Announcements

The International Day of Human Space Flight, observed annually on 12 April, commemorates Yuri Gagarin’s historic 1961 spaceflight—the first human journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This milestone marked the dawn of human space exploration, fostering scientific and technological advancements that continue to benefit humanity. Space science and technology play a crucial role in sustainable development, atmospheric research, satellite communications, and global cooperation.

In recognition of the International Day of Human Space Flight, MDPI plans to celebrate the achievements of space exploration and the scientists and engineers who are driving innovation in aerospace and related fields. Through its open access publishing modal, MDPI ensures that cutting-edge research on space technologies, geosciences, and remote sensing is accessible to experts, decision-makers, and global audiences. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, MDPI supports the continued advancement of space research, ensuring that outer space remains a shared frontier for peaceful and sustainable development.

“Use of Simulation for Pre-Training of Drone Pilots”
by Alexander Somerville, Timothy Lynar, Keith Joiner and Graham Wild
Drones 2024, 8(11), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8110640

“Aircraft Skin Machine Learning-Based Defect Detection and Size Estimation in Visual Inspections”
by Angelos Plastropoulos, Kostas Bardis, George Yazigi, Nicolas P. Avdelidis and Mark Droznika
Technologies 2024, 12(9), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090158

“Landsat 9 Thermal Infrared Sensor-2 (TIRS-2) Pre- and Post-Launch Spatial Response Performance”
by Rehman Eon, Brian N. Wenny, Ethan Poole, Sarah Eftekharzadeh Kay, Matthew Montanaro, Aaron Gerace and Kurtis J. Thome
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061065

“Lineament Domain Analysis to Unravel Tectonic Settings on Planetary Surfaces: Insights from the Claritas Fossae (Mars)”
by Evandro Balbi and Fabrizio Marini
Geosciences 2024, 14(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14030079

“Simulation of Human Movement in Zero Gravity”
by Adelina Bärligea, Kazunori Hase and Makoto Yoshida
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061770

“Enhancing Planetary Exploration through Digital Twins: A Tool for Virtual Prototyping and HUMS Design”
by Lucio Pinello, Lorenzo Brancato, Marco Giglio, Francesco Cadini and Giuseppe Francesco De Luca
Aerospace 2024, 11(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11010073

“Performance Estimate of a Spin-Stabilized Drag Sail for Spacecraft Deorbiting”
by Lorenzo Niccolai and Giovanni Mengali
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020612

“The Design of a Reaction Flywheel Speed Control System Based on ADRC”
by Jiachen Song, Jianguo Guo, Changtao Qin and Wanliang Zhao
Automation 2023, 4(3), 246-262; https://doi.org/10.3390/automation4030015

“Short-Term Prediction of 80–88 km Wind Speed in Near Space Based on VMD–PSO–LSTM”
by Shaoyi Yang, Hua Yang, Na Li and Zonghua Ding
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020315

“Enhanced Range and Endurance Evaluation of a Camber Morphing Wing Aircraft”
by Bruce W. Jo and Tuba Majid
Biomimetics 2023, 8(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8010034

MDPI will be attending the 23rd International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems in Orlando, Florida, USA. The conference will begin on Sunday, 29 June 2025, with short courses providing a scholarly introduction and overview of some selected topics of interest, which will help academics and professionals become familiar with the latest trends in the field; the topics of the short courses will be announced shortly. Conference registration will also open on 29 June, with a welcome reception at which attendees can meet and greet each other at that evening. The conference technical program will begin on the morning of 30 June, with plenary sessions that will then breakout into parallel sessions, industry talks, and poster sessions throughout the duration of the conference. The exhibition portion, which will take place from 30 June through 3 July, is designed to give companies, start-ups, and scientific associations the opportunity to share information about or demonstrate their latest advances, products, and/or services. We welcome you to visit the MDPI booth, number 29, where you can have face-to-face exchanges with our representatives, learn more about our open access publishing services, and receive gifts. The program has been designed to provide plenty of opportunities for technical exchange and professional networking.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Sensors;
• Micromachines;
• Biosensors;
• JETA;
• Nanomaterials;
• JSAN;
• JLPEA;
• Electronics;
• Biomimetics;
• Nanomanufacturing;
• Chemosensors;
• Acoustics;
• Magnetism.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us at our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

In a recent move to enhance research dissemination and foster academic collaborations, MDPI’s Sensors journal (ISSN: 1424-8220, Impact Factor: 3.4) has signed an affiliation agreement with the International Society of Condition Monitoring (ISCM). This strategic partnership has been finalized, marking a significant milestone for both entities.

Effective immediately, the cooperation between Sensors and ISCM aims to provide mutual benefits to their respective communities. As part of this collaboration, all members of ISCM will receive a discount on the article processing charges (APC) when submitting their research articles to Sensors. This initiative is expected to encourage more high-quality submissions from ISCM members, thereby enriching the journal’s content and further promoting advancements in the field of condition monitoring sensing technologies.

ISCM provides an international forum for individuals and organizations with an interest in condition monitoring. Its purpose is to bring together an international community with the common aim of achieving excellence in the development and practice of condition monitoring and related diagnostic technologies.

The ISCM will achieve its aim through:

• Facilitating a worldwide network for interchange of knowledge;
• Encouraging and supporting national and international seminars and conferences;
• Providing input into the development of training, qualification and certification programs;
• Contributing to the development of international standards;
• Encouraging and supporting publishing initiatives;
• Liaison with other national and international bodies.

Sensors is a leading journal devoted to fast publication of the latest achievements of technological developments and scientific research in the huge area of physical, chemical and biochemical sensors, including remote sensing and sensor networks. Our aim is to encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible. The full experimental details must be provided so that the results can be reproduced.

MDPI is delighted to forge this partnership with ISCM. With ISCM’s extensive network of experts and professionals, MDPI looks forward to publishing state-of-the-art research from ISCM members in the field of condition monitoring sensing technologies. This collaboration is expected to bring forth more groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, further advancing the field and benefiting the global research community.

For more information about the collaboration, or to submit your research to Sensors, please visit the journal’s website or contact the journal Editorial Office directly.

Conference: The First National Conference on Surface and Interface Science of the Chinese Chemical Society
Date: 9–12 May 2025
Location: Chengdu, China

MDPI will attend the First National Conference on Surface and Interface Science of the Chinese Chemical Society as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Chengdu, China, from 9 to 12 May 2025. This conference will comprise 22 sub-forums on topics such as surface interface construction, surface interface characterization, surface interface theory, device surface interfaces, energy surface interfaces, and catalytic surface interfaces. It will also include the “International Forum on Surface Molecules”, the “Forum for Women Scientists on Surface Interfaces”, and the “Ph.D. Forum on Surface Interfaces”. During the conference, the “Workshop on Surface Interface Science” will take place, inviting renowned experts and scholars to give lectures on three cutting-edge topics in surface interface science.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Coatings;
• Colloids and Interfaces;
• Lubricants;
• Molecules;
• Surfaces;
• Applied Nano;
• Construction Materials;
• Materials;
• Sensors.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at our booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.chemsoc.org.cn/meeting/NCSI1/a6362.html.

MDPI is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the 2025 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), which will be held in Charlotte, USA, from 14 to 17 May 2025.

ICUAS 2025 will focus on the civil and public domain applications of unmanned aviation and its impact on society. This conference provides opportunities for collaboration and interaction across technical, regulatory, and legal communities.

The conference will focus on the following topics:

• Aerial manipulation;
• Bio-inspired aerial robots;
• Multi-UAV systems;
• Learning-based perception;
• Navigation and control;
• Autonomous operations.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Drones;
• Automation;
• Imaging;
• Actuators;
• Designs;
• Smart Cities;
• Applied Mechanics;
• Sensors;
• Aerospace;
• Standards;
• Biomimetics;
• Signals;
• Electronics;
• Remote Sensing;
• JSAN.

Discover how MDPI can support your research and academic goals. Our team will be at the booth to discuss MDPI’s submission process, editorial support, and the benefits of open access publishing. Plus, enjoy exciting gifts and exclusive resources available only at our booth!

If you are planning to attend the conference, we would love to connect with you! Our delegates are eager to meet you in person and answer any questions you may have. For more details about the conference, please visit the following website: https://uasconferences.com/2025_icuas/. We look forward to seeing you there!

The journal Sensors (ISSN: 1424-8220) is proud to present a unique initiative in honor of International Women's Day 2025: “Meet the Female Winners of the Sensors Travel Award”! This series of interviews focuses on female scientists who received our journal’s 2025 travel awards.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Dimitra Kourti, from the Immunoassays/ImmunoSensors Laboratory, Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, Greece, and Dr. Lara Franhin, from the Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy, are among the five winners of the Sensors 2025 Travel Award.

The Sensors Travel Award was launched in 2016 and is presented each year to encourage junior scientists to present their latest research at academic conferences concerning the field of sensors, helping to enhance their influence. As a winner of this award, both Dr. Kourti and Dr. Franchin will receive CHF 600 and a certificate. All winners were chosen by the journal’s award committee.

Let us hear their opinions and hear about their experiences with scientific research and awards.

Meet Dr. Dimitra Kourti—Winner of the Sensors 2025 Travel Award

1. Can you briefly introduce the main focus of your research and its significance in the field of sensors? How does your work contribute to advancements in sensor technology or related applications?
My field of interest involves the development of portable immunosensors for the on-site detection of harmful agents in food matrices, specifically photonic sensors based on the Broadband Mach–Zehnder Interferometry principle. The unique design of these sensors allows for direct immersion into the sample, making them easy to use while eliminating the need for microfluidics and pumps. This innovation enables the construction of a compact, portable instrument for rapid on-site determinations providing real-time and quantitative results within minutes. This platform has been successfully applied to detect goat, ewe, and donkey milk adulteration with bovine milk, as well as aflatoxin M1 and bacteria in milk, allergens, and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in human sera. The development of these immunosensors and measuring systems could help to ensure compliance with regulatory limits for various harmful agents in food matrices, making them a valuable asset for improving food safety and protecting public health. Additionally, these sensors can be adapted for the detection of various biomarkers used in disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as for identifying environmental pollutants.

2. When and how did you become aware of the Sensors journal? What inspired you to pursue research in this field, and what motivated you to apply for the Sensors 2025 Travel Award?
I became aware of Sensors early in my career, as my focus on biosensors naturally led me to explore the extensive research published in the journal. Keeping up with its cutting-edge research not only broadened my understanding of the field but also inspired me to contribute my own work. My passion for advancing biosensor technology further motivated me to attend conferences, where gaining insights from world-famous experts could directly benefit my current and future projects by allowing me to integrate advanced methodologies and techniques into my research. Therefore, when I learned about the Sensors 2025 Travel Award and its potential to support my participation in such conferences, I was immediately excited and eager to apply.

3. Do you have any other suggestions on how our journal could further support young researchers and the academic community?
The support that Sensors already provides to young researchers and the academic community is significant. Through its publication platform, awards, and recognition opportunities, the journal plays a crucial role in promoting scientific progress and encouraging young researchers to contribute high-quality work. To further enhance this support, Sensors could offer scholarships for outstanding young researchers, helping to mitigate financial barriers to research and academic growth. Additionally, organizing seminars on effective scientific writing and the publication process would be highly beneficial, equipping researchers with the necessary skills to successfully publish their work. Also, hosting specific seminars at various institutions, potentially through academic exchange programs, could also strengthen collaborations and knowledge sharing across different research communities. These initiatives would further empower young researchers and enhance Sensors’ impact within the academic world.

4. What impressed you most about your previous collaboration with MDPI?
What impressed me most about my previous collaboration with MDPI was its rapid response throughout the publication process. From manuscript submission to peer review and final decision, the efficiency and prompt communication ensured a smooth and transparent experience.

5. What is your opinion on open access publishing, and how do you think it benefits the scientific community?
By making research freely accessible to everyone, regardless of institutional affiliation or financial resources, open access ensures that scientific advancements are not limited to a select few but are available to all. This accessibility allows researchers to stay informed about the latest developments and refine their work based on ongoing studies. Moreover, educators and the public, who may otherwise lack access to advanced research, can stay updated on groundbreaking discoveries, promoting a more informed and scientifically engaged society.

Meet Dr. Lara Franchin—Winner of the Sensors 2025 Travel Award

1. Can you briefly introduce the main focus of your research and its significance in the field of sensors? How does your work contribute to advancements in sensor technology or related applications?
My research is devoted to the development of low-cost sensing systems with high sensitivity and reliability that can be applied in point-of-care analysis, addressing practical diagnostic needs in the agricultural and healthcare sectors. The core of my work focuses on designing, validating, and modeling biosensors employing electrochemical measurement techniques and optical methods, including impedance spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. In particular, I aim to tackle the electrode design and layout optimization issues through the multiphysics model I developed for biosensors’ electrochemical response. In addition, I have dedicated the last year of my research to the fabrication of field-effect transistor-based biosensing systems using innovative graphene-based materials, as this technology has high potential for achievable sensitivity and circuit integration, which are crucial factors in point-of-care diagnostics.

2. When and how did you become aware of the Sensors journal? What inspired you to pursue research in this field, and what motivated you to apply for the Sensors 2025 Travel Award?
I first became aware of the Sensors journal through discussions with colleagues who frequently referenced it as a leading journal in the field. I explored its publications and came across several insightful articles on novel biosensor applications. The journal focuses on all the aspects of sensor technologies with an interdisciplinary approach, making it a valuable resource for my research. My initial interest in this field began during my master’s thesis work, where I had the opportunity to start learning about sensors and their applications. I then solidified my decision to pursue this area of study thanks to the influence of my supervisor, who encouraged me to deepen my knowledge, along with the growing impact of sensor technologies. As a Ph.D. candidate, I applied to the Sensors 2025 Travel Award, knowing it was a wonderful opportunity to take part in high-level international conferences with abundant occasions for research dissemination and enriching discussions, where I hope to engage with and learn from a dynamic community of experts.

3. How will you promote the Sensors journal at a conference? Apart from conferences, what are your preferred avenues for promoting Sensors within your community?
I would promote the Sensors journal, sharing that my participation in the conference was made possible in part by the Sensors 2025 Travel Award, showcasing the journal’s commitment to supporting researchers and highlighting the high-impact articles published in the journal. Beyond conferences, I would promote the Sensors journal through online platforms, including LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and relevant professional groups. I also believe in word-of-mouth promotion, discussing the journal’s impact factor, editorial process, and open access benefits with colleagues and collaborators.

Throughout history, engineering has played an essential role in development and human welfare. Ensuring that future generations of engineers and scientists will be able to design solutions for local and global challenges is critical.

World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on March 4th aims to raise awareness of the role of engineering in modern life, which is essential to mitigate the impact of climate change and advancing sustainable development, especially in Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This year’s theme is “Unleashing the Power of Engineers to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.

Sustainability has always been a core value of MDPI, starting with the collection and preservation of rare chemical samples that started in 1996 and led to the first journal, Molecules (ISSN: 1420-3049). As a global enterprise, it is our duty to advance responsible practices that will ensure a bright future for our planet. MDPI’s commitment to sustainability is focused on open access publishing that promotes content related not only to environmental sustainability, but to all 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) defined by the UN.

To commemorate this special day, we invite you to explore a curation of insightful journals, articles, and Special Issues in the field of engineering. By sharing these findings, we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, elevate engineering capacities, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Vastness of Tribology Research Fields and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development”
by Enrico Ciulli
Lubricants 2024, 12(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12020033

“Steam Explosion-Based Method for the Extraction of Cellulose and Lignin from Rice Straw Waste”
by Víctor M. Serrano-Martínez, Henoc Pérez-Aguilar, María Pilar Carbonell-Blasco, Francisca Arán-Ais and Elena Orgilés-Calpena
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052059

“Green-Powered Electric Public Mobility: Integrating Urban and Interurban Routes—A Case Study Analysis”
by Alessandro Franco, Giovanni Lutzemberger, Marco Giorgio Bevilacqua, Francesco Giuseppe Quilici and Matilde Vezzani
Electricity 2024, 5(2), 254–270; https://doi.org/10.3390/electricity5020013

“Evaluating Sustainable Practices for Managing Residue Derived from Wheat Straw”
by Harikishore Shanmugam, Vijaya Raghavan, Rajinikanth Rajagopal, Bernard Goyette, Linxiang Lyu, Siyuan Zhou and Chunjiang An
Bioengineering 2024, 11(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11060554

“A Telemetric Framework for Assessing Vehicle Emissions Based on Driving Behavior Using Unsupervised Learning”
by Auwal Sagir Muhammad, Cheng Wang and Longbiao Chen
Vehicles 2024, 6(4), 2170–2194; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles6040106

Special Issues:

“Advances in Energy Harvesting Technologies for Wearable Devices”
by Minki Kang and Woon-Hong Yeo
Micromachines 2024, 15(7), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15070884

“Integration of Smart Cities and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for a Sustainability Oriented Business Model to Address Sustainable Development Goals”
by Zhen Liu, Yixin Liu and Mohamed Osmani
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051458

“Synergistic Applications of Graphene-Based Materials and Deep Eutectic Solvents in Sustainable Sensing: A Comprehensive Review”
by Rossella Svigelj, Rosanna Toniolo, Cristina Bertoni and Alessandro Fraleoni-Morgera
Sensors 2024, 24(8), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24082403

“Sustainable Power Generation Expansion in Island Systems with Extensive RES and Energy Storage”
by Emmanuel Karapidakis, Christos Kalogerakis and Evangelos Pompodakis
Inventions 2023, 8(5), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions8050127

“Modeling the Global Annual Carbon Footprint for the Transportation Sector and a Path to Sustainability”
by Vikram Mittal and Rajesh Shah
Modelling 2023, 4(2), 264–282; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling4020015

Special Issues:

MDPI is pleased to share a significant milestone in its mission to advance scholarly research and promote the dissemination of knowledge—300+ MDPI journals are now indexed in Web of Science (WoS). This milestone highlights the global recognition, interdisciplinary impact and enhanced visibility of our journals. It also reflects our adherence to rigorous editorial standards, scientific integrity, and our mission to foster open scientific exchange in all forms, across all disciplines. 

To explore the full list of our journals indexed in WoS, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals/wos. Beyond expanding the coverage of our publications in the leading academic databases, we are dedicated to ensuring that our journals are included in as many scope-specific databases as possible. This increases the visibility of our authors’ work and extends the reach of their significant data. 

This milestone would not have been possible without the efforts and expertise of our academic editors, reviewers and authors. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in creating an inclusive, accessible, and impactful publishing platform. We also extend our gratitude to the global research community for their trust as we continue to break new ground in academic publishing. This milestone is not just a celebration of MDPI’s progress but also recognition of the collective strides made by researchers worldwide. 

As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, MDPI remains steadfast in its commitment to open access publishing and ensuring that high-quality research reaches and inspires a global audience.

The success and esteemed reputation of Sensors (ISSN: 1424-8220) is largely down to the dedication of the Editorial Board Members. The Editorial Office appreciates the hard work and commitment of our editors and have therefore launched the Sensors Editor of Distinction Award. An evaluation committee, led by the journal’s Editors-in-Chiefs, Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Andrès and Prof. Dr. Kent Doi, will be responsible for selecting the winners based on their activities and contributions to the successful development and maintenance of the journal’s high-quality standards throughout 2024.

Prizes:

• One first prize: CHF 1500 and a certificate;
• Two second prizes: CHF 1000 and a certificate each;
• Three third prizes: CHF 500 and a certificate each.

Eligibility for the award:

• All Editorial Board Members, excluding the EiC and Section EiC;
• Contributions in 2025 qualify EBMs for the award.

Schedule:
Application deadline: 31 December 2025;
Winner announcement: 30 April 2026.

How to submit applications?
Please download the application form here to briefly describe your contributions as a journal editor and in promoting the journal, and then send it to the Sensors Editorial Office (sensors@mdpi.com and copy in davina.zhao@mdpi.com).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact sensors@mdpi.com.

You can access more information about the awards here: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors/awards.

Sensors Editorial Office