Announcements

MDPI is pleased to announce our participation in the 2025 AAG Annual Meeting (AAG 2025), held from 24 to 28 March 2025 in Detroit, MI, USA.

AAG 2025 will revolve around the theme of “Making Spaces of Possibility”. It will bring together geographers of many perspectives and specialties to learn from Detroit, envisioning solutions for the region it is part of and for places around the world.

To make spaces of possibility is to leverage geographic insight, knowledge, and tools to counter the historical legacies of racial exclusion and (settler) colonialism; to address current threats to democracy and the environment; and to work toward climate justice.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the event:

• Remote Sensing;
• Sustainability;
• Earth;
• Geographies;
• Climate;
• Hydrology;
• Land;
• Water;
• Fire;
• Atmosphere;
• World;
• Drones;
• Geomatics;
• Quaternary.

If you are attending AAG 2025, we invite you to visit us at booth #111. Our representatives, Mr. Elvis Wang and Ms. Sofia Zelko, will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, the benefits of open access, and our commitment to advancing geosciences research.

For more information about the conference, please visit its official website: https://www.aag.org/events/aag2025/.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Water 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award. The Water (ISSN: 2073-4441) Editorial Board and Editorial Team would like to gratefully acknowledge the time and energy dedicated by reviewers in checking the manuscripts submitted to this journal. It is due to their efforts that the high quality of Water and quick turnaround are maintained.

Outstanding Awards for Excellence in Manuscript Reviews
Prize: CHF 500, an electronic certificate, and a chance to publish a paper with a 50% discount in Water in 2025
Winners:
Prof. Dr. Mariusz Ptak, Department of Hydrology and Water Management, Adam Mickiewicz University;
Dr. Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy, Cellulose & Paper Department, National Research Centre;
Dr. Cristian Anghel, Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest;
Prof. Dr. Idil Arslan-Alaton, Environmental Engineering Department, Civil Engineering Faculty, Istanbul Technical University;
Dr. Mohammed N. Assaf, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Pavia.

Recognition Awards for Manuscript Reviews
Prize: An electronic certificate and a chance to publish a paper with a 50% discount in Water in 2025
Winners:
Dr. Hainan Wu, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University;
Dr. Shyue-Cherng Liaw, Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University;
Dr. Vahdettin Demir, Department of Civil Engineering, KTO Karatay University;
Prof. Dr. Zakaria Al-Qodah, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University
Dr. Diego Avesani, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento.

Water Editorial Office

MDPI is pleased to share a significant milestone in its mission to advance scholarly research and promote the dissemination of knowledge—300+ MDPI journals are now indexed in Web of Science (WoS). This milestone highlights the global recognition, interdisciplinary impact and enhanced visibility of our journals. It also reflects our adherence to rigorous editorial standards, scientific integrity, and our mission to foster open scientific exchange in all forms, across all disciplines. 

To explore the full list of our journals indexed in WoS, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals/wos. Beyond expanding the coverage of our publications in the leading academic databases, we are dedicated to ensuring that our journals are included in as many scope-specific databases as possible. This increases the visibility of our authors’ work and extends the reach of their significant data. 

This milestone would not have been possible without the efforts and expertise of our academic editors, reviewers and authors. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in creating an inclusive, accessible, and impactful publishing platform. We also extend our gratitude to the global research community for their trust as we continue to break new ground in academic publishing. This milestone is not just a celebration of MDPI’s progress but also recognition of the collective strides made by researchers worldwide. 

As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, MDPI remains steadfast in its commitment to open access publishing and ensuring that high-quality research reaches and inspires a global audience.

1. “The Impacts of Climate Change on the Hydrological Process and Water Quality in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China”
by Yidian Sun, Wanshun Zhang, Hong Peng, Feng Zhou, Anna Jiang, Xiaomin Chen and Hao Wang
Water 2023, 15(8), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15081542
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/8/1542

2. “Adsorption Performance of Different Wetland Substrates for Ammonia Nitrogen: An Experimental Study”
by Peng Li, Minghui Liu, Jiaxing Zhou, Li Chen and Meifeng Cai
Water 2024, 16(1), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16010174
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/1/174

3. “Novel Fenton-like Catalyst HKUST-1(Cu)/MoS₂-3-C with Non-Equilibrium-State Surface for Selective Degradation of Phenolic Contaminants: Synergistic Effects of σ-Cu-Ligand and ≡Mo–OOSO₃⁻ Complex”
by Xiaoze Yin, Huaqin Yin, Renjie Wang, Jinnan Wang and Aimin Li
Water 2024, 16(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16010121
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/1/121

4. “Research on the Influence Radius on the Surrounding Groundwater Level in the Beidianshengli Open-Pit Coal Mine of China”
by Yunlan He, Lulu Fang, Suping Peng, Xikai Wang, Kexin Li, Changhao Cui, Zhuoming Liu and Yile Yang
Water 2024, 16(14), 1938; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16141938
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/14/1938

5. “A Ground-Penetrating Radar-Based Study of the Structure and Moisture Content of Complex Reconfigured Soils”
by Yunlan He, Lulu Fang, Suping Peng, Wen Liu and Changhao Cui
Water 2024, 16(16), 2332; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16162332
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/16/2332

6. “Effects of Underwater Lighting Time on the Growth of Vallisneria spinulosa Yan and Its Water Restoration Process”
by Mengyi Wei, Jinshan Zhao, Xiaolin Zhou, Fengdan Li, Min Zhao, Xiangyong Zheng, Ye Tang Chang Yang, Zhenmin Jin and Suqing Wu
Water 2024, 16(24), 3697; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16243697
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/24/3697

7. “Economic Operation of Variable Speed and Blade Angle-Adjustable Pumping Stations of an Open-Channel Water Transfer Project”
by Mengying Du, Zhao Zhang, Yichao Chen, Xieyu Qu, Peiru Yan and Hao Wang
Water 2023, 15(20), 3571; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203571
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/20/3571

8. “Roughness Inversion of Water Transfer Channels from a Data-Driven Perspective”
by Luyan Zhou, Peiru Yan, Zhongkai Han, Zhao Zhang, Xiaohui Lei and Hao Wang
Water 2023, 15(15), 2822; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152822
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/15/2822

9. “Spatial and Temporal Variations in Soil Moisture for a Tamarisk Stand under Groundwater Control in a Hyper-Arid Region”
by Xiaobo Yi, Ji Luo, Pengyan Wang, Xiao Guo, Yuanjie Deng, Tao Du, Haijun Wang, Cuicui Jiao, Guofu Yuan and Mingan Shao
Water 2023, 15(19), 3403; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15193403
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/19/3403

10. “Impacts of Different Gully Consolidation and Highland Protection Models on the Runoff and Sediment Yield in Small Watershed of the Chinese Loess Plateau—A Case Study of Fengbugou in Qingyang City of Gansu”
by Zhixin Zhao, Aidi Huo, Yuxiang Cheng, Pingping Luo, Jianbing Peng, Ahmed Elbeltagi, Mohamed EL-Sayed Abuarab, Ali Mokhtar and Adnan Ahmed
Water 2023, 15(15), 2764; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152764
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/15/2764

This year, MDPI celebrates Environmental and Earth Sciences Week under the theme “Science for a Thriving Planet!”. As we honor this week, we also align with the United Nations’ call to action by recognizing key global observances: 21 March as the International Day of Forests and World Day for Glaciers, 22 March as World Water Day, and 23 March as World Meteorological Day. These observances highlight the interconnectedness of forests, water, weather, and climate in shaping a sustainable future.

Hereby, we are pleased to officially launch the campaign “MDPI 2024 Most Popular Cover in Environmental and Earth Sciences”, which aims to reinforce the critical role science plays in understanding, protecting, and sustaining our world.

What’s the cover?
For this campaign, MDPI highlights a paper in the form of an issue cover for each issue. We selected 15 covers in 2024 in the field of forests, water and meteorology. Many cover stories report important research results or innovative methods with impressive images.

What’s standard when selecting the popular cover?
The criteria that will be considered for selection are as follows:

• The importance or innovation of research in the fields of forests, water, glaciers, or meteorology;
• Quality of the cover image.

How many winners will there be?

• There will be three covers granted the “MDPI 2024 Most Popular Cover”.

What’s the prize for each winner?

• A CHF 300 Article-Processing Charge (APC) voucher (corresponding author);
• An electronic certificate.

How to pick your favorite cover?
To cast your vote, please visit the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z8B3BDQ.

The voting will be open from 19 February to 12 March 2025. The winners will be announced on the MDPI website by 21 March.

MDPI, a pioneer in scholarly open access publishing, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), Singapore, proudly announce the successful conclusion of the first edition the MDPI Early Career Researcher Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to medical and biomedical research, were presented to six exceptional researchers during an awards ceremony held at LKCMedicine HQ Building on 28 November 2024.

Honoring Excellence in Research

The awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students who have demonstrated outstanding originality, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. We are honored to announce the winners of the 2024 edition:

Early Career Researcher (Postdoc) Award:

• Dr. Theresia Handayani Mina, “Adiposity and Metabolic Health in Asian Populations: An Epidemiological Study Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Singapore”;
• Dr. Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, “Wound Healing Improvement by Novel Aligned Antimicrobial Nanofibrous 3D Scaffolds”;
• Dr. Yadollah Ranjbar Slamloo, “Functional Alterations of The Prefrontal Circuit Underlying Cognitive Aging in Mice”.

Early Career Researcher (Ph.D.) Award:

• Pritisha Rozario, “Mechanistic Basis for Potassium Efflux-Driven Activation of the Human NLRP1 Inflammasome”;

• Michelle Law Cheok Yien, “Chikungunya Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 is a Versatile RNA Capping and Decapping Enzyme”;
• Yin Ruoyu, “The Use of Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Tools in Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study”.

Our collaboration highlights a shared commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and research within the academic community, addressing today’s healthcare challenges, and inspiring continued innovation.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building on the success of the first edition, MDPI and LKCMedicine are excited to announce that the 2025 MDPI Early Researcher Awards will continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in medical research. The next edition promises to expand its scope, introducing new categories and providing even greater recognition for impactful research.

Further details on the 2025 awards, including nomination criteria and timelines, will be shared in the coming months. We remain committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and collaboration within the global scientific community.

Conference: First Ocean Decade International Coastal Cities Conference
Date: 26–27 February 2025
Location: Qingdao, China

MDPI will be attending the First Ocean Decade International Coastal Cities Conference, which will be held from 26 to 27 February 2025, as an exhibitor, and we welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

The conference is organized by the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO). The theme of the conference is “Better Ocean, Better City”. Building upon the momentum and outcomes of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, this conference will mark a pivotal moment in accelerating action for the newly launched “Cities with the Ocean” platform and be a major step towards the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference and the planned pre-Conference special event on “Ocean Rise and Resilience”.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Oceans;
• Coasts;
• Conservation;
• Diversity;
• Environments;
• Hydrology;
• Land;
• Microplastics;
• Pollutants;
• Resources;
• Urban Science;
• Waste;
• Water;
• Clean Technol.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start a conversation with us online. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the conference and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://oceandecade.org/zh/events/first-ocean-decade-international-coastal-cities-conference-better-ocean-better-city/.

We are pleased to share with you a recent interview held with Dr. Solmaz Fathololoumi, one of the winners of the Water 2025 Travel Award.

The following is an interview with Dr. Solmaz Fathololoumi:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your field of research?

My name is Solmaz Fathololoumi. I have a background in soil science, having completed my Ph.D. in soil physics and conservation. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Guelph, Canada, specializing in the use of remote sensing data and advanced modeling techniques for digital soil mapping and precision agriculture. My research focuses on developing field-scale management decisions to improve sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing soil health, monitoring land degradation, and optimizing land resource utilization. Additionally, I explore sensor applications and geospatial technologies to address environmental challenges, promote better land management, and support food security.

2. Where did you obtain journal award participation information? In the previous cooperation with MDPI, what impressed you most?

A few years ago, while submitting my manuscript, I discovered the “Journal Awards” option on the journal’s website. After reading about it, I decided to apply. What stood out the most during this experience was the fairness and impartiality of the evaluation process, which I greatly value. The experience highlighted the transparency and integrity of the procedures, further solidifying my positive perception of the process.

Throughout my collaboration with MDPI, I’ve experienced a smooth and professional editorial process. The prompt communication, thorough peer review, and commitment to open access publishing have been invaluable. MDPI’s approach ensures the broader dissemination of research, aligning with my belief in making scientific knowledge accessible to a wider audience. The user-friendly submission platform and responsive team have also greatly enhanced the experience.

3. After winning this award for the first time, how did the award help or have a positive impact on your research career?

Winning the travel award was both motivating and encouraging. It helped by partially covering conference costs, which was invaluable as attending international conferences is essential for staying scientifically updated and building networks. Additionally, the award strengthened my academic profile, marking an important milestone in my career. Overall, it served as both a source of motivation and a stepping stone to further advancing my research journey.

4. As the winner of this award again, is there anything you would like to express?

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the evaluation committee and the editorial team of Water for their fair and thoughtful judgment, as well as their unwavering commitment to supporting young and motivated researchers. Their encouragement assures us that every effort is worthwhile, inspiring us to pursue our journey with greater confidence and determination. Regardless of how many times one applies for or receives this award, the key is to remain steadfast in achieving goals and demonstrating efforts through tangible achievements like publications. This assurance that our hard work is valued and recognized is deeply motivating.

Knowing that prominent scientists stand behind us, offering their support as long as we remain dedicated to advancing science, is a powerful source of inspiration. I am deeply grateful for the recognition and support this award provides. It reinforces my commitment to research and motivates me to strive for excellence. Beyond recognition, the award serves as a valuable resource, enabling me to explore new opportunities, attend conferences, and collaborate with fellow researchers, ultimately advancing my contributions to the field.

5. Water is an open access journal, as you know, so what is your opinion on the open access model of publication?

Although publishing in open access journals requires a financial contribution, I believe the open access model is incredibly valuable for the sharing of knowledge and experiences. It ensures that research is accessible to a global audience, including those who may not have access to subscription-based journals. This inclusivity fosters collaboration, accelerates the exchange of ideas, and enhances the impact of scientific findings.

Moreover, open access publications contribute to bridging the gap between academia and industry, enabling practitioners, policymakers, and educators to apply research outcomes more effectively. While the costs may pose challenges, the benefits of promoting transparency, accessibility, and equitable knowledge dissemination far outweigh them. I deeply value this model as a way to ensure that science serves the broader community and supports global progress.

6. What advice do you have for researchers who will pursue this path?

The research journey can be long and challenging, but staying curious and passionate about one's work is essential for maintaining motivation. Focusing on quality is equally important; producing high-quality research leads to more meaningful contributions to the field and ensures that efforts are acknowledged, as evidenced by the MDPI award process.

Collaboration is another key aspect. Encouraging researchers to work with colleagues both within and outside their fields can bring diverse perspectives and open doors to new opportunities. It’s also important to remind researchers that rejection and setbacks are a natural part of the process. These should be viewed as learning experiences that improve their work and approach, fostering resilience and perseverance, which are critical for success.

I would also highlight the importance of staying engaged with the research community by attending conferences, joining academic networks, and sharing ideas. Networking often leads to valuable collaborations and new insights that can help researchers grow. Similarly, open access publishing should be encouraged as it ensures broader visibility and impact, benefiting both the academic community and society at large.

Lastly, effective time management is crucial. It helps researchers stay organized, manage stress, and maintain a healthy work–life balance. Emphasizing the need for continuous learning and staying updated with the latest tools and techniques is equally important. Resources provided by generous publishers like MDPI can support researchers in these efforts, offering valuable opportunities not just for academics but for anyone with a passion for science.

We are pleased to share with you a recent interview held with Dr. Hongxu Zhou, one of the winners of the Water 2025 Travel Award.

Name: Dr. Hongxu Zhou
Affiliation: Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA
Interests: water pollution control; biochar; agricultural water quality; contaminant remediation; sustainability assessment

Dr. Hongxu Zhou joined the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) in 2024 as a postdoc research associate. He is dedicated to providing practical engineering solutions to address water quality issues in the agricultural context. At ISTC, his current research focuses on the utilization of biochar systems for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) destruction.

The following is an interview with Dr. Hongxu Zhou:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your field of research?

I am a postdoc research associate at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before that, I earned my Ph.D. from the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am dedicated to providing practical engineering solutions to address water quality issues in the agricultural context. My research focuses on water quality management, the treatment of both traditional and emerging contaminants, and advancing the circular economy. Through innovative eco-treatment and natural-based systems, such as engineered biochar application and denitrifying woodchip bioreactor systems, I integrate lab-scale studies, field-scale demonstrations, and sustainability analysis to understand how these technologies not only help improve water quality but also promote sustainable practices, addressing the critical balance between pollution mitigation and resource reuse. At ISTC, my current research focuses on the utilization of biochar systems for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) destruction.

2. Where did you obtain information about the Water Travel Award? What impressed you most about your previous collaboration with MDPI?

I learned about journal award participation through my advisor, Dr. Rabin Bhattarai, who has served as a Guest Editor for the Water journal for a long time. He highly values the journal for its commitment to publishing impactful research in water sciences and its professional review process. What impressed me the most was the responsiveness of the editors and offices. They consistently reply on time and maintain clear and professional communication. Additionally, the transparent editorial communication and the opportunity to collaborate with a global network of researchers have been truly inspiring.

3. As the winner of this award, is there anything you would like to express?

I am deeply honored to receive this award, which reflects the hard work and dedication of not only myself but also the incredible support I’ve received from my mentors, colleagues, and collaborators. This recognition motivates me to continue pursuing impactful research and contributing to advancements in water quality management and sustainable solutions. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and the trust placed in my work. I also thank the Water editorial team for recognizing our research on the biochar-based system for agricultural water management.

4. As you are aware, Water is an open access journal, so what is your opinion of the open access model of publication?

I believe the open access model of publication is a significant step toward making research more accessible and impactful. I appreciate the open access model as it aligns with the goal of advancing science for the benefit of society.

5. What advice do you have for researchers who want to pursue this path?

My advice to researchers is to fully embrace interdisciplinary approaches in their work. Many of today’s complex challenges, especially in areas like water quality and sustainable development, require solutions that bridge multiple fields of study. Collaborating with experts from diverse disciplines allows you to gain fresh perspectives, explore innovative methodologies, and develop holistic solutions. It’s also important to stay open-minded, as interdisciplinary work often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and learning from others.