Announcements

MDPI is delighted to announce the establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award. Named in honor of Professor Michele Parrinello, the award celebrates his exceptional contributions and his profound impact on the field of computational physical science research.

The award will be presented biennially to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of computational physical science—spanning physics, chemistry, and materials science.

About Professor Michele Parrinello

"Do not be afraid of new things. I see it many times when we discuss a new thing that young people are scared to go against the mainstream a little bit, thinking what is going to happen to me and so on. Be confident that what you do is meaningful, and do not be afraid, do not listen too much to what other people have to say.”

——Professor Michele Parrinello

Born in Messina in 1945, he received his degree from the University of Bologna and is currently affiliated with the Italian Institute of Technology. Professor Parrinello is known for his many technical innovations in the field of atomistic simulations and for a wealth of interdisciplinary applications ranging from materials science to chemistry and biology. Together with Roberto Car, he introduced ab initio molecular dynamics, also known as the Car–Parrinello method, marking the beginning of a new era both in the area of electronic structure calculations and in molecular dynamics simulations. He is also known for the Parrinello–Rahman method, which allows crystalline phase transitions to be studied by molecular dynamics. More recently, he has introduced metadynamics for the study of rare events and the calculation of free energies.

For his work, he has been awarded many prizes and honorary degrees. He is a member of numerous academies and learned societies, including the German Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, the British Royal Society, and the Italian Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, which is the major academy in his home country of Italy.

Award Committee

The award committee will be chaired by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, a computational condensed matter physicist, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at the Department of Physics, Fudan University. Professor Xin-Gao Gong will lead a panel of several senior experts in the field to oversee the evaluation and selection process. The Institute for Computational Physical Sciences at Fudan University (Shanghai, China), led by Professor Xin-Gao Gong, will serve as the supporting institute for the award.

"We hope the Michele Parrinello Award will recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of computational condensed matter physics and at the same time set a benchmark for the younger generation, providing clear direction for their pursuit—this is precisely the original intention behind establishing the award."

——Professor Xin-Gao Gong

The first edition of the award was officially launched on 1 November 2025. Nominations will be accepted before the end of March 2026. For further details, please visit mparrinelloaward.org.

About the MDPI Sustainability Foundation and MDPI Awards

The Michele Parrinello Award is part of the MDPI Sustainability Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable development through scientific progress and global collaboration. The foundation also oversees the World Sustainability Award, the Emerging Sustainability Leader Award, and the Tu Youyou Award. The establishment of the Michele Parrinello Award will further enrich the existing award portfolio, providing continued and diversified financial support to outstanding professionals across various fields. 

In addition to these foundation-level awards, MDPI journals also recognize outstanding contributions through a range of honors, including Best Paper Awards, Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Young Investigator Awards, Travel Awards, Best PhD Thesis Awards, Editor of Distinction Awards, and others. These initiatives aim to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages, contributing to the long-term vitality and sustainability of scientific research.

Find more information on awards here.

We are honored to recognize the 2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers—scholars whose exemplary commitment to rigorous and constructive peer review is vital in upholding the highest standards of academic publishing.

Selected from a distinguished pool of 215,000 reviewers from 65 countries and regions worldwide, these honorees stand out for their exceptional expertise, diligence, and dedication to advancing research through timely and thoughtful reviews. Their constructive and impartial feedback ensures the publication of high-quality, impactful research, while their timely reviews facilitate swift revisions and faster publication of innovative work.

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. With gratitude and respect, we celebrate these 1000 scholars who made that foundation stronger in 2024. We respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.

The names of these reviewers are listed below in alphabetical order by first name:

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Zhiyuan Xu has been appointed Section Editor-in-Chief of the Section “Neuro-Oncology” in Current Oncology (ISSN: 1718-7729).

Dr. Zhiyuan Xu, MD, was born in China and completed his residency training in neurosurgery there before pursuing research at the Lady Davis Institute at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he focused on DNA repair mechanisms and anticancer drug resistance in glioblastoma. He subsequently completed a neurosurgical oncology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute from 2007 to 2010. In 2010, he joined the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia Health System. His clinical subspecialty is stereotactic radiosurgery, and he completed dedicated fellowship training in this area under Jason Sheehan, MD, PhD.

Dr. Xu is a principal investigator and collaborator on multiple research projects involving focused ultrasound. He has authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications in stereotactic radiosurgery and 26 papers in basic science disciplines, including DNA repair and focused ultrasound–related research. He has also contributed numerous book chapters on DNA repair and stereotactic radiosurgery. In addition, he serves as an ad hoc reviewer for several leading journals, including Lancet Oncology, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, Neurosurgical Focus, Neurosurgical Review, the Journal of Neurosurgery, Cancers, Current Oncology, the Journal of Neurorestoratology, and World Neurosurgery, among others. He has also served as an abstract reviewer for the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) annual conference since 2019.

The following is a short Q&A with Dr. Zhiyuan Xu, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area and open access publishing:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take the role of Section Editor-in-Chief?
What initially attracted me to Current Oncology was the journal’s focus on clinically meaningful, evidence-based research that directly impacts patient care. When I began as an ad hoc reviewer in 2022, I appreciated the journal’s commitment to rigor, transparency, and constructive peer review. That experience made it clear that Current Oncology valued both scientific depth and practical relevance—something that resonates strongly with my own work as a physician–scientist in neurosurgery.
As my role grew into Academic Editor, I became even more engaged with the journal’s mission. I particularly valued the opportunity to help authors strengthen manuscripts spanning clinical practice, radiosurgical innovation, and translational neuro-oncology research. Given my background in Gamma Knife radiosurgery, focused ultrasound, and DNA damage and repair, I was excited by how the journal bridges fundamental mechanisms with real-world therapeutic applications.
Stepping into the role of Section Editor-in-Chief appealed to me because it offers the chance to shape the scientific direction of a field undergoing rapid evolution. I hope to continue fostering a Section that highlights rigorous methodology, emerging therapeutic technologies, and high-impact translational advances. It is a privilege to help guide work that aligns with my clinical and research passions and contributes meaningfully to the neuro-oncology community.

2. What is your vision for the journal and Section?
My vision for the Section is to establish it as a trusted, forward-looking platform where clinically meaningful research and emerging technological advancements converge. Current Oncology is uniquely positioned to bridge rigorous scientific discovery with real-world patient care, and I hope for our Section to help lead that integration.
By promoting robust methodology, clear reporting, and thoughtful peer review, we can ensure that the work we publish not only advances science but also informs clinical decision-making. This includes encouraging studies that integrate molecular profiling, radiogenomics, and advanced imaging.
With rapid developments in liquid biopsy, stereotactic radiosurgery, focused ultrasound, and DNA damage and repair, our Section should highlight research that pushes boundaries—whether through precision therapies, novel delivery systems, or translational insights that connect bench to bedside.
Open access allows us to reach clinicians, scientists, and trainees worldwide. I aim to cultivate submissions that reflect diverse perspectives, multidisciplinary approaches, and even statistically nonsignificant but clinically meaningful findings—ensuring that all insights that matter to patient care have a place in the literature.
The 2025 WFNOS/SNO Annual Meeting—celebrating SNO’s 30th anniversary and drawing participants from more than 40 countries—underscores the strength of our international neuro-oncology community. Collaboration among global societies such as WFNOS, EANO, and ASNO exemplifies the cross-disciplinary exchange that drives innovation in areas including AI-enabled research, liquid biopsy, and clinical trials.
Ultimately, my goal is to build a Section that is authoritative, innovative, and inclusive—one that elevates impactful science and advances the field while remaining firmly grounded in clinical relevance.

3. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of neuro-oncology is defined by increasing precision—biologically, radiographically, and therapeutically. We are moving away from broad treatment paradigms toward approaches that integrate molecular signatures, radiogenomics, and real-time image guidance to personalize therapy at an unprecedented level.
In neurosurgical oncology, the next decade will bring major advances in minimally invasive and noninvasive technologies. Focused ultrasound and stereotactic radiosurgery will expand beyond local tumor control into applications such as blood–brain barrier opening, targeted drug delivery, and immunomodulation. These technologies will increasingly converge with our growing understanding of DNA damage and repair pathways, enabling us to exploit tumor-specific vulnerabilities with exceptional precision.
We will also see a shift toward multimodal treatment strategies—integrating radiation, systemic agents, immunotherapies, and device-based technologies into unified, biologically informed care plans. Artificial intelligence will further accelerate this evolution through enhanced imaging interpretation, prediction of treatment response, and optimization of radiosurgical planning.
Overall, the field is moving toward therapies that are more targeted, less invasive, and deeply informed by molecular biology. This convergence of technology and biological insight will redefine how we manage complex tumors and improve both survival and quality of life for patients.

4. What do you think of the development of open access in the publishing field?
The growth of open access has been one of the most transformative developments in scientific publishing. At its core, open access democratizes knowledge—making high-quality research available to clinicians, scientists, and patients regardless of institutional or geographic barriers. In neuro-oncology, where timely access to emerging findings can influence patient care, this accessibility has real impact.
Open access also promotes transparency and accelerates scientific progress. When data and methods are freely available, findings can be validated, improved upon, and translated more rapidly. This is particularly important in fast-moving areas such as stereotactic radiosurgery, focused ultrasound, liquid biopsy, and molecular oncology, where cross-disciplinary collaboration drives innovation.
At the same time, the field is still evolving. Sustainable publication models and consistent editorial standards remain important to ensure that open access maintains both rigor and integrity. Journals that combine accessibility with strong peer review—such as Current Oncology—are helping set that standard.
Overall, open access strengthens the global research community. It broadens participation, increases visibility for authors, and ensures that new discoveries reach those who can apply them to advance science and improve patient outcomes.

We wish Dr. Zhiyuan Xu every success in his new position, and we look forward to his contributions to the journal.

International Universal Health Coverage Day, observed annually on 12 December, is a global response to the rallying cry: “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!” This day confronts the stark reality that millions are excluded from essential care due to financial barriers and mobilizes the world to transform health systems from privileges into universal rights.

Aligned with this year’s theme and Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, MDPI underscores that research is not an academic exercise—it is a vital tool for diagnosing system failures and prescribing equitable solutions. From health economics studies that expose catastrophic spending, to innovations in low-cost diagnostics and community-based insurance models, researchers are providing the evidence and innovations to turn public frustration into actionable policy.

Join us in observing International Universal Health Coverage Day and supporting efforts to turn the promise of health for all into a tangible reality.

“Trends, Challenges, and Socioeconomic Impacts of HIV in Bangladesh: A Data-Driven Analysis (2000–2024)”
by Awnon Bhowmik, Mahmudul Hasan, Mrinal Saha and Goutam Saha
Sexes 2025, 6(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6030034

“Development and Metrological Characterization of Low-Cost Wearable Pulse Oximeter”
by Andrea Cataldo, Enrico Cataldo, Antonio Masciullo and Raissa Schiavoni
Bioengineering 2025, 12(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12030314

“Consequences of Hospital Closures for the Health Insurance Industry in the United States”
by Rainer W. G. Gruessner
Hospitals 2025, 2(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/hospitals2010002

“Enhancing Therapy Adherence: Impact on Clinical Outcomes, Healthcare Costs, and Patient Quality of Life”
by Urszula Religioni, Rocío Barrios-Rodríguez, Pilar Requena, Mariola Borowska and Janusz Ostrowski
Medicina 2025, 61(1), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010153

“Human Rights and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in Health and Well-Being Policy Documents Relevant to Children and Young People in Ireland”
by Megan Lambert and Joanne McVeigh
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091252

“Multidimensional Impact of Dupilumab on Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Complete Health Technology Assessment of Clinical, Economic, and Non-Clinical Domains”
by Ignazio La Mantia, Giancarlo Ottaviano, Martina Ragusa, Matteo Trimarchi, Emanuela Foglia, Fabrizio Schettini, Daniele Bellavia and Elena Cantone
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040347

“Factors in Immigrant Children’s Use of Physician and Dentist Visits, Hospital Care, and Prescribed Medication in the United States”
by Tyrone C. Cheng and Celia C. Lo
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(10), 2251-2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13100159

“Cost Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography in Cardiology: A Case Study of a University Hospital Complex in the Euro Region”
by Francisco Reyes-Santias, Carlos García-García, Beatriz Aibar-Guzmán, Ana García-Campos, Octavio Cordova-Arevalo, Margarita Mendoza-Pintos, Sergio Cinza-Sanjurjo, Manuel Portela-Romero, Pilar Mazón-Ramos and Jose Ramon Gonzalez-Juanatey
Healthcare 2023, 11(14), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11142084

“Financial Toxicity and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer”
by Justin Smith, Justin Yu, Louisa G. Gordon and Madhavi Chilkuri
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4922-4935; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050371

“Disentangling the Cost of Orphan Drugs Marketed in the United States”
by Hana Althobaiti, Enrique Seoane-Vazquez, Lawrence M. Brown, Marc L. Fleming and Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio
Healthcare 2023, 11(4), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040558

“3D Printing in LMICs: Functional Design for Upper Limb Prosthetics in Uganda”
by Ali Hussaini, Peter Kyberd, Benedict Mulindwa, Robert Ssekitoleko, William Keeble, Laurence Kenney and David Howard
Prosthesis 2023, 5(1), 130-147; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis5010011

The 1st International Online Conference on Clinical Reports Organizer: MDPI and Reports Volume Editor: Toshio Hattori Highlights Improving Bone Protection Provision for Patients with Fragility Fractures by Aaron Goldberg Leveraging Digital Health for Pandemic Response: Reliable Telemonitoring and Personalized Patient Care by Maria Montserrat Pérez García et al. Click here to read the full list of papers.

We are pleased to announce updates to our article template, aimed at improving the readability and visual appeal of our publications. The following updates will be applied to articles published in volumes in 2026, starting from 19 December 2025.

Left information bar:

• Updated the logo and URL for “Check for updates”;
• Removed the “Citation” section (Note: Citation details remain accessible via “Cite” in the online article version);
• Changed the link in “Copyright” to a hyperlink format.

Footer:

• Added a DOI link at the bottom-right corner of each page.

The updated template is now available for download from the Instructions for Authors page of each journal.

We hope that the new version of the template will provide users with better experience and make the process more convenient.

For any questions or suggestions, please contact our production team at production@mdpi.com.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is an annual observance aimed at enhancing awareness of cervical cancer prevention and treatment, fostering a deeper recognition of the urgency to eliminate the disease, while also drawing attention to the global health burden it imposes—especially on women’s well-being. This day highlights the pivotal role that collective action plays in advancing cervical cancer screening, vaccination, and access to care, thereby reinforcing the imperative for its elimination. Under the theme “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer”, calls for bold, united action to build on existing progress and accelerate impact toward the 90-70-90 targets by 2030.

“Progress and Challenges in Canada’s Path Toward the Elimination of Cervical Cancer”
by Samara Perez
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(10), 5850-5861; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31100435

“High-Risk HPV Screening Initiative in Kosovo—A Way to Optimize HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer”
by Jessica L. Bentz, Rachael E. Barney, Natalia Georgantzoglou, Suzana Manxhuka-Kerliu et al.
Diseases 2024, 12(8), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12080189

“Cervical Cancer Genetic Profile through Circulating Tumor DNA: What Can We Learn from Blood?”
by Sevastiani Antonouli, Valentina Di Nisio, Nikoletta Daponte, Athina-Ioanna Daponte and Alexandros Daponte
Biomolecules 2024, 14(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14070825

“An Epidemiological Study of Cervical Cancer Trends among Women with Human Immunodeficiency Virus”
by Arlesia Mathis, Ukamaka D. Smith, Vanessa Crowther, Torhonda Lee and Sandra Suther
Healthcare 2024, 12(12), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12121178

“Artificial Intelligence and Colposcopy: Automatic Identification of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Precursors”
by Miguel Mascarenhas, Inês Alencoão, Maria João Carinhas, Miguel Martins, Pedro Cardoso, Francisco Mendes, Joana Fernandes, João Ferreira, Guilherme Macedo and Rosa Zulmira Macedo
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13103003

“Post-Conization HPV Vaccination and Its Impact on Viral Status: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Troms and Finnmark, 2022”
by Marie Rykkelid, Helga Marie Wennberg, Elin Richardsen and Sveinung Wergeland Sørbye
Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050381

“Identification and Validation of eRNA as a Prognostic Indicator for Cervical Cancer”
by Lijing Huang, Jingkai Zhang, Zhou Songyang and Yuanyan Xiong
Biology 2024, 13(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13040227

“Cervical Cancer Associated with Pregnancy: Current Challenges and Future Strategies”
by Jennifer Le Guévelou, Lise Selleret, Enora Laas, Fabrice Lecuru and Manon Kissel
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071341

“Correlation of the HPV 16 Genotype Persistence in Women Undergoing LEEP for CIN3 with the Risk of CIN2+ Relapses in the First 18 Months of Follow-Up: A Multicenter Retrospective Study”
by Maria Teresa Bruno, Gaetano Valenti, Zaira Ruggeri, Giosuè Giordano Incognito, Paola Coretti, Giuseppe Dario Montana, Marco Marzio Panella and Liliana Mereu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(5), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14050509

“Exploring Immune-Related Gene Profiling and Infiltration of Immune Cells in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma”
by Jialu Li and Juqun Xi
Genes 2024, 15(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15010121

“Pain in High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study”
by Ángel Becerra-Bolaños, Miriam Jiménez-Gil, Mario Federico, Yurena Domínguez-Díaz, Lucía Valencia and Aurelio Rodríguez-Pérez
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(8), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13081187

	“Viral Infections, Chronic Inflammation and Carcinogenesis” Guest Editors: Dr. Angioletta Lasagna and Dr. Davide Dalu Submission deadline: 15 February 2026
	“Clinical Management of Cervical Cancer” Guest Editor: Dr. Vanessa Samouëlian Submission deadline: 31 March 2026
	“HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention” Guest Editor: Dr. Andreia Cristina de Melo Submission deadline: 30 April 2026
	“Recent Advances and Strategies for the Management of CIN and HPV Eradication Starategies for the Prevention of Uterine Cervical Cancer” Guest Editor: Dr. Masaru Sakamoto Submission deadline 30 April 2026

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by or at risk of gynecologic cancers. Its mission focuses on enhancing standards of care, inspiring research, promoting prevention strategies, and advancing treatment solutions.

Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, GOC empowers healthcare professionals, patients, and the public by sharing knowledge and supporting equitable access to high-quality gynecologic cancer care.

GOC’s work is guided by its core values of equity, advocacy, community, research, and education, fostering a connected and informed network committed to excellence in gynecologic oncology across Canada.

Its aims are to improve the care of women with or at risk of gynecologic cancer by raising standards of practice; encouraging ongoing research; promoting innovation in prevention, care, and discovery; and advancing awareness. GOC also seeks to disseminate knowledge to practitioners, patients, and the general public on gynecologic cancer as well as cooperate with other organizations committed to women’s healthcare, oncology, and related fields.

GOC is a professional organization whose functions are highly relevant to the scope of Current Oncology. We look forward to collaborating with GOC and publishing state-of-the-art research conducted by its members.

For more information about societies cooperating with Current Oncology, please visit the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/curroncol/societies.

In order to further enhance the international influence of the journal Current Oncology (ISSN: 1718-7729), promote the academic exchange of early career scientists, and support the Editorial Board with additional expertise, Current Oncology is inviting interested and eligible early career researchers to apply for Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) membership.

A total of 50 Early Career Editorial Board Members are planned to be recruited. Early Career Editorial Board (ECEB) members will hold the position for two years with the possibility of renewal for a second term.

Application eligibility:

• Completed their doctorate/PhD degree in the past 5 years (considering exceptions for career interruptions, including medical and family leave);
• Evidence of significant research achievements in the field of clinical oncology;
• Willingness to dedicate their time to the development of the journal with passion and enthusiasm;
• Researchers that are active and engaged in their community (e.g., experienced at presenting at academic conferences or involved in professional organizations).

Benefits of an Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• A certificate of appointment as an Early Career Editorial Board Member will be provided;
• The achievements of Early Career Editorial Board Members are publicized on journal media platforms to improve academic visibility;
• An opportunity to be promoted to Editorial Board Member based on contributions;
• The journal will regularly acknowledge those who participated in the peer-review process on the journal website;
• Opportunities to participate in or host annual meetings and online seminars organized by the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board Members.

Responsibilities of an Early Career Editorial Board Member:

• Publicizing and promoting the journal at academic conferences and among peers;
• Selecting high-quality articles and preparing bilingual media content for promotion;
• Reviewing at least two manuscripts per year;
• Providing input on any new initiatives of journal development;
• Inviting submissions from local and overseas world-leading scientists in respective research fields.

Applications:
Please fill in the application form here.

Please send the application form and your academic resume to currentoncology@mdpi.com with the subject of “Current Oncology Early Career Editorial Board Application + Name + Institute + Research Expertise”.

Application deadline: 30 April 2026.

Selection process and announcement:
The selection process: initial screening of application materials → selection by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members → email notification → issuing a certificate of appointment.

The selection will be made within one month of the application deadline and the results will be announced on the journal website.

Nine new journals covering a range of subjects launched their inaugural issues in September 2025. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.

We extend our sincere thanks to all Editorial Board Members for their commitment and expertise. 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 more new journals, you are welcome to send an application here, or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).