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Announcements
6 May 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #34 - MDPI US Office, Coatings 2026, Media and Partnerships, Recapping Poland Summit & Serbia Salon
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

MDPI Opens First US Office in Philadelphia
I am delighted to highlight an important milestone in MDPI’s continued global development: the recent opening of our first office in the United States, located in Philadelphia.
This marks a significant step in building our engagement with one of the world’s most important research communities. The new office will serve as a hub for supporting scholars across the US, creating closer connections and more localized support.
As highlighted in recent coverage by our press release in InPublishing, this expansion reflects MDPI’s broader commitment to growing our international presence while remaining focused on the needs of the research community.
A Key Market for Research and Collaboration
The United States continues to play a central role in global research. To date, MDPI has published more than 237,000 articles affiliated with US institutions, and we collaborate with nearly 12,000 Editorial Board Members across the country. These relationships are fundamental to our mission of supporting Open Access and advancing scientific communication.
The opening of this office is not just about geography; it is about proximity to the communities we serve. It allows us to better understand the evolving needs of researchers while continuing to build collaboration and trust within the academic ecosystem.
The Team Behind this Milestone

This milestone reflects the efforts of teams across MDPI. I extend a special thank-you to Bob Vrooman (Head of Business Development, MDPI), who is leading this expansion, as well as to our colleagues in Toronto and across our North American teams for their continued support.
Bob shared: “MDPI is already a trusted partner of the North American research community, due in no small part to our dedicated team in Canada. Launching our first US office in Philadelphia is a great first step towards expanding MDPI’s market share and recognition in the US. I’m thrilled to be a part of this new phase in MDPI’s journey.”
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on supporting researchers globally and advancing Open Access with integrity.
Impactful Research

Coatings 2026: Highlights from Our Latest MDPI Conference (20-22 April)
I am pleased to share the successful completion of MDPI conference Coatings 2026, which took place last week in Athens from 20 to 22 April 2026. This conference brought together a diverse international community of researchers, industry experts, and partners, highlighting MDPI’s role not only as a publisher but also as a platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.
Conference Highlights
Coatings 2026 in numbers:
- The event attracted approximately 140 participants from 25 countries
- 143 submissions and a strong scientific program of talks and posters
- 2 keynote speakers and a wide range of invited contributions
- 7 sponsors and 11 media partners supporting the event
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Scientific Programme
The program centered on “Safe and Sustainable by Design,” reflecting the growing importance of sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and technological innovation in materials science. Topics ranged from advanced coating technologies and additive manufacturing to AI-driven simulations and strategies to phase out potentially harmful substances in industrial processes.
Importantly, the conference brought together both academic and industrial perspectives, creating a space for dialogue on how research can translate into real-world impact. This is important as industries navigate environmental challenges, evolving regulations, and the need for more sustainable and circular approaches to production.
Thank You!
I would like to thank the entire conference team for their work in organizing this successful event. As we continue to grow, conferences like this play an important role in building our connection with global research communities, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, and positioning MDPI at the intersection of science, technology, and societal impact.
Members from Exelisis and MDPI EU Conference & Social Media team at the Coatings 2026 Conference in Athens, Greece.
Inside MDPI

Recent Media Coverage and Partnerships
Over the past two months, news from MDPI has enjoyed strong visibility across international publishing and academic media, reflecting our continued expansion and the increasing relevance of our work within the research community.
Below are some highlights covering partnerships, institutional agreements, and milestones that continue to shape our position in publishing – some of which are featured in leading industry platforms such as InPublishing, which is highly selective and reflects the growing recognition of MDPI’s growth within the publishing ecosystem.
Key Press Releases & Coverage (March–April 2026)
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MDPI × Sikt (Norway): Partnership Renewal
We renewed our national Open Access agreement with Sikt, a key consortium partnership, continuing to support researchers across Norway through this partnership. The renewal was covered by several international publishing trade outlets.
Covered by: Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Europe Says
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MDPI × Jisc (UK): New Two-Year Open Access Agreement
A new two-year agreement with Jisc significantly expands MDPI’s footprint across UK academic institutions. Coverage appeared across major publishing industry titles in the UK and internationally.
Covered by: InPublishing, Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP
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MDPI Opens First US Office
The opening of our first US office marks an important milestone in our North American expansion to build engagement with one of the world’s leading research communities.
Coverage by: EurekAlert!, InPublishing, EdTech Innovation Hub, STM Publishing News, ALPSP
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MDPI × SIGG: Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics
We established a new partnership with the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG), adding to our growing portfolio of society collaborations.
Coverage by: EurekAlert!, STM Publishing News, ALPSP
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MDPI × Fast Track Health: New Journal Launch
The launch of a new journal in partnership with Fast Track Health reflects our continued expansion into emerging areas of health innovation.
Coverage by: EurekAlert!, Scienmag, STM Publishing News, ALPSP
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MDPI 2025 Annual Report
Our 2025 Annual Report was also widely covered across international media, highlighting a 12% increase in submissions and continued investment in research integrity, infrastructure, and partnerships.
Coverage by: EurekAlert!, Research Information, STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Choice 360
Coverage also spanned multiple regions including Poland, Romania and South Korea, reflecting our ongoing efforts to communicate more effectively with regional research communities.
Looking Ahead
This coverage shows that MDPI is growing and building on its position through partnerships, visibility, and engagement across regions. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on supporting researchers globally, building on our institutional collaborations, and advancing Open Access with integrity.
Thank you to all teams involved in delivering these initiatives, and to our External Affairs team for ensuring our work is effectively communicated across the global publishing landscape!
Coming Together for Science

Recapping MDPI Poland Summit 2026 in Krakow (23 April)
On 23 April 2206, we hosted the first MDPI Poland Summit 2026 in Kraków, bringing together an engaged group of editors, researchers, and academic leaders from the country.
The Poland Summit welcomed some 45 participants, including Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members, many with strong academic track records and international recognition.
Our engagements were open and constructive, focusing on MDPI’s positioning and reputation in Poland, alongside community interest in supporting our development, with active participation across our sessions, including Q&A and panel discussions.
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MDPI Poland Summit Programme
From research integrity and peer review quality to AI in publishing and the future of academic communication, the agenda featured important topics currently shaping our industry.
During the day, MDPI colleagues shared a series of presentations covering:
- MDPI’s performance, growth, and impact in Poland: Stefan Tochev (CEO)
- Engagement with Academic Community: Dr. Marta Colomer (Public Affairs Lead)
- Research Integrity and Publication Ethics: Anna Pena (Research Integrity Manager)
- MDPI Editorial Process and Peer-Review Quality Metrics: Dr. Liliane Auwerter (Conference Organizer)
- AI in the Publishing Industry – Challenges, Innovation and MDPI’s vision: Dr. Enric Sayas (AI Product Owner)
- Panel Session: The Future of Academic Publishing, moderated by Dr. Marta Colomer
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Poland as a Key Market for Open Access
The summit also highlighted the importance of Poland within the global research landscape.
In 2025:
- 75% of publications in Poland were made in Open Access
- 71% of those in Gold Open Access
- and over 344,000 publications produced in the last five years
MDPI plays a significant role in the Polish publishing ecosystem:
- #1 Open Access publisher in Poland
- 17% share of Open Access publications in 2025
- More than 12,500 publications from Polish institutions in 2025
- More than 91,000 publications overall since 1996
Looking Ahead
Events like the Poland Summit are an important part of how we evolve as an organization. They allow us to share the latest developments of MDPI and listen directly to our researchers and editors to better understand the market and align our development with the needs of the local community.
As MDPI continues to grow, this type of engagement will remain essential in ensuring that we are not only scaling globally, but doing so in a way that is aligned, trusted, and collaborative.

With Igor Matic (Office Manager, Krakow, Poland, MDPI) at the MDPI Poland Summit in Krakow.
Closing Thoughts

Recapping MDPI Serbia Salon 2026 in Belgrade (22 April)
On 22 April 2026, we hosted the MDPI Serbia Salon 2026 in Belgrade. The Salon welcomed over 50 participants, including more than 40 invited scholars from leading Serbian institutions, alongside colleagues from MDPI. The event also marked two important milestones: 30 years of MDPI and 10 years of our presence in Serbia, making it a celebration and an opportunity for reflection.

A Platform for Exchange
The Salon was designed not just as a series of presentations, but as a place for dialogue. Throughout the day, discussions focused on important topics around publishing today: research integrity and editorial standards, journal indexing and visibility, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and funding and support for Open Access publishing.
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Program Overview
- Opening the Salon MDPI Serbia 2026 – Serbia results and direction: Emir Ramadani (Operations Manager)
- Update on MDPI’s performance and growth: Stefan Tochev (CEO)
- Collaboration with MDPI – A personal perspective: Prof. Dr Srećko Stopić (Editorial Board Member)
- Linking Scientific Quality and Visibility: The role of indexing in publishing
- Research integrity and editorial ethics: Ana Stanković (Research Integrity Specialist)
- Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Publishing – Challenges, innovations and vision of MDPI: Dr Miloš Čučulović (Head of Technology Innovation)
It was encouraging to see the high level of engagement and discussion with the local academic community.
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Publishing in Serbia
With 10 years of MDPI in Serbia (since 2016) and over 620 colleagues across 10 departments spread across offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad, MDPI continues to invest in the long-term development of the research community in Serbia and beyond.
Some high-level indicators illustrate both the strength of the local research ecosystem and MDPI’s role within it:
- 12,910 total publications in Serbia in 2025, of which 8,708 (67%) were Open Access (of which, in turn, 75% were Gold OA)
- A total of more than 55,000 publications (2021–2025), with 68% published Open Access
- 2,122 MDPI publications from Serbian institutions in 2025
- 25% of all Open Access publications in Serbia are published with MDPI
- More than 11,000 MDPI publications from Serbian institutions since 1996
- More than 75 Editorial Board Members from Serbia, including Editors-in-Chief and Associate Editors.
These figures reflect the growth of OA publishing in Serbia and the strong collaboration between MDPI and Serbia's research community.
Top 5 Publishers in Serbia (MDPI #1 with steady growth)

Looking Ahead
Research integrity and artificial intelligence will remain central topics for the industry. At the same time, clear communication of editorial processes will be essential in building trust and transparency.
Workshops and direct engagement remain among the most effective ways to strengthen these connections. As Open Access funding models continue to evolve, new opportunities for collaboration are emerging across institutions, publishers, and the broader research community.
Thank You!
The excellent feedback from participants shows the value of creating spaces where ideas can be exchanged openly and constructively. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event: our speakers, participants, and especially the MDPI Serbia team for their great organization and support.

Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
28 April 2026
Antioxidants | Selected Papers on Parkinson’s Disease Published in 2024–2025
We are pleased to highlight eight highly cited papers on Parkinson’s disease published in Antioxidants (ISSN: 2076-3921) in 2024 and 2025. These studies provide valuable insights into the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, as well as antioxidant-related strategies for mitigating neurodegeneration.
1. “Exploring the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease and the Efficacy of Antioxidant Treatment”
by Talin Gogna, Benjamin E. Housden and Annwyne Houldsworth
Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091138
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/9/1138
2. “Food and Food Waste Antioxidants: Could They Be a Potent Defence against Parkinson’s Disease?”
by Claudia Cannas, Giada Lostia, Pier Andrea Serra, Alessandra Tiziana Peana and Rossana Migheli
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060645
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/6/645
3. “Natural Compounds That Activate the KEAP1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway as Potential New Drugs in the Treatment of Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease”
by Sandro Huenchuguala and Juan Segura-Aguilar
Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091125
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/9/1125
4. “Sustained Systemic Antioxidative Effects of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation beyond Neurodegeneration: Implications in Therapy in 6-Hydroxydopamine Model of Parkinson’s Disease”
by Milica Zeljkovic Jovanovic, Jelena Stanojevic, Ivana Stevanovic, Milica Ninkovic, Nadezda Nedeljkovic and Milorad Dragic
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020218
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/2/218
5. “PET Imaging with [18F]ROStrace Detects Oxidative Stress and Predicts Parkinson’s Disease Progression in Mice”
by Yi Zhu, Neha Kohli, Anthony Young, Malkah Sheldon, Jani Coni, Meera Rajasekaran, Lozen Robinson, Rea Chroneos, Shaipreeah Riley, Joseph W. Guarnieri et al.
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101226
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/10/1226
6. “A Single-Cell Atlas of the Substantia Nigra Reveals Therapeutic Effects of Icaritin in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease”
by Hao Wu, Zhen-Hua Zhang, Ping Zhou, Xin Sui, Xi Liu, Yi Sun, Xin Zhao and Xiao-Ping Pu
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101183
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/10/1183
7. “Evaluation of Additive Neuroprotective Effect of Combination Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Using In Vitro Models”
by Alexander Shtilbans, Elise Esneault, Florian Simon, Joseph R. Mazzulli, Drew J. Quiriconi, Dror Rom, Wolfgang E. Reintsch, Andrea I. Krahn and Thomas M. Durcan
Antioxidants 2025, 14(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040396
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/4/396
8. “Formulation and Physical–Chemical Analysis of Functional Muffin Made with Inulin, Moringa, and Cacao Adapted for Elderly People with Parkinson’s Disease”
by Paula García-Milla, Rocío Peñalver and Gema Nieto
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060683
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/6/683
27 April 2026
Meet Us at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2026), 28 September–2 October 2026, Milan, Italy
Conference: The 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2026)
Organization: European Association for the Study of Diabetes
Date: 28 September–2 October 2026
Place: Allianz MiCo—Milan Convention Centre, Milan, Italy
Booth Number: L.03
The 62nd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) is set to take place from 28 September to 2 October 2026 at the Allianz MiCo - Milan Convention Centre in Milan, Italy. This global diabetes conference will convene thousands of delegates from all across the globe to explore the latest advancements in diabetes research, treatment, and care.
The scientific programme will feature hundreds of presentations, including keynote lectures, symposia, and oral sessions, offering insights into cutting-edge developments in both basic and clinical diabetes research. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the international diabetes community.
The Organization of this conference, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes e.V. (EASD), is a membership-based academic non-profit organization. It was founded in 1965 and is based in Düsseldorf, Germany. The aims of EASD are to encourage and support research in the field of diabetes, the rapid diffusion of acquired knowledge and to facilitate its application.
The following open access journals will be represented:
- Biomedicines;
- Diabetology;
- JCM;
- Medicina;
- Endocrines;
- IJERPH;
- Antioxidants;
- Biomolecules;
- Epidemiologia;
- JMAHP;
- Nutrients;
- Trends in Public Health.
If you are attending the 62nd EASD Annual Meeting, we invite you to visit us at our booth #L.03. Our representatives will be available to discuss publishing opportunities, the benefits of open access, and answer any questions that you may have.
Join us in Milan to discover what is next in diabetes science and care! For more information about the conference, please visit its official website at https://www.easd.org/annual-meeting/easd-2026/.
24 April 2026
Prof. Dr. William Gerwick Appointed Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee
We are honored to announce that Prof. Dr. William Gerwick will serve as the Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee.
A world-renowned authority in marine natural products chemistry and pharmacology, Professor Gerwick is a Distinguished Professor at both the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His pioneering work at the intersection of ocean sciences and drug discovery makes him a fitting leader for an award centered on transformative medicinal breakthroughs.
Under Professor Gerwick’s stewardship, the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee will focus on recognizing innovative and impactful research in natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, particularly work with the potential to drive meaningful advances in both scientific understanding and human health.
To provide further insight into his perspectives, we include below an interview with Professor Gerwick, in which he reflects on his scientific journey, his views on the field, and his vision for the Tu Youyou Award.
A Conversation with the Chair
1. Could you please introduce yourself and your research journey?
My research focuses on the natural products of marine algae and cyanobacteria, their application in medicine, their biosynthesis using genomic approaches, and innovative methods in the structure elucidation of natural products.
I received my BS degree from the University of California at Davis, my PhD from the University of California at San Diego, and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Connecticut. After a couple of years in a junior faculty position at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, I spent 21 years as Professor of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. In 2005, I returned to my PhD institution at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, where I am currently a Distinguished Professor of Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing the field through both leadership and mentorship. I have served as president of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, chaired and co-chaired several major research conferences, and served as an associate editor for the Journal of Natural Products. I am a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. I have trained over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, and my research group has published nearly 500 papers and more than 25 patents on topics in the natural product sciences and medicinal chemistry.
2. What motivated you to accept the role of Chair of the 2026 Tu Youyou Award Committee?
Of course, I am a huge supporter of all awards that are given in recognition of excellent scientific research, and especially so in the natural products sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, this award is truly special in that it recognizes scientific excellence as well as impact, and is given in the name of an individual, Tu Youyou, who clearly had many challenges along the path to reach the pinnacle of her success. Not only was she the first Chinese person to win a Nobel prize in this area, but she was also the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel prize, and this was achieved without graduate education in China or elsewhere. It’s a true testament to what can be achieved by hard work, determination, and vision. To read the history of her extraordinary approach to discovering novel antimalarial compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine is truly inspirational. It is, therefore, the inspiration provided by the extraordinary life and career of Tu Youyou that motivated me to accept the Chair of the Award Committee for 2026.
3. How do you view the role of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry in today’s scientific landscape, and what major advances over the past decade have shaped this field?
A quite remarkable integration of fields is currently transforming natural products science and medicinal chemistry. In natural products, we are seeing integration of different omics methods, from metabolites to proteins to nucleic acids. Sophisticated biological and pharmacological approaches are driving the discovery of exquisitely potent and selective natural products. Advances are being made to integrate molecular-level recognition of natural products with chemical ecological studies, and sophisticated methods of structure determination using Artificial Intelligence or pioneering new tools such as microED are being applied with increasing frequency. High-level synthetic methodologies, such as protecting group-free synthetic routes, are enhancing medicinal chemistry, accelerating the identification of lead molecules with attractive pharmaceutical properties at an increasing pace.
4. How do you consider the balance between fundamental discovery (e.g., new molecules or mechanisms) and practical impact (e.g., therapeutic applications)?
Many individuals are excellent scientists and mentors, and have essential roles in developing our culture that values science and the scientific method. It should also be pointed out that not all scientific discoveries are going to have a broad societal impact, but they are nevertheless critical to the overall body and structure of science. But it is a truly remarkable individual who makes a key scientific discovery, recognizes its potential value to society in general, and then has the skills and determination to bring it forward as a useful product. That was the type of person the Tu Youyou is, and that is the type of person who is honored by the prize in her name.
5. What do you see as the key challenges or opportunities currently facing the field?
We are on the crux of an amazing revolution in many of the sciences, including natural products and medicinal chemistry; the purposeful application of Artificial Intelligence to solving many of the difficulties involved in the search for new pharmaceuticals from Nature. AI is transforming how we select organisms for study, what pharmaceutical targets to go after, rapidly resolving the chemical structures of new compounds, identifying efficient routes to their chemical synthesis, understanding their molecular mechanisms of action, and finally, designing their clinical application. The role of people in these pursuits is changing. Increasingly, the human role will be providing overall vision: what can we do? What should we do? And it is important to remember that AI is providing hypotheses, not truth. Scientists with expert domain knowledge will be critical for discerning the correctness of hypotheses put forth by AI. Altogether, advances in technology, expanding knowledge, and the appropriate use of AI methods are preparing society to be able to address emerging diseases, such as pandemics, as well as conditions that are not effectively treated by currently existing therapeutics.
6. How do you expect the Tu Youyou Award to contribute to the advancement of natural product chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and human health over the coming years?
The Tu Youyou Award is potentially transformative for the broad fields of natural products science and medicinal chemistry as it brings a significantly increased level of visibility to these topics and their contributions to human health. It will be crucial to have excellent communication to news agencies, social media and other communication outlets so that the general public is informed and educated on the high impact of these natural product/medicinal chemistry contributions. This will bring increased funding, attract promising students, and generally enrich the interface of these fields with the health sector.
7. What message would you like to convey to the research community and the public during this open nomination phase?
This prize gives broad societal visibility to the role that natural products have had in shaping a majority of our current medicines, as well as understanding the life forms with whom we share the planet. Further, it recognizes a woman scientist working under sub-optimal conditions who could persevere and make discoveries of global impact. The prize and what it represents, therefore, inspires current and future generations to engage in the study of Nature and its relationship to Human Health, to overcome adversity, and to aspire to making one’s life impactful.
About the Tu Youyou Award
Established in 2016, the Tu Youyou Award seeks to honor those who excel in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry. This award offers a total prize of CHF 100,000, which will be equally divided among the winners if there is more than one, with each recipient receiving an award medal and a certificate.
The 2026 Tu Youyou Award is open for nominations until 31 October 2026. We encourage all eligible candidates to participate in this prestigious recognition, as this award not only honors individual achievement but also encourages further scientific exchange, exploration and discovery in critical areas of medicine.
If you are interested in participating, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website for more information on the nomination requirements.
21 April 2026
Antioxidants | Selected Papers on Plant Physiology Published in 2024–2025
We are pleased to highlight eight highly cited papers on plant physiology published in Antioxidants (ISSN: 2076-3921) in 2024 and 2025. These studies offer valuable insights into stress tolerance mechanisms, antioxidant-related signaling pathways, and the adaptive physiology of plants under challenging environmental conditions. We invite you to explore these contributions, which reflect the most recent advances in plant physiology.
- “Higher Plant-Derived Biostimulants: Mechanisms of Action and Their Role in Mitigating Plant Abiotic Stress”
by Sara Esperanza Martínez-Lorente, José Manuel Martí-Guillén, María Ángeles Pedreño, Lorena Almagro and Ana Belén Sabater-Jara
Antioxidants 2024, 13(3), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13030318
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/3/318 - “An Overview of the Mechanisms through Which Plants Regulate ROS Homeostasis under Cadmium Stress”
by Pan Luo, Jingjing Wu, Ting-Ting Li, Peihua Shi, Qi Ma and Dong-Wei Di
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101174
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/10/1174 - “The Regulation of ROS and Phytohormones in Balancing Crop Yield and Salt Tolerance”
by Lei Jiang, Minggang Xiao, Rongfeng Huang and Juan Wang
Antioxidants 2025, 14(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14010063
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/1/63 - “Reactive Oxygen Species in Plants: Metabolism, Signaling, and Oxidative Modifications”
by Chao Zheng, Jian-Ping Chen, Xiao-Wei Wang and Ping Li
Antioxidants 2025, 14(6), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14060617
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/6/617 - “Positive Role of Trichoderma harzianum in Increasing Plant Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses: A Review”
by Yueyao Geng, Shuying Chen, Pinke Lv, Yankai Li, Jingxuan Li, Fangling Jiang, Zhen Wu, Qirong Shen and Rong Zhou
Antioxidants 2025, 14(7), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14070807
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/7/807 - “Exogenous GABA Enhances Copper Stress Resilience in Rice Plants via Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms, Gene Regulation, Mineral Uptake, and Copper Homeostasis”
by Zakirullah Khan, Rahmatullah Jan, Saleem Asif, Muhammad Farooq and Kyung-Min Kim
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060700
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/6/700 - “Seed Priming with 2,4-Epibrassionolide Enhances Seed Germination and Heat Tolerance in Rice by Regulating the Antioxidant System and Plant Hormone Signaling Pathways”
by Jingya Qian, Xu Mo, Yue Wang and Qiang Li
Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020242
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/2/242 - “Types of Membrane Transporters and the Mechanisms of Interaction between Them and Reactive Oxygen Species in Plants”
by Ding Yuan, Xiaolei Wu, Xiangqun Jiang, Binbin Gong and Hongbo Gao
Antioxidants 2024, 13(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13020221
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/2/221
17 April 2026
Interview with Dr. Mike Lange—Winner of the Antioxidants Young Investigator Award
The journal Antioxidants (ISSN: 2076-3921) is delighted to present the winner of the 2025 Young Investigator Award—Dr. Mike Lange.
Dr. Mike Lange is a lipid biochemist studying mechanisms of lipid quality control in cells. His research combines advanced lipid analytics with molecular and cell biology to uncover antioxidant mechanisms that protect organelles from oxidative lipid damage.
1. Could you please briefly introduce yourself, including your current affiliation and main research areas?
I am currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, where my research focuses on how chemical modifications of biomolecules regulate cellular metabolism. Throughout my training, I have been particularly interested in how spontaneous chemical reactions shape biological systems, first through studying protective protein modifications and later expanding into lipid biology. During my doctoral work at the University of Leipzig with Maria Fedorova, I investigated how metabolic changes alter lipid composition and influence cellular vulnerability to damage. Building on this, my postdoctoral research with James Olzmann at the University of California, Berkeley, explored how cells maintain the integrity of their lipids and how failures in these processes contribute to disease. More broadly, my work aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of cellular homeostasis and to develop new analytical approaches to study biomolecule regulation with high precision.
2. What inspired you to pursue research in the field of lipidomics?
Lipids are major and highly diverse components of cells yet how they are damaged and regulated has long remained difficult to study due to technical limitations. For a long time, lipid peroxidation was assessed indirectly or with proxy measurements, leaving open fundamental questions about which lipids are affected, under what conditions, and with what consequences. The emergence of ferroptosis highlighted the central role of lipid damage in cell fate and provided a powerful framework to study these processes in a more systematic way. What inspired me most was the opportunity to combine this conceptual advance with emerging LC-MS-based approaches to directly map lipid damage across different lipid classes and cellular compartments. This shift from indirect observations to molecular-level understanding opens a largely unexplored area of biology with strong potential for both fundamental discovery and therapeutic innovation.
3. How does it feel to be recognized with the Antioxidants Young Investigator Award?
It feels really great to be recognized for the work I’m doing. A lot of science happens within small circles, so it’s easy to lose sight of how it’s perceived more broadly. Receiving an award like this gives me confidence that the work resonates beyond my immediate field and is actually being seen. It’s also very motivating, and a reminder of the many people who contributed along the way, from mentors to collaborators and trainees.
4. Can you tell us about the research that led to this recognition and its potential impact?
My research builds on the growing interest in lipid biology sparked by the discovery of ferroptosis, which highlighted how damaging lipid peroxidation can drive cell death. However, most work in this area has focused on lipids in the plasma membrane and the antioxidant systems that protect them. During my postdoctoral work, I became interested in a more fundamental question: are lipids in other cellular compartments also vulnerable to damage, and do cells have dedicated systems to protect them?
Because methods to study lipid damage at the level of specific organelles are still very limited, I had to develop and adapt new approaches to tackle this problem. I focused on lipid droplets, which are central hubs of cellular lipid metabolism and uniquely suited for this type of analysis. Using cell-based models and advanced lipidomics, I discovered that lipids stored in lipid droplets are indeed subject to damaging peroxidation. Importantly, I identified the first antioxidant system that directly protects these lipids and showed that this protection is essential for cell survival, as cells die when lipid droplet damage accumulates (Lange et al., Nature Cell Biology, 2025).
These findings change how we think about lipid droplets, from passive storage sites to active regulators of cell fate, and represent the first example of an organelle-specific lipid protection system. Building on this, we have proposed the concept of lipid quality control, encompassing all mechanisms that prevent or repair lipid damage (Li*, Lange* et al., Annual Reviews of Biochemistry, 2024. * = co-first author). We hypothesize that similar systems exist across cellular organelles, opening up an entirely new area of biology with strong potential for both fundamental discovery and therapeutic development.
5. What advice would you give to early career researchers or young scientists who are just starting their academic journey?
My main advice would be to enjoy the journey, be bold, and surround yourself with the right people. Science can be challenging, and experiments often fail more than they succeed, so it is important to find joy in the process itself. Stay curious, think creatively about problems, and do not be afraid to challenge assumptions or explore new ideas, even if they feel risky. That is often where the most meaningful discoveries come from.
Equally important is finding good mentors. None of my work would have been possible without the guidance and support of great mentors who gave me freedom, challenged my thinking, and helped me stay on track when needed. The right mentorship can make all the difference, and it is worth taking the time to find people who truly support your growth.
Finally, build a strong community. Science can sometimes feel isolating, but it does not have to be. Connect with colleagues, share ideas, attend conferences, and learn from others who are on a similar path. Having a supportive network not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also helps you grow as a scientist.
6. In your view, what are the most promising directions in your research that you are excited about?
One of the most exciting directions in my research is moving beyond lipid quantity toward understanding lipid quality, particularly in the context of disease. So far, lipid droplet biology has largely focused on how lipid levels are regulated, leading to important advances in metabolic disease and cancer research. In contrast, lipid quality control is a very new concept, and its roles in disease are still largely unexplored. Defining how failures in these protective systems contribute to pathology, and developing ways to modulate them for therapeutic benefit, is something I find particularly exciting.
More broadly, I believe the study of organelle-specific lipid quality control represents a largely untapped area with enormous potential. We currently do not know whether different organelles have dedicated systems to protect their lipids, or what the consequences are when these systems fail. A major reason for this is the lack of technologies to monitor and manipulate lipid damage with spatial resolution inside cells. Developing these tools, and combining them with advanced lipidomics and modern cell biology, will open the door to studying these processes in a systematic way and uncovering entirely new mechanisms of cellular homeostasis and disease.
7. Looking ahead, what are your main goals or projects for the coming years?
Looking ahead, my main goal is to expand our understanding of lipid droplet quality control by identifying additional protective factors and defining their roles in disease. Having established the first lipid droplet quality control system, I am particularly interested in understanding in which contexts its impairment contributes to pathology, and whether targeting lipid droplet quality can be leveraged as a strategy to selectively induce cancer cell death.
In parallel, I am very excited about developing new approaches to monitor and modulate lipid damage with spatial resolution inside cells. Advancing these tools has the potential to transform not only the study of lipid quality control but lipid biology more broadly, shifting the field from a largely observational discipline to one where we can directly link lipid composition and modification to cellular phenotypes and function.
16 April 2026
MDPI’s Newly Launched Journals in the First Quarter of 2026
Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In the first quarter of 2026, nine new journals released their inaugural issues and three transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of clinical medicine, chemistry, computer science & mathematics, engineering, environment & ecology, and social sciences & psychology.
We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these brand-new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, ensuring impactful open access scholarship.
Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.
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New Journals |
Founding Editor(s)-in-Chief |
Journal Topics (Selected) |
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Prof. Dr. Matt Oehlschlaeger, |
AI-based chemical data analysis, prediction, and discovery; AI-enabled chemical reaction prediction, synthesis planning, and retrosynthesis; AI in bioorganic chemistry and chemical biology; digital twins and simulation of chemical processes; AI-powered chemical education and pedagogy | |
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Prof. Dr. Guang Jia, |
occupational hazards and exposure science; occupational health effects and susceptibility; occupational risk assessment and management; occupational health intervention, promotion, and policy | |
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Prof. Dr. Alessandro Miani, |
environmental exposures and health; the built environment and public health; One Health approach; environmental justice and health equity; environmental policies and interventions | |
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Prof. Dr. Miriam H. A. Bopp, |
neuroimaging technology and tool; multimodal neuroimaging integration and analysis; |
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Prof. Dr. Raul A. Urrutia, |
personalized translational and clinical oncology research that contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer diagnoses, prognoses, prevention, and treatment specifically for individual patients | |
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Prof. Dr. Pierre Boulanger, |
AI in disease detection, diagnosis, prediction, and treatment; medical informatics; AI in genomics and precision medicine; AI in drug discovery and development; |
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Prof. Dr. Zhaokui Wang, |
astrodynamics; spacecraft technology; satellite technology; space transportation; space vehicle design, propulsion, and avionics; space energy, power and propulsion | |
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Prof. Dr. Richard J Hauer, |
park design, planning, and evaluation; park and art; park, industrialization, urbanization, and civilization; park and education; park and smart society; park role in SDGs; park services for humans | |
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Prof. Dr. Stacey L. Connaughton, |
conflict resolution; peacebuilding; peacemaking; mediation, reconciliation, and transitional justice; sustaining peace | |
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Transferred Journals |
Editor(s)-in-Chief |
Journal Topics (Selected) |
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Prof. Dr. Gianluigi Vendemiale, |
physiology and pathology of aging; biogerontology; epidemiology; clinical geriatrics; pharmacology; geriatric nursing | |
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Prof. Dr. Michele Maffia, |
cellular and developmental biology; physiology, pathophysiology and endocrinology; diagnostic tools, therapies and public health | |
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Dr. Warren S. Joseph, |
foot and ankle medicine; podiatric medicine | |
We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).
16 April 2026
Meet Us at Paul Ehrlich MedChem 2026 Conference, 20–22 May 2026, Cagliari, Italy
MDPI is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at Paul Ehrlich MedChem 2026 conference, taking place in Cagliari, Italy, from 20 to 22 May 2026.
The conference is designed to be a significant showcase for young PhD students and researchers in the field of medicinal chemistry. It promotes knowledge exchange by sharing research results and involving production activities.
The following MDPI journals will be presented at the conference:
If you are attending this conference, please get in touch with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://sites.unica.it/pe2026/.
8 April 2026
Meet Us at the 2026 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting, 26–29 May 2026, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
MDPI is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the 2026 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, taking place in Salt Lake City, UT, USA, from 26 to 29 May 2026.
In 2026, ACSM’s Annual Meeting Spotlight will focus on the powerful convergence of Physical Activity, Exercise, and Technology. Technology transforms how physical activity is studied, prescribed, and experienced—from wearable devices and AI-driven interventions to virtual platforms and advanced diagnostics. This year’s spotlight will explore the intersection of basic, applied, and/or clinical science as it relates to the collective impact of physical activity, exercise, and technological advancement. Sessions in this track should reflect how innovations in technology enhance scientific understanding, clinical outcomes, performance, or population health. Through this spotlight, ACSM aims to highlight research and initiatives that are not only shaping the future of the field but also advancing its mission to extend and enrich lives through the power of movement.
The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:
If you are planning to attend this conference, please get in touch with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://acsm.org/events-general/annual-meeting/exhibit-sponsor/.
2 April 2026
2026 Tu Youyou Award—Open for Nominations
We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Tu Youyou Award. Named after Nobel Laureate Tu Youyou, whose discovery of artemisinin has saved millions of lives, this award recognizes researchers whose work advances the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry, while also contributing to human health.
Prize
– CHF 100,000;
– A medal;
– A certificate.
The monetary prize will be shared equally should there be multiple recipients.
Who May Be Nominated?
– Scientists with outstanding achievements and contributions in the fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
Nominees must be individuals; team or group nominations are not permitted. Nominations are valid only for the current award cycle.
Who May Submit a Nomination?
– The director of the nominee’s host research institution or recognized scientists within the field.
Self-nominations will not be considered.
Nomination Materials
– A biographical sketch;
– A detailed description of the nominee’s contributions;
– 5–10 representative academic publications;
– A list of academic honors, awards, and funded projects;
– A nomination letter signed by two nominators.
How to Submit?
Submit nominations online via the following link: https://tuyouyouprize.org/nomination
Important Dates
– Nomination Deadline: 31 October 2026
– Winner Announcement: March 2027
For further information, please visit the Tu Youyou Award website (https://tuyouyouprize.org/). For any inquiries, please contact the Tu Youyou Award Team at tuyouyouaward@mdpi.com.




































