MDPI Open Science Insights: Academic Publishing Workshop at the Pomeranian Medical University, 21 October 2025

In collaboration with Pomeranian Medical University, MDPI Poland is jointly hosting an Academic Publishing Workshop designed to educate attendees about MDPI’s publication process and the ecosystem of open access publishing. The session will cover an introduction to MDPI journals as a collective, delving into the editorial process to provide valuable insights and instilling essential skills for structuring papers and replying to reviewers effectively. Additionally, participants will be instructed on methods to improve their scientific writing, with our expert speakers leading the way to ensure a thorough understanding of how attendees can improve their publishing potential.

Date: 21 October 2025
Time: 13:30–16:05 (CEST)
Venue: Pomeranian Medical University
Registration link: https://bg.usz.edu.pl/blog/2025/10/12/tydzien-otwartej-nauki-20-26-pazdziernika-2025-r/

Schedule:

Speakers	Program and Content	Time
Prof. Skonieczna-Żydecka	Opening Speech	13:30–13:35
Ms. Anna Krakówka	Why Do Articles Get Rejected Outright? The Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them	13:35–14:20
-	Break	14:20–14:30
Ms. Monika Mazurek	Publication Ethics for Authors	14:30–15:10
Ms. Monika Mazurek	MDPI Peer Review Guidelines & Process	15:10–15:25
Ms. Anna Krakówka	Advantages of OA and Overview of MDPI Journals and Services	15:25–15:40
Ms. Monika Mazurek and Ms. Anna Krakówka	Q&A Session	15:40–16:00
Ms. Monika Mazurek and Ms. Anna Krakówka	Closing of the Event	16:00–16:05

Speakers:

	Prof. Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka, MD, PhD, is a recognized expert in the field of gut microbiota and its impact on human health, particularly in the context of the gut–brain axis and mental health. She is the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin and the Head of the Department of Biochemical Research. Her interdisciplinary research combines microbiology, biochemistry, and psychiatry, allowing for a comprehensive approach to understanding the role of microbiota in health disorders. Prof. Skonieczna-Żydecka is also a leader in securing international grants, including Horizon Europe and COH-FIT projects, which focus on research on microbiota and its impact on physical and mental health. Her scientific achievements have been recognized by the academic community, and she has received prestigious awards, including the Minister of Health Award. She also conducts intensive teaching and popularization activities, participating in international scientific conferences, where she presents the results of her research on new probiotic-based therapies.
	Ms. Anna Krakowka holds a master’s degree in materials engineering from the Czestochowa University of Technology in Poland. She joined MDPI as an Assistant Editor in January 2021 and was promoted to Section Managing Editor later that year, also serving as Group Leader for two Sections in the Krakow Office. Additionally, she worked as the Publishing Manager for Materials, gaining valuable experience in representing the journal and the company at both in-person and online academic events and meetings. She currently serves as the Journal Relations Specialist for the Materials and Construction Materials journals. She has also conducted five training sessions for authors in Poland.
	Ms. Monika Mazurek holds a master’s in psychology (clinical psychology and neuroscience) from SWPs University in Warsaw. After starting her PhD at Jagiellonian University, she is pursuing her clinical degree in psychotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College. She joined MDPI in March 2021 as an Assistant Editor for the journal Brain Sciences, and became Section Managing Editor the next year. Since 2022, she has worked as a Journal Relations Specialist for several journals, including Endocrines, Advances in Respiratory Medicine and Brain Sciences. She has participated in many international congresses dedicated to medical and health sciences.