Announcements
14 February 2025
Meet Us at the First Ocean Decade International Coastal Cities Conference, 26–27 February 2025, Qingdao, China
7 February 2025
Interview with Dr. Solmaz Fathololoumi—Winner of the Water 2025 Travel Award
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.
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Name: Dr. Solmaz Fathololoumi |
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.
5 February 2025
Interview with Dr. Hongxu Zhou—Winner of the Water 2025 Travel Award
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.
5 February 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #20 - Beijing, Singapore, Bangkok, JAMS, Jisc
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
2024 Annual Meeting – Beijing (15 January 2025)
You haven’t truly experienced a New Year’s celebration until you’ve attended one of MDPI’s Chinese Annual Meeting festivities. This year I visited our annual meeting in Beijing, held on the 15th of January.
Imagine this: stepping into a banquet hall filled with 140 tables and about 1,400 colleagues from our Beijing offices, all gathered to share in a six-hour event. The agenda included year-end speeches and presentations, a variety of performances by our colleagues, a selection of awards honouring local employees for their work, group photos for the memories, and a dinner.
This may have been one of the largest events I have attended. For those unaccustomed to such an event, it might seem overwhelming, but it was quite the opposite. The atmosphere was one of celebration as everyone came together to support their peers and celebrate the achievements of 2024.
I was honoured to deliver the opening speech and a presentation highlighting our growth and investment in MDPI’s most valuable asset: our people.
“Our editorial teams represent MDPI at its finest”
I want to give special recognition to the editorial department, across all of our offices, which forms the heart of our business. These teams are the frontline communicators with our authors, reviewers, and guest editors, creating a smooth experience of processing our manuscripts. Their professionalism and kindness are often highlighted as key drivers of satisfaction with MDPI. For this, I extend my deepest gratitude to all our editorial staff, across every office. They truly represent MDPI at its finest.
Beijing is home to two of our offices, with just over 800 employees in Tongzhou and over 600 in Haidian. Thank you to our administrative teams and everyone involved in organizing these New Year’s celebrations across all offices. These events provide a moment to reflect on our shared accomplishments and appreciate the positive impact each of you has on our culture.
MDPI Offices in China
While the history of MDPI begins in Basel, Switzerland, the story of MDPI is very much rooted in China. Below is a list of MDPI’s current offices in China and their respective dates of inauguration:
- 2008: Beijing (Tongzhou, Haidian)
- 2013: Wuhan (Hankou, Guanggu)
- 2019: Tianjin
- 2021: Dalian
- 2021: Nanjing
To date, over 381,000 MDPI research articles have been published by authors affiliated with Chinese institutions, making China our largest market. This is reflected not only in the volume of publications but also in the scale of our workforce supporting local operations and contributing to global success.
While no new offices in China were launched between 2022 and 2024 due to the pandemic and strategic planning, we remain committed to future growth here. Our plans include expanding operations as we continue to build our global workforce.
We look forward to a year filled with continued collaboration, growth, and shared success.
“We remain committed to future growth in China”
Impactful Research
MDPI and Jisc Consortium Extend Open Access Agreement for 2025
I’m pleased to share that MDPI has extended its agreement with the Jisc consortium in the UK for 2025. This renewal strengthens our partnership with UK institutions and reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing open access publishing.
Jisc is the UK’s not-for-profit digital, data, and technology agency supporting tertiary education, research, and innovation. Through initiatives such as our agreement, Jisc helps institutions access essential digital resources and infrastructure to support researchers. Currently, 62 UK institutions are part of our Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) through this partnership.
Authors from participating institutions benefit from discounts on article processing charges (APCs), with even greater support for institutions that centrally fund APCs. This helps researchers focus on their work while simplifying the publishing process.
A full list of participating institutions can be found here.
As Becky Castellon, our Institutional Partnerships Manager, puts it: “Extending our agreement with Jisc is a reward for the strong partnership we’ve built with research institutions throughout the UK.”
At MDPI, we are dedicated to making research more accessible while reducing administrative burdens for institutions and authors. Open access publishing is at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to expand its reach in the UK and beyond.
Inside MDPI
Visit to MDPI's Singapore office
During my January trip to some of our APAC offices, I also had the pleasure of visiting our Singapore office for the first time. It’s exciting to see how much the team has grown, now numbering over 55 staff members, with more joining us in February.
Welcoming and Supporting New Team Members
“Experienced staff play an important role in mentoring new hires”
I had the opportunity to connect with both experienced colleagues and new team members who are currently embarking on their careers. This visit reminded me of what it was like when I was in their shoes. I encourage all of us to engage new colleagues with empathy, as we have all been in their position. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, we can help them settle in and learn about the corporate world, MDPI and our mission.
Experienced staff play an important role in mentoring and guiding new hires, most of whom are transitioning from academia to their first job. I’m especially grateful to colleagues such as Colin Chen, Alicia Ren, Yu Nwe Soe, Colin Wee, Amy Cham and other senior members who have contributed to shaping the culture and work environment in Singapore.
Building MDPI’s Positive Reputation
During my visit, I spoke with the office staff about the importance of their roles in building a positive reputation that helps create trust in MDPI. I shared how every interaction and communication point contributes to the marketing of MDPI and our journals. I also highlighted the career development opportunities available as MDPI continues to grow.
Connecting with the Singapore Marketing Team
I also spent time connecting directly with the Singapore Marketing team, which has quickly grown to 15 young and ambitious members. They are eager to learn and are actively contributing to our journal and corporate marketing activities. I shared insights into our corporate marketing structure and strategy and look forward to supporting them as they grow.
During the visit, I was joined by my colleague Dr. Constanze Schelhorn, Head of Indexing, who provided training on indexing. This training was greatly appreciated by the local staff.
Meeting with Prof. Dr. Manoj Gupta
Lastly, we had the privilege of meeting Prof. Dr. Manoj Gupta, Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of Technologies since 2016 and Section EiC of Metals.
Prof. Gupta is an active decision-maker for the journal and a great brand ambassador for MDPI.
Prof. Gupta has helped sustainably scale Technologies, which now has a 4.2 Impact Factor and a 6.7 CiteScore, ranking Q1 in the JCR category of Engineering and Q1 in the CiteScore category of Computer Science.
During our meeting, we discussed strategies for Institutional Open Access Partnership agreements and ways to promote MDPI journals in Singapore.
PS. During the visit, we also had the chance to participate in Lo Hei, also known as Yee Sang or the “prosperity toss.” This is a raw fish salad traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year and is particularly popular among Chinese communities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Everyone gathers around the table as the ingredients are added one by one, and then the salad is mixed together. It was a fun experience to take part in this New Year tradition!
Coming Together for Science
JAMS – Journal & Article Management System
I am excited to announce the official relaunch of JAMS (Journal & Article Management System), one of MDPI’s key initiatives to support academic publishers worldwide.
With this relaunch, JAMS now offers new pricing models and flexible solutions for small-scale journals, commercial publishers, and university presses. We have also redesigned the JAMS website to enhance the user experience.
“JAMS is a testament to our commitment to simplifying the publishing process”
Explore the new website here: jams.pub
It’s also great to see the JAMS team expanding our presence at conferences and on social media to engage more effectively with the academic community.
Recently, Facundo Santomé (Senior Marketing Manager) and Alex Ramos (Senior Marketing Specialist) represented JAMS at the APE 2025 conference in Berlin, highlighting how our platform empowers small and independent publishers to streamline and scale their journal management.
JAMS was built to change that by adapting to the unique requirements of each publisher.
At MDPI, we continually invest in our growth – not only by expanding our operations and staff but also by developing innovative products that serve the academic and publishing community at large. JAMS, with its comprehensive suite of journal management tools, is a testament to our commitment to simplifying the publishing process for our partners.
Imagine a submission system that frees up your time for strategy, innovation, and impactful publishing.
Under the leadership of Silvano Bonfatti (Product Manager, MDPI), the JAMS team has conducted in-depth market research to understand the challenges publishers face: endless administrative tasks, inefficient workflows, and systems that don’t always meet their needs.
If you believe JAMS could benefit any of your network contacts, please share our website. Contact the JAMS team. They are always ready to assist with your publishing needs.
What Sets JAMS Apart?
- Scalability – Whether you're a niche journal or managing thousands of submissions, JAMS grows with you.
- End-to-End Workflow – From submission to peer review and final publication, everything is in one place.
- Automation That Works for You – Say goodbye to chasing reviewers and formatting issues, so that you can focus on quality instead.
- Built by Publishers, for Publishers – JAMS is backed by MDPI’s expertise; we know exactly what it takes to run a journal smoothly.
- Flexible & Fair Pricing – Supporting journals of all sizes, with special rates for non-profits and publishers in the Global South.
Partners Who Already Trust JAMS
If you believe JAMS could benefit any of your network contacts, please share our website. Contact the JAMS team. They are always ready to assist with your publishing needs.
Closing Thoughts
Visit to MDPI's Bangkok office
To conclude my APAC trip, I had the pleasure of visiting our Bangkok office from 22 to 24 January. The office has grown significantly, closing 2024 with a total of 445 colleagues across various departments, including Editorial, Production, Conference, Training, Journal Relationship Specialists (JRS), Managing Editors, and supporting teams in HR, Admin, IT, and Finance.
I would like to praise our Bangkok management team for their excellent work in supporting our growth and creating a positive work environment. Our colleagues here are humble, talented, hardworking, and appreciative of MDPI’s mission.
Thailand was among MDPI’s top 30 markets in 2024 for total publications. With our office in Bangkok, we have an opportunity to further promote open access while supporting local researchers and institutions. This includes open access discounts, author training sessions, conference sponsorships, and other initiatives. We currently have 25 Editorial Board Members (EBMs) from Thailand and will work on expanding this network.
Engaging with Group Leads
“Group leads play an important role in creating a safe, positive environment”
During my visit, I met with our group leads to highlight their crucial role in managing journal performance and mentoring new employees, especially given our increased hiring targets. Many new hires are early in their careers and require training, development, and support. Group leads play an important role in creating a safe, positive environment that fosters professional growth while maintaining MDPI’s reputation for service quality.
To wrap up the session, I added a personal touch by holding the door and giving everyone high-fives – a small gesture to show appreciation, boost morale, and strengthen team spirit. It’s important for our colleagues to feel seen, heard, and valued.
University Visit: King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)
We also visited King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) to explore collaboration opportunities.
Our discussions focused on: Institutional Open Access Partnership (IOAP), Author training sessions, Conference sponsorships, Student employment initiatives, and more.
This visit reinforced the importance of building strong relationships with local universities, ensuring we continue to support and engage with the academic community in Thailand.
“My time in Bangkok was productive and inspiring”
My time in Bangkok was productive and inspiring. The senior team has done a great job in growing the office and creating a supportive, high-performing environment. I look forward to seeing continued success from our colleagues in Thailand.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
30 January 2025
World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2025
World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2 February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971.
Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. Yet, wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies and more.
“Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2025.
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“Extracting Wetlands in Coastal Louisiana from the Operational VIIRS and GOES-R Flood Products”
by Tianshu Yang, Donglian Sun, Sanmei Li, Satya Kalluri, Lihang Zhou, Sean Helfrich, Meng Yuan, Qingyuan Zhang, William Straka, Viviana Maggioni and Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(20), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16203769
“Random Forest Classifier Algorithm of Geographic Resources Analysis Support System Geographic Information System for Satellite Image Processing: Case Study of Bight of Sofala, Mozambique”
by Polina Lemenkova
Coasts 2024, 4(1), 127-149; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4010008
“Evaluation of Remote Sensing Products for Wetland Mapping in the Irtysh River Basin”
by Kaiyue Luo, Alim Samat, Jilili Abuduwaili and Wenbo Li
Geosciences 2024, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14010014
“Monitoring of Coastal Dunes and Lagoons: Important Ecosystems to Safeguard”
by Carmine Massarelli, Claudia Campanale and Vito Felice Uricchio
Environments 2023, 10(12), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120211
“Monitoring the Kotychi Lagoon in Western Peloponnese, Greece, Using Remote Sensing Techniques and Environmental Assessment”
by Dionysios N. Apostolopoulos, Dionysios Giannikopoulos, Alexis Ramfos, Sara Faulwetter, Dionisios Panagiotaras, Konstantinos G. Nikolakopoulos and Pavlos Avramidis
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(2), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11020411
Special Issues:
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“Monitoring and Simulation of Wetland Ecological Processes (Second Edition)” |
“Remote Sensing for Mapping and Monitoring Wetlands and Their Ecosystems” |
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“Birds as Cultural Ambassadors: Bridging Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Conservation in Wetland Planning”
by Michela Ingaramo, Anna Rita Bernadette Cammerino, Vincenzo Rizzi, Maurizio Gioiosa and Massimo Monteleone
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10286; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310286
“Three Decades of Inundation Dynamics in an Australian Dryland Wetland: An Eco-Hydrological Perspective”
by Indishe P. Senanayake, In-Young Yeo and George A. Kuczera
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(17), 3310; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16173310
“Impacts of Freshwater Sources on Salinity Structure in a Large, Shallow Estuary”
by Mohamed Z. Moustafa, Zhen-Gang Ji and John Hamrick
Environments 2024, 11(4), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11040072
“Priming of Soil Organic Carbon Decomposition Induced by Exogenous Organic Carbon Input Depends on Vegetation and Soil Depth in Coastal Salt Marshes”
by Yaru Zhang, Xue Li, Baohua Xie, Xiaojie Wang, Mingliang Zhao, Guangxuan Han, Yongjin Chen and Weimin Song
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8010034
“Forest Fuel Bed Variation in Tropical Coastal Freshwater Forested Wetlands Disturbed by Fire”
by Romeo de Jesús Barrios-Calderón, Dulce Infante Mata, José Germán Flores Garnica and Jony R. Torres
Forests 2024, 15(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15010158
“Horizontal Rates of Wetland Migration Appear Unlikely to Keep Pace with Shoreline Transgression under Conditions of 21st Century Accelerating Sea Level Rise along the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern USA”
by Randall W. Parkinson
Coasts 2024, 4(1), 213-225; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4010012
“Ecological Basis of Ecosystem Services and Management of Wetlands Dominated by Common Reed (Phragmites australis): European Perspective”
by Hana Čížková, Tomáš Kučera, Brigitte Poulin and Jan Květ
Diversity 2023, 15(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050629
“Examining the Hydro-Climatic Drivers of Lagoon Breaching and Healing in a Deltaic Barrier”
by Juan Felipe Gómez, Eva Kwoll, Ian J. Walker and Andrés F. Orejarena
Geosciences 2023, 13(4), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13040118
“Scientific Evidence for the Effectiveness of Mangrove Forests in Reducing Floods and Associated Hazards in Coastal Areas”
by Christopher Ihinegbu, Stefan Mönnich and Thecla Akukwe
Climate 2023, 11(4), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli11040079
“Dynamic Modeling of the Trophic Status of an Urban Tropical Wetland under ENSO Conditions”
by Leidy Gisselle García-León, Julio Eduardo Beltrán-Vargas and Carlos Alfonso Zafra-Mejía
Climate 2023, 11(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli11030061
“Characterization of Phosphate Compounds along a Catena from Arable and Wetland Soil to Sediments in a Baltic Sea lagoon”
by Julia Prüter, Rhena Schumann, Wantana Klysubun and Peter Leinweber
Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010015
“A Study of the Influence of Environmental Factors on Water–Heat Exchange Process in Alpine Wetlands”
by Yan Xie, Jun Wen, Yulin Zhang, Jinlei Chen and Xianyu Yang
Atmosphere 2023, 14(12), 1802; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14121802
“Conservation and Restoration of Mangroves in Response to Invasion of Spartina alterniflora Based on the MaxEnt Model: A Case Study in China”
by Lina Cui, Uta Berger, Minmin Cao, Yaqi Zhang, Junming He, Lianghao Pan and Jiang Jiang
Forests 2023, 14(6), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061220
Special Issues:
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“Effect of Mangrove Ecosystems on Coastal Ecology and Climate Change” |
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“Water CO2 Emission Monitoring in a Romanian Peri-Urban Wetland to Enhance GHG Reporting”
by György Deák, Natalia Enache, Lucian Laslo, Monica Matei, Madalina Georgiana Boboc and Cristina Ileana Covaliu Mierla
Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111345
“Surface Water (SW) and Shallow Groundwater (SGW) Nutrient Concentrations in Riparian Wetlands of a Mixed Land-Use Catchment”
by Bidisha Faruque Abesh, James T. Anderson and Jason A. Hubbart
Land 2024, 13(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040409
“Success Factors and Challenges: Implications of Real Options Valuation of Constructed Wetlands as Nature-Based Solutions for Wastewater Treatment”
by Casper Boongaling Agaton and Patricia Marie Caparas Guila
Resources 2024, 13(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13010011
“Evaluation of Phosphate and E. coli Attenuation in a Natural Wetland Receiving Drainage from an Urbanized Catchment”
by Charles Humphrey, Jarrod Underwood, Guy Iverson, Randall Etheridge, Mike O’Driscoll and Avian White
Hydrology 2024, 11(6), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11060074
“Quantifying the Nitrogen-Removal Performance of a Constructed Wetland Dominated by Diffuse Agricultural Groundwater Inflows Using a Linked Catchment–Wetland Model”
by Linh Hoang, James P. S. Sukias, Valerio Montemezzani and Chris C. Tanner
Water 2023, 15(9), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15091689
“Assessing the Zooplankton Metacommunity (Branchiopoda and Copepoda) from Mediterranean Wetlands in Agricultural Landscapes”
by Juan Diego Gilbert, Francisco J. Márquez and Francisco Guerrero
Diversity 2023, 15(3), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030362
“A Connectivity Approach to Agricultural Diffuse Pollution in Tropical Montane Catchments Dominated by Swidden Landscapes”
by Luc Sandevoir, Laurent Lespez and Candide Lissak
Land 2023, 12(4), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040784
“Habitat Mapping and Spatiotemporal Overlap of the Amazon River Dolphin, Fishers, and Tourism in the Central Region of the Brazilian Amazon”
by Cadi Y. Fung, Brad G. Peter and Cynthia S. Simmons
Conservation 2023, 3(4), 523-542; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3040034
Special Issues:
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“Impacts of Climate Change and Human Activities on Wetland Hydrology” |
“Methods and Practices for the Sustainable Management of Lake and River Hydrological Systems” |
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24 January 2025
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Water in 2024
22 January 2025
Water | Issue Cover Articles in 2024
The following have been selected by the Editorial Board of Water (ISSN: 2073-4441) as Issue Cover Articles for 2024. They focus on a variety of areas within the journal’s scope, and we hope that they can provide insights and a point of reference for scholars in related fields.
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1. “Seasonal and Size-Related Fish Microhabitat Use Upstream and Downstream from Small Hydropower Plants” |
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2. “Removing Plastic Waste from Rivers: A Prototype-Scale Experimental Study on a Novel River-Cleaning Concept” |
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3. “Analysing Urban Flooding Risk with CMIP5 and CMIP6 Climate Projections” |
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4. “A Case Study of a Reverse Osmosis Based Pumped Energy Storage Plant in Canary Islands” |
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5. “Assessing Changes in Exceptional Rainfall in Portugal Using ERA5-Land Reanalysis Data (1981/1982–2022/2023)” |
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6. “The Impacts of River Channel Blockages Caused by Sliding Embankment Collapses during Earthquakes” |
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7. “Cause Analysis of Salinity Intrusion by Environmental Changes Considering Water Intake and Sand Mining on Seomjin River Estuary Using Model for Maintaining Corbicula Habitats” |
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8. “Transport of Floating Plastics through the Fluvial Vector: The Impact of Riparian Zones” |
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9. “A Proposal for Sediment Control Countermeasures in Non-Flowing Mountain Streams” |
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10. “Water Quality and the First-Flush Effect in Roof-Based Rainwater Harvesting, Part I: Water Quality and Soil Accumulation” |
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11. “The Transformation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Aquatic Environment of a Fluorochemical Industrial Park” |
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12. “Factors Governing Site and Charge Density of Dissolved Natural Organic Matter” |
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13. “Future Water: A Multi-University International Web Seminar” |
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14. “Groundwater Springs Influence Fish Community Distribution and Trout Condition across a Longitudinal Gradient in a Coldwater Catchment in Southeastern Minnesota, USA” |
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15. “Adsorption of a Multicomponent Pharmaceutical Wastewater on Charcoal-Based Activated Carbon: Equilibrium and Kinetics” |
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16. “Sedimentological, Geochemical, and Environmental Assessment in an Eastern Mediterranean, Stressed Coastal Setting: The Gialova Lagoon, SW Peloponnese, Greece” |
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17. “Hydrodynamic Model of the Area of the Żelazny Most Mining Waste Storage Facility to Reconstruct the Migration of Saline Groundwater” |
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18. “Winter Season Outdoor Cultivation of an Autochthonous Chlorella-Strain in a Pilot-Scale Prototype for Urban Wastewater Treatment” |
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19. “Experimental Investigation of Bridge Scour under Pressure Flow Conditions” |
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20. “Dual Method for Comprehensive Evaluation of Sustainable Water Resources’ Utilization Capacity in Huangshui River in Yellow River Basin, China” |
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21. “Longitudinal Investigation of Groundwater and Surface Water Interaction of Two Gravel Pit Lakes in Central Texas: Chemical and Flow Implications” |
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22. “Perched Hydrologic Systems of the Monahans and the Kermit Dune Fields, Northern Chihuahuan Desert, West Texas, USA” |
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23. “Equity Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability and Risk in Drinking Water Supplies in Arid Regions” |
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24. “Evaluation of Microbial Biosorbents for Efficient Cd(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions” |
21 January 2025
MDPI’s Newly Launched Journals in December 2024
Nine new journals covering multiple subjects launched their inaugural issues in December 2024. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all of the Editorial Board Members, and each journal will ensure its high-quality output by using excellent editorial and rigorous peer-review processes, to ensure that the articles achieve high impact and visibility.
Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.
| Journal | Founding Editor-in-Chief | Journal Topics (Selected) |
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Prof. Dr. Zhaoyang Dong |
energy storage technologies; energy storage system management; energy storage applications; strategies in renewable energy generation grid integration; distributed storage systems; economics and markets for energy storage View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Yang-Hui He 1. London Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Royal Institution, UK 2. University of Oxford, UK Editorial | View inaugural issue |
Euclidean geometry; differential geometry; algebraic geometry; complex geometry; discrete geometry; computational geometry; geometric group theory; convex geometry View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Dr. Michel Planat Université de Franche-Comté, France Editorial | View inaugural issue |
differential topology; algebraic topology; manifold topology; homology theory; low-dimensional topology; fuzzy sets View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Rashid Al Abri 1. Sultan Qaboos University, Oman 2. Oman Medical Association, Oman Editorial | View inaugural issue |
clinical practices as well as research and innovation in medical education, risk management in healthcare, and patient safety View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Ecevit Bilgili* New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA *Prof. Dr. Ecevit Bilgili passed away before the completion of the inaugural issue. His dedication and vision for JPBI will always be remembered and serve as a guiding inspiration. Editorial | View inaugural issue |
early drug discovery and development; product characterization and pre-clinical testing; drug delivery systems and drug design; active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Dr. Weiyong Liu Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China Editorial | View inaugural issue |
theories, methodologies, technologies, and applications in the fields of laboratory medicine and clinical chemistry View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Manuel Pedro Rodríguez Bolívar University of Granada, Spain Editorial | View inaugural issue |
scientometrics; informetrics; bibliometrics; altmetrics; webometrics; research evaluation View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Prof. Dr. Fei Fan Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China Editorial | View inaugural issue |
regional growth theory and methods; regional system modeling and optimization; regional development policy; regional spatial evolution; environmental policy and instrument choice View journal scope | Submit an article |
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Dr. Kevin Cianfaglione Université Catholique de Lille, France Editorial | View inaugural issue |
wild species and their habitats; wild environments and biodiversity; natural environment management; wild land preservation View journal scope | Submit an article |
We wish to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. You are welcome to send an application here, or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com) if you would like to create more new journals.
14 January 2025
Water 2025 Travel Award—Winners Announced
7 January 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #19 - Reflecting on 2024, Society Journals, OA Germany
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
Reflecting on 2024: Celebrating Our Progress and People
As we reflect on the year gone by, I’m proud and thankful for what we’ve accomplished together. This has been a year of growth, learning, and resilience, all of which have shaped MDPI’s journey. I would like to thank each of our employees for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to advancing open access (OA) publishing.
Our growth is evident: from about 5,900 colleagues at the end of 2023 to over 6,650 today, our global MDPI community continues to expand. We expanded our global operations with a new office in Seoul, South Korea, and celebrated a record-breaking year with 60 MDPI journals newly indexed in the Web of Science and 37 MDPI journals accepted into Scopus. As at 30 December, 2024, we publish 457 journals, of which 448 are peer-reviewed and 9 dedicated to academic conference outputs. Of these, 306 are indexed in Scopus, 298 in the Web of Science, and 90 in PubMed.
Looking for a new role in 2025? We have a variety of roles currently open!
Yet, growth never comes without its challenges. This year, we faced setbacks, including the removal of the Journal of Personalized Medicine from the Web of Science due to content relevance concerns. Our editorial and research integrity teams are actively addressing these issues, and we aim to reapply for indexation in December 2026. On another front, the decision by JUFO, The Finnish Publication Forum, to downgrade many MDPI journals presented a challenge. However, we are engaging with the Finnish research community and our editorial boards to provide scientific data supporting a reevaluation of MDPI journals in alignment with Finland’s national open access policies.
These examples remind us that challenges are part of our journey. What defines us is how we respond, by learning, adapting, and improving our practices and operations.
On the partnerships front, we achieved a landmark national open access agreement with over 100 German universities, effective 1 January 2025, bringing our total of Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) partners to over 950. These achievements reflect not just our ambition but also the trust placed in MDPI by our collaborators worldwide.
Amidst growth and change, one constant remains: the people of MDPI. This year, I had the privilege of representing MDPI at important meetings and conferences from Beijing to Krakow, while visiting many of our offices, from Tokyo and Cluj to Manchester and Toronto. The highlight of my year has been meeting and connecting with so many of you.
“MDPI thrives because of community and collaboration”
When asked what makes MDPI a great place to work, my answer is simple: It’s the people. Our authors frequently praise the support and professionalism of our editorial staff. That same care extends inward, reflected in the friendships and collaborations we regularly nurture with our colleagues. MDPI thrives because of the community and collaboration that drives us forward.
As the African proverb states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I believe MDPI embodies both, being speedy in our daily operations and united in our purpose of promoting open access publishing.
Looking ahead to 2025, let us continue building a culture of care and support for one another, take pride in our work, and strive to improve all that we do. Thank you for making 2024 a special year, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in 2025.
PS: I look forward to sharing more about our people and the achievements of the past year in the 2024 Annual Report.
Impactful Research
685 MDPI Editors Named Highly Cited Researchers in 2024
I’m excited to celebrate the achievements of 685 Editorial Board Members (EBMs) from our journals, representing 39 countries and territories, who have been named Highly Cited Researchers for 2024 by Clarivate. This prestigious recognition highlights their scientific contributions, which transcend academic boundaries to drive progress in global knowledge, sustainability, security, and well-being.
Here, you’ll find the list of MDPI’s EBMs who have been recognized this year.
Clarivate’s annual Highly Cited Researcher™ list identifies the most influential scientists of the past decade – those whose work has made a profound and far-reaching impact across numerous scientific and social science disciplines. To be included on this list is no small feat. These researchers’ impactful papers rank among the top 1% by citations in one or more of the 21 fields analyzed within the “Essential Science Indicators,” positioning them as leaders in their domains.
As Clarivate notes, “Highly Cited Researchers have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their field(s) of research.” In 2024, a total of 6,886 Highly Cited Researcher designations were awarded to 6,636 individuals globally.
I extend my congratulations to all of MDPI’s EBMs who have achieved this milestone. Their dedication and excellence inspire us all and exemplify the high standards we uphold as a publisher. Congratulations to each of them for this incredible accomplishment and for their ongoing contributions to advancing knowledge in their fields.
Inside MDPI
How MDPI / Open Access Supports Societies
MDPI actively supports societies through the launch of new journals, the acquisition of established journals, and the transfer of society journals from other publishers. You can submit your proposal here.
Over the past 13 years, we have collaborated with over 190 learned societies and organizations. These partnerships range from affiliations with one or more of our journals to publishing journals on behalf of our partners.
Learn about how MDPI / Open Access Supports Societies.
In this section I highlight our Societies team, whose responsibilities include establishing new OA journals on behalf of societies and institutions, publishing an existing OA journal with MDPI or transitioning a subscription journal to an OA model, and establishing affiliations between societies and MDPI journals.
If you would like to learn more about these services, please see the Societies website.
The Societies team is led by Dr. Carla Aloè, Head of Societies and Acquisition, and her Deputy Manager, Dr. Clàudia Aunós. MDPI collaborates with a wide range of societies through various partnerships. For a complete list of collaborating societies and society journals, please visit the Societies website.
How long have you been at MDPI, and what was your first role?
I joined MDPI in September 2020 as an Associate Publisher and Scientific Officer, overseeing the Arts, Humanities, and Social Science journals. In July 2022, I took on the oversight of the Society and Acquisition team.
Do you think that perceptions of Open Access are generally accurate?
Far from it: there are in fact many misconceptions surrounding the way Open Access works and the benefits it has to offer. A common misconception is that OA journals are poor quality, which is entirely untrue. Many of our journals are included in major indexing databases, and all of them are endorsed by prominent associations and committees such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Association of Scientific, Technical, and Medical Publishers (STM), and the Open Access Scholarly Publication Association (OASPA). We uphold a rigorous peer-review process, adhere to strict ethical standards, and rely on high-profile editorial boards.
How long have you been at MDPI, and what was your first role?
I’ve been at MDPI for almost seven years now. I started as an Assistant Editor but was quickly promoted to work with societies.
What is the most common question you get asked about the services that the Societies team provides?
For societies with a standard number of members (less than 500), the most common inquiry is about how much the publishing services we offer cost. One of the great things about our publishing services is that they are free of any burden cost to the society, regardless of the type of non-profit organization.
For bigger non-profit organizations, it is more about what benefits they can get for their members and ensuring that their journals are in good hands.
Either way, the goal is the same: to listen to the demands of the market, be flexible, and help our partners achieve healthy and positive development of their journals.
Read more:
Coming Together for Science
2024 MDPI Conference Summary
Throughout 2024, the MDPI Conference Team connected with scientific communities by organizing nine in-person events and 26 virtual conferences. In order to support the need for our growing events, we expanded this team to a total of 37 people across all offices, including 18 members in Asia-Pacific and 20 in the EU and North America.
The nine large-scale in-person conferences organized brought together leading minds across diverse disciplines, including our conferences on Viruses, Molecules, Polymers, Materials, Non-Coding RNA, Pharmaceuticals, and Sensors. These events strengthened synergies with the scientific community, actively promoting our journals and the latest research published within their respective fields. These achievements highlight our Conference Team’s dedication to creating meaningful and memorable events in the academic field.
2024 Event Highlights
Viruses 2024, the 5th edition of the conference series, hosted influential keynote speeches from Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Charles M. Rice and ‘Distinguished Senior Virologist’ Prof. Luis Enjuanes. The event attracted 240 attendees from around the globe. With 47 talks and nearly 130 poster presentations, the conference explored the latest developments in viral pathogenesis and immune responses across six engaging sessions.
Molecules 2024, the fourth edition of this conference series, highlighted the impact of emerging drug modalities on drug discovery. The event brought together over 100 attendees from 22 countries and featured more than 80 submissions organized into six sessions. The program included talks by 12 invited speakers from Europe, Asia and the United States. An impressive 97% of attendees rated the conference as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good.’
Polymers 2024, attracted over 300 attendees from 22 countries and featured 259 accepted abstracts. Focusing on green polymer chemistry and the use of bioresources, the conference highlighted advancements in the synthesis of biobased and biodegradable polymers. Engaging lectures by three keynote speakers and 12 invited speakers, coupled with dynamic discussions, led 94% of attendees to rate the conference as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good.’
A high-profile summit in Toronto was organized by the team, which expanded our global reach and showcased our capacity to deliver impactful events in our different offices. Sixteen EiC and seven EBMs joined our event, and with a 100% rate of Excellent/Good, over 90% of them said they are likely to attend our next edition.
The 1st International Conference on AI Sensors & The 10th International Symposium on Sensor Science successfully gathered about 400 participants onsite. Three hundred and fifty-five abstracts were accepted, with 772 authors from 28 countries. Across the four-day program, there were 296 talks delivered and 66 posters displayed.
The 2nd Sustainable Publishing Forum was successfully held in Beijing, China, with around 120 attendees from local publishers, editorial staff from local university presses, librarians, etc. The event is focused on promoting open science, maintaining research integrity and fulfilling social responsibility.
ICM 2024, the 5th International Conference on Materials, brought together scientists, researchers and industry leaders to explore advancements in materials characterization, processing and manufacturing. Topics ranged from nanotechnology and biomaterials to energy materials and AI-driven research. With 62 attendees from 26 different countries, the program featured 34 talks and 18 posters, fostering collaboration and innovation over 2.5 days.
The second edition of ncRNA 2024 welcomed 104 attendees from 30 countries, 71% of them being women. Two keynote speakers, Prof. Ling-Ling Chen and Prof. Mauro Giacca, shared insights drawn from over 10 years of experience. Prof. Giacca's groundbreaking work promises advances in curative therapies for heart failure, while Prof. Chen’s team continues to lead the development of the ncRNA field. High participant engagement generated valuable topics for future editions, and 96% of attendees rated the conference as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.
Pharmaceuticals 2024, with its eight sessions, covered the newest technologies and the research areas of medicinal chemistry, natural products, organic synthesis, radiopharmaceuticals, pharmacology, toxicology, and biomolecular and glycosciences, among others. The conference featured three plenary and eight invited speakers, comprising esteemed scholars from eight different countries of Europe, and welcomed 64 participants from 28 different countries. Ninety-one percent of the attendees rated the conference as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, highlighting the outstanding organzation of the event.
In 2024, we organized 26 virtual events with an average submission number of 158 abstracts per event, and an average registration number of 491 per event. Compared with the last edition, we saw a 42.2% growth of accepted abstract submissions.
The year 2024 marked a change in the strategy of our conference team, prioritizing the improvement of the communication and collaboration within our European and Asia-Pacific teams and creating stronger teamwork to elevate the quality and impact of MDPI events.
Scheduled Events in 2025
- Smart Sustainable Cities 2025: Pioneering Novel Frontiers for Green Urban Living: 5–7 Mar 2025, online.
- International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025): 26–28 Mar 2025, Barcelona, Spain.
- Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security: 31 Mar–2 Apr 2025, Barcelona, Spain.
- Symmetry 2025 - The 5th International Conference on Symmetry: 16–19 May 2025, Hangzhou, China.
- The 2nd International Conference on AI Sensors and Transducers: 29 Jul–3 Aug 2025, Bangkok, Thailand.
- The 5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Molecular Science: 26–29 Aug 2025, Kyoto, Japan.
- The 11th World Sustainability Forum: Sustainable and Resilient Cities: 2–3 Oct 2025, Barcelona, Spain.
- The Cancers 2025 and Sensors 2025 websites will soon be made public.
Closing Thoughts
Over 100 German Universities Partner with MDPI in New National Agreement
I am pleased to share some exciting end-of-year news: MDPI has reached a major milestone by signing a publishing agreement with over 100 German universities and research institutions! Negotiated by ZB MED - Informationszentrum Lebenswissenschaften, the agreement came into effect on 1 January 2025 and will run until the end of 2026.
This new cooperation aims to make scientific Gold Open Access publishing more affordable and less administratively burdensome for researchers in Germany.
Learn more, here.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this agreement a reality.”
Why is this important?
Germany is a global leader in academic research and publishing, ranking fifth in total MDPI publication volume.
This agreement reflects our growing influence and leadership in open access publishing.
Partnering with more than 100 institutions highlights MDPI’s reputation as a trusted publishing partner for the academic community.
As Peter Roth, MDPI Head of Publishing, noted:
“MDPI can look back on over a decade of successful partnerships with German research institutions. This agreement marks another milestone in our collaboration with the German scientific community.”
Adrian Stefan Zamfir, Institutional Partnership Manager for the DACH region, added:
“We are delighted that this agreement will give even more researchers in Germany access to our tried-and-tested and reliable publication platform”
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this agreement a reality. This milestone reinforces MDPI as a trusted leader in advancing open access and supporting researchers worldwide.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
