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Announcements
30 September 2025
Nobel Prize — The Science Behind the Prize

Nobel Prizes are the world’s most prestigious recognition of scientific breakthroughs, honoring discoveries that push the boundaries of knowledge and reshape entire fields. They bring into the public eye researchers whose work might otherwise remain known only within specialized circles.
For many, winning a Nobel Prize is a surreal experience. Laureates often describe a mix of joy, humility, reflection, and gratitude for the teams and collaborators whose contributions made the achievement possible. Behind every Nobel-winning idea lies years of careful, incremental work—a process that often goes unseen.
When Prof. Steven Weinberg won the Nobel Prize in Physics in October 1979, his wife Louise, a legal scholar, reminded him to keep doing the ordinary hard work of science, joking: “Now you have to write some unimportant papers.” True to form, Weinberg continued to push the boundaries of our understanding of the Universe, showing that curiosity and dedication extend far beyond the moment of recognition (Hofmann 2025: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/17/6/840).
Discover the science behind the world’s most transformative ideas
Over the years, dozens of Nobel laureates have published their work with MDPI, entrusting our open access journals to disseminate their findings to a global audience. As of 2024, more than 40 laureates have contributed over 115 articles across 35 journals, ranging from pioneering research on microRNAs and mRNA therapeutics, to fundamental insights in theoretical physics, and advances in structural biology.
We regularly spotlight how Nobel Prize–winning research intersects with the contributions of our authors. This not only celebrates the achievements of the laureates, but also underscores the role of open access in ensuring that transformative science reaches the widest possible audience.
On this page, we invite you to explore selected works by Nobel laureates within the MDPI portfolio, and to join us in celebrating the global impact of their ideas.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025 will be announced on October 6 at 11:30 am CEST (at the earliest), awarded by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. MDPI sincerely invites you to explore research in a related field.
The Science Behind the Prize: 2025 Nobel Physiology or Medicine Roundtable
6 October 2025, 03:30 pm (CEST)
Free to register for this webinar here!
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 will be announced on October 7 at 11:45 am CEST (at the earliest), awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. MDPI sincerely invites you to explore research in a related field.
The Science Behind the Prize: 2025 Nobel Physics Roundtable
7 October 2025, 02:30 pm (CEST)
Free to register for this webinar here!
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 will be announced on October 8 at 11:45 am CEST (at the earliest), awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. MDPI sincerely invites you to explore research in a related field.
22 September 2025
Toxics | Issue Cover Papers in the First Half of 2025

We invite you to delve into the issue cover papers in the first half of 2025 in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304). These papers have been carefully selected for their exceptional quality and relevance, and represent the cutting edge of research in toxics. You are welcome to click to read the six highlighted papers.
1. “Clearing the Air on Pollutant Disruptions of the Gut–Brain Axis: Developmental Exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene Disturbs Zebrafish Behavior and the Gut Microbiome in Adults and Subsequent Generations”
by Alexandra Alexiev, Ebony Stretch, Kristin D. Kasschau, Lindsay B. Wilson, Lisa Truong, Robyn L. Tanguay and Thomas J. Sharpton
Toxics 2025, 13(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010010
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/1/10
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2. “Reconstructing Historical Land Use and Anthropogenic Inputs in Lake Victoria Basin: Insights from PAH and n-Alkane Trends”
by Camille Joy Enalbes, Dennis M. Njagi, Chen Luo, Daniel Olago and Joyanto Routh
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020130
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/2/130
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3. “Does Personality Modulate the Sensitivity to Contaminants? A Case Study with Cadmium and Caffeine”
by Niedja Santos, Sara Reis, Inês Domingues and Miguel Oliveira
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030147
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/147
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4. “Review of Health Effects of Automotive Brake and Tyre Wear Particles”
by Athanasia Christou, Barouch Giechaskiel, Ulf Olofsson and Theodoros Grigoratos
Toxics 2025, 13(4), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040301
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/4/301
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5. “Pulmonary Toxicity of Long, Thick MWCNT and Very Long, Thin Carboxylated MWCNT Aerosols Following 28 Days Whole-Body Exposure”
by Chang Guo, Matthew D. Wright, Alison Buckley, Adam Laycock, Trine Berthing, Ulla Vogel, Frédéric Cosnier, Laurent Gaté, Martin O. Leonard and Rachel Smith
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050401
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/5/401
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6. “PCBs in Chinstrap Penguins from Deception Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica)”
by Miguel Motas, Silvia Jerez-Rodríguez, José Manuel Veiga-del-Baño, Juan José Ramos, José Oliva, Miguel Ángel Cámara, Pedro Andreo-Martínez and Simonetta Corsolini
Toxics 2025, 13(6), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060430
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/6/430
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19 September 2025
Toxics | Selected Papers in the “Air Pollution and Health” Section

As all of the articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are of open access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read our selected papers in the Section “Air Pollution and Health”, which are listed below.
1. “Predicting of Daily PM2.5 Concentration Employing Wavelet Artificial Neural Networks Based on Meteorological Elements in Shanghai, China”
by Qingchun Guo, Zhenfang He and Zhaosheng Wang
Toxics 2023, 11(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11010051
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/1/51
2. “Causal Associations of PM2.5 and GDM: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study”
by Yi Yang, Xianli Ma, Weiyi Pang and Caina Jiang
Toxics 2023, 11(2), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11020171
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/2/171
3. “Microplastics in the Lung Tissues Associated with Blood Test Index”
by Shuguang Wang, Wenfeng Lu, Qingdong Cao, Changli Tu, Chenghui Zhong, Lan Qiu, Saifeng Li, Han Zhang, Meiqi Lan, Liqiu Qiu et al.
Toxics 2023, 11(9), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11090759
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/9/759
4. “Future Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to PM2.5 in Different Age Groups of Children in Northern Thailand”
by Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen and Nichapa Parasin
Toxics 2023, 11(3), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11030291
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/3/291
5. “Perspective on Particulate Matter: From Biomass Burning to the Health Crisis in Mainland Southeast Asia”
by Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen and Nichapa Parasin
Toxics 2023, 11(7), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070553
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/7/553
6. “Aerosol Emissions from Heated Tobacco Products: A Review Focusing on Carbonyls, Analytical Methods, and Experimental Quality”
by Roberto A. Sussman, Federica Sipala, Rosalia Emma and Simone Ronsisvalle
Toxics 2023, 11(12), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11120947
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/12/947
7. “Occurrence, Sources, and Health Risks of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Road Environments from Harbin, a Megacity of China”
by Jin-Nong Li, Ye Zhang, Jian-Xin Wang, Hang Xiao, Anatoly Nikolaev, Yi-Fan Li, Zi-Feng Zhang and Zhong-Hua Tang
Toxics 2023, 11(8), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11080695
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/8/695
8. “Spatial Distribution, Sources, Air–Soil Exchange, and Health Risks of Parent PAHs and Derivative-Alkylated PAHs in Different Functional Areas of an Oilfield Area in the Yellow River Delta, North China”
by Xiongfei Zhang, Anan Qi, Pengcheng Wang, Qi Huang, Tong Zhao, Caiqing Yan, Lingxiao Yang and Wenxing Wang
Toxics 2023, 11(6), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11060540
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/6/540
9. “Significance of Volatile Organic Compounds to Secondary Pollution Formation and Health Risks Observed during a Summer Campaign in an Industrial Urban Area”
by Li Cao, Qihui Men, Zihao Zhang, Hao Yue, Shijie Cui, Xiangpeng Huang, Yunjiang Zhang, Junfeng Wang, Mindong Chen and Haiwei Li
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010034
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/34
10. “Effects of Ambient O3 on Respiratory Mortality, Especially the Combined Effects of PM2.5 and O3”
by Ye Deng, Junlong Wang, Li Sun, Yue Wang, Jiaoyang Chen, Zhixin Zhao, Tianyun Wang, Yuting Xiang, Yuting Wang, Jiamei Chen et al.
Toxics 2023, 11(11), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11110892
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/11/892
11. “Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Dust in Vilnius Schools: Source Identification, Pollution Levels, and Potential Health Risks for Children”
by Murat Huseyin Unsal, Gytautas Ignatavičius, Arunas Valiulis, Nina Prokopciuk, Roberta Valskienė and Vaidotas Valskys
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030224
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/224
12. “The Cytotoxic Effects of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from Different Sources at the Air–Liquid Interface Exposure on A549 Cells”
by Zhansheng Yan, Pengxiang Ge, Zhenyu Lu, Xiaoming Liu, Maoyu Cao, Wankang Chen and Mindong Chen
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010021
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/21
13. “The Measurement of Atmospheric Black Carbon: A Review”
by Zhiqing Zhang, Yuan Cheng, Linlin Liang and Jiumeng Liu
Toxics 2023, 11(12), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11120975
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/12/975
14. “Real-Time Exposure to 3D-Printing Emissions Elicits Metabolic and Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells”
by Xiaojia He, Lillie Marie Barnett, Jennifer Jeon, Qian Zhang, Saeed Alqahtani, Marilyn Black, Jonathan Shannahan and Christa Wright
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010067
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/67
15. “Ambient Air Pollution and Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis”
by Cuiyao Xie, Xi Xia, Kai Wang, Jie Yan, Lijun Bai, Liqiong Guo, Xiaoxue Li and Shaowei Wu
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020139
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/2/139
17 September 2025
Meet Us at the IUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology, 15–18 October 2025, Beijing, China

Conference: IUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology
Date: 15–18 October 2025
Location: Beijing, China
MDPI will be attending the IUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology, which will be held between 15 and 18 October 2025, as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from various backgrounds to visit our booth and share their latest ideas with us.
The theme of IUTOX ICTXVIl is “Toxicology for Safe Environment and Healthy Life”, dedicated to crafting an outstanding scientific program that highlights excellence and diversity in toxicology. Through the Deichmann lecture, plenary lectures, symposium sessions, continuing education courses, and workshops, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in toxicological science, emerging technologies, and regulatory matters. In addition to the scientific program, we will plan a series of social activities to ensure that your experience is truly memorable.
Beijing, our host city for IUTOX ICTXVII, is renowned as one of the world's most ancient capitals, with a rich history spanning three millennia. This city boasts magnificent imperial architecture and cultural heritage sites. You will discover a wide array of museums, theaters, parks, bustling shopping districts, and a diverse range of dining options. Furthermore, several world-famous heritage sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Ming Tomb, and the Summer Palace, are located just a short drive away from the city. We encourage you to explore the city during your stay in China.
The IUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology will be held at the Beijing Guoce International Conference and Exhibition Center in China. We are thrilled to extend our invitation to you to the lUTOX 17th International Congress of Toxicology.
The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:
Toxics;
Journal of Xenobiotics (JoX);
Toxins;
Epigenomes;
Marine Drugs.
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://www.ict2025.com/en/web/index/14854.
9 September 2025
Toxics | Selected Papers Published in the “Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology” Section

As all of the articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are of open access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read our selected papers in the Section “Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology”, which are listed below.
1. “Pesticides vs. Biopesticides: From Pest Management to Toxicity and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health”
by Gabriel Mihăiță Daraban, Raluca-Maria Hlihor and Daniela Suteu
Toxics 2023, 11(12), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11120983
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/12/983
2. “Screening of Toxic Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides with a Focus on Acetamiprid: A Review”
by Lucia Zuščíková, Denis Bažány, Hana Greifová, Nikola Knížatová, Anton Kováčik, Norbert Lukáč and Tomáš Jambor
Toxics 2023, 11(7), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070598
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/7/598
3. “Pesticide-Induced Inflammation at a Glance”
by Fotis Assimakopoulos, Costas Vassilakis, Dionisis Margaris, Konstantinos Kotis and Dimitris Spiliotopoulos
Toxics 2023, 11(11), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11110896
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/11/896
4. “Triazine Herbicide and NPK Fertilizer Exposure: Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Rare Earth Elements, Effects on Cuticle Melanization, and Immunocompetence in the Model Species Tenebrio molitor”
by Attilio Naccarato, Maria Luigia Vommaro, Domenico Amico, Francesca Sprovieri, Nicola Pirrone, Antonio Tagarelli, and Anita Giglio
Toxics 2023, 11(6), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11060499
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/6/499
5. “Sublethal Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticides on the Development, Body Weight and Economic Characteristics of Silkworm”
by Qiqi Chen, Shoumin Sun, Xiu Yang, Haohao Yan, Kaiyun Wang, Xiucheng Ba and Hongyan Wang
Toxics 2023, 11(5), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11050402
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/5/402
6. “Aflatoxin-B1-Exposure-Induced Hepatic Injury Could Be Alleviated by Polydatin through Reducing Oxidative Stress, Inhibiting Inflammation and Improving Mitophagy”
by Kang Cheng, Jingyi Niu, Xiaotong Zheng, Yining Qiao, Jinyan Zhang, Rui Guo, Guorun Dong, Zhihua Song, Jin Huang, Jinrong Wang et al.
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040309
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/4/309
7. “Food Safety and Health Concerns of Synthetic Food Colors: An Update”
by Petra Amchova, Filip Siska and Jana Ruda-Kucerova
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070466
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/466
8. “Antibiotic Residues in UK Foods: Exploring the Exposure Pathways and Associated Health Risks”
by Jegak Seo, Frank Kloprogge, Andrew M. Smith, Kersti Karu and Lena Ciric
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030174
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/174
9. “Association between Prenatal Dietary Toxicants and Infant Neurodevelopment: The Role of Fish”
by Xiruo Kou, Nerea Becerra-Tomás, Josefa Canals, Monica Bulló and Victoria Arija
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050338
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/5/338
10. “Biomonitoring-Based Risk Assessment of Pyrethroid Exposure in the U.S. Population: Application of High-Throughput and Physiologically Based Kinetic Models”
by Nan-Hung Hsieh and Eric S. C. Kwok
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030216
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/216
3 September 2025
Join Us at the MDPI at the University of Toronto Career Fair, 23 September 2025, Toronto, ON, Canada

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:
2 September 2025
Interview with Dr. Qingyang Liu—Winner of Toxics Outstanding Reviewer Award
Dr. Qingyang Liu is a dedicated researcher from China, specializing in environmental chemistry and air quality. He earned his PhD in environmental science from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 2014, following master’s and bachelor’s degrees in environmental sciences and chemistry from Shandong University, respectively. Dr. Liu furthered his academic training as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2016 to 2017. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at Nanjing Forestry University, where he continues to lead innovative research on air pollution sources, health impacts, and sustainable policy solutions. His work integrates multidisciplinary approaches, including field sampling, receptor modeling, and machine learning, to address pressing issues such as aerosol health effects, climate interactions, and ecosystem responses to air pollution. Dr. Liu has made noteworthy contributions to understanding the oxidative potential of PM₂.₅ and its inflammatory impacts, as well as the role of dust in long-range transport. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named among the World’s Top 2% of Scientists in 2023, and has served as a trusted reviewer for several leading journals. Committed to mentorship and collaboration, he has supervised more than 10 students.
We want to congratulate Dr. Qingyang Liu on winning the Toxics 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award.
The following is an interview with Dr. Qingyang Liu:
1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?
I am currently an Associate Professor at Nanjing Forestry University, where I have been engaged in academic research and teaching since 2015. My work focuses primarily on environmental chemistry and air quality, with an emphasis on understanding the sources, transformation, and health impacts of air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over the years, my research has sought to bridge the gap between atmospheric science and public health, aiming to translate scientific findings into actionable policies. For instance, I have led pioneering studies that link PM₂.₅ chemical composition and source contributions to oxidative potential and inflammatory responses in lung cells—some of the first such work conducted in a developing country. These findings have helped identify key pollution sources, such as coal combustion and biomass burning, and their direct health effects, providing a scientific basis for health-oriented air quality management. Another significant aspect of my research involves the role of atmospheric dust in long-range transport, which has implications for both environmental quality and ecosystem health. By using advanced receptor modeling and isotopic tracing, my colleagues and I have contributed to a better understanding of dust origins and their influence on regional air quality. I have also been recognized as a World’s Top 2% Scientist (Career-long Impact 2023) and have received multiple awards for my contributions to the field. Beyond research, I have supervised over ten graduate and undergraduate students. I also actively serve on the editorial boards of some international journals and have reviewed nearly 500 manuscripts, supporting the scholarly community in advancing environmental science. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself.
2. What’s the focus of your current research, and why did you choose this research field?
My current research is focused on air pollution, specifically on understanding the sources, chemical composition, and health impacts of particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), as well as the oxidative potential (OP) and inflammatory responses associated with different pollution sources. I also study the role of dust in nitrogen cycling and long-range transport and engage in policy-relevant research to bridge air quality management with climate mitigation strategies.
I chose this research field because air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges globally, especially in rapidly developing regions like China. Understanding the sources and health mechanisms of air pollutants enables the design of targeted and effective policies that not only improve air quality but also support climate goals and protect vulnerable ecosystems. My work aims to translate scientific insights into real-world solutions, contributing to sustainable development and healthier communities.
3. Could you please share with us your experience as a reviewer for Toxics?
Of course. It has been a true pleasure and a deeply rewarding aspect of my academic career to serve as a reviewer for Toxics. This role beautifully aligns with my research focus on atmospheric pollutants and their health impacts, allowing me to engage with cutting-edge science on topics from PM2.5-bound chemicals to emerging contaminants like microplastics. The process is a collaborative effort to uphold scientific integrity, where I meticulously assess each manuscript's methodological rigor, novelty, and the solidity of its conclusions. My goal is always to provide constructive and respectful feedback that helps authors strengthen their work. Beyond evaluating submissions, this responsibility is a profound learning experience that has sharpened my own critical thinking and writing, offering invaluable insight into the publishing process. Ultimately, it is a privilege to contribute to the scientific community in this way, helping to maintain the journal's high standards and advance the dissemination of robust, reliable research in our field.
4. Which qualities do you think reviewers need?
In my view, an effective peer reviewer serves a role analogous to that of an architect for scientific knowledge, requiring a discerning perspective, a robust methodological toolkit, and a constructive approach to fortifying research quality. The foundation of this process is objectivity, which necessitates setting aside personal inclinations to evaluate a manuscript solely on its scientific rigor, thereby upholding the fairness and credibility of scholarly discourse. However, astute judgment alone is insufficient; meticulous attention to detail is equally critical. This involves a thorough examination of methodological soundness, data validity, linguistic clarity, and adherence to technical guidelines, including formatting and citation conventions. Such diligence ensures that published findings are not only compelling but also replicable and trustworthy.
Equally important is the capacity for critical thinking, which enables the reviewer to acknowledge strengths while identifying limitations in a balanced manner. This entails posing incisive questions, recognizing conceptual or empirical gaps, and proposing feasible refinements. These analytical contributions must be coupled with proficient communication skills, whereby feedback is delivered clearly, respectfully, and constructively, fostering a supportive rather than adversarial dialogue.
Furthermore, efficient time management is essential to maintain the timeliness of the publication process, and reviewers are expected to honor deadlines and communicate proactively regarding any delays. Underlying all these competencies is a firm command of subject matter expertise, which permits a nuanced understanding of the research context, from broad theoretical implications to specific technical details.
Integral to the reviewer’s role are also confidentiality and ethical integrity, which require treating unpublished work with discretion and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest. These principles are vital in preserving the trust and collaborative spirit of the academic community.
2 September 2025
Meet Us at the 2025 Joint International Conference of Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements and the International Conference of Heavy Metals, 22–26 September 2025, Busan, Republic of Korea

Conference: 2025 Joint International Conference of Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements and the International Conference of Heavy Metals
Date: 22–26 September 2025
Location: Busan, Republic of Korea
MDPI will be attending the 2025 Joint International Conference of Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements and the International Conference of Heavy Metals (ICOBTE & ICHMET 2025), which will be held between 22 and 26 September 2025, as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from various backgrounds to visit our booth and share their latest ideas with us.
Environmental pollution remains a critical global issue, threatening human health, ecosystems, and the overall well-being of our planet. Thus, maintaining a clean environment for human Health is a constantly urgent need for a global society.
Under the theme “Catalyzing Change for Sustainability and ESG: Bridging Academia and Industry”, the 2025 Joint ICOBTE & ICHMET Conference focuses on innovative strategies to mitigate pollution, emphasizing the importance of trace element and heavy metal management in achieving a cleaner, healthier future. By bringing together scientists, researchers, early career scientists, end-users, industry leaders, policymakers, and other professionals from around the world, we aim to catalyze meaningful change and foster collaborations that bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The ICOBTE & ICHMET 2025 will be held from 12 to 26 September 2025, at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center in Republic of Korea. We warmly welcome you to join us in South Korea as we work together to catalyze change for a sustainable future.
The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:
- IJERPH;
- Sustainability;
- Air;
- Toxics;
- Water;
- Conservation;
- JoX;
- Pollutants.
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://ichmet2025.org/.
1 September 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #26 – CUJS, Head of Ethics, Open Peer Review, AIS 2025, Reviewer Recognition

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.
In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.
Opening Thoughts
Society of China University Journals (CUJS) visit to MDPI Basel
In August, we had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from the Society of China University Journals (CUJS) to our Basel headquarters. The visit was part of CUJS’s broader European tour, which included meetings with several major publishing organizations.
Purpose of the visit
The delegation’s stop in Basel involved an introductory meeting and knowledge-sharing with a view to identifying potential collaboration opportunities with MDPI. The CUJS team shared an overview of the Chinese scientific publishing landscape, including recent policy developments, and gave us insights into the journals and services they operate across China’s academic institutions.
MDPI presentations
We used the opportunity to introduce CUJS to MDPI’s mission, structure, and recent achievements. I presented on the latest developments at MDPI and our role in supporting global open access, addressing many follow-up questions from the delegation. Warm thanks are due to the following colleagues for their contributions to the session:
- Liliane Auwerter (Conference Organizer, Scientific Officer and Sustainability Specialist) shared an overview of our editorial process, including the quality indicators we use to track peer-review performance.
- Renato Merki (Publication Ethics Assistant) presented on behalf of our Research Integrity and Ethics team, emphasizing our commitment to responsible publishing.
- Silvano Bonfatti (Product Manager) introduced the JAMS platform, highlighting how it supports efficient journal management for editors and publishers alike.
- Aimar Xiong (Publisher, Section Managing Editor) and Giuliano Braccini (Office Manager) facilitated the meeting, offering clarity in response to specific questions, building the relationship during and beyond the meeting itself.
“Building relationships with organizations such as CUJS allows us to increase our visibility and reputation”
Why is this important?
China is one of the world’s largest producers of scientific research, with its universities and research institutes playing a key role in global scholarly publishing. Building strong relationships with influential organizations such as CUJS allows us to increase our visibility and reputation vis-à-vis the Chinese academic community, share best practices, learn from differing publishing models, and explore collaborations that have the potential to enhance the quality, reach, and diversity of our journals.
Looking ahead
It was a productive and friendly exchange that reflected our shared commitment to advancing scholarly communication and improving journal publishing practices. We value these visits, which allow us to create collaborations with stakeholders in the global academic community.
Our Basel office is a hub for hosting international delegations, partners, and collaborators. We look forward to creating more global connections that support our mission.
Impactful Research
Appointment of Dr. Tim Tait-Jamieson as Head of Publication Ethics
As part of our ongoing commitment to research integrity and publishing excellence, I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Dr. Tim Tait-Jamieson as Head of Publication Ethics.
In this role, Tim will lead the development of our ethics strategy and oversee the continued growth of the Publication Ethics Department, which is based across our offices in Basel, Manchester, Belgrade/Novi Sad, and Cluj. Guided by the principles of effective prevention and efficient resolution, the department plays an essential role in ensuring the highest standards of integrity throughout our editorial processes.
Department focus
Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Publication Ethics Department focuses on refining our policies, aligning our operations with international best practices, and addressing complex cases with fairness and transparency. This work is critical in supporting our editors, reviewers, and authors, reinforcing MDPI’s contribution to the global dialogue on research integrity.
“Research integrity is something to which we all contribute through our daily work at MDPI”
About Tim
Tim joined MDPI in 2021 and has held several roles within the Publication Ethics Department, most recently serving as Research Integrity Lead. Based in our Basel office, he brings a strong academic background, with a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, and a proven track record of leadership in research integrity.
Research integrity is something to which we all contribute through our daily work at MDPI. I look forward to Tim’s leadership as we continue investing in the people, processes, and partnerships that uphold the trust and credibility of scholarly publishing.
Read more:
Inside MDPI
How and why MDPI offers Open Peer Review
At MDPI, we are committed to advancing openness and transparency in scholarly publishing. One area where we’ve taken a leadership role is peer review. Since 2014, MDPI has offered authors the option of open peer review, giving them the opportunity to publish reviewer comments alongside their papers. Each year, more authors are choosing this path, helping to build trust in the editorial process and provide valuable context for the research we publish.
Jack McKenna (Senior Content Specialist, MDPI) recently wrote an informative piece looking at the impact and importance of open peer review at MDPI. He highlights how this approach not only benefits readers but also gives well-deserved recognition to our reviewers, who generously dedicate their time and expertise to the academic community.
I encourage you to read this blogpost to see how MDPI is helping set standards for transparency in scholarly publishing.
Coming Together for Science
Recap of MDPI’s AIS 2025 Conference in Kuala Lumpur
Entering the month of August, we held The 2nd International Conference on AI Sensors and Transducers (AIS 2025) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“AIS is quickly becoming a premier event in the field”
The second edition of AIS brought together 335 attendees from across Asia and beyond, including participants from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The event, chaired by Prof. Dr. Toshihiro Itoh (University of Tokyo), Prof. Dr. Sang-Woo Kim (Yonsei University), and Prof. Dr. Chengkuo Lee (National University of Singapore), continues to grow in reputation and has become an important platform for researchers and students to present their work, exchange ideas, and build international collaborations.
AIS is quickly becoming a premier event in the field, with participants highlighting its quality of service, its expanding academic network, and the value it delivers in the context of tightening research budgets in the region.
It was also excellent to see our new MDPI journal AI Sensors, which originated from a conference topic, host a successful launch party at the event.
Highlights from participant feedback:
- Southeast University (China) sent a student delegation and considers AIS a regular fixture for Ph.D. students in need of international conference experience.
- CAS Aerospace Information Research Institute sent a 10-member delegation and plans to further promote AIS internally.
- Japanese researchers regard AIS as a must-attend event, placing it on a par with IEEE conferences and citing the benefits of networking and exchange.
- Korean academics praised the organization and noted improved perceptions of MDPI among their institutions, viewing AIS as a strategic opportunity to deepen engagement in the region.
Award winners
We recognized the recipients of the Best Presentation, Best Scientist, Best Poster, and Best Student Paper awards, whose contributions set a standard for academic excellence. The full award announcement is available here.
Looking ahead
The 3rd International Conference on AI Sensors and Transducers will be held from 5 to10 August 2026 in Jeju, Korea. The General Chairs will be Prof. Inkyu Park (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Prof. Zhou Li (Tsinghua University), Prof. Xinge Yu (City University of Hong Kong), and Prof. Chengkuo Lee (National University of Singapore). We look forward to bringing together innovators, researchers and experts who are shaping the future at the intersection of sensors, sensing technology, transducers and artificial intelligence.
Thank you
Our conference team managed this event with great agility and professionalism and are already planning improvements to make the conference even more accessible. Special thanks to the National University of Singapore for their support, and to our entire conference team and collaborators for their dedication.
AIS is gaining momentum, and we look forward to supporting its role as a bridge between MDPI and the global academic community.
“Our conference team managed this event with great agility and professionalism”
Closing Thoughts
Recognizing our outstanding reviewers
As we close this edition of the newsletter, I would like to spotlight MDPI’s 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Awards, which showcase a group of winners whose contributions often go unseen but are essential to the integrity of scholarly publishing: our reviewers.
In 2024, more than 215,000 reviewers dedicated their time and expertise to MDPI journals. From this community, we are proud to recognize 356 recipients of the Outstanding Reviewer Awards, who went above and beyond by providing timely, thorough and constructive feedback.
These awards are not only a token of our appreciation but also a reflection of the values we stand for: rigor, fairness and collaboration in advancing science.
To explore the full list of awardees across disciplines, from life sciences to the humanities, please visit the following pages:
- Biology and Life Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Chemistry and Materials Science
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Engineering
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Medicine and Pharmacology
- Physical Sciences
- Public Health and Healthcare
- Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities
About MDPI Awards
To recognize the academic community, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. Serving as a source of recognition and inspiration, these awards help increase the influence of scholars who have been credited with outstanding achievements and are making a significant contribution to the advancement of their respective fields.
To explore more opening Outstanding Reviewer Awards, please click here.
To all our reviewers: thank you for being the foundation of trust that makes open access publishing possible!
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
7 August 2025
Meet Us at the 12th Indoor Environment and Health Conference (IEHB 2025), 8–10 August 2025, Dalian, China

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be attending the 12th Indoor Environment and Health Conference (IEHB 2025), which will be held in Dalian, China, from 8 to 10 August 2025.
This conference is organized by the Indoor Environment and Health Branch of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences and is hosted by Dalian University of Technology, Tianjin University, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Centered on the theme “Beautiful Environment, Connectivity and Integration, Smart and Healthy Living”, the conference will delve into critical topics such as indoor environments and health, pollutants and their microbial transmission mechanisms and control strategies, healthy and smart cities, green intelligent buildings, carbon peaking and neutrality, energy conservation, and indoor air chemistry and reaction mechanisms. This event aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, create a bridge between academia and industry, and serve as a platform to facilitate in-depth discussions, strengthen partnerships, and share success among participants.
The following MDPI journals will be represented:
- Buildings;
- Air;
- Architecture;
- Clean Technol.;
- Climate;
- Designs;
- Environments;
- IJERPH;
- Pollutants;
- Sustainability;
- Toxics;
- Waste.
If you plan on attending this conference, feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please click the following link: https://iehb2025.aconf.cn/index.html.