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3 June 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #23 - MDPI Summits Spain & Italy, Ei Compendex, and Editorial Independence
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
Highlights from the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona (21-22 May)
In May we hosted the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona – our second summit in the city following the inaugural one in November 2023.
Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI) at the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona, 22 May 2025.
Creating a space for exchange of views
The goal of our summits is to bring together Chief Editors of MDPI journals from across disciplines and institutions. These intimate gatherings provide a platform to present the latest developments at MDPI and to initiate open conversations about our journals, the future of open access, and the evolving landscape of scientific publishing.
Most importantly, these are opportunities for in-person connection, providing a more meaningful space for the exchange of views and for building long-term relationships.
Exploring the future of scientific publishing in Spain
The summit took place on 21–22 May and featured a mix of MDPI presentations (including two guest presentations), roundtable discussions, and Q&A sessions. On the first day, we held a focused session with our Chief Editors to gather feedback and have open discussions on their journal development, the peer-review process, and local accreditation systems.
Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI, presents MDPI’s Editorial Process and Peer Review Quality Metrics at the MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona, 22 May 2025.
I had the pleasure of opening the Summit with a welcome address and an overview of MDPI’s recent milestones. The agenda then included the following sessions:
- MDPI and Recent Developments in the Spanish Market – Dr. Marta Colomer (Public Affairs Specialist, MDPI)
- MDPI Editorial Process and Peer Review Quality Metrics – Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI)
- Open Access in Spain – Dr. Remedios Melero (Researcher, CSIC – guest speaker)
- AI in Publishing and MDPI's Actions – Dr. Enric Sayas (Business Analyst, MDPI), Daniele Raimondi (Data Scientist, MDPI), and Dr. Alexandre López-Borrull (Researcher, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya – guest speaker)
- Publication Ethics – Ana Stankovic (Research Integrity and Publication Ethics, MDPI)
- Opening and Closing remarks were provided by Rocksy Zhang (Editorial Director, MDPI)
We are extremely grateful for the strong engagement shown by our Editors, who were clearly appreciative of the event and the discussions we had. They felt seen and heard, which is a vital prerequisite for building open channels of communication and cultivating productive long-term collaborations.
MDPI colleagues during MDPI Spain Summit in Barcelona (22 May 2025).
A big thank-you to the entire Barcelona team for organizing such a successful event!
Upcoming MDPI Summit events:
- Italy Summit – Rome (26–27 May)
- US Summit – Boston, MA (5–6 June)
- France Summit – Paris (12–13 June)
- US Summit – Houston, TX (26–27 June)
- UK Summit – London (16–17 September)
- Germany Summit – Berlin (18–19 September)
- Romania Summit – Bucharest (23–24 October)
...with more in between, and more to follow.
Impactful Research
50 MDPI Journals Now Indexed in Ei Compendex
Indexing is a key indicator of a journal’s scientific impact. An indexed journal gives research greater visibility and credibility within the global academic community and is recognized for its quality and relevance. While many of our journals are included in major databases such as Web of Science and Scopus, MDPI also places strong emphasis on journal inclusion in subject-specific indexing platforms that align with each journal’s scope. This ensures that when you publish with MDPI, you publish with impact.
I’m pleased to share that as at May 2025, 51 of our journals are now indexed in Ei Compendex, a leading bibliographic database for engineering and applied sciences. This is a major milestone that reflects both the quality or our editorial processes and the relevance of the research we publish in these fields.
“When you publish with MDPI, you publish with impact”
Discoverability and reach
Inclusion in Ei Compendex means greater discoverability for our authors and broader reach of our journals in the fields of engineering and technology. It improves our ability to support global research and innovation, while building MDPI’s reputation in the applied sciences. This recognition is the result of the dedicated work of our editorial teams, reviewers, and authors, and of our overall commitment to excellence in publishing.
You can read our full announcement here.
Appreciative thanks to everyone involved in reaching this milestone.
Inside MDPI
One Year of MDPI’s Seoul Office
On 29 April, we marked one year since the opening of our Seoul office, MDPI’s first local hub in South Korea. South Korea is a key market for MDPI, currently ranking as our sixth-largest contributor to the company’s total publications, with over 89,000 MDPI articles authored by individuals affiliated with Korean institutions. Over the past 12 months, the Seoul team has made great strides in building our visibility, networks, and presence in the region.
A few highlights from the past year
Claude Seo (MDPI Korea Office Manager, Seoul)
Claude Seo, who has over 15 years of experience in the academic publishing industry, is the Office Manager of the Seoul office.
In its inaugural year, the Seoul office focused primarily on marketing and promotional activities to support the MDPI brand locally. During that time, the team concentrated on scholar visits to local institutions, attending academic conferences, and hosting editorial board meetings.
The team also secured 10 Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) renewals, signed three new IOAP agreements, and established one new Society affiliation.
The Seoul office also hosted its first library book fair and reached over 1,000 followers on its LinkedIn channel, which is an encouraging indication of local visibility and engagement.
“The Seoul team has made strides in building our visibility, networks, and presence in the region”
Growth plans
Later this year, we are working on opening a new Seoul office in a more central location, with room for our growing team. The new space will bring us closer to other publishing partners and provide easier access to and from the airport. The Seoul office will continue to expand its efforts in outreach and engagement as its builds its presence in South Korea.
Warm thanks to the entire Seoul team for their hard work and dedication, and to all MDPI colleagues who have contributed to this exciting chapter in our global journey.
Coming Together for Science
Highlights from the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (26–27 May)
We closed the month of May by hosting the first MDPI Italy Summit in Rome. This was an important event for us, as Italy has consistently ranked among the top ten countries globally for open access publications over the past decade.
MDPI and Italy: Facts & Figures
- With over 144,000 publications (as at 31 May 2025), Italy is MDPI’s third largest contributor after China and the USA.
- In 2024, MDPI was the second-largest publishing house in Italy.
- The 7,165 Editorial Board Members (EBMs) drawn from Italian institutions represent 8.9% of all MDPI academic editors.
- Among these, 319 serve as Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) or Section Editors-in-Chief (SEiCs).
- Eleven Italian EBMs were recognized as 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers.
- In 2024, MDPI received 24,873 review reports and collaborated with 88,578 reviewers from Italy.
- 23,131 Guest Editors from Italian institutions led 4,827 Special Issues across 248 MDPI journals.
- MDPI partners with over 900 institutions globally, of which 17 are in Italy.
The MDPI Italy Summit in Rome
Dr. Prof. Giulio Cerullo, EiC of Applied Sciences, at the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (27 May 2025).
Held on 26–27 May, the MDPI Italy Summit brought together 25 Chief Editors from across our journal portfolio, including some of our largest journals such as Applied Sciences, to discuss MDPI’s latest developments and collaborations in the Italian market, our use of data intelligence and AI to support strategic decision-making, a look into our editorial process, peer-review quality metrics, and conversations around research integrity and community engagement.
The Summit featured MDPI presentations followed by Q&A and concluded with a roundtable discussion. On the evening of the 26th, we hosted a dinner with our Editors to connect personally, learn more about their research, and hear feedback on journal operations and the broader academic landscape in Italy.
Gathering of Editors-in-Chief and MDPI staff at the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (27 May 2025).
Event Agenda – 27 May
Moderated by Maddalena Favaretto (Conference Scientific Advisor, MDPI), the program featured:
- MDPI Overview, Achievements, Latest News and Future Developments – Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI)
- Country Report: Italy – Dr. Laura Perez Martin (Conference Assistant, MDPI)
- AI in Publishing and MDPI’s Actions – Dr. Andrea Perlato (Head of Data Analytics, MDPI)
- MDPI Editorial Process and Research Integrity – Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI)
- Panel Discussion – Stefan, Andrea, Giulia
Panel Discussion with Stefan Tochev (CEO, MDPI), Dr. Giulia Stefenelli (Scientific Communications Lead, MDPI), Dr. Andrea Perlato (Head of Data Analytics, MDPI) during the MDPI Italy Summit in Rome (27 May 2025).
A big thank-you to our Conference team and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make these events run smoothly.
Closing Thoughts
Upholding Editorial Independence in Scholarly Publishing
A recent MDPI blog post written by Dr. Ioana Craciun (Scientific Communications Specialist, MDPI), “Editorial Independence and Publisher Support: Collaborating to Uphold Integrity,” highlights the important balance between editorial autonomy and publisher collaboration in academic publishing.
As the leading fully Open Access scholarly publisher, we are proud to champion editorial independence within our publishing process.
Drawing from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, the article emphasizes that while editors must have the freedom to make decisions based on scholarly merit, publishers play a critical role in providing the necessary infrastructure and tools to support the editorial process. This collaborative approach ensures the integrity of the peer review process, builds trust among authors and readers, and upholds the quality and relevance of published content.
MDPI highlights its commitment to this model by investing in research integrity specialists, AI tools for plagiarism detection, and administrative support, all aimed at empowering editors to make independent, informed decisions.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
26 May 2025
Viruses | Notable Papers on Porcine Viruses
1. “Recent Progress in Studies of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 1 in China”
by Qi Sun, Hu Xu, Tongqing An, Xuehui Cai, Zhijun Tian and Hongliang Zhang
Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071528
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/7/1528
2. “Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus: An Update Review and Perspective”
by Yiwu Chen, Yuanzhu Zhang, Xi Wang, Jian Zhou, Lerong Ma, Jianing Li, Lin Yang, Hongsheng Ouyang, Hongming Yuan and Daxin Pang
Viruses 2023, 15(2), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020359
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/2/359
3. “Progress in PRRSV Infection and Adaptive Immune Response Mechanisms”
by Huanchang Cai, Hewei Zhang, Huai Cheng, Min Liu, Shubo Wen and Jingqiang Ren
Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071442
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/7/1442
4. “The Novel Porcine Parvoviruses: Current State of Knowledge and Their Possible Implications in Clinical Syndromes in Pigs”
by Diana S. Vargas-Bermudez, Jose Dario Mogollon, Camila Franco-Rodriguez and Jairo Jaime
Viruses 2023, 15(12), 2398; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15122398
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/12/2398
5. “Advanced Strategies for Developing Vaccines and Diagnostic Tools for African Swine Fever”
by Jong-Woo Lim, Thi Thu Hang Vu, Van Phan Le, Minjoo Yeom, Daesub Song, Dae Gwin Jeong and Song-Kyu Park
Viruses 2023, 15(11), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15112169
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/11/2169
6. “Nicotinamide Efficiently Suppresses Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Deltacoronavirus Replication”
by Mingxia Li, Liping Zhang, Li Pan, Peng Zhou, Ruiming Yu, Zhongwang Zhang, Jianliang Lv, Huichen Guo, Yonglu Wang, Sa Xiao et al.
Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1591; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071591
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/7/1591
7. “Genetic Characterization and Pathogenicity of a Recombinant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain in China”
by Yan Ouyang, Yingbing Du, Hejin Zhang, Jiahui Guo, Zheng Sun, Xiuxin Luo, Xiaowei Mei, Shaobo Xiao, Liurong Fang and Yanrong Zhou
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060993
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/6/993
8. “Research Progress of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus NSP2 Protein”
by Benjin Liu, Lingzhi Luo, Ziqi Shi, Houbin Ju, Lingxue Yu, Guoxin Li and Jin Cui
Viruses 2023, 15(12), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15122310
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/12/2310
9. “Comparative Review of the State of the Art in Research on the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and SARS-CoV-2, Scope of Knowledge between Coronaviruses”
by Nora H. Rosas-Murrieta, Alan Rodríguez-Enríquez, Irma Herrera-Camacho, Lourdes Millán-Pérez-Peña, Gerardo Santos-López and José F. Rivera-Benítez
Viruses 2024, 16(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16020238
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/2/238
10. “Molnupiravir Inhibits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infection In Vitro”
by Zi-Xin Huang, Shu-Ting Zhou, Zhi-Biao Yang and Zhe Wang
Viruses 2023, 15(6), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061317
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/6/1317
23 May 2025
Viruses | Notable Papers on Virus Bioinformatics
1. “Fragment-Based Approaches Identified Tecovirimat-Competitive Novel Drug Candidate for Targeting the F13 Protein of the Monkeypox Virus”
by Yasir Ali, Hina Imtiaz, Muhammad Mutaal Tahir, Fouzia Gul, Umair Ali Khan Saddozai, Ashfaq ur Rehman, Zhi-Guang Ren, Saadullah Khattak and Xin-Ying Ji
Viruses 2023, 15(2), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020570
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/2/570
2. “Structure and Function of Hoc—A Novel Environment Sensing Device Encoded by T4 and Other Bacteriophages”
by Andrei Fokine, Mohammad Zahidul Islam, Qianglin Fang, Zhenguo Chen, Lei Sun and Venigalla B. Rao
Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071517
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/7/1517
3. “Anti-Dengue: A Machine Learning-Assisted Prediction of Small Molecule Antivirals against Dengue Virus and Implications in Drug Repurposing”
by Sakshi Gautam, Anamika Thakur, Akanksha Rajput and Manoj Kumar
Viruses 2024, 16(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010045
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/1/45
4. “Idiotope-Driven T-Cell/B-Cell Collaboration-Based T-Cell Epitope Prediction Using B-Cell Receptor Repertoire Sequences in Infectious Diseases”
by Yukio Nakamura, Meng Ling Moi, Takashi Shiina, Tadasu Shin-I and Ryuji Suzuki
Viruses 2023, 15(5), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15051186
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/5/1186
5. “Bioinformatic Surveillance Leads to Discovery of Two Novel Putative Bunyaviruses Associated with Black Soldier Fly”
by Hunter K. Walt, Emilia Kooienga, Jonathan A. Cammack, Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Heather R. Jordan, Florencia Meyer and Federico G. Hoffmann
Viruses 2023, 15(8), 1654; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15081654
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/8/1654
6. “Navigating the Landscape: A Comprehensive Review of Current Virus Databases”
by Muriel Ritsch, Noriko A. Cassman, Shahram Saghaei and Manja Marz
Viruses 2023, 15(9), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15091834
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/9/1834
7. “Covalent Inhibitors from Saudi Medicinal Plants Target RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2”
by Ahmed H. Bakheit, Quaiser Saquib, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sabiha M. Ansari, Abdullah M. Al-Salem and Abdulaziz A. Al-Khedhairy
Viruses 2023, 15(11), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15112175
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/11/2175
8. “SARSMutOnto: An Ontology for SARS-CoV-2 Lineages and Mutations”
by Jamal Bakkas, Mohamed Hanine, Abderrahman Chekry, Said Gounane, Isabel de la Torre Díez, Vivian Lipari, Nohora Milena Martínez López and Imran Ashraf
Viruses 2023, 15(2), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020505
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/2/505
9. “Rational Design of Profile HMMs for Sensitive and Specific Sequence Detection with Case Studies Applied to Viruses, Bacteriophages, and Casposons”
by Liliane S. Oliveira, Alejandro Reyes, Bas E. Dutilh and Arthur Gruber
Viruses 2023, 15(2), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020519
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/2/519
10. “CoVigator—A Knowledge Base for Navigating SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Variants”
by Thomas Bukur, Pablo Riesgo-Ferreiro, Patrick Sorn, Ranganath Gudimella, Johannes Hausmann, Thomas Rösler, Martin Löwer, Barbara Schrörs and Ugur Sahin
Viruses 2023, 15(6), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061391
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/15/6/1391
14 May 2025
MDPI’s Journal Cluster of Microbiology
Microbiology is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the biology of microorganisms and their critical roles in health, industry, and the environment. This discipline explores the vast diversity of microscopic life—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae—by investigating their structure, function, genetics, physiology, and ecology. Microbiology also delves into the complex interactions between microorganisms and their hosts, providing insights into processes such as disease, immunity, and nutrient cycling. By integrating knowledge from many disciplines, microbiology drives innovation across medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental science. Its contributions to infectious disease control, antibiotic development, fermentation technology, biotechnology, and environmental remediation continue to address global challenges and deepen our understanding of the essential microbial world.
MDPI’s microbiology cluster has a mission to publish cutting-edge research, furthering our understanding of the microbial world. The cluster aims to accelerate development in the field to drive advancements in microbiology and its role in human health and medicine, the environment, industrial processes and technology. This cluster offers authors diverse publishing options, ensuring their research finds the most relevant and impactful audience within the diverse landscape of microbiology.
The six participating journals include the following:
- Applied Microbiology (ISSN: 2673-8007) provides an advanced forum for studies related to the application of microorganisms, with a strong emphasis on biotechnology, environment, medicine, and food. Applied Microbiology is led by its Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Ian Connerton (Division of Microbiology, Brewing and Biotechnology, University of Nottingham, UK);
- Bacteria (ISSN: 2674-1334) covers all aspects of bacteriology and mainly publishes reviews, research papers, and communications, but other article types will also be considered. Bacteria is led by its Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Bart C. Weimer (Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, USA);
- Journal of Fungi (JoF, ISSN: 2309-608X) provides an advanced forum for studies related to pathogenic fungi, fungal biology, and all other aspects of fungal research. Journal of Fungi is led by its Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. David S. Perlin (Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, USA);
- Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) focuses on cutting-edge research across the entire field of microbiology, involving all branches of microbiology. Microorganisms is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Nico Jehmlich (Department of Molecular Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Germany);
- Microbiology Research (ISSN: 2036-7481) publishes theoretical and experimental research across all fundamental and applied microbiology fields, advancing One Health and Circular Health perspectives. Microbiology Research is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Beniamino T. Cenci-Goga (Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy);
- Viruses (ISSN: 1999-4915) provides an advanced forum for studies of viruses. Our aim is to publish papers that are of significant impact to the virology community, and to help researchers present their cutting-edge findings and opinions in detail by receiving quick dissemination among their peers. Viruses is led by its Editor-in-Chief Dr. Eric O. Freed (HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, USA).
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Journals |
Launch Year |
Impact Factor (2024) |
CiteScore |
First Decision (median) |
Acceptance to Publication (median) |
APC |
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2021 |
- |
2.8 |
14.3 days |
3.4 days |
CHF 1000 |
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2022 |
- |
2.8 |
27.4 days |
4.3 days |
CHF 1000 |
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2015 |
4.0 |
8.4 |
17.7 days |
2.7 days |
CHF 2600 |
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2013 |
4.2 |
7.7 |
11.7 days |
2.7 days |
CHF 2700 |
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2010 |
2.2 |
2.8 |
15.4 days |
2.7 days |
CHF 1600 |
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2009 |
3.5 |
7.7 |
17.1 days |
2.7 days |
CHF 2600 |
MDPI Mission and Values:
As a pioneer of academic open access publishing, MDPI has been serving the scientific community since 1996. Our aim is to foster scientific exchange in all forms across all disciplines. MDPI’s guidelines for disseminating open science are based on the following values and guiding principles:
- Open Access: All of our content is published in open access and distributed under a Creative Commons License, providing free access to science and the latest research, allowing articles to be freely shared and content to be re-used with proper attribution;
- Timeliness and Efficiency: Publishing the latest research through thorough editorial work, ensuring a first decision is provided to authors in under 32 days and papers are published within 7-10 days upon acceptance;
- Simplicity: Offering user-friendly tools and services in one place to enhance the efficiency of our editorial process;
- High-Quality Service: Supporting scholars and their work by providing a range of options such as journal publication at mdpi.com, early publication at preprints.org, and conferences on sciforum.net to make a positive impact on research;
- Flexibility: Adapting and developing new tools and services to meet the changing needs of the research community, driven by feedback from authors, editors, and readers;
- Rooted in Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term preservation of published papers and supporting the future of science through partnerships, sponsorships, and awards.
By adhering to these values and principles, MDPI remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting open science practices.
Selected Topics and Topical Collection:
“News and Updates on Probiotics”
Topic Editors: Dr. Alessandra Pino and Dr. Mutamed Ayyash
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 December 2025
“Feature Papers in Bacteria”
Collection Editor: Prof. Dr. Bart C. Weimer
“Pathophysiology and Clinical Management of Fungal Infections”
Topic Editors: Dr. Allan J. Guimarães and Dr. Marcos de Abreu Almeida
Manuscript submission deadline: 30 November 2025
“Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition”
Topic Editors: Prof. Dr. Vasco D. B. Bonifácio and Dr. Sandra Pinto
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 December 2026
“Microbiota Diversity and Its Broader Biological Implications Across Human and Animal Health”
Topic Editors: Dr. Giovanna Liguori, Dr. Luc van Nassauw and Dr. Anna Costagliola
“Efficacy and Safety of Antiviral Therapy”
Collection Editors: Prof. Dr. Giordano Madeddu, Dr. Andrea De Vito and Dr. Agnese Colpani
Selected Articles:
“Salmonella: Role in Internal and External Environments and Potential as a Therapeutic Tool”
by Patrick J. Naughton, Violetta R. Naughton and James S. G. Dooley
Appl. Microbiol. 2024, 4(4), 1515-1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol4040104
“Antimicrobial Resistance and Novel Alternative Approaches to Conventional Antibiotics”
by Irene Berger and Zvi G. Loewy
Bacteria 2024, 3(3), 171-182; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria3030012
“Molecular Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Diseases: Current and Future Approaches”
by David Pham, Varsha Sivalingam, Helen M. Tang, James M. Montgomery, Sharon C.-A. Chen and Catriona L. Halliday
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070447
“The Potential Impact of Probiotics on Human Health: An Update on Their Health-Promoting Properties”
by Nicoleta-Maricica Maftei, Cosmin Raducu Raileanu, Alexia Anastasia Balta, Lenuta Ambrose, Monica Boev, Denisa Batîr Marin and Elena Lacramioara Lisa
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020234
“Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of Dengue Virus 2 Envelope Ferritin Nanoparticles Induced Virus-Specific Immune Responses in BALB/c Mice”
by M.S.B.W.T.M. Nipuna Sudaraka Tennakoon, Ji-Hoon Ryu, Yong-Sam Jung, Yingjuan Qian, and Hyun-Jin Shin
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1913-1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030128
“The Medicinal Phage—Regulatory Roadmap for Phage Therapy under EU Pharmaceutical Legislation”
by Timo Faltus
Viruses 2024, 16(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16030443
13 May 2025
Empowering Academic Growth with MDPI: A Scientific Publishing Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, 15 May 2025
MDPI is excited to collaborate with Toronto Metropolitan University to host an engaging Scientific Publishing Workshop aimed at empowering scholars with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in academic publishing. This workshop will delve into the key aspects of MDPI’s open access publishing framework, offering an in-depth exploration of journal selection, the editorial workflow, and the essentials of publication ethics. Participants will also gain practical advice on improving their scientific writing and effectively addressing reviewer comments, with guidance from an experienced professional. This session promises to equip attendees with valuable skills to elevate their publishing journey.
Workshop Highlights:
- Learn How to Better Write and Structure a Research Article;
- How to Choose Where to Publish Academic Work;
- How to Respond to Reviewer Comments;
- Reasons for Rejection During Pre-Check;
- How to Navigate Through Ethics and AI Use.
Date: 15 May 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Venue: Toronto Metropolitan University
Program:
|
Speakers |
Program and Content |
Time |
|
Dr. Stephen Mora |
Introduction to MDPI |
12:00–12:05 p.m. |
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How to Write and Structure a Research Article |
12:05–12:45 p.m. |
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How to Respond to Reviewer Comments |
12:45–1:30 p.m. |
12 May 2025
International Day of Plant Health—“The Importance of Plant Health in One Health”, 12 May 2025
On the International Day of Plant Health, we recognize the vital role that healthy plants play in securing food, sustaining livelihoods, and protecting biodiversity. Plant health is fundamental to global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. As the world faces the increasing threat of plant pests and diseases, exacerbated by climate change, global trade, and unsustainable practices, this day serves as a call to action for stronger phytosanitary systems and international collaboration.
Aligned with this year’s theme of “The Importance of Plant Health in One Health”, we invite you to explore selected articles, Special Issues, and journals that span fields such as biology, biosciences, agriculture, and plant science. Healthy plants are the foundation of food security, ecosystems, and global biodiversity. By sharing research that addresses plant pests and diseases, we aim to inspire action and foster collaboration to strengthen plant protection, ultimately supporting a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
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Keynote speakers:
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Prof. Dr. Horacio Heinzen |
Dr. Azucena González Coloma |
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Prof. Dr. Assunta Bertaccini |
Prof. Dr. Hikmet Budak |
Feel free to register for the webinar here!
“Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Species of Oak: Quercus sartorii and Quercus rysophylla”
by Elizabeth Coyotl-Martinez, Juan Alex Hernández-Rivera, José L. Arturo Parra-Suarez, Sandra Raquel Reyes-Carmona and Alan Carrasco-Carballo
Appl. Biosci. 2025, 4(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci4010013
“Flavonoids as Insecticides in Crop Protection—A Review of Current Research and Future Prospects”
by Verónica Pereira, Onofre Figueira and Paula C. Castilho
Plants 2024, 13(6), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060776
“The Function of Root Exudates in the Root Colonization by Beneficial Soil Rhizobacteria”
by Lin Chen and Yunpeng Liu
Biology 2024, 13(2), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020095
“A New Gonolobus Species (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from Sinaloa, Mexico”
by Leonardo O. Alvarado-Cárdenas, Juan F. Pío-León, Gilberto Morillo and Carla Sofía Islas-Hernández
Taxonomy 2024, 4(1), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4010001
“Zamia magnifica (Zamiaceae, Cycadales): A New Rupicolous Cycad Species from Sierra Norte, Oaxaca, Mexico”
by Miguel Angel Pérez-Farrera, José Said Gutiérrez-Ortega, Mauricio Gerónimo Martínez-Martínez and Michael Calonje
Taxonomy 2023, 3(2), 232-249; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy3020017
“Manipulation of the Cellular Membrane-Cytoskeleton Network for RNA Virus Replication and Movement in Plants”
by Rongrong He, Yinzi Li, Mark A. Bernards and Aiming Wang
Viruses 2023, 15(3), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15030744
“Tissue Culture—A Sustainable Approach to Explore Plant Stresses”
by Akila Wijerathna-Yapa and Jayeni Hiti-Bandaralage
Life 2023, 13(3), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030780
“Geometric Morphometric Versus Genomic Patterns in a Large Polyploid Plant Species Complex”
by Ladislav Hodač, Kevin Karbstein, Salvatore Tomasello, Jana Wäldchen, John Paul Bradican and Elvira Hörandl
Biology 2023, 12(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12030418
“Identification and Characterization of Neofusicoccum stellenboschiana in Branch and Twig Dieback-Affected Olive Trees in Italy and Comparative Pathogenicity with N. mediterraneum”
by Giuliano Manetti, Angela Brunetti, Valentina Lumia, Lorenzo Sciarroni, Paolo Marangi, Nicola Cristella, Francesco Faggioli, Massimo Reverberi, Marco Scortichini and Massimo Pilotti
J. Fungi 2023, 9(3), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9030292
“Plants as Biofactories for Therapeutic Proteins and Antiviral Compounds to Combat COVID-19”
by Corbin England, Jonathan TrejoMartinez, Paula PerezSanchez, Uddhab Karki and Jianfeng Xu
Life 2023, 13(3), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030617
“Epichloë Endophytes Shape the Foliar Endophytic Fungal Microbiome and Alter the Auxin and Salicylic Acid Phytohormone Levels in Two Meadow Fescue Cultivars”
by Suni Anie Matthew, Marjo Helander, Kari Saikkonen, Radomira Vankova, Petre I. Dobrev, Serdar Dirihan and Benjamin Fuchs
J. Fungi 2023, 9(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9010090
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“Molecular Basis of Seed Germination and Dormancy” |
“Diversity and Taxonomy of Scarabaeoidea” |
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“The Silent Players of Forest Ecosystems: Viruses, Viroids, and Beyond” |
“Plant–Insect Interactions—3rd Edition” |
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“Plant Physiology: From Omic Analysis toward Physiological Mechanism Research” Edited by Jie Luo and Sen Meng June 2024 | 160 pages ISBN 978-3-7258-1438-1 (Hardback) ISBN 978-3-7258-1437-4 (PDF) |
30 April 2025
Viruses | Editor’s Choice Articles Published in 2024–2025
1. “Targeting Latent HIV Reservoirs: Effectiveness of Combination Therapy with HDAC and PARP Inhibitors”
by Hasset Tibebe, Dacia Marquez, Aidan McGraw, Sophia Gagliardi, Cailyn Sullivan, Grace Hillmer, Kedhar Narayan, Coco Izumi, Adleigh Keating and Taisuke Izumi
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030400
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/400
2. “The In Situ Structure of T-Series T1 Reveals a Conserved Lambda-Like Tail Tip”
by Yuan Chen, Hao Xiao, Junquan Zhou, Zeng Peng, Yuning Peng, Jingdong Song, Jing Zheng and Hongrong Liu
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030351
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/351
3. “Impacts of Antiretroviral Therapy on the Oral Microbiome and Periodontal Health of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Cats”
by Laura Bashor, Jennifer E. Rawlinson, Christopher P. Kozakiewicz, Elisa Behzadi, Craig Miller, Jeffrey Kim, Megan Cierzan, Mary Nehring, Scott Carver, Zaid Abdo et al.
Viruses 2025, 17(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020257
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/257
4. “Repurposing Drugs for Synergistic Combination Therapies to Counteract Monkeypox Virus Tecovirimat Resistance”
by Haydar Witwit, Beatrice Cubitt, Roaa Khafaji, Esteban M. Castro, Miguel Goicoechea, Maria M. Lorenzo, Rafael Blasco, Luis Martinez-Sobrido and Juan C. de la Torre
Viruses 2025, 17(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17010092
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/1/92
5. “The Transcriptional Program of Staphylococcus aureus Phage K Is Affected by a Host rpoC Mutation That Confers Phage K Resistance”
by Rohit Kongari, Melissa D. Ray, Susan M. Lehman, Roger D. Plaut, Deborah M. Hinton and Scott Stibitz
Viruses 2024, 16(11), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16111773
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/11/1773
6. “Multiplex Microscopy Assay for Assessment of Therapeutic and Serum Antibodies against Emerging Pathogens”
by Nuno Sartingen, Vanessa Stürmer, Matthias Kaltenböck, Thorsten G. Müller, Paul Schnitzler, Anna Kreshuk, Hans-Georg Kräusslich, Uta Merle, Frauke Mücksch, Barbara Müller et al.
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091473
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/9/1473
7. “Translation of Overlapping Open Reading Frames Promoted by Type 2 IRESs in Avian Calicivirus Genomes”
by Yani Arhab, Tatyana V. Pestova and Christopher U. T. Hellen
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091413
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/9/1413
8. “Resistance of the CRISPR-Cas13a Gene-Editing System to Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid Infection in Tomato and Nicotiana benthamiana”
by Ying Wei Khoo, Qingsong Wang, Shangwu Liu, Binhui Zhan, Tengfei Xu, Wenxia Lv, Guangjing Liu, Shifang Li and Zhixiang Zhang
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091401
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/9/1401
9. “Parainfluenza Virus 5 V Protein Blocks Interferon Gamma-Mediated Upregulation of NK Cell Inhibitory Ligands and Improves NK Cell Killing of Neuroblastoma Cells”
by Elisabeth M. Shiffer, Jeremiah L. Oyer, Alicja J. Copik and Griffith D. Parks
Viruses 2024, 16(8), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16081270
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/8/1270
10. “Challenges in the Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Nervous System”
by Samya Jezine Da Silva, Mauro Jorge Cabral-Castro, Cássia Cristina Alves Gonçalves, Diana Mariani, Orlando Ferreira, Amílcar Tanuri and Marzia Puccioni-Sohler
Viruses 2024, 16(8), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16081247
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/8/1247
30 April 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #22 - 300 Journals in WoS, Norway & Sweden Consortiums, Self-citations
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
Over 300 MDPI Journals are Indexed in Web of Science
Indexing is essential to scholarly publishing as it promotes visibility and the impact of research. I’m excited to share that MDPI now has over 300 journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS). This milestone reflects the work of our authors, editors, reviewers, and the entire MDPI staff, contributing to greater visibility and impact for open access research.
Publish with MDPI, publish with impact.
Having over 300 MDPI journals indexed in the Web of Science is more than a numbers game. It represents a recognition of the quality, consistency, and relevance of the research published in our journals. For the academic community, it reflects the growing trust in MDPI as a reputable publisher, leading the way in open access publishing.
A closer look at the achievement
Being indexed in the WoS nvolves meeting a list of quality criteria, including 24 quality benchmarks for ESCI journals.
For MDPI, rigorous editorial standards and scientific integrity are key. These enabled over 300 journals to pass the Web of Science quality criteria for indexing.
Here we share a blog post discussing the importance of this milestone for MDPI and open scholarly research. In this post, Constanze Schelhorn, Head of Indexing, at MDPI, and Giulia Stefenelli, Scientific Communications Lead, share their thoughts and insights on what this achievement means for our commitment to high-quality research.
“MDPI has a well-structured quality assurance framework that applies to all our journals. We also apply clear, standardized peer-review policies across our portfolio, ensuring transparency and consistency.” – Constanze Schelhorn, Head of Indexing
“This achievement is a step forward for Open Access research, reinforcing the mission to share scientific knowledge globally and facilitate research progress.” – Giulia Stefenelli, Scientific Communications Lead
Read the blog here: https://blog.mdpi.com/2025/04/03/300-mdpi-journals/
Looking to the future
This milestone is a testament to MDPI’s dedication to peer review, editorial excellence, and innovation in academic publishing. It highlights our role as leaders in open access publishing.
Personally, I see this as just the beginning. We will continue to support researchers, expand our contributions to scholarly communication, and push the boundaries of academic publishing.
Impactful Research
Nearly 920 partner institutions in MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program
I’m pleased to share some exciting progress from MDPI's Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP), which now includes nearly 920 partner institutions worldwide. This is more than just a number. It reflects the growing trust and collaboration we’ve built with universities, libraries, and research organizations across the globe.
The IOAP offers institutions discounted Article Processing Charges (APCs), access to a dedicated institutional dashboard, and transparency throughout the publishing process.
Norway’s Sikt Consortium Renews national agreement with MDPI
MDPI has renewed its national agreement with the Sikt Consortium, which now supports 36 institutions across Norway. New partners, such as Kristiania University of Applied Sciences, join long-standing collaborators such as NTNU, the University of Bergen, and UiT, The Arctic University of Norway. The agreement promotes affordable, high-quality open access publishing through centralized APC funding, and reinforces Norway’s leadership in open science.
These agreements reflect MDPI’s mission to remove barriers to scientific publishing and make research freely available to all. By collaborating with national consortia and institutions, we advance the open access and strengthen our global network and collaborations.
Our IOAP Team
A big thank-you to our IOAP team for driving these important collaborations. Their work includes increasing MDPI’s visibility in scholarly communications, strengthening relationships with IOAP partners, and building trust with key stakeholders.
These efforts not only help researchers to publish their work openly and affordably but also reinforce MDPI’s position as a trusted leader in open access.
What are the benefits of MDPI’s IOAP?
For Authors: Researchers affiliated with IOAP partner institutions benefit from automatic discounts on APCs, Book Processing Charges (BPCs), JAMS, and Author Services across MDPI’s journals. The process is seamless as there is no need for codes or special applications. The publishing experience is smoother and more affordable, and centralized invoicing helps simplify the process, allowing authors to focus on their research rather than administration.
For Libraries: Participating libraries receive access to a dedicated institutional dashboard with live metadata on submissions from affiliated authors, past and present. They also benefit from flexible invoicing options (direct, collective, or prepayment) to help streamline administration, while clear, transparent agreements ensure that there are no hidden clauses or small print. Automated deposits into Institutional Repositories further reduce manual work, supporting libraries in their mission to advance open access and serve their research communities.
Inside MDPI
MDPI Self-citation study shows industry alignment
Earlier this month, Dr. Giulia Stefenelli and Dr. Enric Sayas published a thoughtful and transparent article on the ALPSP blog, presenting a self-citation analysis across MDPI’s 237 journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).
They found that MDPI's average self-citation rate in 2024 was 14.85%, well within industry norms and ranking 6th among the top ten publishers. Only 2.3% of MDPI journals were identified as outliers with high self-citation rates, compared to 4.7% among other leading publishers. An alternative approach, using weighted average by publication volume, shows MDPI’s self-citation rate rises from 14% to 19.7%, shifting our rank from 6th to 3rd. The study also shows that the impact of self-citation on journal quartile placement is minimal.
Read the full article on the ALPSP blog: https://blog.alpsp.org/2025/03/mdpi-self-citations-study-highlights.html
Why is this important?
As explained in the full article, the results “reinforce the fact that self-citations have minimal influence on MDPI journal rankings, emphasizing the integrity of editorial practices and the absence of any deliberate efforts to manipulate impact.”
Self-citation is a hot topic, and MDPI is sometimes unfairly singled out in this area. This analysis helps put some perspective to that narrative.
At MDPI, we are committed to transparency and to using data-driven insights to address common misconceptions about open access publishing. Our focus on self-citation reflects this commitment, and we plan to extend our efforts to other areas where the Gold OA model is often misunderstood.
About the authors
Dr. Giulia Stefenelli, Scientific Communications Lead, leverages her expertise in science communication, editorial processes, and Open Access (OA) promotion to address both institutional and country-specific challenges. She collaborates with teams across PR, Editorial Procedures, Institutional Partnerships, Research Integrity, AI and more, developing strategies to engage stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. Her responsibilities include enhancing MDPI’s scientific network and promoting OA initiatives at events worldwide, supporting the efforts of various departments, and ensuring effective communication to both specialist and broader audiences.
Dr. Enric Sayas is a Business Analyst specializing in the integration of AI and Machine Learning in scientific publishing.
Within MDPI’s AI team, Enric combines his editorial expertise with his passion for AI to support the development of AI-driven solutions tailored to editorial needs, enhancing efficiency and improving decision-making.
Enric’s interests extend to data science methodologies applied to scientific publishing, as well as the broader impact of AI on open science, peer review, and the future of scientific publishing.
Coming Together for Science
Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security
Prof. Dr. Dilantha Fernando presenting at Plants 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
The MDPI Conference Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security took place in Barcelona, Spain, from 31 March to 2 April 2025.
It was chaired by Editor-in-Chief of MDPI journal Plants (Q1 journal); Prof. Dr. Dilantha Fernando from the University of Manitoba, in Canada, and Section Editor-in-Chief of Plants; Dr. Fermín Morales from Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB) – CSIC, in Spain; and Prof. Dr. Oscar Vicente from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) in Spain.
The conference brought plant scientists together to discuss innovations in sustainable agriculture, crop improvement, and environmental conservation.
With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the conference addressed key challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable agroecosystems through keynote talks and seven specialized sessions.
The conference gathered 111 attendees from 36 different countries, featuring 1 keynote speaker, 9 invited speakers, and 41 selected talks, along with 56 posters. The event received just over 200 submissions and 102 accepted abstracts.
From insightful talks, engaging poster sessions and engaging networking moments, Plants 2025 was a special experience. You can relive the highlights from the Plants 2025 conference here with our after movie!
Awards
Four awards were presented at the conclusion of the conference, sponsored by the journal Plants: two Best Poster Awards (€250 each) and two Best Oral Presentation Awards (€300 each).
Plants 2025 Conference Team
The Plants 2025 Conference was organized by colleagues from MDPI’s Conference Team: Ana Sanchis (Conference Manager), Cédric Spinnler (Senior Conference Organizer), Raquel Sellès (Conference Organizer) and Laura Perez (Conference Assistant).
Upcoming event
5–7 May 2025
The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Metals
Location: Online event (Central European Summer Time)
As one of the pillar technologies that support the development of modern society and metallurgy, IECME 2025 will present the state-of-the-art of Metallurgy and Metals.
Find more upcoming MDPI events here.
Closing Thoughts
Swedish consortium renews partnership with MDPI
I’m pleased to share that MDPI has renewed its national partnership with Sweden’s Bibsam Consortium. This is a continued commitment to advancing open access publishing and supporting Sweden’s vision for fully open research.
Under this renewed agreement, 22 leading institutions including KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, Linnaeus University, and Linköping University, will continue to benefit from MDPI’s IOAP. This provides discounts on APCs and a more streamlined, researcher-friendly publishing experience.
MDPI and Bibsam renew national agreement for Sweden
“With robust backing from national open science guidelines, Sweden’s open-access landscape is rapidly advancing,” says Becky Castellon, institutional partnerships manager at MDPI.
“In fact, fewer than 15% of all Swedish research outputs were locked behind paywalls in 2023. We are passionate about the positive impact our ongoing partnership with the Bibsam Consortium will have on Swedish research, paving the way for ground-breaking developments and a more inclusive, open scientific community. Through flexible solutions and tailored policies, we enable institutions to prioritize research, foster innovation, and enhance accessibility, driving the shift to full open access.”
Recent MDPI IOAP Consortium signings from 2025:
- The UK’s Jisc Consortium extended its national agreement, continuing support for more than 60 institutions across the UK.
- Switzerland’s CSAL (Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries) renewed its agreement, continuing our collaboration with top institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne.
- In Germany, we signed a new national agreement with ZB MED that includes over 100 universities and research institutions, with 78 institutions joining under a central or flat-fee model to simplify APC coverage.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
