Announcements

MDPI is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Best Paper Awards, celebrating exceptional research for its scientific merit and broad impact. After a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Academic Editors, this year’s awards showcase papers that stand out for their innovation, relevance, and high-quality presentation.

Out of a highly competitive pool, 396 winning papers have been recognized for their exceptional contributions. We congratulate these authors for pushing the boundaries of their respective disciplines.

At MDPI, we are dedicated to broadening the reach of innovative science. To learn more about the award-winning papers and explore research projects in your field of study, please visit the following links:

• Biology and Life Sciences;
• Business and Economics;
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
• Computer Sciences and Mathematics;
• Engineering;
• Environmental and Earth Sciences;
• Medicine and Pharmacology;
• Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities;
• Physical Sciences;
• Public Health and Healthcare.

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the global research community and enhance academic dialogue, MDPI journals regularly host award programs across diverse scientific disciplines. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and whose work drives the advancement of their fields.

Explore the Best Paper Awards open for participation, please click here.

MDPI will be attending the 36th Annual POMS Conference held in Reno, USA, from 7 to 11 May 2026. The Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) is an international professional organization representing the interests of POM professionals from around the world. POM society and POM journal were founded by Prof. Kalyan Singhal, Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore. The 36th Annual POMS Conference is to provide a platform for sharing research and building international linkages. The topic of the conference is “Transforming POM with AI: New Perspectives for a Better World”.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• JTAER;
• Logistics;
• Administrative Sciences;
• World;
• Platforms.

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.

Conference: European Academy of Management Annual Conference (EURAM 2026)
Date: 16–19 June 2026
Location: The University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Norway

MDPI will be attending the European Academy of Management Annual Conference (EURAM 2026), which will be held from 16 to 19 June 2026, in Kristiansand, Norway.

The EURAM 2026 conference focuses on a wide range of research on strategies that enable organizations to effectively operate in times of uncertainty. It will explore key areas such as organizational resilience, paradox management, agility, risk management, and innovative business models, examining how management scholarship can address complexity through innovative theories, methodologies, and practical applications. The conference will serve as a global meeting place, bringing together more than 2,000 academics and practitioners—including professors, PhD students and assistants, and practitioners—from around the world.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Administrative Sciences;
• Forecasting;
• Logistics;
• World;
• Businesses;
• Merits—Journal of Human Resources;
• Knowledge;
• Platforms;
• International Journal of Financial Studies;
• Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research;
• Journal of Risk and Financial Management;
• Accounting and Auditing.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please do not hesitate to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://conferences.euram.academy/2026conference/.

This conference is the first of its kind and is organized by the Professional Committee on Resource Activation and Urban Renewal, China Society of Natural Resources; Professional Committee on Population and Resources, China Society of Natural Resources; and Editorial Work Committee, China Society of Natural Resources. This conference brings together universities colloquially known in China as the “Old Eight Universities” of Urban Planning and Architecture—including Peking University, Nanjing University, South China Normal University, Hunan University and so on. These institutions are not only top-tier “Project 985” universities but also pioneers at the forefront of the latest advancements in the fields of urban studies and architecture. Collaborating with professors from these universities will not only expand the regional influence of journals in MDPI but also enhance the journal's domestic reputation, thereby attracting a greater volume of submissions and facilitating the development of more Special Issues.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Urban Science;
• World;
• Architecture;
• Land;
• Administrative Sciences.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us online. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the conference and answering any questions that you have. For more information about this event, please visit the following website: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/4ZwHwjITWMERk_XqnntMdg?scene=1.

MDPI was proud to join forces with Rajamangala University of Technology Isan on 1 April for a fruitful workshop focused on enhancing academic publishing and scholarly communication. The session gathered specialists to discuss emerging trends and breakthroughs across various scientific disciplines. Through interactive discussions and peer‑to‑peer exchange, attendees acquired hands‑on knowledge in writing scientific papers, addressing reviewer feedback, and understanding the main reasons for manuscript rejection during the preliminary editorial stage.

Dr. Anirut Pipatprapa, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, delivered the opening speech at the event. In his remarks, Dr. Anirut highlighted that MDPI journals adhere to international publishing standards and are widely recognized and trusted globally. He noted that the journal quality is carefully evaluated and that the efficient processing time is particularly impressive, emphasizing that publication is not merely based on Article Processing Charge payment but on meeting academic standards. He described the session as a valuable opportunity for participants to gain deeper insights into MDPI’s editorial processes and journal portfolio. He encouraged attendees to develop strong skills in writing for international journals, particularly in structuring a clear and compelling research narrative. He also pointed out the distinction between national and international research, noting that while local studies often focus on area-based topics, international publications should address issues of broader, global interest.

During the first presentation, Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai, Regional Journal Relations Specialist at the MDPI Bangkok Office, delivered an overview of open access journals and discussed MDPI’s current position as a leading academic publisher in the open access field. She also introduced several high-quality MDPI journals indexed in Quartile 1 and Quartile 2, including leading Tier 1 journals in the field of business and management.

The second session, “How to Write Scientific Papers”, was delivered by Dr. Juthathip Poofery, Editorial Team Leader and Regional Journal Relations Specialist. The session provided an overview of manuscript preparation, including the structure of a scientific paper: front matter, main text, and back matter. Key points included writing a clear introduction that identifies research gaps, describing methods with sufficient detail for reproducibility, and distinguishing between results and their interpretation in the discussion. Additional focus was placed on title design, abstract writing, keyword selection, and concise, impactful writing. The session also covered ethical and transparency aspects, including authorship, funding, data availability, informed consent, and conflict of interest. Methodological considerations for systematic review articles were highlighted. Participants expressed particular interest in English editing services and manuscript formatting support.

The third session, titled “How to Respond to Peer Reviewers”, was presented by Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana, a Regional Journal Relations Specialist. She discussed the peer-review process at MDPI and provided guidance on how to revise the manuscript professionally. This session also included the key tips of revision preparations and how we can organize a response in an effective way. In conclusion, she encouraged the audience to remain positive, open-minded, and professional when replying to reviewers.

The third session of the Editorial Series, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Scientific Publishing”, was presented by Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon, Regional Journal Relations Specialist at MDPI’s Bangkok Office. The session began with a comprehensive introduction to AI technologies and their increasing influence on academic research and scholarly publishing. During the talk, she explored the capabilities and current limitations of generative AI, particularly widely used Large Language Models. She noted that although these tools can effectively assist with various research tasks, it remains essential for researchers to apply careful judgment and not rely on AI-generated outputs uncritically. Consistent with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the session also outlined MDPI’s policies regarding the responsible use of AI by both authors and reviewers, with a strong emphasis on transparency and appropriate disclosure practices. To conclude, participants were introduced to a range of AI-powered tools developed by MDPI’s internal AI team, aimed at optimizing editorial processes and enhancing the overall publishing experience for authors and editors.

The fourth session, “How to Write a Well-Formatted Paper,” was delivered by Ms. Varattaya Saengchaisukhonkit. She emphasized the importance of proper formatting in improving readability, facilitating the editorial process, and enhancing the overall professionalism of a manuscript. The session introduced MDPI’s formatting framework, covering key elements such as template structure, layout format, and the effective organization of front matter, main text, and references. Emphasis was placed on how proper formatting enhances readability, streamlines the editorial and peer-review process, and increases the overall professionalism of a manuscript. The session also highlighted frequent formatting issues encountered by authors—such as low-resolution figures, inconsistent citation styles, and poorly structured tables—and provided practical guidance on how to avoid these pitfalls and meet journal requirements more effectively.

The final session, “How to Use Figures and Tables in Scientific Papers”, presented by Ms. Sirathikarn Teoh, highlighted effective visual communication techniques, including figure design and table presentation.

Overall, the workshop successfully enhanced participants’ understanding of the publication process while reinforcing collaborative ties between MDPI and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. The event also laid a solid foundation for future academic cooperation and continued support for researchers in advancing their scholarly output.

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.

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).

MDPI will be attending the 22nd International May Conference on Strategic Management (IMCSM 2026) in Belgrade, Serbia, which will take place from the 28 to 29 of May 2026. The Technical Faculty in Bor, University of Belgrade (Department of Engineering Management), has organized the conference since 2002. Each year, it has attracted an increasing number of participants, both domestic and international, from the fields of strategic management and related disciplines—including engineering management, risk management, project management, environmental management, information technologies, economics, quality management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and human resource management. 

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Accounting and Auditing;
• Administrative Sciences;
• Businesses;
• Economies;
• International Journal of Financial Studies;
• Journal of Risk and Financial Management;
• Logistics. 

If you are attending the conference, please feel free to visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://mksm.tfbor.bg.ac.rs/.

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.