Announcements

We are honored to announce the appointment of two academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences as Honorary Editors-in-Chief of the journal Symmetry (ISSN: 2073-8994). We appreciate their recognition of our journal and their pledges of support.

Name: Prof. Dr. Ronggen Cai
Affiliation: Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
Interests: gravitational theory; cosmology

Name: Prof. Dr. Jiping Zhang
Affiliation: Peking University, Beijing, China
Interests: algebra

Further details about the Editorial Board of Symmetry can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/symmetry/editors.

Symmetry Editorial Office

Conference: 32nd Conference on Applied and Industrial Mathematics
Date: 18–21 September 2025
Location: Bucharest, Romania

MDPI will be attending the 32nd Conference on Applied and Industrial Mathematics, which will be held from 18 to 21 September 2025, as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from various backgrounds to visit our booth and share their latest ideas with us.

Applied and industrial mathematics play crucial roles in numerous fields, driving innovation and development. The CAIM series provides a platform for reviewing the recent trends in this area, covering aspects from qualitative and numerical perspectives, as well as theoretical branches of mathematics and computer science. Additionally, a special section is dedicated to mathematical teaching.

Under the theme of exploring and promoting the development of applied and industrial mathematics, the CAIM 25 Conference focuses on a wide range of topics, including partial differential equations, ordinary differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical modeling in engineering and life sciences, real, complex, functional and numerical analysis, probability theory, mathematical statistics, operations research, algebra, logic, geometry, computer science, and education. By bringing together mathematicians, computer scientists, educators, and other professionals from around the world, we aim to facilitate academic exchanges and promote the application and development of mathematics.

The 32nd Conference on Applied and Industrial Mathematics at the Politehnica University of Bucharest - Faculty of Applied Sciences, Splaiul Independenţei nr. 313, Bucharest, Romania. We warmly welcome you to join us in Romania as we work together to explore the frontiers of applied and industrial mathematics.

The following MDPI journals will be presented at the conference:

• Symmetry;
• Applied Math;
• Stats;
• Logistics.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information, please visit: https://caim.romai.ro/Caim25/caim_25.htm.

Date: 23 September 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m
Location: The Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

MDPI is thrilled to announce our participation in the University of Toronto’s largest career fair, taking place at the St. George Downtown Campus. This exciting event brings together thousands of students, graduates, and professionals looking to connect with top employers and explore career opportunities.

We invite all attendees to visit the MDPI booth to discover how you can be part of one of the world’s leading open access academic publishers. Whether you are passionate about scientific research, editorial work, marketing, or supporting global innovation in publishing, we want to meet YOU!

What to expect at our booth:

• Learn more about MDPI’s mission and global impact;
• Explore exciting career opportunities in publishing, editorial, communications, and more;
• Network with our team and ask questions about working at MDPI.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with MDPI. Bring your resume, your curiosity, and your questions—we look forward to seeing you there!

For additional information on the Career Fair and Open MDPI positions, please visit the following links:

• Learn more about the U of T Career Fair;
• Explore Careers with MDPI Canada.

1. “X-ray Diffraction and Computational Druglikeness Evaluation of New Pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,10]Phenanthrolines Bearing a 9-Cyano Group”
by Mihaela Cristea, Marcel Mirel Popa, Sergiu Shova, Maria Gdaniec, Amalia Stefaniu, Constantin Draghici, Mihai Raduca, Nicoleta Doriana Banu and Florea Dumitrascu
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070911
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/911

2. “Non-Selective Reduction of P-Stereogenic Phosphinoylacetic Acid Esters and 3-Phosphorylated Coumarins to Phosphino-Boranes: Discovery of Unexpected 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran Derivative”
by Kamil Dziuba, Natalia Walczak and Katarzyna Szwaczko
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16080976
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/976

3. “Enumeration of n-Dimensional Hypercubes, Icosahedra, Rubik’s Cube Dice, Colorings, Chirality, and Encryptions Based on Their Symmetries”
by Krishnan Balasubramanian
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081020
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1020

4. “A Robust Zn-Hydroxamate Metal–Organic Framework Constructed from an Unsymmetrical Ligand for Iodine Capture”
by Ting Song, Yinning Zhu, Zhehao Li, Zhewei Mei, Zhen-Wu Shao and Chong Liu
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081049
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1049

5. “Block Copolymer-Based Symmetric Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells”
by Maria Giovanna Buonomenna and Joonwon Bae
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081079
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1079

6. “In Silico Comparison of Quantum and Bioactivity Parameters of a Series of Natural Diphenyl Acetone Analogues, and In Vitro Caco-2 Studies on Three Main Chalcone Derivatives”
by Amalia Stefaniu, Georgeta Neagu, Adrian Albulescu, Nicoleta Radu and Lucia Camelia Pirvu
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/10/1383

7. “Viewpoints Concerning Crystal Structure from Recent Reports on Schiff Base Compounds and Their Metal Complexes”
by Takashiro Akitsu, Daisuke Nakane and Barbara Miroslaw
Symmetry 2024, 16(11), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16111525
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/11/1525

8. “Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy at Aqueous Electrochemical Interfaces”
by Ba Lich Pham, Alireza Ranjbari, Abderrahmane Tadjeddine, Laetitia Dalstein and Christophe Humbert
Symmetry 2024, 16(12), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16121699
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/12/1699

9. “Fungal Biocatalysis in Stereoselective Oxidation of 2-Phenylethanol”
by Agnieszka Raczyńska, Beata Szmigiel-Merena, Małgorzata Brzezińska-Rodak, Magdalena Klimek-Ochab and Ewa Żymańczyk-Duda
Symmetry 2025, 17(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17010017
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/17/1/17

10. “The Combined Additive Effect of Inter-Limb Muscle Mass Asymmetries and Body Composition Indices on Lower Limb Injuries in Physically Active Young Adults”
by Jarosław Domaradzki
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070876
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/876

11. “Comprehensive Analysis of Pelvic Asymmetries in Low Back Pain, Scoliosis, Post-Traumatic Pelvic Dysfunctions and Obstetric Changes: A Narrative Review Focused on Clinical Relevance”
by Inés Cruz-Medel, Daiana Priscila Rodrigues-de-Souza and Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101304
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/10/1304

12. “Bilateral Correlational Behavior of Pyroglutamate Aminopeptidase I Activity in Rat Photoneuroendocrine Locations During a Standard 12:12 h Light–Dark Cycle” 
by Manuel Ramírez-Sánchez, Isabel Prieto, Ana Belén Segarra, Inmaculada Banegas, Magdalena Martínez-Cañamero, Germán Domínguez-Vías, Raquel Durán and Francisco Vives
Symmetry 2024, 16(11), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16111539
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/11/1539

13. “Assessing Vulnerabilities in Line Length Parameterization and the Per-Unit-Length Paradigm for Phase Modulation and Figure-of-Merit Evaluation in 60 GHz Liquid Crystal Phase Shifters”
by Jinfeng Li and Haorong Li
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101261
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/10/1261

14. “Ar+ Ion Irradiation Response of LPBF AlSi10Mg Alloy in As-Built and KOBO-Processed Conditions”
by Przemysław Snopiński, Marek Barlak and Katarzyna Nowakowska-Langier
Symmetry 2024, 16(9), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16091158
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/9/1158

15. “Hierarchical Hypervapotron Structure Integrated with Microchannels for Advancement of Thermohydraulic Performance”
by Xin Meng, Kai Cheng, Qi Zhao and Xuemei Chen
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081089
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1089

16. “Multilevel Diffractive Lenses: Recent Advances and Applications”
by Chenyu Shi, Weipeng Zhao, Sai Chen and Wenli Li
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101377
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/10/1377

17. “Comparison of Affine and Rational Quadratic Spline Coupling and Autoregressive Flows through Robust Statistical Tests”
by Andrea Coccaro, Marco Letizia, Humberto Reyes-González and Riccardo Torre
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16080942
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/942

18. “OPT-FRAC-CHN: Optimal Fractional Continuous Hopfield Network”
by Karim El Moutaouakil, Zakaria Bouhanch, Abdellah Ahourag, Ahmed Aberqi and Touria Karite
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070921
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/921

19. “Intelligent Fuzzy Traffic Signal Control System for Complex Intersections Using Fuzzy Rule Base Reduction”
by Tamrat D. Chala and László T. Kóczy
Symmetry 2024, 16(9), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16091177
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/9/1177

1. “A Review of Stable, Traversable Wormholes in f(R) Gravity Theories”
by Ramesh Radhakrishnan, Patrick Brown, Jacob Matulevich, Eric Davis, Delaram Mirfendereski and Gerald Cleaver
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081007
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1007

2. “Current Status of the Standard Model Prediction for the B_s → μ⁺μ⁻ Branching Ratio”
by Mateusz Czaja and Mikołaj Misiak
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070917
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/917

3. “Overview of B→K^(∗)ℓℓ Theoretical Calculations and Uncertainties”
by Farvah Mahmoudi and Yann Monceaux
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081006
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1006

4. “The Bubble Dynamics near Double Cylinders within a Narrow Gap”
by Junwei Shen, Jiaze Ying, Wenda Liu, Shurui Zhang, Yuning Zhang and Yuning Zhang
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070841
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/841

5. “Evaluating Time Irreversibility Tests Using Geometric Brownian Motions with Stochastic Resetting”
by Massimiliano Zanin, Pece Trajanovski, Petar Jolakoski, Trifce Sandev and Ljupco Kocarev
Symmetry 2024, 16(11), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16111445
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/11/1445

6. “Extension of Buchdahl’s Theorem on Reciprocal Solutions”
by David S. Pereira, José Pedro Mimoso and Francisco S. N. Lobo
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070881
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/881

7. “Evaporation of Primordial Charged Black Holes: Timescale and Evolution of Thermodynamic Parameters”
by José Antonio de Freitas Pacheco
Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070895
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/7/895

8. “Nuclear Symmetry Energy in Strongly Interacting Matter: Past, Present and Future”
by Jirina R. Stone
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081038
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1038

9. “Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in Asymmetric Waveguides and Their Applications in Solar Physics—A Review”
by Robertus Erdélyi and Noémi Kinga Zsámberger
Symmetry 2024, 16(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16091228
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/9/1228

10. “Asymmetry in Galaxy Spin Directions: A Fully Reproducible Experiment Using HSC Data”
by Lior Shamir
Symmetry 2024, 16(10), 1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16101389
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/10/1389

11. “Strong Decays of the ϕ(2170) as a Fully Strange Tetraquark State”
by Yi-Wei Jiang, Wei-Han Tan, Hua-Xing Chen and Er-Liang Cui
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081021
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1021

12. “Constraint of d = 8 Lorentz Invariance Violation with New Experimental Design”
by Tao Jin, Jia-Rui Li, Yu-Jie Tan, Pan-Pan Wang, Cheng-Gang Qin and Cheng-Gang Shao
Symmetry 2024, 16(11), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16111432
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/11/1432

13. “Regularization and Propagation in a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman-Type Equation in Infinite-Dimensional Hilbert Space”
by Carlo Bianca and Christian Dogbe
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081017
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1017

14. “Degree of L_p Approximation Using Activated Singular Integrals”
by George A. Anastassiou
Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16081022
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/8/1022

15. “Three-Dimensional Lorentz-Invariant Velocities”
by James M. Hill
Symmetry 2024, 16(9), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16091133
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/9/1133

16. “Generalized Choi–Davis–Jensen’s Operator Inequalities and Their Applications”
by Shih Yu Chang and Yimin Wei
Symmetry 2024, 16(9), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16091176
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/9/1176

17. “Uniform in Number of Neighbor Consistency and Weak Convergence of k-Nearest Neighbor Single Index Conditional Processes and k-Nearest Neighbor Single Index Conditional U-Processes Involving Functional Mixing Data”
by Salim Bouzebda
Symmetry 2024, 16(12), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16121576
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/16/12/1576

We are thrilled to share the updated Exceptional Reviewers List 2025. This program was designed to recognize and honor scholars who have delivered consistently exceptional review reports to our journal. Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, Symmetry recognizes the significant role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to surveys conducted in 2023, 91% of our authors rate the peer-review process as good or excellent, thanks to our pool of excellent reviewers.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in Symmetry’s peer-review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

The Exceptional Reviewers List was introduced in February 2025. Every month, we will select a group of outstanding reviewers and introduce them here.

February

See what our reviewers say about the review process of Symmetry:

“I am a reviewer and periodically evaluate papers for journals from different portfolios (Springer-Nature, Elsevier, Taylor-Francis, Bentham, MDPI, De Gruyter, FrontiersIn, AIMS). I dedicate a considerable amount of time to this activity, but I do it with pleasure and it always reminds me of the early years of my scientific and authorial career. I must say that the requirements of a review differ from one portfolio to another, but one thing is common; namely the seriousness with which each editor treats each submitted paper, each review request, each review received, until the final decision to accept or reject the paper submitted for publication. Sometimes, unfortunately, there are also papers that are lost along the way—withdrawn by authors from the evaluation process for various reasons. I have appreciated and still appreciate the collaboration with the staff of Symmetry—the papers submitted for review always arouse my interest in the researched subject, a sign that the assistant editors do a very good job there when assigning papers for review by combining the field of the paper with the field of interest of the reviewers. A very important aspect, which I care about very much, and which the people at Symmetry have always respected, is to take into account the opinion of the reviewers. A paper thus enters, if necessary, several rounds of review, until each reviewer who provides feedback expresses his/her agreement for publication. It is therefore a great pleasure and an honor for me to see that, in return, my work as a reviewer is appreciated at Symmetry and I would like to publicly express my gratitude in this way.”—Prof. Dr. Lorentz Jäntschi

“The experience of reviewing articles for MDPI is truly top-notch; from accepting the review, negotiating the deadline for submitting the review, to receiving a response from the author. The software support throughout the entire process is truly excellent.”—Prof. Dr. Aleksander Radovan

“Providing rigorous and constructive feedback is essential to advancing high-quality research. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to Symmetry through the peer-review process.”—Prof. Dr. Daniel Sanín Villa

“The review process is well organized, standardized, and in line with modern practice. It is based on very efficient software, so all communications are fast, timely, and complete. For some (additional) ambiguities, the staff is well-prepared and professional.”—Prof. Dr. Vladimir Katić

“My experience as a reviewer for the prestigious journal Symmetry has been exceptional due to the quality of the papers received in my areas of interest, as well as the support provided by the editorial staff.”—Dr. Irving A. Cruz-Albarran

“Thoroughly enjoyed contributing to a finely designed peer-review process, ensuring high-quality research in this interdisciplinary field. A rewarding experience!”—Prof. Dr. Claudio Delrieux

Read more testimonials from our editors, authors and reviewers at https://www.mdpi.com/testimonials?type=all&journal_id=44&page_count=20.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Tiberiu Harko’s paper “Jacobi and Lyapunov Stability Analysis of Circular Geodesics around a Spherically Symmetric Dilaton Black Hole” has won the Symmetry 2023 Best Paper Award, as it is one of the exceptional articles published in Symmetry (ISSN: 2073-8994). As winners of this award, Prof. Harko and coauthors Prof. Cristina and Paul Blaga will receive CHF 400, a certificate, and a free voucher for article processing fees valid for one year.

The following is a short interview with the winner, Prof. Dr. Tiberiu Harko:

1. Congratulations on winning the Symmetry 2023 Best Paper Award! Could you please briefly introduce yourself?
I begin by expressing my gratitude to the editorial office for inviting me to participate in this interview. I earned my bachelor’s degree in physics from Babeș-Bolyai University. Later, I pursued my doctoral studies at the University of Hong Kong, where I was awarded my PhD in 2001. I spent around 15 years in the Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong before moving to Guangzhou, China, where I joined the Yat Sen School of the Sun Yat-sen University in 2013 as a Full Professor. I have also held academic positions at the University College London (UCL). Due to the travel restrictions during COVID-19 in 2019 and 2020, I was unable to return to China and have since remained in my hometown in Romania.

2. Could you give a brief overview of the main content of your award-winning paper?
In this collaborative paper with two colleagues from the Department of Mathematics, we analyzed the stability of circular geodesics around a charged dilaton black hole (GMGHS solution) using both Lyapunov and Jacobi stability methods. The Jacobi approach, based on Kosambi–Cartan–Chern (KCC) theory, provided a geometric framework to examine particle trajectories via nonlinear connections and curvature deviation tensors. Our key finding was the equivalence between Lyapunov and Jacobi stability criteria for circular orbits, with stability determined by the sign of the second derivative of the effective potential. This work demonstrates the applicability of advanced geometric stability methods in black hole physics, particularly for systems derived from string theory.

3. Can you introduce your current research focus and the main research areas of your team?
My current research focuses on the modification of gravitational theories. Together with my colleagues and students, we are actively exploring alternative theoretical frameworks to explain recent cosmological observations. Specifically, we investigate the possibility that this observational data may provide evidence for deviations from the classical description of gravity as formulated in Einstein’s General Relativity. Our work seeks to develop models that could potentially offer viable alternatives to the standard ΛCDM (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) cosmological paradigm.

4. Could you describe some challenges and breakthroughs in your research field?
In my field, we face the same challenges as the broader scientific community—particularly in explaining many recent observations that are both important and intriguing. These findings suggest we may need to fundamentally rethink our current cosmological models and even the foundational principles of gravitational theory. As for potential breakthroughs, I have to admit it's difficult to predict clear outcomes. Research in cosmology and gravity moves incredibly fast, with new theories constantly emerging to address observational puzzles. Because of this, we can't yet say which approach will ultimately hold up—or when a major discovery might happen.

5. What factors attracted you to submit your paper to Symmetry? How was your submission experience?
I had been aware of Symmetry for some time before deciding to submit my paper. I appreciated the journal’s strong publishing history, its broad coverage of multiple fields, and its focus on symmetry—a fundamental concept across physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other areas. These factors made the journal particularly appealing to me. Later, I received an invitation to submit my work. I found the submission system straightforward to use, the editors very helpful, and the review reports constructive. The reviewers pointed out two specific issues, which my co-authors and I successfully addressed in our revisions.

6. In your opinion, which research topics will attract widespread attention in the academic community in the coming years?
I can speak primarily from my area of expertise. In my view, cosmology is likely to remain a dominant field for many years, given that it currently receives a substantial influx of observational data. As one of the few branches of physics with such extensive observational input, I expect cosmology to continue being highly active and influential well into the future. While I acknowledge the potential for breakthroughs and discoveries in other areas of physics, I believe that cosmology will continue to be a prominent and dynamic field for several decades.

7. What advice would you give to young researchers who aspire to produce high-impact research results?
My advice to young researchers who aspire to produce high-impact research results is to pursue topics they are truly passionate about. I believe this is essential for achieving meaningful outcomes. Identifying your genuine interests within the scientific field, combined with dedicated effort, is the key to producing significant and impactful work.

8. As the recipient of this award, could you share your feelings and whom you would like to thank?
I was truly surprised and deeply grateful to learn that I had received this award, which I consider a tremendous honor. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to my co-authors, Cristina and Paul Blaga—they deserve immense credit for this work and played an essential role in the success of our paper.

9. Symmetry is an open access journal. How do you think open access impacts readers and authors?
I consider open access publishing to be somewhat controversial at present. Many excellent researchers may lack the financial resources to support open access publication fees. However, based on my experience with Symmetry and other MDPI journals, I’ve noted that there are opportunities to publish certain papers free of charge (Editor's note: For every manuscript reviewed in MDPI journals, the reviewer may receive a discount voucher code entitling them to a reduction in the article processing charge (APC) of a future submission to any MDPI journal). I view this policy positively, as it helps support scholars and specific research projects. Additionally, I’d highlight a key advantage of open access: making scientific papers freely accessible to the entire research community. Overall, I believe that open access is a valuable approach that promotes broader dissemination and democratization of scientific knowledge.

More information about journal awards can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/symmetry/awards.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Teik-Cheng Lim’s paper “Metamaterial with Tunable Positive and Negative Hygrothermal Expansion Inspired by a Four-Fold Symmetrical Islamic Motif” has been chosen as one of the exceptional articles published in Symmetry (ISSN: 2073-8994) during 2023 and won the Symmetry 2023 Best Paper Award. As a winner, Prof. Dr. Lim will receive CHF 400, a certificate, and a free voucher for article processing fees valid for one year.

The following is a short interview with the winner, Prof. Dr. Teik-Cheng Lim:

1. Congratulations on winning the Symmetry 2023 Best Paper Award! Could you please briefly introduce yourself?

I studied mechanical engineering at the National University of Singapore for both my undergraduate and PhD. For my PhD, I worked on the sheet forming of knitted fabric composites, a multidisciplinary topic bridging mechanics, manufacturing, and materials. For my postdoctoral work, I conducted some research on the electrospinning of nanofibers. I also explored other fields, including mathematical chemistry and molecular physics. Eventually, I focused my research on auxetic materials—materials that exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio. As a relatively new and emerging field, developing about 20 years ago, studying auxetic materials allowed me to stay closer to the cutting edge of scientific research. I also worked on closely related topics, such as materials with negative thermal expansion, negative compressibility, and negative moisture expansion. These materials behave oppositely to conventional ones and often require engineered microstructures to achieve such properties. My publications primarily centered on mechanical metamaterials, where I investigated these unconventional behaviors through the design of artificial microstructures.

2. Could you give a brief overview of the main content of your award-winning paper?

In my paper, I present a type of metamaterial composed of repeating microstructures that function like a simple machine. My design features overlapping Y-shaped rigid units connected by bimaterial spiral strips. When exposed to such environmental changes, these strips encounter a change in their curvature due to their contrasting expansion coefficients, causing the pairs of Y-shaped units to rotate opposite to each other. This collective rotation changes the size of the unit cell, allowing the material to exhibit either a highly positive or highly negative effective expansion coefficient. The direction and magnitude of this response can be tuned by reversing the orientation of the bimaterial layers. At certain configurations, the metamaterial exhibits Islamic geometrical patterns.

3. Please introduce your current research focus and the main research areas of your team?

Over the past three years, my research has focused on designing materials with negative Poisson’s ratios using assemblies of rotating rigid units. In my latest work, these rotating units are designed to split into smaller sub-units. When the metamaterials are compressed, the units rotate in one way, but when they are stretched, they separate into smaller sub-units and rotate differently. This causes the metamaterials to respond in different deformation mechanisms depending on whether they are being compressed or pulled, leading to the discontinuity of Poisson’s ratio values at the original state.

4. Could you describe some challenges and breakthroughs in your research field?

A major challenge with these metamaterials is that the knowledge in this area is insufficient for them to be commercialized. I believe significant breakthroughs will occur in the coming years, which will enthuse the industry to adopt mechanical metamaterials on a wider scale.

5. What factors attracted you to submitting your paper to Symmetry? How was your submission experience?

I typically submit my work to journals specializing in solid-state or condensed matter physics, solid mechanics, and materials science. However, when my research involves microstructures with interesting symmetrical patterns, I choose to submit my paper to Symmetry. As for my submission experience, I’m highly satisfied. The process was straightforward, and any questions I had were promptly and efficiently addressed by the editorial office.

6. In your opinion, which research topics will attract widespread attention in the academic community in the coming years?

In my opinion, the application of Artificial Intelligence in natural and technological sciences will garner attention in the scientific community in the years to come.

7. What advice would you give to young researchers who aspire to produce high-impact research results?

I would advise young researchers to be bold and explore research areas of their interest and natural ability rather than following the latest trend.

8. As the recipient of this award, could you share your feelings and whom you would like to thank?

I didn’t expect to receive this award, especially since the paper was published some time ago, and I’ve since moved on to other research areas. When I saw the notification email, I was surprised and felt elated. I immediately shared the news with my wife to celebrate, and I feel deeply honored and humbled to be selected. This recognition is a great joy and pleasure, and I’ve struggled to find the right words to express my feelings. I’d like to thank my family for their constant support—especially my parents and my wife. I’m also deeply grateful to all my teachers and to my colleagues, with whom I frequently discuss my work. Lastly, I want to express my sincere thanks to the award committee and the journal Symmetry for this incredible honor.

9. Symmetry is an open access journal. How do you think open access impacts readers and authors?

I believe open access is highly beneficial for readers, as it removes subscription paywalls and allows free access to research. One significant advantage of open access is the potential for a paper to receive a higher number of citations.

More information about journal awards can be found at: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/symmetry/awards.

Symmetry (ISSN: 2073-8994) is pleased to announce the winners of the Symmetry Best Paper Award, selecting one review and three research articles among the peer-reviewed papers published in Volume 15 of the journal. The decision was made by the committee based on an evaluation of the originality and significance of the papers and their number of citations and downloads.

The prizes were as follows:

• CHF 400;
• An electronic certificate;
• A voucher to waive the Article Processing Charge (APC) for one submission to the journal (subject to peer review)—valid for one year.

We would like to congratulate the following winners:
“Tetraquarks and Pentaquarks from Quark Model Perspective”
by Hongxia Huang, Chengrong Deng, Xuejie Liu, Yue Tan and Jialun Ping
Symmetry 2023, 15(7), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15071298

“A Deep Learning Approach to Extracting Nuclear Matter Properties from Neutron Star Observations”
by Plamen G. Krastev
Symmetry 2023, 15(5), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15051123

“Jacobi and Lyapunov Stability Analysis of Circular Geodesics around a Spherically Symmetric Dilaton Black Hole”
by Cristina Blaga, Paul Blaga and Tiberiu Harko
Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020329

“Metamaterial with Tunable Positive and Negative Hygrothermal Expansion Inspired by a Four-Fold Symmetrical Islamic Motif”
by Teik-Cheng Lim
Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020462

The announcement can be found at the following website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/symmetry/awards/2707.

Please join us in congratulating the winners of the Symmetry Best Paper Award. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the authors for their continued support.

Symmetry Editorial Office