Announcements

1. Congratulations on winning the Sustainability 2026 Travel Award! Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain your research to someone with a limited scientific background?
Thank you very much! I am truly honoured and happy to receive this award.
My name is Cariny, I am from Brazil, and I have a background in chemical engineering. I am a Research Associate at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London under the supervision of Prof. Jason Hallett. My research focuses on recovering high-value compounds from different types of biomass and industrial waste and using these compounds to develop biomaterials for different types of applications, including biomedical applications, wastewater treatment and food packaging. To make these processes more sustainable, I work with ionic liquids, which are alternative and greener solvents that can be designed for specific applications by selecting different cations and anions, resulting in different properties and costs. These solvents have low volatility and, at the end of the process, can be recovered and reused, making the overall process more cost-effective and sustainable. 

2. When and how did you first learn about the journal Sustainability? What was your motivation to apply for our 2026 Travel Award?
I have read some papers related to my research area published in the journal, and while exploring the journal’s website, I found out about the Travel Award. I became interested because this award is a good opportunity to support young researchers in attending international conferences. And to be honest, I had applied previously, so this year I decided to apply again. My main motivation was the opportunity to share my research with the scientific community, establish new collaborations, and keep learning. 

3. What was the biggest challenge you encountered during your research? How did you overcome it?
I believe the biggest challenge during my research was developing a multidisciplinary PhD thesis. During my PhD, I was introduced to ionic liquids and their use for protein recovery, which was initially very connected to chemical engineering and separation processes. Then, after optimising the process and characterising the recovered protein, I started developing different biomaterials for several applications, with a special focus on biomedical applications.  At that point, my research expanded far beyond my original background and moved more into materials science and biotechnology. I needed to learn new concepts and processes, and started collaborating with different research groups, especially to perform biological tests on the biomaterials. In the beginning, this made me quite anxious because there was so much to learn. However, looking back now, I can say it was one of the best things that happened to me in my academic journey. I accepted the challenge, trusted the process, and developed an interest in each area I worked in. More importantly, I learned how valuable collaboration is and how to work with people from different backgrounds and countries. 

4. Which conference do you plan to attend with this funding, and what aspect of your research are you most looking forward to sharing at the conference?
With this funding, I will attend the RRB 2026 in Belgium next month, where I will present two research projects that are very important to my academic journey. The first project is related to my current work at Imperial College. In this work, I have used ionic liquids to valorise lignocellulosic biomass, obtaining high-purity cellulose pulp and lignin without volatile organic solvents, thereby contributing to the development of a simpler and more sustainable process for scale-up and subsequent processing. The second project is related to my PhD and focuses on the use of ionic liquids for dissolving chicken feathers and developing 3D-printed keratin-based scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. 

5. Which emerging trends or key research topics in your field do you believe will be of most interest to your research community in the coming years?
I believe that one of the most important research topics in my field will be the development and scale-up of sustainable and circular biorefinery processes for biomass and waste valorisation. This is becoming increasingly important due to the environmental challenges associated with fossil resources and the global need to reduce dependence on petroleum-based processes, chemicals and materials. 

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?
My main advice would be to stay curious and to not be afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone. During my academic journey, I moved from Brazil to Portugal, worked as a Visiting PhD student in Italy and the UK, and now I have been working in the UK since February 2025. These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally, teaching me how to adapt, collaborate with different people from different cultures, communicate in different languages, and see research from new perspectives. I also moved into multidisciplinary research areas that were completely new to me, and those challenges became some of the most important experiences in my development as a researcher. So, I believe young researchers should be brave, persistent, and enjoy the journey! 

Conference: 31st International Congress of Applied Psychology (ICAP)
Date: 21–25 July 2026
Location: Florence, Italy

MDPI will be attending the 31st International Congress of Applied Psychology as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

ICAP is the flagship congress of the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP), an association born more than 100 years ago. As our world becomes increasingly connected and complex, the need for international psychology grows. IAAP serves as a professional home for applied psychologists wishing to expand their international knowledge base and network. IAAP’s mission is to promote the science and practice of applied psychology and to facilitate interaction and communication among applied psychologists around the world. ICAP plays a key role in this mission.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Behavioral Sciences;
• Disabilities;
• Adolescents;
• Psychology International;
• J. Intell.;
• Youth;
• Sustainability;
• JMMS;
• Social Sciences;
• IJERPH;
• EJIHPE.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please do not hesitate to contact us. 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 website: https://www.icap2026.org/.

The International Day for Biological Diversity, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, is celebrated on 22 May. The theme of the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Acting Locally for Global Impact”. Biodiversity is critical to life—healthy ecosystems provide food, clean water, climate regulation, and disease control, supporting all forms of existence on Earth. Local actions such as restoring habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable agriculture collectively generate global benefits for nature and people. However, rapid biodiversity loss continues to undermine these vital contributions, with profound impacts on human well-being and planetary stability. Echoing the mission of protecting biodiversity for a resilient future, established MDPI journals in the Biology&Life Sciences subject serve as platforms for scientific communication, fostering collaboration and innovation in biodiversity conservation to tackle the global nature crisis.

Invited speakers:

Register for this webinar for free here!

“Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)”
by Apostolis Stefanidis, Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Konstantina Zografou, Georgios Fotiadis, Luc Willemse, Olga Tzortzakaki and Vassiliki Kati
Ecologies 2025, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6010005

“Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea”
by Elena Bisinicu, Valeria Abaza, Laura Boicenco, Filimon Adrian, George-Emanuel Harcota, Oana Marin, Andra Oros, Elena Pantea, Alina Spinu, Florin Timofte et al.
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114449

“Using Citizen Science to Document Biodiversity on a University Campus: A Year-Long Case Study”
by Peter M. Baker, Brendon Samuels and Timothy J. A. Hain
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 533-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030032

“Illegal Activities for Survival: Understanding the Influence of Household Livelihood Security on Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania”
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 339-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030022

“Algal Biodiversity of Nine Megaliths in South-East Bulgaria”
by Maya Stoyneva-Gärtner, Miroslav Androv, Blagoy Uzunov, Kristian Ivanov and Georg Gärtner
Life 2024, 14(8), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080948

“Shifts in Microbial Community Structure and Co-occurrence Network along a Wide Soil Salinity Gradient”
by Yan Li, Juan Wang, Eryang Li, Xiaodong Yang and Jianjun Yang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071268

“Exploring mtDNA Databases to Evaluate the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean: Implications for the Conservation of a Small, Offshore Populatio”
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Ecologies 2024, 5(2), 170-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5020011

“Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Improve Nutrient Uptake and Microbial Diversity Relative to Dryland Site-Specific Soil Conditions”
by Rosalie B. Calderon and Sadikshya R. Dangi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040667

“Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding”
by Liyang Wang, Hongxuan Wu, Wei He, Guihong Lai, Junxi Li, Siling Liu and Qiang Zhou
Insects 2024, 15(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040228

“Weed Species’ Diversity and Composition as Shaped by the Interaction of Management, Site, and Soil Variables in Olive Groves of Southern Greece”
by Petros Vahamidis, Demosthenis Chachalis, Antigoni Akrivou, Evangelos Karanasios, Maria Ganopoulou, Apostolia Argiri, Athanasia Mandoulaki, Evangelos Hatzigiannakis, Georgios Arampatzis, Andreas Panagopoulos et al.
Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030640

“Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation via Urban Ecosystem Regeneration”
by Gad Perry and Robert D. Cox
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030131

“Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern”
by Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Tanja Pipan and David C. Culver
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030157

“Odonata Assemblages in Urban Semi-Natural Wetlands”
by Marina Vilenica, Andreja Brigić, Ana Štih Koren, Toni Koren, Mirela Sertić Perić, Bruno Schmidt, Tomislava Bužan and Sanja Gottstein
Insects 2024, 15(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030207

“The Influence of Sugar Beet Cultivation Technologies on the Intensity and Species Biodiversity of Weeds”
by Barbora Kotlánová, Pavel Hledík, Stanislav Hudec, Petra Martínez Barroso, Magdalena Daria Vaverková, Martin Jiroušek and Jan Winkler
Agronomy 2024, 14(2), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14020390

Celebrated each year on 16 May and led by UNESCO, the International Day of Light recognizes the profound impact of light and light-based technologies on science, culture, education, and sustainable development.

This occasion also commemorates the first successful operation of a laser, which was carried out in 1960 and was a breakthrough that continues to shape modern innovation, from advanced research to everyday applications.

This webinar brings together experts across disciplines to explore how light is driving progress in fields such as optics, photonics, materials science, and sustainability.

We look forward to welcoming you to this webinar and hope the session will inspire new ideas, foster meaningful discussions, and encourage future collaborations.

Date: 15 May 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. CEST | 7:00 p.m. CST (Asia) | 7:00 a.m. EDT
Webinar ID: 863 0596 4340
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/IDL2026

Register now for free!

Program:

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 for viewing.

Webinar Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Dr. Aung Ko Ko Kyaw, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, China;
• Dr. Lorenzo Giuffrida, The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC, ELI Beamlines Facility, Czech Republic;
• Dr. Yannis Paulus, Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Wilmer Eye Institute, USA.

MDPI will be attending the eSim 2026 Conference, from 17 to 19 June 2026, at the Longueuil Campus of the Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada.

eSim 2026 highlights the pivotal role of Building Performance Simulation (BPS) in addressing the challenges of climate change and its wide-ranging impacts. Beyond its essential applications in the design, operation, and evaluation of high-performance buildings, BPS is a key driver in the decarbonization of the building sector, while ensuring the comfort, health, and well-being of occupants. It also plays a critical role in supporting the development of effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events.

Following the success of eSim 2024, held at the University of Alberta—where experts gathered to share insights on sustainable building performance—it is exciting to see them carry this momentum forward at eSim 2026, the 14th Building Performance Simulation Conference organized under the auspices of IBPSA-Canada.

Over the past 25 years, eSim has brought together researchers, professionals, and innovators to share advances in simulation tools, methods, and applications that drive sustainable and climate-resilient building design.

We welcome you to visit the MDPI booth (#02) at Longueuil Campus of the Université de Sherbrooke, approximately 4 km from downtown Montreal (150, place Charles‑Le Moyne, C. P. 200, Longueuil (Québec) J4K 0A8), where you can have face-to-face exchanges with our representatives, learn more about our open access publishing services, and acquire exciting gifts.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Buildings;
• Sustainability;
• Air;
• Climate;
• Safety;
• Wind;
• Clean Technology;
• Fuels;
• Solar.

If you plan to attend this conference, we invite you to visit our booth and converse with our delegates at the conference. We are excited to meet you in person and address any questions you may have. For further details about the conference, please visit the following website: https://event.fourwaves.com/esim2026/pages.

We are thrilled to invite you to this webinar featuring the authors behind the publications winning the Sustainability Best Paper Award.

The Sustainability Best Paper Award is granted annually to highlight publications of high quality, scientific significance, and extensive influence. Evaluation committee members will choose three research articles and one review of exceptional quality published in the journal the year before last, with the winners announced online by the end of February.

In this session, three of the award-winning authors will present their innovative work, which spans critical topics for our future:

• Biomass and Biofuels: Opportunities in the Energy Transition;
• Future Projections of Global Plastic Pollution: Scenario Analyses and Policy Implications;
• Digital Product Passport: From Regulation to Advanced Capabilities.

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? Please register as the session will be recorded, and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Invited Speakers:

• Debora Mignogna, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy;
• Dr. Mateo Cordier, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines—Université Paris-Saclay, France;
• Dr. Foivos Psarommatis, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway;
  Zerofect GmbH.

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Sustainability-23.

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

Sustainability Webinar Secretariat

We are honored to announce that Prof. Dr. William Gerwick will serve as the Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.

A world-renowned authority in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick is a Distinguished Professor at both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His pioneering work at the intersection of ocean sciences and drug discovery makes him a fitting leader for an award centered on transformative medicinal breakthroughs.

Under Professor Gerwick’s stewardship, the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee will focus on recognizing innovative and impactful research in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, particularly work with the potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.

To provide further insight into his perspectives, we include below an interview with Professor Gerwick, in which he reflects on his scientific journey, his views on the field, and his vision for the Tu Youyou Award.

A Conversation with the Chair

1. Could you please introduce yourself and your research journey?

My research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their application in medicine, their biosynthesis using genomic approaches, and innovative methods in the structure elucidation of natural products.

I received my BS degree from the University of California at Davis, my PhD from the University of California at San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut. After a couple of years in a junior faculty position at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, I spent 21 years as Professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. In 2005, I returned to my PhD institution at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, where I am currently a Distinguished Professor of Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing the field through both leadership and mentorship. I have served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, chaired and co-chaired several major research conferences, and served as an associate editor for the Journal of Natural Products. I am a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. I have trained over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, and my research group has published nearly 500 papers and more than 25 patents on topics in the natural product sciences and medicinal chemistry.

2. What motivated you to accept the role of Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee?

Of course, I am a huge supporter of all awards that are given in recognition of excellent scientific research, and especially so in the natural products sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, this award is truly special in that it recognizes scientific excellence as well as impact, and is given in the name of an individual, Tu Youyou, who clearly had many challenges along the path to reach the pinnacle of her success. Not only was she the first Chinese person to win a Nobel prize in this area, but she was also the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel prize, and this was achieved without graduate education in China or elsewhere. It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision. To read the history of her extraordinary approach to discovering novel antimalarial compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine is truly inspirational. It is, therefore, the inspiration provided by the extraordinary life and career of Tu Youyou that motivated me to accept the Chair of the Award Committee for 2026.

3. How do you view the role of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry in today’s scientific landscape, and what major advances over the past decade have shaped this field?

A quite remarkable integration of fields is currently transforming natural products science and medicinal chemistry. In natural products, we are seeing integration of different omics methods, from metabolites to proteins to nucleic acids. Sophisticated biological and pharmacological approaches are driving the discovery of exquisitely potent and selective natural products. Advances are being made to integrate molecular-level recognition of natural products with chemical ecological studies, and sophisticated methods of structure determination using Artificial Intelligence or pioneering new tools such as microED are being applied with increasing frequency. High-level synthetic methodologies, such as protecting group-free synthetic routes, are enhancing medicinal chemistry, accelerating the identification of lead molecules with attractive pharmaceutical properties at an increasing pace.

4. How do you consider the balance between fundamental discovery (e.g., new molecules or mechanisms) and practical impact (e.g., therapeutic applications)?

Many individuals are excellent scientists and mentors, and have essential roles in developing our culture that values science and the scientific method. It should also be pointed out that not all scientific discoveries are going to have a broad societal impact, but they are nevertheless critical to the overall body and structure of science. But it is a truly remarkable individual who makes a key scientific discovery, recognizes its potential value to society in general, and then has the skills and determination to bring it forward as a useful product. That was the type of person the Tu Youyou is, and that is the type of person who is honored by the prize in her name.

5. What do you see as the key challenges or opportunities currently facing the field?

We are on the crux of an amazing revolution in many of the sciences, including natural products and medicinal chemistry; the purposeful application of Artificial Intelligence to solving many of the difficulties involved in the search for new pharmaceuticals from Nature. AI is transforming how we select organisms for study, what pharmaceutical targets to go after, rapidly resolving the chemical structures of new compounds, identifying efficient routes to their chemical synthesis, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action, and finally, designing their clinical application. The role of people in these pursuits is changing. Increasingly, the human role will be providing overall vision: what can we do? What should we do? And it is important to remember that AI is providing hypotheses, not truth. Scientists with expert domain knowledge will be critical for discerning the correctness of hypotheses put forth by AI. Altogether, advances in technology, expanding knowledge, and the appropriate use of AI methods are preparing society to be able to address emerging diseases, such as pandemics, as well as conditions that are not effectively treated by currently existing therapeutics.

6. How do you expect the Tu Youyou Award to contribute to the advancement of natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and human health over the coming years?

The Tu Youyou Award is potentially transformative for the broad fields of natural products science and medicinal chemistry as it brings a significantly increased level of visibility to these topics and their contributions to human health. It will be crucial to have excellent communication to news agencies, social media and other communication outlets so that the general public is informed and educated on the high impact of these natural product/medicinal chemistry contributions. This will bring increased funding, attract promising students, and generally enrich the interface of these fields with the health sector.

7. What message would you like to convey to the research community and the public during this open nomination phase?

This prize gives broad societal visibility to the role that natural products have had in shaping a majority of our current medicines, as well as understanding the life forms with whom we share the planet. Further, it recognizes a woman scientist working under sub-optimal conditions who could persevere and make discoveries of global impact. The prize and what it represents, therefore, inspires current and future generations to engage in the study of Nature and its relationship to Human Health, to overcome adversity, and to aspire to making one’s life impactful.

About the Tu Youyou Award

Established in 2016, the Tu Youyou Award seeks to honor those who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This award offers a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided among the winners if there is more than one, with each recipient receiving an award medal and a certificate.

The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026. We encourage all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award not only honors individual achievement but also encourages further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.

If you are interested in participating, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website for more information on the nomination requirements.

Each year on 22 April, International Mother Earth Day brings together researchers, environmental leaders, and advocates from around the world to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our planet. In 2026, the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” highlights the urgent need for collective action and civic engagement to influence environmental policy, accelerate climate action, and drive meaningful change at both local and global levels.

MDPI supports this global observance by showcasing research that advances environmental science, sustainability, and Earth system studies. Through its journals, MDPI provides platforms for researchers and professionals to share scientific knowledge, foster collaboration, and promote innovations that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Invited Speakers:

Feel free to register for this webinar here.

“Global Carbon Sequestration and the Roles of Tropical Forests and Crops: Prospects for Using Innovative Carbon Trading Approaches to Address the Climate Emergency”
by Denis J. Murphy and Shana Yong
Earth 2026, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth7010022

“Intensification of SUHI During Extreme Heat Events: An Eight-Year Summer Analysis for Lecce (2018–2025)”
by Antonio Esposito, Riccardo Buccolieri, Jose Luis Santiago and Gianluca Pappaccogli
Climate 2026, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14010002

“The Application of Earth Observation Data to Desert Locust Risk Management: A Literature Review”
by Gachie Eliud Baraka, Guido D’Urso and Oscar Rosario Belfiore
Geomatics 2025, 5(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics5010014

“Energy Efficiency Analysis of Water Treatment Plants: Current Status and Future Trends”
by Iwona Skoczko
Energies 2025, 18(5), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051086

“Tracking Particulate Matter Accumulation on Green Roofs: A Study at Warsaw University Library”
by Katarzyna Gładysz, Mariola Wrochna and Robert Popek
Air 2025, 3(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/air3010004

“A Multi-Scale Analysis of the Extreme Precipitation in Southern Brazil in April/May 2024”
by Michelle Simões Reboita, Enrique Vieira Mattos, Bruno César Capucin, Diego Oliveira de Souza and Glauber Willian de Souza Ferreira
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091123

“Status of Concentrated Solar Power Plants Installed Worldwide: Past and Present Data”
by Sylvain Rodat and Richard Thonig
Clean Technol. 2024, 6(1), 365-378; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol6010018

“Impacts of Climate Change and Agricultural Practices on Nitrogen Processes, Genes, and Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions: A Quantitative Review of Meta-Analyses”
by Dafeng Hui, Avedananda Ray, Lovish Kasrija and Jaekedah Christian
Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020240

MDPI was delighted to partner with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi on 30 March for a highly productive workshop dedicated to advancing academic publishing and scholarly communication. The event brought together experts to explore cutting‑edge trends and developments across a range of scientific fields. Through lively discussions and hands‑on knowledge exchange, participants gained valuable practical skills in scientific writing, responding to reviewer comments, and navigating common reasons for desk rejection during the initial editorial check.

Prof. Dr. Pornkasem Jongpradist, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies of the Faculty of Engineering, delivered the opening remarks. He warmly welcomed MDPI’s involvement and expressed his appreciation for the support provided to the KMUTT’s research community. Prof. Jongpradist emphasized the importance of building strong academic foundations for graduate students, equipping them to conduct high-impact research and successfully complete their studies. His message underscored the value of understanding the publication process early in a researcher’s academic journey.

During the MDPI and journal introduction session, Dr. Thridsawan Prasopdee, Section Managing Editor, offered a comprehensive overview of MDPI, emphasizing the publisher’s guiding principles, international collaborations, and the breadth of its journals and indexing coverage. She also introduced the Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), outlining how it supports institutions and researchers worldwide. In addition, Dr. Thridsawan discussed global publishing trends and highlighted the research profile of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, noting the MDPI journals most commonly chosen by KMUTT authors in engineering and related fields. She concluded with an introduction to Sustainability and explained its relevance to interdisciplinary engineering research at KMUTT.

The second session was shared by Dr. Krit Inthajak, MDPI’s regional journal relations specialist, with the topic “How to Write Scientific Papers” which explained how to prepare literature reviews before deciding to write a manuscript and the contents on the front matter, main text, and back matter. The classroom was composed of first year master’s degree and PhD students who have never submitted a manuscript before, making this topic of significant interest to the students. Various questions were asked, such as how to satisfy the referee's viewpoint on their manuscript, how important it is to show the originality of your work, and how important it is to clarify and cite previous works in a literature review.

The third session, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Scientific Publishing”, was delivered by Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon, Regional Journal Relations Specialist at MDPI’s Bangkok Office. The session opened with an insightful overview of AI technology and its rapidly expanding role in academic research and publishing. Ms. Assavajamroon highlighted both the strengths and limitations of Generative AI, particularly Large Language Models which are now widely used. She emphasized that while these tools can significantly support research and writing processes, they should be used with caution, and researchers must exercise critical judgment when interpreting AI-generated content. In line with the position of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the session also introduced MDPI’s guidelines on the responsible use of AI for both authors and reviewers. Special attention was given to the importance of transparency and proper disclosure when AI tools are involved. The session concluded with an introduction to innovative AI tools developed by MDPI’s in-house AI team, aimed at streamlining editorial workflows and enhancing the overall experience for both authors and editors alike.

The final session was delivered by Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai, Regional Journal Relations Specialist, who provided guidance on how researchers can choose the most appropriate journal for their manuscripts by considering factors such as the journal’s scope, aims, indexing, and target audience. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the research aligns with the journal’s focus. The presentation also highlighted common reasons for rejection at the pre-check stage, including out-of-scope submissions, insufficient novelty, poor manuscript preparation, unclear methodology or results, and ethical concerns. Authors were encouraged to carefully prepare their manuscripts to increase the chances of passing the initial editorial screening and proceeding to peer review.

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of MDPI and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi to fostering interdisciplinary research and promoting global excellence in academic output. Faculty members, researchers, and students actively engaged in conversations on high‑impact publishing and effective research communication. As the workshop at KMUTT came to a successful close, we celebrated a day of insightful dialogue and mutual learning. The event not only strengthened the partnership between MDPI and the university but also laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration and future academic advancement.