Announcements

“Black Hole Thermodynamics and Generalised Non-Extensive Entropy”
by Emilio Elizalde, Shin’ichi Nojiri and Sergei D. Odintsov
Universe 2025, 11(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11020060
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/2/60

“Searching for New Physics in an Ultradense Environment: A Review on Dark Matter Admixed Neutron Stars”
by Francesco Grippa, Gaetano Lambiase and Tanmay Kumar Poddar
Universe 2025, 11(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11030074
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/3/74

“Hadronic Molecules with Four Charm or Beauty Quarks”
by Wen-Ying Liu and Hua-Xing Chen
Universe 2025, 11(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11020036
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/2/36

“Bayesian Analysis of Hybrid Neutron Star EOS Constraints Within an Instantaneous Nonlocal Chiral Quark Matter Model”
by Alexander Ayriyan, David Blaschke, Juan Pablo Carlomagno, Gustavo A. Contrera and Ana Gabriela Grunfeld
Universe 2025, 11(5), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11050141
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/5/141

“Leading Logarithm Quantum Gravity”
by S. P. Miao, N. C. Tsamis and R. P. Woodard
Universe 2025, 11(7), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11070223
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/7/223

“Quantum-Ordering Ambiguities in Weak Chern—Simons 4D Gravity and Metastability of the Condensate-Induced Inflation”
by Panagiotis Dorlis, Nick E. Mavromatos and Sotirios-Neilos Vlachos
Universe 2025, 11(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11010015
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/1/15

“Non-Singular “Gauss” Black Hole from Non-Locality”
by Jens Boos
Universe 2025, 11(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11040112
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/4/112

“Introduction to Thermal Field Theory: From First Principles to Applications”
by Alberto Salvio
Universe 2025, 11(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11010016
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/1/16

“Anisotropic Compact Stars in General Relativity: An Exact Self-Bound Analytical Solution for Stellar Systems”
by Sunil Kumar Maurya, Ghulam Mustafa, Faisal Javed, Saibal Ray, Assmaa Abd-Elmonem and Neissrien Alhubieshi
Universe 2025, 11(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11020033
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/2/33

“Revisiting Holographic Dark Energy from the Perspective of Multi-Messenger Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Future Joint Observations with Short Gamma-Ray Bursts”
by Tao Han, Ze Li, Jing-Fei Zhang and Xin Zhang
Universe 2025, 11(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11030085
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/11/3/85

The Solar-Stellar Seismology Forum: Waves in Space Plasmas is a community-driven initiative dedicated to fostering open discussion and collaboration in the study of waves and oscillatory phenomena in the solar and stellar plasma environment. The Forum provides an inclusive and accessible platform for researchers across institutions, career stages, and related disciplines to exchange ideas, share new results, and explore emerging challenges in the study of waves in space plasmas.

Built on strong community interest and broad international participation, the Forum will feature a combination of traditional research talks with extended discussion, methods-focused and tutorial-style sessions, and dedicated early-career spotlight presentations. The goal is to encourage scientific dialogue, constructive debate, and the development of new collaborations within a friendly and supportive environment.

We invite you to join us in shaping this platform and contributing to a vibrant and collaborative space for solar–stellar seismology research.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Forum.

Date: 16 July 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. CEST | 9:00 a.m. EDT
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/Universe-8

Register now for free!

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 inform you when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Chair:

• Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Nisticò, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Italy.

Invited Speakers:

• Dr. Sudip Mandal, Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Göttingen, Germany
  • Topic: Decayless Transverse Oscillations in Coronal Loops: Linking High-Resolution Observations and MURaM Simulations
• Dr. Anmol Kumar, University of St. Andrews, UK
  • Topic: Modelling Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in Streamers: First Comparison with Metis Observations
• Dr. Leon Ofman, Catholic University of America & NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, USA
  • Topic: Observations and Modeling of Quasi-periodic Fast Magnetosonic Waves in Coronal Active Regions

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Universe-8?subscribe.

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

Universe Webinar Secretariat

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In June 2026, eleven new journals released their inaugural issues and two transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of environmental & earth sciences, chemistry & materials science, public health & healthcare, engineering, medicine & pharmacology, and biology & life sciences. 

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, enabling impactful open access scholarship. 

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below. 

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. The 2025 MDPI Top Reviewers are some of the key experts who helped build it.

We are honored to recognize 1000 individuals from our global community of 210,000 reviewers across 67 countries and territories—chosen for their commitment to rigorous, constructive peer review and the consistency of their contributions throughout 2025.

The Top Reviewers provided constructive and impartial feedback that makes research stronger and more impactful, and we are grateful for it.

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

(Note: we respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.)

1. Could you briefly summarize your current academic position and research focus? Looking back on your academic journey, was there a pivotal moment or challenge that significantly shaped your research direction?

I am a research fellow focused on planetary science. My main research interests are the possibility of liquid brine formation on the surface of Mars today, as well as planetary formation and migration inside a planetary disk. In my work I use modeling as my main tool, and as such have had exciting opportunities to aid in adjacent topics, such as lunar studies and modeling the minimal necessary resolution to resolve spectral features on space-weathered asteroid surfaces. 

2. Posters must capture attention quickly while conveying complex ideas effectively. How did you balance scientific rigor with visual clarity and engagement within the constraints of the format?

When I create a poster, I always imagine myself as someone walking by a line of posters at a conference. This reminds me that most of the time I only have a few seconds to capture the interest of the viewer, who may or may not stop to read my poster. I aim to balance the amount of text with figures, highlight the most important information, and altogether design my poster to be as easy to digest as possible. My goal is not to convey all the information about my research. If the viewer remembers something that caught their interest, gave them an idea, or led to the emergence of a new question, then my poster has achieved its goal. 

3. In your view, what is the most critical skill for early career researchers? For example, how would you weigh the importance of identifying impactful research topics, maintaining perseverance in research, and fostering open scientific communication?

I think the most important skill is resilience. There are many new experiences, both positive and negative, that we have to navigate, and I’ve found the ability to adapt to be essential in that process. 

4. What initially motivated you to participate in the 3rd International Online Conference on the Universe (IOCU 2026)? What key insights, feedback, or opportunities did you gain from the conference?

As much as I enjoy in-person opportunities to talk and exchange ideas, an online conference is easier to fit into my schedule and comes with less financial burden as there is no traveling involved. I also enjoyed the shorter talks, as I felt like I could get a glimpse into many different interesting topics. 

5. What are your expectations for future academic exchange and collaboration in your field, particularly in the context of online conference models such as those organized by Universe?

I think online conferences are a great way to connect researchers who would otherwise not be able to attend in-person conferences. While I find it more challenging to break the ice and build relationships online, I am excited to see how online conferences continue to evolve in the future and what new ways will emerge to connect us. 

6. Based on your experience, what practical advice would you offer to researchers planning to participate in IOCU or apply for the Poster Award in the future?

I think IOCU is a great opportunity to present our work to a wider audience, and with the available guidance for authors, the preparation for the conference was really convenient. For me, the availability of a poster template was also a great help, as I did not have to spend any time or energy trying to come up with a nice design, I could focus solely on the content. 

7. Finally, could you summarize your overall impression of the conference and share your expectations or best wishes for Universe in a few words?

I heard about this conference from a colleague of mine for the first time this year, and I am happy I participated! I will keep it in mind in the coming years and encourage my students to also submit and present their work. Thank you to the Universe team for your great work in bringing this event to life and I wish you continued success and growth in the coming years! 

Conference: Symmetry 2027—The 6th International Conference on Symmetry
Date: 25–28 June 2027
Location: Shanghai, China

We invite you to submit your abstract and participate in the upcoming Symmetry 2027 - The 6th International Conference on Symmetry, organized by MDPI Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994, IF: 2.2). The conference will be held from 25 to 28 June 2027 in Shanghai, China.

We invite you to join us in Shanghai for what promises to be an enriching exchange of ideas and knowledge. Together, let us continue to unravel the mysteries of symmetry and its profound impact on our understanding of the natural world.

Event Chairs:

• Prof. Dr. Chengping Shen (Fudan University, China);
• Prof. Dr. Jie Yang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China);
• Prof. Dr. Sergei Odintsov (Institute of Space Sciences (IEEC-CSIC), Spain).

Topics of interest:

S1. Particle Physics and Nuclear Physics;
S2. Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology;
S3. Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Interdisciplinary Applications;
S4. General Topics in Symmetry.

Important Dates

Deadline for abstract submission: 26 February 2027;
Abstract acceptance notification: 25 March 2027;
Deadline for Early Bird registration: 17 April 2027;
Deadline for covering author registration: 24 April 2027.

Guide for authors:

To submit your abstract, please click the following link: .

To register for the event, please click the following link: .

For details regarding abstract submission, poster and slide submission, and publication opportunities, please refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section: https://sciforum.net/event/symmetry2027?section=#instructions.

For more information, please click to the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/symmetry2027.

For any inquiries regarding the event, please contact icsymmetry@mdpi.com.

Please feel free to share information about this conference with your colleagues and students. We look forward to receiving your submissions and learning about your research at Symmetry 2027!

To further enhance the quality of Universe (ISSN 2218-1997) and the papers published in the “Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics” Section, under the guidance of our Section Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Yanxia Zhang, the journal has updated and revised the Section Information.

The updated versions are listed below:

Section Information (new version):

The “Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics” Section provides an interdisciplinary forum at the interface of astronomy, astrophysics, statistics, computer science, and data science. The Section focuses on the development, validation, and application of statistical, computational, and data-intensive methods that enable reliable scientific discovery from modern astronomical observations, simulations, and archives.

The rapidly increasing volume, complexity, heterogeneity, and acquisition rate of data from current and next-generation facilities—including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (Rubin/LSST), the Square Kilometre Array telescopes, Euclid, the China Space Station Telescope (CSST), and other ground- and space-based missions—require scalable methodologies that extend beyond conventional data-analysis approaches. This Section welcomes original research articles, reviews, perspectives, technical studies, software papers, benchmark studies, and reproducible data products that advance the methodological foundations of data-driven astronomy.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Statistical inference for astronomical and cosmological data, including Bayesian, frequentist, hierarchical, and likelihood-free approaches;
• Uncertainty quantification, probability calibration, model comparison, measurement-error modeling, and the treatment of selection effects, censored data, and survey incompleteness;
• Machine learning, deep learning, foundation models, generative models, scientific machine learning, and physics-informed or uncertainty-aware artificial intelligence;
• Interpretable, trustworthy, and reproducible AI methods for astronomical research;
• Scalable algorithms, high-performance and distributed computing, cloud-based analysis, scientific workflows, and research software;
• Astronomical databases, archives, data standards, interoperability, provenance, visualization, and open-science infrastructure;
• Time-series analysis, transient detection, variable-source characterization, anomaly detection, and real-time alert processing;
• Multimodal, multiwavelength, cross-survey, and multi-messenger data integration involving electromagnetic radiation, gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays;
• Simulation-based inference, surrogate modeling, emulation, and the statistical comparison of observations with numerical simulations;
• Population inference, spatial statistics, image and spectral analysis, source classification, parameter estimation, and scientific discovery in large astronomical surveys;
• Benchmark datasets, validation protocols, domain adaptation, transfer learning, and methods for assessing robustness and generalization across instruments and surveys.

Submissions centered on specific astronomical objects or phenomena are particularly encouraged when they introduce, rigorously evaluate, or substantially advance statistical, computational, or information-science methodology.

Keywords:

• Astroinformatics;
• Astrostatistics;
• Astronomical data science;
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence;
• Deep learning and foundation models;
• Scientific machine learning;
• Bayesian and statistical inference;
• Uncertainty quantification and calibration;
• Simulation-based inference;
• Time-domain astronomy;
• Transient and variable-source analysis;
• Multi-messenger astronomy;
• Multimodal and multiwavelength data fusion;
• Large-scale astronomical surveys;
• High-performance and distributed computing;
• Astronomical databases and data infrastructure;
• Scientific workflows and research software;
• Data provenance and interoperability;
• Reproducible and open science;
• Explainable and trustworthy AI.

Section information (old version):

The Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics section covers topics, original research and peer-reviewed articles related to the latest research and development in the field of Astroinformatics and Astrostatistics. This is an interdisciplinary and vast domain that includes astronomy, astrophysics, data science, information technology, and statistical analysis.

Every year on 30 June, International Asteroid Day brings together scientists, educators, policymakers, and the public to raise awareness about asteroids and their significance to our understanding of the Universe. The day commemorates the 1908 Tunguska event, when a powerful asteroid-related explosion flattened millions of trees across Siberia, highlighting the importance of studying near-Earth objects.

From revealing clues about the origins of our Solar System to supporting planetary defence efforts, asteroid research continues to unlock new scientific discoveries and address important global challenges. Advances in observation technologies, space missions, and computational modelling are helping researchers better understand these ancient celestial bodies and their potential impact on Earth.

To celebrate International Asteroid Day, we have curated a selection of articles showcasing the latest research and discoveries in asteroid science, planetary exploration, and space technologies. We invite you to explore these contributions and join the global conversation about our place in the cosmos.

“Cometary Dynamics—Formation and Evolution of the Oort Cloud”
by Hans Rickman
Astronomy 2026, 5(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/astronomy5020008

“On the Particular Dynamics of Rubble-Pile Asteroid Rotation Following Projectile Impact on the Surface During Planetary Approach”
by Sergey Ershkov
Mathematics 2025, 13(21), 3412; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13213412

“On the Dynamics of a Synchronous Binary Asteroid System with Non-Uniform Mass Distribution”
By Leandro Forne Brejão, Antonio F. Bertachini de Almeida Prado, Diogo Merguizo Sanchez and Jean P. dos Santos Carvalho
Mathematics 2025, 13(16), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13162667

“Overview of Water-Ice in Asteroids—Targets of a Revolution by LSST and JWST”
by Ákos Kereszturi, Mohamed Ramy El-Maarry, Anny-Chantal Levasseur-Regourd, Imre Tóth, Bernadett D. Pál and Csaba Kiss
Universe 2025, 11(8), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11080253

“Technical Challenges and Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) for Asteroid Mining and Planetary Defense”
by Evie Kendal, Tony Milligan and Martin Elvis
Aerospace 2025, 12(6), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060544

“Equilibrium Points and Periodic Orbits in the Circular Restricted Synchronous Three-Body Problem with Radiation and Mass Dipole Effects: Application to Asteroid 2001SN₂₆₃”
by Aguda Ekele Vincent, Jagadish Singh, George A. Tsirogiannis and Vassilis S. Kalantonis
Mathematics 2025, 13(7), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13071150

“Studying the Properties of Spacetime with an Improved Dynamical Model of the Inner Solar System”
by Dmitry Pavlov and Ivan Dolgakov
Universe 2024, 10(11), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10110413

“Experimental and Numerical Simulation of Ejecta Size and Velocity of Hypervelocity Impact Rubble-Pile Asteroid”
by Wenjin Liu, Qingming Zhang, Renrong Long, Jiankang Ren, Juncheng Li, Zizheng Gong, Qiang Wu and Siyuan Ren
Aerospace 2024, 11(8), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11080621

“Trajectory Design of Potentially Hazardous Asteroid Exploration with Reusable Probes from Cislunar Space”
by Chao Peng, Renyong Zhang^, and Yang Gao
Aerospace 2024, 11(7), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11070546

“Chemistry in Retrieved Ryugu Asteroid Samples Revealed by Non-Invasive X-ray Microanalyses: Pink-Beam Fluorescence CT and Tender-Energy Absorption Spectroscopy”
by Paul Northrup, Ryan Tappero, Timothy D. Glotch, George J. Flynn, Mehmet Yesiltas, Yoko Kebukawa, Leonard Flores, Marina E. Gemma and Gavin Piccione
Geosciences 2024, 14(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14040111

“Worlds of the Solar System: Geological Evolution and Habitability of Planets and Moons” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Alberto G. Fairén Submission deadline: 31 August 2026	“Spacecraft Orbit Transfers (2nd Edition)” Guest Editor: Dr. Zhenbo Wang Submission deadline: 31 December 2026

MDPI will be attending the 2026 Joint Annual Conference of Physical Societies in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (YGA 2026), which will take place from 14 to 18 July 2026 in Hong Kong, China. As a premier forum for physics professionals across the region, the conference offers a vital platform for thematic discussions and knowledge exchange, with the aim of fostering regional academic collaboration and bringing together researchers, students, and industry experts within the physics community.

The conference will cover the following:

• Atomic, molecular, optical and quantum physics;
• Condensed matter and statistical physics;
• Materials physics and engineering;
• Biophysics and soft matter;
• Astrophysics and astronomy;
• Scattering, particle, nuclear and plasma physics;
• Interdisciplinary and applied physics;
• Physics education.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Physics;
• Plasma;
• Particles;
• Universe;
• AppliedPhys;
• Magnetism;
• Condensed matter;
• Quantum Reports;
• Photonics;
• Fluids;
• Atoms.

We invite you to visit MDPI’s booth to meet our representatives, explore our latest initiatives, and discuss potential collaborations. For more details about the conference, please visit the official website: https://www.qebulamind.com/yga2026.

We look forward to connecting with you in Hong Kong.