Announcements

Autistic individuals contribute uniquely to society, bringing diverse perspectives, creativity, and innovation. Recognizing and valuing neurodiversity fosters more inclusive communities where individuals with autism can thrive. However, many face challenges in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social support due to systemic barriers and misconceptions. By strengthening inclusive policies, support networks, and awareness efforts, we can create environments that empower autistic individuals to reach their full potential while ensuring their rights, dignity, and well-being. 

In recognition of the International Day of Autism Awareness, observed annually on 2 April, we celebrate the contributions of autistic individuals and reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusion and acceptance. The theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, emphasizes the importance of integrating neurodiversity into global development efforts, ensuring that autistic individuals are included in the pursuit of the SDGs. We highlight a selection of relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals spanning disciplines such as psychology, education, public health, and social sciences. Through the dissemination of research, we aim to deepen understanding, promote acceptance, and encourage practical solutions that enhance the lives of autistic individuals. By fostering awareness and advocacy, we can work toward a more inclusive, supportive, and neurodiverse society.

 Invited speakers:

	Prof. Dr. Marios Adamou, University of Huddersfield, UK Presentation: “Enhancing Adult Autism Diagnostic Pathways: The Role of Clinical Triage in Efficient Service Provision”
	Dr. Andrey Vyshedskiy, Boston University, USA Presentaion: “Fostering Syntactic Language Acquisition in Children with Autism”
	Dr. Roberto Canitano, Univeristy of L’Aquila, Italy Presentation: “Experimental Treatments in ASD”

Feel free to register for this webinar here. 

“Cognitive and Emotional Resilience in Parents with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID-19: The Role of Promoting Variables”
by Aziz Sarhani-Robles, Maria Guillot-Valdes, Maria Auxiliadora Robles-Bello and David Sanchez-Teruel
J. Intell. 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13010006 

“International Perspectives on Assistive Technologies for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Findings from a Delphi Study”
by Paulina Tsvetkova, Carla Sousa, Daniel Beiderbeck, Aneta M. Kochanowciz, Branislav Gerazov, May Agius, Tomasz Przybyla, Merita Hoxha and Alan H. Tkacyz
Disabilities 2024, 4(4), 1138-1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4040071 

“Validity of the Greek Knowledge About Childhood Autism Among Health Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire”
by Vasiliki Zarokanellou, Alexandros Gyparis, Evridiki Papagiannopoulou and Vassiliki Siafaka
Psychiatry. Int. 2024, 5(4), 962-974; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040066 

“The Feasibility of Whole-Body Vibration Training as an Approach to Improve Health in Autistic Adults”
by Amy Allnutt, Sara Pappa and Michael Nordvall
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 429-443; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030027 

“The Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Precocious Puberty: Considering Effect Modification by Sex and Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities“
by Yi-Chun Liu, Yin-To Liao, Mei-Hong Wan, Vincent Chin-Huang Chen and Yi-Lung Chen
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060632 

“Epidemiological Study of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Greece for 2021: Nationwide Prevalence in 2–17-Year-Old Children and Regional Disparities”
by Raissa Kouznetsov, Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Spyridon Moulinos, Ioannis Dimakos, Philippos Gourzis and Eleni Jelastopuly
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072510

“Mental Health, Innovative Therapies and Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults and Related Contexts” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. David Sánchez-Teruel and Prof. Dr. Mª Auxiliadora Robles-Bello Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025

This year, World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on 21 March 2025. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder. In 2025, we call for people around the world to “end the stereotypes”.

Aiming at improving the quality of life of people with Down syndrome and propelling the scientific development in this field, we would like to recommend some related articles, Special Issues, and journals in MDPI as suitable communication platforms for you. We believe that sharing research like this can help raise awareness of Down syndrome.

“When Language Is Not Enough: How to Explain ToM Abilities of Individuals with Williams Syndrome and Down Syndrome”
by Claire Touchet, Régis Pochon and Laure Ibernon
Disabilities 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities5010004

“Assessing Uveitis Risk following Pediatric Down Syndrome Diagnosis: A TriNetX Database Study”
by Alan Y. Hsu, Yu-Hsun Wang, Chun-Ju Lin, You-Ling Li, Ning-Yi Hsia, Chun-Ting Lai, Hou-Ting Kuo, Huan-Sheng Chen, Yi-Yu Tsai and James Cheng-Chung Wei
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050710

“Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition and Physical Function in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis”
by Hou-Ting Kuo, Ting-Hsu Lee, Li-An Su, Li-Yun Wu, Ping-Yan Mao and Ciao-Ci Yang
Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2620; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232620

“The Role of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome”
by Ann-Charlotte Granholm and Eric D. Hamlett
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051338

“Astrocytic Alterations and Dysfunction in Down Syndrome: Focus on Neurogenesis, Synaptogenesis, and Neural Circuits Formation”
by Beatrice Uguagliati and Mariagrazia Grilli
Cells 2024, 13(24), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13242037

“Lipid Profile, Eating Habit, and Physical Activity in Children with Down Syndrome: A Prospective Study”
by Luca Pecoraro, Melissa Zadra, Francesco Cavallin, Silvana Lauriola, Giorgio Piacentini and Angelo Pietrobelli
Diseases 2024, 12(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12040068

“Impact of Physical Activity on Autonomy and Quality of Life in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review”
by Antonio Muñoz-Llerena, Laura Ladrón-de-Guevara, Daniel Medina-Rebollo and Virginia Alcaraz-Rodríguez
Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020181

“Health Checks for People with Down Syndrome: A Pooled Analysis of Three Randomized Controlled Trials”
by Robert S. Ware, Catherine Franklin, Lyn McPherson and Nicholas G. Lennox
Disabilities 2024, 4(1), 101-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4010007

“DNMT3B rs2424913 as a Risk Factor for Congenital Heart Defects in Down Syndrome”
by Dijana Majstorović, Anita Barišić, Ivana Babić Božović, Iva Bilić Čače, Neven Čače, Mauro Štifanić and Jadranka Vraneković
Genes 2023, 14(3), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14030576

“Stress Responses in Down Syndrome Neurodegeneration: State of the Art and Therapeutic Molecules”
by Lanzillotta, Chiara, and Fabio Di Domenico
Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11020266

“Role of 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase in the Regulation of Proliferation and Cellular Bioenergetics in Human Down Syndrome Fibroblasts”
by Panagaki, Theodora, Elisa B. Randi, and Csaba Szabo
Biomolecules 2020, 10(4), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10040653

“The Care Economy and Disability Inclusion”	“Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X Premutation Associated Conditions”
“Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport in People with Disabilities: Strategies for Health Promotion”	“Cellular and Molecular Alterations in the Down Syndrome Brain: A Starting Point for the Design of Therapeutic Approaches”

MDPI will be attending the 2025 Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention held in Washington, D.C., from 22 to 25 of May 2025. The conference is being organized by the Association for Psychological Science, which is a scientific home to thousands of leading psychological science researchers, practitioners, teachers, and students from around the world dedicated to advancing scientific psychology across disciplinary and geographic borders.

The APS Annual Convention is an international psychological science conference which is held once a year, and the 2025 meeting will feature plenary sessions, symposia, flash talks, submitted talks, posters, educational sessions, receptions, special events, and more.

Topics:

• Biological/Neuroscience; 
• Cognitive;
• Industrial/Organizational;
• Methodology;
• Social;
• Clinical Science;
• Developmental;
• General;
• Personality/Emotion;
• Teaching.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Behavioral Sciences;
• Adolescents;
• J. Intell;
• Sexes;
• IJERPH;
• Education Sciences;
• Disabilities;
• Psychology International;
• Social Sciences;
• EJIHPE.

If you are planning to attend the conference, please visit our booth #308. 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://www.psychologicalscience.org/conventions/2025-aps-annual-convention.

Zero Discrimination Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice around the world. On this day, we honour every individual’s right to live with dignity, fulfilment, and purpose.

The effects of discrimination are widespread and far-reaching, impacting areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and the justice system. These barriers not only isolate and marginalize individuals but also prevent them from realizing their fullest potential.

To address these systemic issues, we must engage in critical conversations and foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and educators. Discriminatory laws must be replaced with policies that promote fairness, safety, and inclusion for all. We must unite to challenge harmful stereotypes and dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality.

In celebration of this day, we invite you to explore a selection of insightful articles, journals, and Special Issues in the fields of social sciences and humanities. These resources aim to deepen our understanding of the harmful effects of discrimination and outline the necessary steps to create lasting, positive change. Together, we can shape a more compassionate, just, and inclusive society.

“Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa”
by Nosipho Faith Makhakhe and Gift Khumalo
Sexes 2025, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6010002

“The Birth of the “Indian” Clinic: Daktari Medicine in A Ballad of Remittent Fever”
by Thiyagaraj Gurunathan and Binod Mishra
Humanities 2024, 13(6), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/h13060169

“Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Services for Young Women with and Without Disabilities During a Pandemic”
by Jill Hanass-Hancock, Ayanda Nzuza, Thesandree Padayachee, Kristin Dunkle, Samantha Willan, Mercilene Tanyaradzwa Machisa and Bradley Carpenter
Disabilities 2024, 4(4), 972–995; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4040060

“Underexplored Key Population: The Impact of Substance Abuse on the Health and Well-Being of Male Sex Workers—A Systematic Review”
by Leshata Winter Mokhwelepa and Gsakani Olivia Sumbane
Sexes 2024, 5(3), 398–410; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030029

“Differences in Health Status between People with and without Disabilities in Ecuadorian Prisons”
by Rodrigo Vargas-Fernández and Akram Hernández-Vásquez
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 646–657; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030040

“Intersection of Gender and Disability on Returns to Education: A Case from Metro Manila, Philippines”
by Kamal Lamichhane and Takayuki Watanabe
Merits 2023, 3(4), 682–699; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits3040041

“Coverage of Allies, Allyship and Disabled People: A Scoping Review”
by Gregor Wolbring and Aspen Lillywhite
Societies 2023, 13(11), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110241

“An Inclusive Workplace Approach to Disability through Assistive Technologies: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis of the Literature”
by Tiziana Marinaci, Claudio Russo, Giulia Savarese, Giovanna Stornaiuolo, Filomena Faiella, Luna Carpinelli, Marco Navarra, Giuseppina Marsico and Monica Mollo
Societies 2023, 13(11), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110231

“Ageing Organizations: Reviewing the Literature and Making a Few Recommendations for Human Resource Management”
by Alfredo Salomão Filho, Tanja Tillmanns and Trudy Corrigan
Merits 2023, 3(4), 640–653; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits3040038

“Participation, Legal Capacity, and Gender: Reflections from the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Project in Serbia”
by Holly Wescott, Delia Ferri and Malcolm MacLachlan
Disabilities 2023, 3(1), 129–146; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3010010

“The Care Economy and Disability Inclusion” Guest Editors: Dr. Daniel Mont and Dr. Monica Pinilla-Roncancio Submission deadline: 30 June 2025	“Bridging Gaps in Critical Queer Genealogies: Transformative Emergent Scholarship in Queer Studies” Guest Editors: Dr. Justin Sprague and Dr. Liam Oliver Lair Submission deadline:  15 July 2025
“Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity” Guest Editors:  Dr. Teresa Amezcua-Aguilar, Dr. Antonia Rodríguez Martínez and Dr. Javier Cortés Moreno Submission deadline:  1 July 2025	“Nurturing Connected Consciousness in the Anthropocene: Addressing Calls for Cultural and Spiritual Transformation as a Path to Personal, Collective, and Planetary Health” Guest Editors:  Dr. Heidi Honegger Rogers, Dr. Mona S. El-Sherbini and Dr. Sara L. Warber Submission deadline:  31 December 2025

MDPI is pleased to share a significant milestone in its mission to advance scholarly research and promote the dissemination of knowledge—300+ MDPI journals are now indexed in Web of Science (WoS). This milestone highlights the global recognition, interdisciplinary impact and enhanced visibility of our journals. It also reflects our adherence to rigorous editorial standards, scientific integrity, and our mission to foster open scientific exchange in all forms, across all disciplines. 

To explore the full list of our journals indexed in WoS, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals/wos. Beyond expanding the coverage of our publications in the leading academic databases, we are dedicated to ensuring that our journals are included in as many scope-specific databases as possible. This increases the visibility of our authors’ work and extends the reach of their significant data. 

This milestone would not have been possible without the efforts and expertise of our academic editors, reviewers and authors. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental in creating an inclusive, accessible, and impactful publishing platform. We also extend our gratitude to the global research community for their trust as we continue to break new ground in academic publishing. This milestone is not just a celebration of MDPI’s progress but also recognition of the collective strides made by researchers worldwide. 

As we celebrate this remarkable accomplishment, MDPI remains steadfast in its commitment to open access publishing and ensuring that high-quality research reaches and inspires a global audience.

Conference: 120th ASA Annual Meeting (ASA 2025)
Organization: American Sociological Association
Date: 8–12 August 2025
Place: Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Swissotel Chicago, Chicago, USA
Booth ID: #541

MDPI journals will be attending ASA 2025 as exhibitors. This meeting will be held in Chicago, USA, from 8 to 12 August 2025.

The annual meeting of the American Sociological Association provides an opportunity for professionals involved in the scientific study of society to share knowledge and new directions in research and practice. Nearly 600 programmatic sessions are convened, providing a scholarly outlet for more than 3,000 research papers, over 4,500 presenters, and 5,000 attendees. Each year, the ASA’s President chooses a theme on which to focus some of the programming for the ASA Annual Meeting. President Adia M. Harvey Wingfield has chosen the theme “Reimagining the Future of Work”.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Social Sciences;
• Genealogy;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• Psychology International;
• World;
• Youth;
• Religions;
• Disabilities;
• EJIHPE;
• Merits;
• Societies.

If you will be attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.asanet.org/2025-annual-meeting/.

The World Day of Social Justice is an international day recognizing the need to promote social justice. It includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protection. The United Nations General Assembly decided to observe 20 February annually (approved on 26 November 2007 and starting in 2009) as being the World Day of Social Justice.

Momentum is growing for the concept that advancing social justice should be the central aim guiding all national and international policies. This idea has gained traction among proponents who argue it enables societies and economies to function more cohesively when social justice is prioritized.

Supporters contend that promoting decent work and a fair globalization agenda focused on fundamental rights, employment opportunities, social protections, and constructive social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers is key to maintaining social justice as a core value.

In celebration of this day, we invite you to explore a curation of insightful articles, journals, and Special Issues across various fields, including social sciences, business, and economics. By sharing these findings, we hope to inspire transformative policies of social justice, advocate for more inclusive practices, and contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate global society.

“Towards a “Social Justice Ecosystem Framework” for Enhancing Livelihoods and Sustainability in Pastoralist Communities”
by Charles Fonchingong Che and Henry Ngenyam Bang
Societies 2024, 14(11), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14110239

“Can We Measure Social Justice? Development and Initial Validation of a Tool Measuring Social Justice Through Values”
by Marina Alexandra Tudoran, Laurențiu Gabriel Țîru and Alexandru Neagoe
Societies 2024, 14(11), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14110238

“Inclusion in Immersion Education: Identifying and Supporting Students with Additional Educational Needs”
by Sinéad Nic Aindriú
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(4), 1496-1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4040097

“Contributions of Municipal Initiatives to Digital Health Equity”
by Fernando Almeida
World 2024, 5(4), 1165-1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/world5040059

“Bringing a Social Justice Lens to Matthews’ Five Propositions for Genuine Students-as-Partners Practice: A Narrative Review”
by Ruth L. Healey
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(11), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13110577

“Advancing Planetary Health Through Interspecies Justice: A Rapid Review”
by Kira L. Johnson, Maya K. Gislason, Diego S. Silva, Maxwell J. Smith and Chris Buse
Challenges 2024, 15(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe15040045

“Naturalistic Decision-Making in Intentional Communities: Insights from Youth, Disabled Persons, and Children on Achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Equality, Peace, and Justice”
by Carol Nash
Challenges 2024, 15(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe15030038

“Toward Sustainable Development: Assessing the Effects of Financial Contagion on Human Well-Being in Romania”
by Ionuț Nica, Irina Georgescu, Camelia Delcea and Nora Chiriță
Risks 2023, 11(11), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/risks11110204

““I’m Not Asking for Special Treatment, I’m Asking for Access”: Experiences of University Students with Disabilities in Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa”
by Dureyah Abrahams, Beata Batorowicz, Peter Ndaa, Sumaya Gabriels, Solomon M. Abebe, Xiaolin Xu and Heather M. Aldersey
Disabilities 2023, 3(1), 114-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3010009

“Applying the ‘Human Rights Model of Disability’ to Informed Consent: Experiences and Reflections from the SHAPES Project”
by Richard Lombard-Vance, Evelyn Soye, Delia Ferri, Emma McEvoy, Malcolm MacLachlan and Sari Sarlio-Siintola
Disabilities 2023, 3(1), 28-47; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities3010003

“Youth Justice: Social Policy, Social Work and Practice”	“Interconnection Between Environmental Issues and Social Justice”

Conference: 2025 AERA Annual Meeting
Organization: American Educational Research Association
Date: 23–27 April 2025
Place: Denver, CO, USA
Booth: #332

The AERA Annual Meeting is the world's largest gathering of education researchers and an opportunity to showcase groundbreaking, innovative studies covering a wide array of elements in the field, ranging from early education through higher education, from digital learning to second language literacy. It is a venue where the ideas and data that will shape tomorrow’s education practices and policies will be encountered, allowing attendees to connect with leading thinkers from around the world.

The theme of 2025 AERA Annual Meeting is “Research, Remedy, and Repair: Toward Just Education Renewal”. With more than 2,500 sessions to choose from, the meeting provides a dynamic experience with opportunities to learn from prominent scholars, discover the latest research, engage in stimulating conversations, and foster professional relationships.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Education Sciences;
• Behavioral Sciences;
• Psychology International;
• IME;
• Youth;
• J. Intell;
• EJIHPE;
• Societies;
• Challenges;
• Disabilities;
• Social Sciences;
• Trends in Higher Education.

If you plan on attending this conference, please feel free to stop by our booth (#332). Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions you may have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/AERA-2025-Annual-Meeting.

MDPI, a pioneer in scholarly open access publishing, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), Singapore, proudly announce the successful conclusion of the first edition the MDPI Early Career Researcher Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to medical and biomedical research, were presented to six exceptional researchers during an awards ceremony held at LKCMedicine HQ Building on 28 November 2024.

Honoring Excellence in Research

The awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students who have demonstrated outstanding originality, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. We are honored to announce the winners of the 2024 edition:

Early Career Researcher (Postdoc) Award:

• Dr. Theresia Handayani Mina, “Adiposity and Metabolic Health in Asian Populations: An Epidemiological Study Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Singapore”;
• Dr. Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, “Wound Healing Improvement by Novel Aligned Antimicrobial Nanofibrous 3D Scaffolds”;
• Dr. Yadollah Ranjbar Slamloo, “Functional Alterations of The Prefrontal Circuit Underlying Cognitive Aging in Mice”.

Early Career Researcher (Ph.D.) Award:

• Pritisha Rozario, “Mechanistic Basis for Potassium Efflux-Driven Activation of the Human NLRP1 Inflammasome”;

• Michelle Law Cheok Yien, “Chikungunya Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 is a Versatile RNA Capping and Decapping Enzyme”;
• Yin Ruoyu, “The Use of Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Tools in Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study”.

Our collaboration highlights a shared commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and research within the academic community, addressing today’s healthcare challenges, and inspiring continued innovation.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building on the success of the first edition, MDPI and LKCMedicine are excited to announce that the 2025 MDPI Early Researcher Awards will continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in medical research. The next edition promises to expand its scope, introducing new categories and providing even greater recognition for impactful research.

Further details on the 2025 awards, including nomination criteria and timelines, will be shared in the coming months. We remain committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and collaboration within the global scientific community.