, achievements, editorial practices, and local market collaborations.
- Collect feedback on MDPI operations and journal practices.
- Empower Chief Editors to confidently represent MDPI beyond the Summit.
While Chief Editors know their journals well, these events help them better understand MDPI. We want them to be ambassadors for our brand. The aim is for them to walk away informed, engaged, and equipped to share positively about MDPI.
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About the Boston Summit
Held on 5–6 June, our first USA Summit gathered over 25 Chief Editors to learn more about MDPI’s activities and collaborations in the USA. The program included presentations, Q&A, and a panel discussion.
Agenda Highlights:
Moderated by Summer Huggard (Operations Manager [Toronto], MDPI), the program featured:
- MDPI Overview and USA Collaboration – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI)
- AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Feichi Lu (Junior Data Scientist, MDPI)
- MDPI Editorial Process and Research Integrity – Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI)
- Panel Discussion – Stefan, Feichi, Giulia, Claudia
- Society Partnerships – Dr. Clàudia Aunós (Society Partnerships Senior Manager, MDPI)
- Voice of the Customer and Closing Remarks – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI)
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MDPI & the USA: Facts and Figures
- With over 216,000 publications, the USA is MDPI’s second-largest contributor after China.
- In 2024, the USA ranked 2nd in total submissions and 2nd in total MDPI publications, with more than 28,200 publications.
- As of 2020, the cumulative number of authors from the USA until April 2025 was 352,099.
- As at April 2025, there are more than 12,035 active Editorial Board Members (EBMs) from the USA, with 55% having an H-index over 26.
- Among them, 96 serve as Editors-in-Chief (EiC) and 218 as section-Editors-in-Chief (SEiC)
- MDPI has more than 920 Institutional Open Access Program agreements worldwide, with over 130 from the USA.
A special thanks to our Toronto team, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event run smoothly.
Coming Together for Science
Highlights from the MDPI France Summit in Paris (12–13 June)
We completed our first MDPI France Summit in Paris last week, and it was a special event. Attendees were engaged from beginning to end, remaining after hours to network and collaborate.
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Why a France Summit?
We chose to host a France Summit in view of the recent challenges MDPI has faced with the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). What we took away from the event is that our authors and editors very much appreciate and enjoy working with us, but we need to address the concerns raised by CNRS, around Article Processing Charges (APCs) and the funding of gold open access publications.
“Our authors and editors very much enjoy working with us”
Some of the claims made in the June 2023 interview with Alain Schuhl, the Deputy CEO for Science at the CNRS, are simply not factual. For example, they state that MDPI’s “average APC charges per article are now around the same as Springer Nature’s.” Here is the relevant passage, reproduced verbatim:
This is not accurate.
A recent preprint analysing APC data from Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, PLOS, MDPI, and Frontiers (2019–2023) shows that MDPI’s average APCs remain significantly lower than those of Springer Nature and several other major publishers.
The MDPI Summits are part of our outreach and communication efforts to address misconceptions and clarify MDPI’s position as one of the most accessible and affordable major gold open access publishers in the world.
Summit Overview
Held on 12–13 June, the France Summit gathered over 20 Chief Editors to learn more about MDPI’s activities and collaborations in France. Many of these editors are influential in their institutions and professional societies. Several also have connections to CNRS, which makes this an important opportunity to clarify how we operate and build trust through open and transparent communication and hopefully turn our editors into informed advocates of MDPI.
Summit Feedback
The feedback has been very positive, with most attendees completing the post-event survey and all rating the experience as Excellent or Good. A few highlights:
- “The whole thing was highly professional and, above all, provided quantified details that will allow us to better answer questions surrounding MDPI.”
- “The summit was an opportunity to meet personally various people directly engaged in the organization and policies of MDPI, which made it possible to clarify some important points concerning publishing with MDPI.”
- “Very well organized! A great opportunity to see all French MDPI partners and editors.”
Program Highlights:
Moderated by Miruna Adelina Nicolcioiu (Senior Conference Producer), the program featured:
- MDPI Overview and France Collaboration – Stefan Tochev (CEO)
- MDPI Editorial Process and Peer-Review Quality – Dr. Marta Colomer (Public Affairs Specialist)
- Institutional Partnerships and Open Access Funding Models – Becky Castellon (Institutional Partnerships Manager)
- AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Daniele Raimondi (Data Scientist)
- Publication Ethics: Global Trends – Diana Cristina Apodaritei (Research Integrity Specialist)
- Closing Remarks – Stefan Tochev
- Panel Discussion – Diana, Becky, Prof. Dr. Patrick Da Cost, and Stefan
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MDPI & France: Facts and Figures
- With over 51,000 publications, France is MDPI's tenth-largest contributor, and fifth largest among EU countries after Italy, Spain, Germany, and Poland.
- As of 2020, the cumulative number of authors from France until April 2025 was 87,592.
- As at April 2025, there are more than 2,800 active Editorial Board Members (EBMs) from France, with 59% having an H-index over 26.
- Among them, 22 serve as Editors-in-Chief (EiC) and 61 as section-Editors-in-Chief (SEiC)
- In 2024, IJMS, JCM, and Molecules were the top three MDPI journals in terms of submissions from French-affiliated authors.
Special thanks to our colleagues from Romanian offices for organizing this successful event.
Closing Thoughts
Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller Share the 2024 Tu Youyou Award
As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, I’d like to take a moment to recognize the winners of the 2024 Tu Youyou Award, presented by our journal Molecules. I am pleased to share that the 2024 Tu Youyou Award has been conferred upon Richard DiMarchi and Rolf Müller, in recognition of their significant contributions to natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
I invite you to read the editorial co-authored by the Tu Youyou Award Committee, which highlights the significance of the award and the remarkable impact of the recipients’ research.
A sincere thank-you to the 2024 Award Committee for their dedication and selection process, and congratulations once again to this year’s honourees. Your work exemplifies the kind of research MDPI is proud to support and amplify.
About the Tu Youyou Award For further information about the award and the winners, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website. |
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
1 July 2025
Women in Engineering | Interview with Dr. Juana Isabel Méndez Garduño—Guest Editor of Processes
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), observed annually on 23 June, is a global initiative that celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in engineering while inspiring more young women to pursue engineering careers. This year, under the theme “Together We Engineer”, we were sincerely honored to interview Dr. Juana Isabel Méndez Garduño, Guest Editor of Processes (ISSN: 2227-9717).
Name: Dr. Juana Isabel Méndez Garduño
Affiliations: 1 Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico; 2 Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Architecture, Art and Design, Monterrey, Mexico;
Interests: building energy efficiency; digital twins in construction; advanced manufacturing; parametric design; AI-based decision systems; energy simulation in buildings; passive cooling strategies; intelligent interfaces for energy management; personalized energy-saving strategies
The following is a short interview with Dr. Juana Isabel Méndez Garduño:
1. Could you share the story of your journey into engineering?
My journey into engineering is defined by an interdisciplinary vision and a drive to break boundaries. I began as an architect, captivated by the potential of technology to transform our built environment and address urgent sustainability challenges. As my interest in digital tools and energy management grew, I realized that engineering offered both the analytical foundation and creative possibilities needed to make a broader impact.
Motivated by this realization, I pursued a Ph.D. in engineering sciences and, just this year, completed a bachelor’s in electronics design engineering, marking the formal integration of engineering into my academic and professional identity. Throughout my career, I have actively sought to bridge architecture, engineering, and design, collaborating on multidisciplinary courses and projects, and filing patents that span architecture, engineering, digital twins, and artificial intelligence.
I am also a proud recipient of the 2025–2026 COMEXUS Fulbright-García Robles scholarship and look forward to beginning a postdoctoral research stay at UC Berkeley in August 2025. I hope my path encourages others to embrace interdisciplinary journeys and to create their unique impact in engineering and society.
2. What do you enjoy most about your work as an engineer? What made you feel recognized and welcomed in your workplace?
I find deep satisfaction in working at the crossroads of creativity, technology, and social responsibility. Engineering empowers me to address real-world challenges, from energy efficiency to educational innovation, and to witness the tangible positive effects on people’s lives. Recognition has come through collaborative successes, such as publishing impactful research, receiving the 2024 Woman Tec Award under the environment category, or seeing my students thrive with the methods and tools I help create. I feel especially welcomed in workplaces that value diverse backgrounds and interdisciplinary ideas, and where teamwork and open collaboration are encouraged. These environments allow me to contribute authentically and grow alongside others who are equally committed to making a difference.
3. What key experiences or inspirations led you to dedicate your career to engineering research, and how do you sustain that passion in your work?
I did not discover the world of formal research until I began my doctoral studies; before that, my professional focus as an architect was on design projects, construction management, and real estate. However, I have always been driven by curiosity and a love for learning, constantly seeking to connect new knowledge across disciplines. For example, I experimented early on with visual programming and dynamic façades and later explored how Arduino and visual coding could be applied within architectural projects.
A turning point came through a specialization in digital processes, where technical and artistic approaches merged. There, I saw the potential for design solutions grounded in technical fundamentals, while also recognizing the environmental impact of digital workflows, which often consume significant energy and resources. This awareness sparked my interest in simulation and modelling as tools to optimize designs before real-world implementation.
My passion for engineering research truly crystallized during my doctorate, when I was finally able to bring together all my previous interests, architecture, digital tools, sustainability, and technical rigor, to generate new ideas and solutions. This also led me to pursue a degree in electronics design engineering, so I could better integrate electronics with architecture and promote more efficient and sustainable processes.
Collaborating with researchers from UC Berkeley, UC Davis, TechnoEvolutionAI, Arizona State University, MIT, Universidad del Medio Ambiente, UNAM, IPN, among others, broadened my perspective and exposed me to new research methodologies and ways of thinking. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, whose guidance and critical feedback have constantly encouraged me to push boundaries and take on new challenges.
Most importantly, I am especially thankful for the unwavering support of my family, particularly my parents and my spouse, which has been essential in sustaining my passion for research and innovation. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my spiritual guide whose teachings and support have provided me with strength, clarity, and purpose throughout my journey.
4. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges female researchers face in your field?
One of the most significant challenges for female researchers is the lack of clear and stable career pathways in academia, an issue I have personally encountered throughout my career. For instance, I ultimately decided not to pursue a third year of postdoctoral research because opportunities for advancement and professional growth were limited, particularly for those who had already completed their studies within the same institution. Even when one stands out as an “outlier” in terms of performance or results, achievements are not always fully recognized if you are perceived as an “internal” candidate. The value of your contributions can be easily overlooked in favor of external candidates. On the other hand, these barriers have also motivated me to seek out new opportunities and broaden my horizons.
Beyond this, I have observed that workload and recognition are not always distributed equitably. It can be discouraging to see significant contributions go unacknowledged, especially when women frequently take on critical responsibilities behind the scenes. Additionally, it is important to recognize that gender biases and barriers do not always originate externally; at times, they are inadvertently reinforced within our own communities, sometimes even by other women, due to internalized machismo (cultural biases) or competitive dynamics. This reality can make the environment even more challenging, as meaningful progress depends on genuine solidarity and mutual support.
Furthermore, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles, often face implicit biases, and may have reduced access to mentorship or influential networks. Collectively, these factors can contribute to feelings of isolation, frustration, or even burnout.
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. I believe that fostering open dialog, supporting one another, and advocating for inclusive policies and transparent practices are essential steps towards creating a more equitable and fulfilling environment for all researchers, especially women in engineering.
5. What distinctive strengths do female engineers bring to academic research, and what strategies would you recommend for leveraging these advantages in career development?
Female engineers often bring a holistic and systems-oriented approach to research, integrating technical rigor with creativity, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. These qualities are especially valuable in interdisciplinary environments where complex challenges require not only technical expertise but also collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to see the “big picture.” I have seen that women frequently excel at building inclusive teams, managing multiple perspectives, and fostering open communication, traits that drive innovation and lead to more robust, well-rounded solutions.
One experience that stands out for me was when a former program director recognized this unique blend of skills and entrusted me to teach a specialization course to architecture students on digital twins and their application in design. She specifically chose me because she saw the potential in combining rigorous engineering with a creative, human-centered approach.
The results were remarkable: students were highly engaged, and their feedback highlighted not only the technical skills they gained but also how the experience transformed their perspective on architecture, motivating them to explore new roles and embrace the integration of advanced technologies in their professional practice. Many noted that the course helped them see the value in bridging the digital and physical worlds and in developing solutions that respond to contemporary and future challenges in architecture.
To leverage these distinctive strengths, I encourage women to actively seek roles where their interdisciplinary skills are valued, to build strong mentoring relationships (both as mentors and mentees), and to continuously expand their networks, especially in spaces that promote diversity and innovation. Investing in communication and leadership development is also essential, as these abilities amplify technical contributions and help create inclusive environments where new ideas can flourish.
Ultimately, embracing and showcasing these qualities of openness, adaptability, and a commitment to both technical excellence and human impact can lead to more meaningful and influential careers, while also inspiring and empowering the next generation of professionals and experts across disciplines.
6. Could you share a specific example from your research projects where gender diversity directly contributed to innovative problem-solving or unexpected breakthroughs?
Certainly. In a research and teaching project at Tecnológico de Monterrey, we developed a creative identity transformation framework for architectural education using digital twins. Our team of instructors and researchers included both women and men, each bringing expertise from different disciplines such as architecture, engineering, cognitive design, and digital fabrication.
This diversity, across gender, discipline, and perspective, was essential in shaping the pedagogical approach. Different team members brought a range of viewpoints: for example, some emphasized inclusive user experiences and narrative-driven digital twin applications, while others focused on system optimization and technical strategies. This complementary dynamic fostered open discussions, challenged assumptions, and encouraged a balance of technical rigor and human-centered creativity.
As a result, students engaged in a truly interdisciplinary, reflective, and innovative process. For instance, during the development of multisensory and neuroadaptive architectural prototypes, the team’s diverse viewpoints helped ensure that projects addressed not just technological novelty but also cognitive engagement, accessibility, and long-term relevance. This experience reinforced my belief that teams with a range of backgrounds, not only related to gender but also expertise, are best equipped to design technically robust and socially relevant solutions.
7. Based on your experience, what strategic career planning approaches and skill-building priorities would you recommend to early career female researchers in engineering?
Based on my interdisciplinary path, I recommend that early career female researchers embrace flexibility and seek opportunities that allow them to broaden their expertise across fields. Building a solid technical foundation is important, but it’s equally valuable to develop skills in areas such as data analysis, digital tools, and communication, abilities that open doors in both academia and industry.
I also encourage new researchers to actively seek out mentors who can provide guidance and honest feedback. Engaging in collaborative projects, including those outside your main discipline, helps to build confidence, adaptability, and a robust professional network.
Don’t hesitate to participate in conferences, workshops, or short courses, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. These experiences can be transformative, exposing you to new ideas and helping you discover areas where you can stand out. Likewise, developing strong writing and presentation skills will make it easier to share your work and gain recognition.
Finally, be proactive in advocating for yourself; apply for scholarships, grants, and international opportunities, even if you doubt you “fit the mold”. Sometimes, being an outlier or having an unconventional background is precisely what makes you unique and valuable. Most importantly, remember that resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning are among the greatest assets for building a fulfilling and impactful career in engineering.
8. What concrete actions could academic publishers like MDPI take to better support and amplify the work of women in STEM fields?
Academic publishers can play a transformative role in advancing gender equity in STEM. One concrete action is to proactively invite more women to serve as editors, Guest Editors, and reviewers, roles that both recognize expertise and offer valuable leadership experience. For instance, I was recently invited to be a Guest Editor for the Special Issue “Manufacturing Processes and Thermal Properties of Composite Materials” in the journal Processes, which was a meaningful opportunity to help shape the field and promote diverse perspectives.
In addition, publishers can spotlight women-led research through dedicated features, interviews, or thematic issues, and actively promote the visibility of women’s contributions across their platforms. Providing mentorship programs or editorial workshops targeted at early-career female researchers could help build skills and confidence for those interested in scientific publishing.
Finally, I believe it is important for publishers to collect and transparently report data on gender representation in authorship, editorial boards, and peer review. This accountability enables ongoing improvement and demonstrates a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in STEM.
26 June 2025
Welcoming New Advisory Board Member for Processes
We are pleased to announce that a distinguished scholar has been appointed as an Advisory Board Member for Processes (ISSN: 2227-9717).
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Name: Prof. Dr. Ir Dominic Foo |
Prof. Dr. Ir Dominic Foo is a Professor of Process Design and Integration at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and is the Founding Director of the Centre of Excellence for Green Technologies. His work focuses on process integration, a holistic approach to process design, retrofitting, and operation that emphasises the unity of the process. In his research, Prof. Dr. Foo makes use of various process integration tools such as pinch analysis and mathematical optimisation to solve various problems in resource conservation (e.g. material and energy recovery), CO2 reduction, and batch processes.
Prof. Dr. Ir Dominic Foo is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the UK Engineering Council, a Professional Engineer (PEng) with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE), as well as the President of the Asia Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering (APCChE). He is a world-leading researcher, named on Stanford’s list of the top 2% most cited authors, working in process integration for resource conservation and CO2 reduction. He has established international collaborations with researchers from various countries in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Prof. Dr. Foo is an active author, having published eight books and more than 190 journal papers, and additionally having made over 220 conference presentations, with more than 30 keynote/plenary speeches. He has examined more than 40 Ph.D./M.Sc./M.Phil. theses in the UK, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, China, Qatar, and Taiwan, and has served on International Scientific Committees for many important international conferences (PRES, FOCAPD, ESCAPE, PSE, etc.).
We wish the new Advisory Board Member every success in both his research and the development of the journal.
23 June 2025
International Women in Engineering Day—“Together We Engineer”, 23 June 2025

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), observed annually on 23 June, is a global initiative that celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in engineering while inspiring more young women to pursue engineering careers. Established in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the UK, this observance has become a vital platform for advancing diversity and inclusion in the engineering profession.
Aligned with the 2025 theme, “Together We Engineer” and Goal 5 of the SDG Publishers Compact: Gender Equality, MDPI emphasizes the power of collective action to break down gender barriers and foster a more inclusive engineering culture. In this era of both challenges and opportunities, women engineers are driving technological innovation in unprecedented ways—from sustainable development solutions to AI ethics frameworks, their contributions are fundamentally reshaping our industry.
Join us in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day and supporting initiatives that empower women in STEM. Together, we can build a future where engineering innovation thrives through diversity, and where every aspiring engineer has equal opportunities to shape our world.
Engineering ● Actuators; |
Chemistry & Materials Science ● Applied Nano; |
Computer Science & Mathematics ● Software. Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities ● Challenges; |
Session 1: Breaking Barriers as Rising Stars | Session 2: Legacy Building Through Inclusive Leadership |
Date: 23 June 2025, 11:00 a.m. (CEST) Webinar ID: 834 2423 4697 Free to register for this webinar here! |
Date: 23 June 2025, 4:00 p.m. (CEST) Webinar ID: 835 3354 6710 Free to register for this webinar here! |
We are pleased to announce that the first 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.
Nomination deadline: 30 November 2025.
Prize:
- 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.
For more details about the award, please visit here. Please feel free to send the nomination letter to ywe-award@mdpi.com.
We are honored to interview several outstanding female scholars in engineering field to share their research journey and your insight into being a female engineer.
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Name: Dr. Teresa Donateo “Female engineers often bring a unique set of strengths to academic research, shaped by their life experiences and the challenges they routinely navigate. One particularly valuable strength is the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, a skill frequently sharpened through balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments, such as motherhood.” Please read the full interview here. |
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Name: Dr. Jelena Svorcan “Females are generally very responsible, well organized, do not do everything at the last minute, and can very successfully deal with particular, tedious tasks. They perform well under pressure and are great as team leaders and teachers since they engage more with the younger colleagues, but can also be strict when necessary.” Please read the full interview here. |
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Name: Dr. Yong Wei Tiong “Female engineers often bring a collaborative, systems-oriented mindset that’s well-suited for complex interdisciplinary problems. They tend to approach problem-solving holistically and with strong communication skills, qualities essential for cross-functional research.” Please read the full interview here. |
“Artificial Intelligence for Non-Destructive Imaging in Composite Materials”
by Mine Seckin, Pinar Demircioglu, Ahmet Cagdas Seckin, Ismail Bogrekci and Serra Aksoy
Eng 2025, 6(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6030046
“Disassembly Plan Representation by Hypergraph”
by Abboy Verkuilen, Mirjam Zijderveld, Niels de Buck and Jenny Coenen
Automation 2025, 6(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/automation6010010
“Probing Solid-Binding Peptide Self-Assembly Kinetics Using a Frequency Response Cooperativity Model”
by Taylor Bader, Kyle Boone, Chris Johnson, Cindy L. Berrie and Candan Tamerler
Biomimetics 2025, 10(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10020107
“Fast Multi-Distance Time-Domain NIRS and DCS System for Clinical Applications”
by Marco Nabacino, Caterina Amendola, Davide Contini, Rebecca Re, Lorenzo Spinelli and Alessandro Torricelli
Sensors 2024, 24(22), 7375; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24227375
“Understanding the Effect of Carbon Nanotube Core Designs on Controlling Bandgaps and Wave Directionality in Cement”
by Nanziri Esther Kayondo and Shreya Vemuganti
Eng 2024, 5(3), 1811–1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5030096
“On the Importance of Solar Radiation and Shading for the Alkali–Aggregate Reaction Prediction of Concrete Arch Dams”
by Noemi Schclar Leitão
Eng 2024, 5(3), 1673–1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5030088
“Label- and Reagent-Free Optical Sensor for Absorption-Based Detection of Urea Concentration in Water Solutions”
by Carlo Anelli, Vanessa Pellicorio, Valentina Bello and Sabina Merlo
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2754; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092754
“Electromechanical Actuator-Based Solution for a Scissor Lift”
by Łukasz Stawiński, Viacheslav Zakharov, Andrzej Kosucki and Tatiana Minav
Actuators 2023, 12(10), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12100394
“A Synthesis-Based Stateful Approach for Guiding Design Thinking in Embedded System Development”
by Hung-Fu Chang and Supannika Koolmanojwong Mobasser
Software 2023, 2(3), 332–349; https://doi.org/10.3390/software2030016
Special Issues:
“Effect of Heat Treatment on Polymorphism and Particle Size Distribution of Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticle Synthesized via Mechanochemical Process”
by Md Nuruzzaman, Yanju Liu, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Saifullah Omar Nasif and Ravi Naidu
Appl. Nano 2025, 6(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano6020008
“Skin Sensitization Potential of Sensitizers in the Presence of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles In Vitro”
by Claudia Meindl, Kristin Öhlinger, Verena Zrim, Jennifer Ober, Ramona Jeitler, Eva Roblegg and Eleonore Fröhlich
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221811
“Two-Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheets Derived from Cathodic Exfoliation for Lithium Storage Applications”
by Alberto Martínez-Jódar, Silvia Villar-Rodil, José M. Munuera, Alberto Castro-Muñiz, Jonathan N. Coleman, Encarnación Raymundo-Piñero and Juan I. Paredes
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110932
“Gold Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric and Fluorescent Dual-Mode Lateral Flow Immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 Detection”
by Ying Gan, Hefan Zhang, Jing Liu, Fuqin He, Fengheng Li, Ao Li, Man Xing, Dongming Zhou, Shan-Yu Fung and Hong Yang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15030058
“Examining the Impact of Intermediate Cooling on Mechanical Properties of 22MnB5 in a Tailored Tempering Process”
by Alborz Reihani, Sebastian Heibel, Thomas Schweiker and Marion Merklein
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2024, 8(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp8010005
“Investigating the Effect of Interface Temperature on Molecular Interdiffusion during Laser Transmission Welding of 3D-Printed Composite Parts”
by Anh-Duc Le, André Chateau Akué Asséko, Benoît Cosson and Patricia Krawczak
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186121
“Synthesis, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Biocompatibility of Multi-Component Collagen-Based Hydrogels Developed by E-Beam Irradiation”
by Maria Demeter, Andreea Mariana Negrescu, Ion Calina, Anca Scarisoreanu, Mădălina Albu Kaya, Marin Micutz, Marius Dumitru and Anisoara Cimpean
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(9), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14090454
“A Modelling-Based Framework for Carbon Emissions Calculation in Additive Manufacturing: A Stereolithography Case Study”
by Vasiliki C. Panagiotopoulou, Aikaterini Paraskevopoulou and Panagiotis Stavropoulos
Processes 2023, 11(9), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11092574
“Natural Polyphenols and the Corrosion Protection of Steel: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives for Green and Promising Strategies”
by Rossella Sesia, Silvia Spriano, Marco Sangermano and Sara Ferraris
Metals 2023, 13(6), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/met13061070
Special Issues:
20 June 2025
Young Women in Engineering Award—Open for Nominations

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
20 June 2025
MDPI Webinar | MDPI 2025 International Women in Engineering Day, 23 June 2025

In alignment with International Women in Engineering Day, MDPI emphasizes the power of collective action to break down gender barriers and foster a more inclusive engineering culture. MDPI has invited female engineers to showcase their groundbreaking engineering research and share their personal journeys and insights through roundtable discussion. Join us in building a future for engineering and supporting initiatives that empower women in STEM.
Session 1:Breaking Barriers as Rising Stars
Keywords: women in engineering, female engineers, inspiring women, together we engineer, breaking barriers
Date: 11:00 a.m. CEST | 7:00 p.m. AEST| 5:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 834 2423 4697
Webinar Page: https://sciforum.net/event/2025INWED-1
Register now for free!
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CEST |
Time in AEST |
Dr. Giulia Scalet |
11:00–11:10 a.m. |
7:00–7:10 p.m. |
Dr. Kyriaki-Evangelia Aslani |
11:10–11:30 a.m. |
7:10–7:30 p.m. |
Dr. Athanasia Tolkou |
11:30–11:50 a.m. |
7:30–7:50 p.m. |
Dr. Sabina Alexandra Nicolae |
11:50 a.m. –12:10 p.m. |
7:50–8:10 p.m. |
Dr. Giulia Scalet, Dr. Miriam Filippi, Dr. Sabina Alexandra Nicolae, Dr. Kyriaki-Evangelia Aslani, Dr. Athanasia Tolkou |
12:10–12:50 p.m. |
8:10–8:50 p.m. |
Dr. Giulia Scalet |
12:50–1:00 p.m. |
8:50–9:00 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 to view.
Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:
- Dr. Giulia Scalet, University of Pavia, Italy;
- Dr. Miriam Filippi, ETH Zurich, Switzerland;
- Dr. Kyriaki-Evangelia Aslani, University of the Peloponnese, Greece;
- Dr. Athanasia Tolkou, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece;
- Dr. Sabina Alexandra Nicolae, National Institute of Materials Physics, Romania.
Session 2:Legacy Building Through Inclusive Leadership
Keywords: Women in Engineering, Female Engineers, Inspiring Women, Together We Engineer,Leadership
Date: 4:00 p.m. CEST | 10:00 a.m. EDT| 10:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 835 3354 6710
Webinar Page: https://sciforum.net/event/2025INWED-2
Register now for free!
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CEST |
Time in EDT |
Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo |
4:00–4:10 p.m. |
10:00–10:10 a.m. |
Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo |
4:10–4:25 p.m. |
10:10–10:25 a.m. |
Dr. Fabiola Pineda |
4:25–4:40 p.m. |
10:25–10:40 a.m. |
Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu |
4:40 p.m. –4:55 p.m. |
10:40–10:55 a.m. |
Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro |
4:55–5:10 p.m. |
10:55–11:10 a.m. |
Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo, Prof. Dr. Yuliya Semenova, Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu, Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro, Dr. Fabiola Pineda, Dr. Tatiana Ferreira |
5:10–5:50 p.m. |
11:10–11:50 a.m. |
Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo |
5:50–6:00 p.m. |
11:50 a.m. –12:00 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 to view.
Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:
- Prof. Dr. Sabina Merlo, University of Pavia, Italy;
- Dr. Fabiola Pineda, Universidad Mayor, Chile;
- Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu, Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse, France;
- Dr. Maria Graça Rasteiro, University of Coimbra, Portugal;
- Prof. Dr. Yuliya Semenova, Technological University Dublin, Ireland;
- Dr. Tatiana Ferreira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.