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Announcements
27 April 2025
Interview with Dr. Jozef Krajňák—Applied Sciences 2024 Exceptional Reviewers

Name: Dr. Jozef Krajňák
Affiliation: Technical University of Košice, Slovakia
Research interests: flexible coupling; vibrations; noisiness; gaseous medium
The following is a short interview with Dr. Jozef Krajňák:
1. Congratulations on being an outstanding reviewer for Q1! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your research interests?
Thank you for the award. I am currently researching flexible pneumatic couplings. I am studying mechanical systems and determining the impact of couplings on temperature, noise, and vibration. I am trying to find a way to reduce negative effects such as noise and vibration. My goal is also to provide sustainable methods, and I am doing research on this.
2. What motivated you to become a reviewer?
I like to read new articles. I study new technologies, new inventions, and new things.
3. How do you approach the peer review process to ensure fairness and constructive feedback?
I read each article in detail. I try to point out any shortcomings to the authors of the article, or I give the authors of the article comments on how to improve the article. Some articles are very interesting.
4. What are the biggest challenges you face as a reviewer, and how do you handle them?
The articles that I review are of good quality. Sometimes, I have a minor problem when the title of the article is interesting, but after opening the article, I find out that there are only formulas and very complicated and intricate mathematics and mathematical formulas. Checking such formulas is very difficult and complicated. If I knew that there were so many mathematical formulas, I would refuse to review such an article. However, I didn’t know this before accepting the review.
5. What advice would you give to aspiring researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields?
I would advise beginning researchers to read a few professional articles in their field and get inspired. Every beginning expert must pay special attention to the conclusion of the article, where the importance of the article for practice or the future of the field should be emphasized.
6. Applied Sciences is an open access journal. How do you think open access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community?
It’s very good. Everyone has access to the article, which is positive, especially for young researchers.
Your journal is of very good quality. I have no questions and currently no suggestions for improvement. I wish you much success in your further work.
27 April 2025
Interview with Prof. Dr. Giorgio Sonnino—Applied Sciences Exceptional Reviewer 2024

Name: Prof. Dr. Giorgio Sonnino
Affiliation: Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
Research interests: thermodynamics of irreversible processes; thermodynamical field theory; complex phenomena; plasma physics; thermonuclear fusion; physics of dynamical systems; fluid mechanics; population dynamics; cryptography; information theory; cosmology
The following is a short interview with Prof. Dr. Giorgio Sonnino:
1. Congratulations on being an outstanding reviewer for Q4! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your research interests?
I work in theoretical physics, with a focus on thermodynamics of irreversible processes. I began my research under the guidance of Prof. Ilya Prigogine, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1977. I earned my doctorate in his research group, specializing in thermodynamic processes.
This background allowed me to explore various fields, particularly nuclear and thermonuclear physics, where I spent nearly ten years. Later, I pursued another doctorate in hydrodynamics, focusing on hydrodynamical fluctuations, nonlinear systems, and complex phenomena—core topics within Prof. Prigogine’s research group.
More recently, I have expanded my research to cryptography, astrophysics, and cosmology, working with Prof. Remo Ruffini, who is well known for his contributions to the Einstein–Wheeler research group. I have also conducted studies in population dynamics, particularly on modeling the spread of COVID-19, and published a series of works with Oxford University Press and the European Medical Society.
For the past ten years, I have served as a certified scientific advisor to the European Union, working within its Central Advisory Board. My current research focuses on the thermodynamics of variable processes. Additionally, I have recently started a collaboration with the University of Nice on nanolasers, leading to the publication of two papers in Nanomaterials. My research interests are diverse, covering multiple disciplines within theoretical and applied physics.
2. What motivated you to become a reviewer?
I have been reviewing various scientific journals for many years, including Physical Review, The European Journal of Physics, and other publications under Springer Nature. My involvement with these journals has been occasional, but each experience has contributed to my growth as a reviewer.
What truly motivates me to work with MDPI is the dynamic and proactive nature of its editorial team. I appreciate that MDPI editors are committed to improving the quality of published papers, and I feel aligned with this mission. In my view, the role of a reviewer is not to judge authors but to help them enhance their work by offering constructive feedback and valuable insights.
When I review papers, I focus on providing meaningful suggestions rather than simply rejecting submissions. I always request revisions if I find areas that need improvement, question calculations and offer alternative perspectives to ensure accuracy. This approach reflects my dedication to maintaining high academic standards.
Working with MDPI has been particularly rewarding because I see the same level of motivation and dedication from its editors. Their commitment to quality and their willingness to engage with reviewers make MDPI an ideal place for me to contribute to the academic community.
3. How do you approach the peer review process to ensure fairness and constructive feedback?
My review process begins with a fundamental question: “Can I contribute constructively to this paper?” The first step is to carefully read the manuscript and determine whether I fully understand what the author aims to convey. I assess the key findings and the novelty of the paper, ensuring I grasp its contribution to the state of the art. If I can clearly identify these aspects, I proceed with the review.
The next step involves verifying the accuracy of the calculations. In some cases, I perform independent numerical checks to see if I can reproduce the reported results. This is not done to challenge the author’s correctness but rather to evaluate the ease of reproducing their findings. I then cross-check the results with existing literature to determine whether they are new or have already been addressed elsewhere.
Throughout my review, I aim to provide structured and constructive feedback. I identify vulnerable points, highlight areas that require clarification or improvement, and suggest additional citations when relevant. My focus is on helping authors refine their work rather than merely critiquing it.
In most cases, authors appreciate this collaborative approach, as it fosters a constructive dialog rather than a purely evaluative process. My ultimate goal is not to judge but to act as an interlocutor, working alongside the author to enhance the quality of their paper. Once all necessary improvements have been made, I submit my final approval to the editor, confident that the manuscript has been strengthened and the gaps have been addressed.
4. What are the biggest challenges you face as a reviewer, and how do you handle them?
The review process varies depending on the type of paper under evaluation. There are different categories of manuscripts, each requiring a distinct approach: review papers, top-level research papers, and more unconventional or “exotic” papers.
For review papers, the primary challenge is determining whether the author has successfully covered a broad range of relevant information. The key question I ask is: “What new insights does this review provide compared to existing literature?” While this process requires time, it is generally straightforward.
Top-level research papers demand greater caution, as the accuracy and validity of their findings must be rigorously verified. There is a significant risk in publishing work that is not yet well-established or contains errors. To ensure reliability, I often redo calculations independently and thoroughly check the methodology.
Exotic papers present a unique challenge. In some cases, they introduce novel and promising ideas; in others, they may not yet be ready for publication. It is not necessarily that the research is incorrect, but rather that it may be premature and require further study. In such cases, I prepare a detailed report for the editor and authors, providing constructive feedback in a professional and encouraging manner. I highlight the strengths of the paper while also specifying areas that need further development or additional evidence.
Given these varying approaches, the time required for a review can differ significantly. Some papers may take only a short time to evaluate, while others require extensive analysis, sometimes spanning several days. My goal is always to provide a thorough, fair, and constructive review to help improve the quality of the manuscript before publication.
5. What is your experience with our service from the point of view of a reviewer?
Throughout my academic career, I have had the opportunity to personally meet and interact with several editors, many of whom are highly motivated and dedicated to their work. A notable example is the Editor-in-Chief of Entropy, whom I know personally from attending the same workshops, such as those on entropy and related topics at the Max Planck Institutes.
These editors have been deeply committed to improving their journals from the very beginning. I have observed their efforts firsthand, particularly in increasing the impact factor of their journals. For instance, Entropy started with a modest impact factor of around 0.5, which gradually increased to 1.0, then 2.0, and later 2.5. Today, some MDPI review journals have impact factors exceeding 6, and several of their top-tier reviews are ranked in Q1.
This level of dedication is what drives me to actively contribute as a reviewer. I appreciate the rigorous editorial process at MDPI, and I feel a strong sense of commitment toward supporting its development. When I receive review invitations from MDPI, I am always inclined to accept, as I recognize the value of their work and want to contribute to maintaining and enhancing the quality of their publications. In contrast, I sometimes decline reviewing invitations from other publishers, as I do not feel the same level of engagement or motivation.
Ultimately, my decision to review is not just a professional responsibility but also a personal commitment to supporting a community that values quality, progress, and academic integrity.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields?
To stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, it is essential to follow emerging research fields. A notable example is the ongoing research on the quantization of entropy production in small systems. Currently, researchers are exploring new materials by incorporating quantum information principles into nanomaterials design. This represents a significant shift in the field, highlighting the importance of staying informed about novel developments.
A key recommendation is to actively participate in relevant workshops and conferences. These events provide valuable insights into the latest research trends and allow for direct engagement with experts. By attending such gatherings, one can better understand emerging topics and strategically invest time and energy in areas with significant future potential.
While publishing research within established domains remains important, it is equally crucial to explore and contribute to new and evolving fields. Those involved in journal management and academic publishing should consider attending workshops, not only to stay informed but also to identify promising research directions and opportunities for collaboration. Investing in these areas—through time, effort, and intellectual engagement—can help ensure that research remains relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving scientific landscape.
7. Applied Sciences is an open access journal. How do you think open access publishing benefits authors and the broader research community?
Open access is increasingly becoming the dominant model for academic publishing. While traditional journals and peer-reviewed publications have played a crucial role in the past, open access now provides the most effective way to disseminate new research rapidly and widely. This model ensures that scientific advancements are accessible to a broader audience without the barriers imposed by subscription-based systems.
However, a key challenge associated with open access publishing is securing financial support. Sustainable funding sources must be identified to maintain the quality and accessibility of publications. Despite this financial challenge, open access remains the most efficient method for sharing novel research findings in a timely manner.
8. Do you have any suggestions on how our journal could further support researchers and the academic community?
Supporting academic communities can be achieved through active engagement in workshops and by organizing them. For example, if a new method or emerging field—such as the quantization of information in nanomaterials—is identified, it is important to initiate discussions and propose workshops on the subject. Attracting top experts and offering financial support for a select number of papers, in collaboration with universities or other key institutions, can foster valuable insights.
Additionally, involving enterprises in such initiatives can enhance the overall impact. Enterprises can play a pivotal role in supporting publications, particularly those that bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. By combining theoretical and industrial research, workshops can foster collaboration between academic and business sectors, creating a valuable synergy.
In particular, in Europe, the financial contribution of enterprises is essential for overcoming funding challenges. Workshops that integrate both fundamental and industrial-oriented research will not only promote academic knowledge but also have significant practical value. These efforts can lead to greater collaboration between academia and industry, benefiting both fields and contributing to meaningful advancements in research and innovation.
22 April 2025
Applied Science Webinar | Introduction to Physics of Fission and Fusion Reactions and Applications to the Thermodynamics of Nuclear Power Plants, 28 April 2025

Message from the conference chair Dr. Roberto Zivieri:
It is my great pleasure to welcome both speakers and attendees to this webinar titled “Introduction to Physics of Fission and Fusion Reactions and Applications to the Thermodynamics of Nuclear Power Plants”. The speakers are leading experts on the topic and will deliver talks on the fundamentals of fission and fusion processes, the related underlying thermodynamics, and the key engineering and technological applications. Recent advancements in nuclear fission technologies reflect growing global interest in safer, more flexible, and more sustainable nuclear energy systems.
The first talk will provide an accessible yet scientifically grounded overview of the fundamental principles of nuclear physics underlying fission processes. Key nuclear physics concepts relevant to fission, such as binding energy, neutron-induced reactions, and the mechanism of a self-sustaining chain reaction, will be introduced. Particular emphasis will be placed on how energy is released in nuclear fission and the physical conditions necessary for maintaining controlled reactions within power-generating systems.
The second talk introduces the topic of fusion reactions from an energetic perspective. In nuclear physics, the spontaneity analysis of these reactions relies on assessing their exothermicity (the amount of energy defined by the Q-value) and the reaction rate (the number of reactions per unit time and per unit volume). Particular emphasis will be placed on the main challenges for future research and the open questions across both physics and engineering.
In the third talk, nuclear processes will be discussed through a classical thermodynamic approach. Compared to the nuclear physics analysis, engineering thermodynamics considers the change in entropy, a parameter that has been neglected thus far. It is important to highlight that entropy plays a different role across fission (ΔS > 0) and fusion (ΔS < 0) reactions. While fission reactions are always spontaneous, regardless of the temperature, in fusion reactions, the temperature acts as a very powerful amplifier of the entropic term (- TΔS) that, at a very high temperature, may significantly reduce the thermodynamic spontaneity of these processes.
In general, in fusion reactions at very high temperatures (such as that adopted in the tokamaks, i.e., around 108 K), a share of the Q-value is consumed to balance the entropic term (−T ΔS), thus reducing the enormous amount of energy made available by a nuclear fusion process. Such an aspect could have a non-negligible impact on the energy efficiency of the fusion systems and should be considered in future tokamak designs.
Keywords: fusion reactions; fission reactions; nuclear reaction entropy
Date: 28 April 2025 10:00 a.m. CEST | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia | 6:00 p.m. AEST
Webinar ID: 893 8595 5371
Register now for free!
Speaker/Presentation |
CEST |
CST (Asia) |
Dr. Roberto Zivieri |
10:00–10:10 a.m. |
4:00–4:10 p.m. |
Dr. Lina Quintieri |
10:10–10:30 a.m. |
4:10–4:30 p.m. |
Q&A Session |
10:30–10:40 a.m. |
4:30–4:40 p.m. |
Dr. Giù Marcer |
10:40–11:00 a.m. |
4:40–5:00 p.m. |
Q&A Session |
11:00–11:10 a.m. |
5:00–5:10 p.m. |
Prof. Silvano Tosti |
11:10–11:30 a.m. |
5:10–5:30 p.m. |
Q&A Session |
11:30–11:40 a.m. |
5:30–5:40 p.m. |
Dr. Roberto Zivieri |
11:40–11:50 a.m. |
5:40–5:50 p.m. |
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to view.
Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:
- Dr. Roberto Zivieri, Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Messina, Italy;
- Dr. Lina Quintieri, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Oxon, UK;
- Dr. Giù Marcer, Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (ISTP) of the National Research Council (CNR), Italy;
- Dr. Silvano Tosti, Nuclear Department, ENEA, Frascati, Italy.
14 April 2025
Meet Us at the 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition, 15–18 June 2025, Gothenburg, Sweden

Conference: The 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition
Organization: The World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA)
Date: 15–18 June 2025
Place: Gothenburg, Sweden
Booths: C2-03 and A5-04
The International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS) series, organized by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), is recognized as the premier event for academic, government and industry professionals involved in electric drive technologies.
The EVS series began in 1969 as an academic forum for global networking and the exchange of technical information. As electric drive technologies progressed from classrooms and laboratories to the marketplace, EVS expanded into both an academic and business-oriented event.
The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:
- Applied Sciences;
- Energies;
- Electricity;
- Batteries;
- Logistics;
- Smart Cities;
- Future Transportation;
- Electronics;
- Inventions;
- Eng;
- Automation;
- Electronic Materials.
If you plan on attending the above conference, please feel free to stop by our booth #C2-03. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have.
For more information about the conference, please click the following link: https://evs38.org/.
14 April 2025
Applied Sciences Accepted into EI Compendex

We are pleased to announce that Applied Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3417) was selected for coverage in the Ei Compendex in April 2025. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of the authors, reviewers, and editors who have contributed to this journal and helped us to accomplish this achievement.
Applied Sciences is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes original papers, covers all aspects of applied physics, applied chemistry, engineering, environmental and earth sciences, and applied biology. The journal’s aim is to encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible.
To make the most of this opportunity, we would like to invite you to submit your research to the journal.
We warmly welcome you to consider Applied Sciences as a platform for publishing your work. If you have a paper concerning any topic within the scope of the journal, please submit it via the journal’s website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci.
Applied Sciences Editorial Office
11 April 2025
International Day of Human Space Flight—“The Beginning of the Space Era for Mankind”, 12 April 2025

The International Day of Human Space Flight, observed annually on 12 April, commemorates Yuri Gagarin’s historic 1961 spaceflight—the first human journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This milestone marked the dawn of human space exploration, fostering scientific and technological advancements that continue to benefit humanity. Space science and technology play a crucial role in sustainable development, atmospheric research, satellite communications, and global cooperation.
In recognition of the International Day of Human Space Flight, MDPI plans to celebrate the achievements of space exploration and the scientists and engineers who are driving innovation in aerospace and related fields. Through its open access publishing modal, MDPI ensures that cutting-edge research on space technologies, geosciences, and remote sensing is accessible to experts, decision-makers, and global audiences. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, MDPI supports the continued advancement of space research, ensuring that outer space remains a shared frontier for peaceful and sustainable development.

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“Use of Simulation for Pre-Training of Drone Pilots”
by Alexander Somerville, Timothy Lynar, Keith Joiner and Graham Wild
Drones 2024, 8(11), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8110640
“Aircraft Skin Machine Learning-Based Defect Detection and Size Estimation in Visual Inspections”
by Angelos Plastropoulos, Kostas Bardis, George Yazigi, Nicolas P. Avdelidis and Mark Droznika
Technologies 2024, 12(9), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090158
“Landsat 9 Thermal Infrared Sensor-2 (TIRS-2) Pre- and Post-Launch Spatial Response Performance”
by Rehman Eon, Brian N. Wenny, Ethan Poole, Sarah Eftekharzadeh Kay, Matthew Montanaro, Aaron Gerace and Kurtis J. Thome
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061065
“Lineament Domain Analysis to Unravel Tectonic Settings on Planetary Surfaces: Insights from the Claritas Fossae (Mars)”
by Evandro Balbi and Fabrizio Marini
Geosciences 2024, 14(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14030079
“Simulation of Human Movement in Zero Gravity”
by Adelina Bärligea, Kazunori Hase and Makoto Yoshida
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061770
“Enhancing Planetary Exploration through Digital Twins: A Tool for Virtual Prototyping and HUMS Design”
by Lucio Pinello, Lorenzo Brancato, Marco Giglio, Francesco Cadini and Giuseppe Francesco De Luca
Aerospace 2024, 11(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11010073
“Performance Estimate of a Spin-Stabilized Drag Sail for Spacecraft Deorbiting”
by Lorenzo Niccolai and Giovanni Mengali
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020612
“The Design of a Reaction Flywheel Speed Control System Based on ADRC”
by Jiachen Song, Jianguo Guo, Changtao Qin and Wanliang Zhao
Automation 2023, 4(3), 246-262; https://doi.org/10.3390/automation4030015
“Short-Term Prediction of 80–88 km Wind Speed in Near Space Based on VMD–PSO–LSTM”
by Shaoyi Yang, Hua Yang, Na Li and Zonghua Ding
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020315
“Enhanced Range and Endurance Evaluation of a Camber Morphing Wing Aircraft”
by Bruce W. Jo and Tuba Majid
Biomimetics 2023, 8(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8010034

“Aviation Science and Technology Applications” |
|
“Ionospheric Disturbances and Space Weather” |
|
“Planetary Geologic Mapping and Remote Sensing (Second Edition)” |

Eng. Proc., 2025, EASN 2024 |
11 April 2025
Meet Us at the 16th European Congress on Catalysis (EuropaCat 2025), 31 August–5 September 2025, Trondheim, Norway

Conference: The 16th European Congress on Catalysis (EuropaCat 2025)
Date: 31 August–5 September 2025
Location: Trondheim, Norway
MDPI will be attending the 16th European Congress on Catalysis (EuropaCat 2025) as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.
This will be the 16th European Congress on Catalysis under the auspices of the European Federation of Catalysis Societies (EFCATS) and organized as a joint effort of the Nordic Catalysis Societies. The target groups for EuropaCat 2025 are academia and industry, focusing on fundamental research, applied research and development within catalysis.
EuropaCat 2025 urges you to join and bring excellent science, hard work, bright ideas, successful catalyst development, innovative solutions and an open mind. It is clear that mastering “the force” of catalysis will be vital for overcoming the resource and environmental challenges that lie ahead for humanity.
The following MDPI journals will be represented:
- Molecules;
- Catalysts;
- Solids;
- Energies;
- Materials;
- Chemistry;
- Symmetry;
- Applied Sciences;
- Nanomaterials;
- Photochem;
- C — Journal of Carbon Research.
If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information, please visit https://www.ntnu.edu/europacat2025.
4 April 2025
Applied Sciences Webinar | Advances in Acoustic Emission Technique: Test Interpretation and Numerical Simulations, 17 April 2025

Welcome message from the Chair, Prof. Dr. Ignacio Iturrioz:
Greetings everyone. It is my great pleasure to introduce today’s webinar, where we will explore the interaction between numerical strategies and experimental tests in the field of acoustic emission (AE) techniques.
We are honored to begin with Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Lacidogna, a faculty member at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, and Distinguished Professor at the Wenzhou University of Technology (2025). With extensive expertise in the application of acoustic emissions, he will share some valuable insights into their use in challenging real-life scenarios.
Following his presentation, we will hear from Prof. Dr. Ferenc Kun, a Full Professor at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. He is a leading expert in the fiber bundle method (FBM), a powerful numerical tool which can be used in the analysis of acoustic emission signals and damage progression in solids.
Finally, my colleague, Leandro Friedrich, from the Federal University of Pampa, Brazil, and I, Ignacio Iturrioz, from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), will explore the applications of discrete numerical strategies for simulating acoustic emission tests in structures.
This webinar promises to be an excellent opportunity to understand how experimental techniques and numerical simulations can work together to unravel damage processes in systems that fail in a spasmodic (sudden or intermittent) manner.
Date: 17 April 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CEST | 5:00 a.m. EDT | 5:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 865 9045 4835
Register now for free!
Speaker/Presentation | Time in CEST | Time in CST Asia |
Prof. Dr. Ignacio Iturrioz Chair Introduction |
11:00–11:05 a.m. | 5:00–5:05 p.m. |
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Lacidogna Current Monitoring Techniques and Materials’ Fracture Characterization: The Case of Garisenda Tower in Bologna (Italy) |
11:05–11:25 a.m. | 5:05–5:25 p.m. |
Q&A Session | 11:25–11:35 a.m. | 5:25–5:35 p.m. |
Prof. Dr. Ferenc Kun Approach to Failure through Record-Breaking Avalanches in Fiber Bundle Models |
11:35–11:55 a.m. | 5:35–5:55 p.m. |
Q&A Session | 11:55 a.m.–12:05 p.m. | 5:55–6:05 p.m. |
Prof. Dr. Leandro Ferreira Friedrich and Prof. Dr. Ignacio Iturrioz Application of Discrete-Element Strategies to Aid the Interpretation of Acoustic Emission Data in the Damage Process of Structures |
12:05–12:25 p.m. | 6:05–6:25 p.m. |
Q&A Session | 12:25–12:35 p.m. | 6:25–6:35 p.m. |
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe lacidogna and Prof. Dr. Ignacio Iturrioz Closing of Webinar |
12:35–12:40 p.m. | 6:35–6:40 p.m. |
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you once the recording becomes available.
Webinar Chairs and Keynote Speakers:
- Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Lacidogna (Chair and Speaker), Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy;
- Prof. Dr. Ignacio Iturrioz (Chair and Speaker), Mechanical Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil;
- Prof. Dr. Ferenc Kun, Department of Theoretical Physics, Doctoral School of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Hungary;
- Prof. Dr. Leandro Ferreira Friedrich, Engineering Post Graduation Program, Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Alegrete, Brazil.
2 April 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #21 - Annual Report, Swiss Consortium, IWD, ICARS, Serbia

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 Releases 2024 Annual Achievements Report
I’m pleased to share the release of MDPI’s 2024 Annual Achievements Report, which reflects our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and excellence in scholarly communication. The report showcases key themes related to our growth (highlighting our workforce expansion, new offices, journal milestones), excellence (editorial and publishing advancements), people (talent development and training), and community (partnerships, conferences, and outreach).
MDPI continues to build connections and drive scientific progress
Our mission remains clear: to support researchers worldwide by delivering an efficient, high-quality publishing experience while strengthening the global Open Access (OA) movement.
Advancing Open Access: A Global Knowledge Hub
In 2024, we published 238,000 peer-reviewed OA articles, reaching over 25 million downloads. This reinforces MDPI’s role as a global knowledge hub, breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that high-quality research is freely available to everyone. As part of the OA movement, we are actively democratizing knowledge, making scientific advancements accessible to researchers, policymakers, educators, and the public, without the restrictions of traditional paywalls.
Expanding our Workforce and Strengthening Research Integrity
Our global presence grew in 2024 with the opening of a new Seoul office, and our workforce expanded to 6,650 staff across 21 offices. This reflects our continued growth mindset and investment in global accessibility. We also continued to take a proactive stance on our commitment to research integrity, tripling our team in this area and joining STM’s Integrity Hub and United2Act. This means more rigorous quality control, stronger safeguards, and collaboration with global initiatives to detect and combat unethical publishing practices at an industry level. Our growth is about reinforcing our role as a trusted, ethical, and accessible publishing platform for researchers worldwide.
Growing Partnerships and Impact in Scholarly Communication
MDPI’s partnerships continue to thrive, with over 900 institutional collaborations, including a landmark agreement with ZB MED in Germany, covering more than 100 universities. Additionally, more than 90% of evaluated MDPI journals have been accepted into Web of Science, including 60 new acceptances in 2024, with nearly 300 journals expected to receive a Journal Impact Factor in 2025. In the same period, 37 MDPI journals were accepted into Scopus, bringing our total indexed titles to 306. Most importantly, 95% of authors rate their experience with MDPI as excellent or good – an achievement that underscores our dedication to serving the research community.
I encourage you to read through our Annual Report, which highlights these milestones and our vision for the future. Thank you for being part of MDPI’s journey in advancing open science.
Impactful Research
MDPI Renews Partnership with CSAL to Support Swiss Universities
I am pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries (CSAL) for 2025. This extension reinforces MDPI's dedication to advancing open science through transparency, efficiency, and collaboration.
Our renewed agreement with CSAL strengthens support for Swiss universities, ensuring that gold open access publishing remains both accessible and affordable for researchers across Switzerland. Among the institutions participating in this agreement are ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, along with 20 other leading institutions, further expanding the reach and impact of our collaborative efforts.
To date, over 3.9 million researchers have published their findings in MDPI journals, a testament to our role in enhancing Switzerland's position as a hub for university education and research.
Inside MDPI
Celebrating International Women's Day: Accelerating Action
In honour of International Women's Day, MDPI embraced the theme “Accelerate Action,” a global call to advance women's progress by implementing effective strategies and resources. As part of our commitment, we highlighted how open access publishing empowers female voices in research and academia.
Throughout March, we featured original blogs authored by MDPI’s female contributors, showcasing the successes of our journals and employees, and addressing pressing topics such as women's health.
“Open Access supports women in education”
Women Accelerating Action Outside of MDPI
MDPI employee Ana Zdravkovic is accelerating action outside of her MDPI role as a Production Assistant. Working with like-minded women at the award-winning Belgrade-based organization UZOR OsnaŽene (meaning ‘empowered women’), they identify serious flaws in cybersecurity, and help protect women and children against online predators by providing evidence to improve legislation and laws around cyber-attacks.
In this article, we interview Ana, celebrating the important and inspiring work that she and the organisation do.
How Open Access Supports Women in Education
Every day, women and girls face barriers in education or career progression. This is caused by a range of factors, including social expectations, poverty, and poor infrastructure.
Quality opportunities and participation in the education system by women is essential to achieving equality and fulfilling their human rights.
Here, we examine how Open Access supports women in education by removing barriers and ensuring that vital research is accessible.
Recent Advancements in Research on Endometriosis
March is Endometriosis Action Month. Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting women and young girls of reproductive age, often causing symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, and infertility.
More research on endometriosis is still urgently needed.
This research will help develop efficient diagnoses and better treatment for those struggling with the condition.
In this article, we explore what endometriosis is and discuss the latest research advancements on the disease.
We also curated a selection of MDPI journals, articles, and Special Issues focusing on gender equity, women in the workplace, and women’s health. Find out more about these by visiting our IWD – Accelerate Action landing page.
As I reflect on the month of March and International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the incredible women at MDPI for your dedication to democratizing knowledge and shaping open access. Your contributions are invaluable, and they continue to shape the future of MDPI.
Coming Together for Science
The International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025)
The International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025) took place from 26–28 March 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. It was chaired by Prof. Dr. Fabio Tosti from the Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing (UK), Prof. Dr. Andrea Benedetto from University Roma Tre (Italy), and Prof. Dr. Luis Ángel Ruiz from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV, Spain).
Over three days, the conference explored innovations in Earth and environmental sciences, engineering advancements, and practical applications in biological and agricultural fields.
I am pleased to share that the 1st edition of ICARS 2025 was a great success, with 133 attendees out of 146 registrations. The event featured 43 short talks, 64 posters, and 103 accepted abstracts, along with nine keynote speakers and a major panel with five expert panellists.
Over 60 attendees joined the conference dinner, and the event received outstanding feedback.
The main goal of ICARS2025 was to cover how advanced remote sensing technologies are transforming our approach to global challenges.
Awards
Four awards were presented at the conclusion of the conference, sponsored by the journal Remote Sensing: Best Poster Award (€400), Best Oral Presentation Award (€400), and two Early Career Researcher Awards (1st prize: €600 and 2nd prize: €200).
Thank you to our Partnering Societies
We are grateful for the support of our four partnering societies and nine media partners, who played an important role in promoting the conference. Special thanks to our partnering societies: the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain (GESGB), Asociación Española de Teledetección (AET) – the Spanish Association of Remote Sensing, and the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE).
Upcoming In-Person Event
31 March–2 April 2025
Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security
Location: Barcelona, Spain
This event will gather plant scientists to discuss the latest research on how to feed a growing population while maintaining a sustainable agro-ecosystem.
Find more upcoming MDPI events here.
Closing Thoughts
MDPI Serbia Salon 2025: A Gathering of Academic Excellence
On Tuesday, 18 March, we successfully concluded our first MDPI Serbia Salon in Belgrade. This event provided a great opportunity to showcase MDPI’s achievements, strengthen connections with the Serbian academic community, and highlight our role as the largest publisher in Serbia. We were honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Sergej M. Ostojić, Editor-in-Chief of MDPI journal Clinical Bioenergetics, as a guest speaker.
Over the past five years, MDPI has experienced continuous growth in Serbia, with an increasing number of publications, an expansion of Editorial Board memberships, and a greater number of active peer reviewers. The Salon allowed us to express our thanks to the Serbian research community while gathering feedback from attendees representing several major universities.
Discussion topics
As part of the event, I delivered an opening speech highlighting MDPI’s achievements and direction.
The event featured presentations from MDPI colleagues, including discussions on open science, publishing ethics, and our achievements in Serbia.
A special thank-you to all our MDPI presenters, panellists, and organizers who made his event a success. I hope the MDPI Serbia Salon becomes a tradition for years to come, creating connections within the Serbian research community.
Visit to the Science Fund of Serbia and The Ministry of Science
During my visit to Belgrade, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues Emir Ramadani (Operations Manager) and Nevena Blagojev (Journal Relations Manager) in meetings with the Science Fund of Serbia and the Ministry of Science, where we received strong support for our work in Serbia.
Both organizations highly value our presence in and commitment to Serbia, where we employ over 640 staff across our two offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad. We take great pride in creating job opportunities and supporting the community in Serbia.
“There’s a lot of exciting activity happening in MDPI Serbia”
Speaking with our Serbian Colleagues
Finally, I had the opportunity to speak with our Serbian colleagues about our initiatives to expand and to improve our marketing & communication and public relations activities.
It was great to have an open discussion with colleagues – both in person and with the hundreds who joined online.
This visit to Belgrade had been a long time coming for me. Serbia is our largest operation in Europe and there’s a lot of exciting activity happening in MDPI Serbia, including the launch of a new office floor in Novi Sad and the growth and expansion of our teams.
I look forward to returning soon and continuing to support our colleagues across our Serbian offices.
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG
28 March 2025
International Day of Zero Waste—“Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles”, 30 March 2025

The International Day of Zero Waste, jointly facilitated by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), highlights the importance of bolstering waste management globally and the need to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns to address the waste pollution crisis.
Waste pollution threatens human health, costs the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year, and aggravates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature, land, and biodiversity loss, as well as pollution and waste.
This year’s International Day of Zero Waste, with the theme of “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles”, emphasizes the need for action in the fashion and textile sector to reduce waste and advance circular solutions.
We hope that established journals in the field of Environmental & Earth Sciences at MDPI, including Applied Sciences, Atmosphere, Clean Technologies, Environments, Foods, Nanomaterials, Recycling, Resources, Separations, Sustainability, Urban Science and Waste, will provide an invaluable platform for the exchange of innovative ideas regarding zero waste.

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“Recycling of Multilayer Flexible Packaging Waste Through Delamination with Recoverable Switchable Hydrophilicity Solvents”
by Roberta Mastroddi, Chiara Samorì, Martina Vagnoni, Chiara Gualandi, Paola Galletti and Emilio Tagliavini
Separations 2025, 12(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12020045
“Integration of Circular Economy and Urban Metabolism for a Resilient Waste-Based Sustainable Urban Environment”
by Konstantina Ragazou, Georgia Zournatzidou, George Sklavos and Nikolaos Sariannidis
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040175
“Use of Vegetable Waste for New Ecological Methods in Wool Fibre Treatments”
by Simona Gavrilaș, Mihaela Dochia, Andreea-Raluca Sărsan, Bianca-Denisa Chereji and Florentina-Daniela Munteanu
Clean Technol. 2024, 6(4), 1326-1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol6040063
“Circular Bioeconomy in Action: Transforming Food Wastes into Renewable Food Resources”
by Priti Pal, Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Rajesh Kumar Srivastava, Saurabh Singh Rathore, Uttam Kumar Sahoo, Sanjukta Subudhi, Prakash Kumar Sarangi and Piotr Prus
Foods 2024, 13(18), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13183007
“Review on Sustainable Construction and Demolition Waste Management—Challenges and Research Prospects”
by Noushin Islam, Malindu Sandanayake, Shobha Muthukumaran and Dimuth Navaratna
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083289
“Enhanced Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato Industry Waste Using Menthol/Fatty Acid Deep Eutectic Solvent”
by Despoina Vlachoudi, Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Vassilis Athanasiadis, Eleni Bozinou and Stavros I. Lalas
Waste 2023, 1(4), 977-992; https://doi.org/10.3390/waste1040056
“Waste Management in the Smart City: Current Practices and Future Directions”
by Danuta Szpilko, Antonio de la Torre Gallegos, Felix Jimenez Naharro, Agnieszka Rzepka and Angelika Remiszewska
Resources 2023, 12(10), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources12100115
“Modern Technologies for Waste Management: A Review”
by Wojciech Czekała, Jędrzej Drozdowski and Piotr Łabiak
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8847; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158847
“Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management in Italy According to EU Directives”
by Patrizia Ghisellini, Renato Passaro and Sergio Ulgiati
Environments 2023, 10(7), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10070106
“Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of 3D Concrete Printing and Casting Processes for Cementitious Materials Incorporating Ground Waste Tire Rubber”
by Matteo Sambucci, Ilario Biblioteca and Marco Valente
Recycling 2023, 8(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling8010015

“Challenges and Opportunities in Plastic Waste Management” Guest Editors: Dr. Wan-Ting (Grace) Chen and Dr. Daniel Lachos-Perez Submission deadline: 1 July 2025 |
“Waste Valorization and Management to Increase the Resources Sustainability” |
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“Emerging Technologies for Waste Treatment, Pollution Control and Resource Recovery” |
“New Trends in Liquid and Solid Effluent Treatment” |
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