Announcements

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

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

About Professor Michele Parrinello

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

——Professor Michele Parrinello

Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies.

For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.

Award Committee

The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award.

"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."

——Professor Xin-Gao Gong

The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.

About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields. 

In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.

Find more information on awards here.

We are honored to recognize the 2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers—scholars whose exemplary commitment to rigorous and constructive peer review is vital in upholding the highest standards of academic publishing.

Selected from a distinguished pool of 215,000 reviewers from 65 countries and regions worldwide, these honorees stand out for their exceptional expertise, diligence, and dedication to advancing research through timely and thoughtful reviews. Their constructive and impartial feedback ensures the publication of high-quality, impactful research, while their timely reviews facilitate swift revisions and faster publication of innovative work.

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. With gratitude and respect, we celebrate these 1000 scholars who made that foundation stronger in 2024. We respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.

The names of these reviewers are listed below in alphabetical order by first name:

Name: Dr. Seyed Kourosh Mahjour
Affiliations: ¹ Everglades University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA; ² Railroad Commission of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
Research interests: petroleum engineering; carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS); environmental sustainability

The following is a short interview with Dr. Seyed Kourosh Mahjour:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your field of research?
I am an Adjunct Professor at Everglades University and an Engineering Specialist at the Railroad Commission of Texas. My research bridges petroleum engineering and data science, focusing on computational workflows that improve decision-making under uncertainty in subsurface energy systems. I specialize in carbon capture and storage (CCS), reservoir characterization, and the use of AI and machine learning for energy and environmental applications.

2. What key aspects do you typically focus on during the review process?  
I mainly focus on novelty, methodological rigor, and clarity. The study must provide a meaningful scientific contribution, apply sound and reproducible methods, and present results that are logically supported by data. Clear structure, accurate analysis, and adherence to ethical standards are essential for a high-quality manuscript.

3. In your opinion, what qualities are essential for a reviewer to possess?
A reviewer should combine expertise, objectivity, and diligence. Deep knowledge of the field ensures meaningful evaluation, while fairness and constructive feedback help authors improve their work. Timeliness and professionalism are equally vital to maintaining an efficient and credible review process.

4. As the recipient of the 2025 outstanding reward for MDPI, do you have any tips or experiences to share that could help other reviewers improve the quality of their reviews?
A good review is both systematic and constructive. Read the manuscript more than once—first for overall understanding, then for details—and provide specific, actionable feedback rather than general remarks. Finally, stay updated with current research and always consider the journal’s scope when assessing suitability.

5. Based on your experience reviewing manuscripts, what advice would you give to authors?
Ensure your work aligns with the journal’s scope and is clearly written and well-structured. Describe your methodology transparently, present results effectively with clear visuals, and carefully proofread your manuscript. A concise, compelling abstract and proper formatting also make a strong first impression.

Name: Dr. Mihaela Toderaș
Affiliation: Mining Engineering, Surveying and Underground Constructions Department, Faculty of Mining, University of Petroșani, 332006 Petroșani, Romania
Research interests: mining operations; geomechanics; geotechnics; rock mechanics and rock rheology; underground mining constructions; mining risks; statistical and geostatistical applications in mining

The following is a short interview with Dr. Mihaela Toderaș:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your field of research?
I am a full professor at the University of Petroșani, with an academic experience spanning 35 years. My fundamental research fields are rock mechanics and rock rheology, mining exploitation and underground mining constructions.

2. What key aspects do you typically focus on during the review process?
My review process emphasizes scientific rigor, originality, and clarity. I ensure that the research objectives are clearly defined, the methodology is reproducible, and the results logically support the conclusions. I also assess novelty, structure, and ethical integrity to guarantee that each paper makes a meaningful and credible contribution to the field.

3. In your opinion, what qualities are essential for a reviewer to possess?
An excellent reviewer must combine technical expertise with objectivity, integrity, and professionalism. Essential qualities include providing constructive, well-justified feedback in a respectful tone and adhering to deadlines to support the editorial process.

4. As an exceptional reviewer for MDPI, do you have any tips or experiences to share that could help other reviewers improve the quality of their reviews?
Focus on fundamental issues like methodology and how well conclusions are supported by results. Structure feedback clearly: begin with a summary of strengths, then provide detailed, section-by-section observations with justifications to help authors respond effectively.

5. Based on your experience reviewing manuscripts, what advice would you give to authors?
Authors should perform rigorous self-assessment before submission to ensure methodological transparency and narrative coherence. It’s also vital to respond point-by-point to reviewer comments and select a journal that closely matches the paper’s scope and contribution.

6. Processes is an open access journal, as you know, so what is your opinion of the open access model of publication?
Open access promotes the democratization of knowledge, enhancing visibility and accelerating the practical use of research findings. However, maintaining rigorous peer review is essential to safeguard quality. I believe open access represents the future of scientific publishing, aligning academic progress with the broader interests of society.

Welcome message from the Chair:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this webinar organized by Processes (ISSN: 2227-9717), which brings together leading experts in reaction kinetics and computational modeling. In the face of growing energy and environmental challenges, improving our understanding of chemical transformations—from catalyst design to the combustion of bio-derived molecules—is more critical than ever.

Today’s webinar highlights cutting-edge developments in multiscale kinetic modeling. Prof. Joris Thybaut will discuss recent innovations in catalyst and reactor design based on transient kinetic methodologies. Prof. Frédérique Battin-Leclerc will present experimental and modeling work on the combustion behavior of lignin-derived aromatics, such as guaiacol and phenol. Finally, Dr. Carine Michel will demonstrate how ab initio modeling, particularly DFT-based approaches, can support kinetic modelers by elucidating reaction mechanisms at the solid/liquid interface.

Together, these contributions will offer a comprehensive perspective—from theory to application—on how advanced modeling tools are enabling more sustainable and efficient chemical processes. I wish you a stimulating and engaging session.

Date: 13 November 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CET | 5:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 838 8430 8783
Webpage: https://sciforum.net/event/Processes-17

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations made 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 watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Assoc. Prof. Sébastien Leveneur, Laboratoire de Sécurité des Procédés Chimiques (LSPC) INSA Rouen Normandie, University Rouen Normandie, Normandie Université, LSPC, UR 4704, F-76000 Rouen, France;
• Prof. Joris Thybaut, Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
• Dr. Frédérique Battin-Leclerc, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés - CNRS Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LRGP, Nancy F-54000, France;
• Dr. Carine Michel, Laboratoire de Chmie de Lyon CNRS, ENS de Lyon, LCH, UMR 5182, Lyon cedex 07, 69342, France.

Relevant Special Issues:
“Kinetic Modeling of Biomass Pyrolysis Processes (2nd Edition)”
Guest Editors: Dr. Carmen Branca and Prof. Dr. Antonio Galgano
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025

“Phase Equilibrium in Chemical Processes: Experiments and Modeling”
Guest Editor: Dr. Ali Aminian
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2025

Message from the Chair:

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is emerging as a key technology for the sustainable management of biomass and organic waste, offering a pathway to produce carbon-rich solids (hydrochar) as well as liquid products (process water) containing valuable compounds. As technological innovation progresses, so does the commercial viability and market interest in HTC-derived materials.

This webinar will explore the latest advancements in HTC technologies, the expanding range of product applications, and their market readiness. A special focus will be given to how current and upcoming environmental policies—such as the EU Green Deal, carbon reduction targets, and circular economy strategies—are shaping the innovation, investment, and large-scale adoption of HTC.

Join industry leaders, researchers, and policy experts to explore how technology, product development, and regulation converge to drive HTC’s role in the green transition.

Date: 19 November 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. CET | 9:00 a.m. EST
Webinar ID: 842 5867 9526
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com

Register now for free!

Program:

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

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Silvia Román Suero (Chair), Applied Physics Department, University of Extremadura, Spain;
• Dr. Judy Libra, Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB), Department Systems Process Engineering, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany;
• Dipl. Ing. Marc Buttmann, TerraNova Energy GmbH, Germany;
• Dr. Fritz Keller, 4C-Chem GmbH, act4carbon e.V., Germany.

For more information on the webinar, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/Processes-16.

Over the past few decades, many fields of science and technology have been revolutionized by the introduction of nanomaterials and new approaches to the creation of nanostructures. These new materials can have entirely unique or improved electronic, chemical, magnetic, catalytic, mechanical, or biological properties that are different from bulk forms of the material. Nanomaterials range from nanoparticles of various shapes and compositions to nanostructured films, coatings, and nanoporous bulk materials. Chemical, physical, or biological methods can be used to produce nanomaterials, ranging from precise top-down methods such as nanolithography to bottom-up methods, including self-assembly. Thermal, chemical, and electrochemical processes can all result in the formation of nanomaterials. Additionally, the range of materials covers many types of nanomaterials based on various forms of carbon, silicon, metals or alloys, and polymers. These materials are contributing to revolutionary advances in the fields of medicine, energy, chemical and biological sensing, agriculture, catalysis, and many others. This webinar features three speakers covering a selection of topics in nanomaterial research and applications.

Date: 29 October 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. CET | 9:00 a.m. EDT
Webinar ID: 831 8919 0501

Register now for free!

Program:

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

Unable to attend? Feel free to register anyway; the session will be recorded, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

• Prof. Keith Stine, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri–Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA;
• Prof. Mattia Bartoli, Polytechnic of Turin and Italian Institute of Technology, Italy;
• Prof. Karen Esquivel Escalante, Graduate and Research Division, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas, Querétaro, Mexico;
• Dr. Gregorio Guadalupe Carbajal Arizaga, Chemistry Department, University of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Relevant Special Issue:
“Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials”
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Keith J. Stine
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Processes-14?subscribe.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact processes@mdpi.com.

Processes Webinar Secretariat

Processes (ISSN: 2227-9717) is delighted to announce the winner of the Best PhD Thesis Award, which honors outstanding doctoral research in the field of chemistry, biochemistry, biology, materials, or related process/systems engineering research. This award recognizes early career researchers whose PhD work demonstrates exceptional scientific quality, innovation, and potential impact.

This year’s award has been granted to the following paper:

• “Removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water in continuous catalytic systems”

by Dr. Ana Sofia Guedes Gorito dos Santos (University of Porto, Portugal)

As the awardee, Dr. Ana Sofia Guedes Gorito dos Santos will receive CHF 500, an electronic certificate, and a voucher to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for one submission in Processes (subject to peer review)— valid for one year.

With an impressive number of high-quality submissions, the selection process was highly competitive. The Processes Editorial Office and Award Evaluation Committee would like to thank all applicants for their excellent contributions, which covered a wide variety of research topics.

On behalf of the Editorial Office, we would like to congratulate Dr. Ana Sofia Guedes Gorito dos Santos and wish her continued success in his research career.

Processes Editorial Office

Are you passionate about advancing sustainable technologies and turning waste into valuable resources? If so, join us for the webinar “GreenTech 2025: Innovations in Waste and Biomass Conversion”! This event is ideal for researchers, engineers, students, and professionals working in environmental science, renewable energy, waste management, and green chemistry, as well as anyone interested in the latest breakthroughs in circular economy solutions.

The webinar will showcase cutting-edge innovations in the conversion of waste and biomass into energy and materials. We will explore topics such as the production of biochars for contaminant removal and hydrogen evolution, the development of fibre-based packaging from plant-based by-products, and the application of TiO₂-based photocatalysts for the degradation of pesticides.

This event offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading international experts and discover practical, eco-friendly solutions for waste valorization and renewable energy generation. Join us to explore how these technologies are shaping a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

Date: 5 November 2025 12:00 p.m. CET | 6:00 a.m. EDT | 6:00 p.m. CST Asia

Webinar ID: 875 6312 7276

Register now for free!

Program:

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

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch!

Webinar Chairs and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Jelena Petrović, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, Serbia;
• Dr. Marija Simić, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, Serbia;
• Mr. Antonio Netto, Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), MG, Brazil;
• Dr. Fabiola Vilaseca, Advance Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Group, Dept. of Chemical and Agricultural Engineering, and Agrifood Technology, University of Girona, Spain;
• Dr. Aleksandar Jovanović, Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, Serbia.

Relevant Special Issue:

“Green Conversion Processes of Waste and Biomass Materials”

Guest Editors: Dr. Marija Koprivica, Dr. Jelena Petrović and Dr. Marija Simić

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025