Announcements

To foster collaboration with leading scholars across diverse areas of entomology, elevate the journal’s global visibility and academic impact, and streamline the peer-review process, Insects (ISSN 2075-4450) is actively seeking distinguished researchers to join its Editorial Board. Applications from scholars specializing in the following research areas will be given priority:

• Vector-borne Disease Modeling and Spatial Epidemiology;
• Insect Gut Microbiome, Host–Microbe Symbiosis;
• Insect Genetics, Functional Genomics and Transcriptomics;
• Insect Evolutionary Development, Phenotypic Plasticity and Evolutionary Ecology;
• Insect Behavioral Ecology, Photoperiodism and Behavioral Manipulation;
• Precision Beekeeping and Digital Monitoring;
• Insect Sensory Biology and Ant/Termite Ecology;
• AI-enabled Precision Pest Management and Automated Species Identification;
• Insect Systematics, Taxonomy and Phylogenetics: Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera and Neuropterida;
• Aquatic Insect Systematics, Ecology and Biomonitoring;
• Fossil Insect Systematics, Paleobiology and Evolution;
• Insect-mediated Bioconversion and Circular Bioeconomy;
• Edible Insects, Insect Rearing and Sustainable Insect Production;
• Insect Population Dynamics, Demography and Modeling under Climate Change and Environmental Stress;
• Insect Morphology, Ultrastructure and Development.

Main responsibilities of Editorial Board Members:

• Pre-screening and making decisions on new submissions related to your research interests;
• Providing input or feedback regarding journal policies;
• Helping to promote the journal among your peers or at conferences;

More details can be found at: Editorial Board responsibilities. 

Benefits of becoming an Editorial Board Member:

• A certificate recognizing your position;
• Travel grants for selected conferences that are confirmed by the journal office;
• The opportunity to publish one paper free of charge per year in the journal
• Organizing conferences/webinars by using our platform SciForum once a year;
• Candidate for Insects Editor of Distinction Award.

Eligibility criteria for applicants:

• A completed doctorate/PhD;
• A strong record of publishing impactful work in the relevant fields.

Should you wish to apply for this position, nominate candidates, or request further details, please direct your inquiry to the Insects Editorial Office. Please include the following documents:

• A complete academic CV;
• A summary of research direction;
• Strategic recommendations for the journal’s development.

MDPI warmly invites you to the MDPI Topic Editor Club 2026 webinar series. This global platform connects worldwide Topic Editors, featuring emerging research themes, practical editorial experience sharing and academic communication. MDPI Topics are interdisciplinary thematic paper collections published across multiple MDPI journals. Led by professional Topic Editor teams and supported by MDPI’s efficient open access publishing workflow, they facilitate academic collaboration and help research reach broader global audiences.

Focusing on “Life Sciences”, this session brings together Topic Editors to showcase editorial work, discuss the successes and challenges of topic development, and share innovative strategies for building high-impact topics. It offers a great chance for peer learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance open access research in this field.

We welcome your participation in the MDPI Topic Editor Club 2026 and look forward to your insights and questions during the live Q&A session.

Date: 18 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. CEST | 7:00 a.m. EDT | 7:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 891 1771 1569
Landing Page: https://sciforum.net/event/MTEC2026-LS

Register now for free!

Program:

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’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Speakers:

• Dr. Alina Rodríguez Mallon, Havana University in Cuba, Havana, Cuba;
• Dr. Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz, INRAE, Maisons-Alfort, France.

Relevant Topic:

“Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition”
Topic Editors: Alina Rodriguez-Mallon and Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Manuscript submission deadline: 31 March 2027

We are proud to invite you to attend the event organized by the journal Insects (ISSN 2075-4450, IF:3.0), which will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from 28 September to 1 October 2027.

Conference Chair:

• Prof. Gábor L. Lövei, ¹ Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Flakkebjerg Research Centre, Denmark; ² Anthropocene Ecology Research Group, Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Hungary.

Topics of interest:
S1. Arthropod Decline (AD);
S2. Non-destructive Methods in Entomology: Current Situation and Prospects;
S3. Pest Management, Pesticide Resistance, and Toxicology;
S4. Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation, Ecology, and Evolution;
S5. Ethical Issues in Entomology;
S6. General Topics.

Important dates:
Abstract submission deadline: 9 April 2027;
Abstract acceptance notification: 7 May 2027;
Early Bird registration deadline: 9 July 2027;
Regular registration deadline: 10 September 2027.

Guide for authors:
To submit your abstract, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/submissions/ENTOMO2027/1.

To register for the event, please click on the following link: https://sciforum.net/registration/entomo2027/tickets.

For details regarding Abstract Submission, Poster and Slide Submission, and Publication Opportunities, you may refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section: https://sciforum.net/event/entomo2027/instructions-for-authors.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact entomo@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the Entomological Conference 2027 in Hungary.

Editor’s Introduction:
To mark World Mosquito Day, Insects (ISSN 2075-4450) is pleased to feature Dr. Spyridon Mantzoukas, an entomologist from the University of Ioannina, Greece, whose research focuses on applied entomology, entomopathogenic fungi, biological control, and integrated pest management.

Dr. Mantzoukas has closely and actively collaborated with Insects through both research publication and editorial engagement. He is currently serving as Guest Editor for the Special Issue “Insect Pathogens as Biocontrol Agents Against Pests—2nd Edition”, continuing his involvement following the first edition. His recent research published in Insects explores the potential of entomopathogenic fungi for sustainable insect and mosquito management.

Selected Recent Publications in Insects:
“Screening and Comparative Efficacy of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi from Forest Ecosystems Against Culex pipiens Biotype molestus Larvae: Identification of High-Virulence Isolates for Biocontrol Applications”
Insects 2026, 17(4), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040361
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/4/361

“Effect of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Strain PPRI5339) on Nymphs of the Calliptamus italicus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Under Laboratory Conditions”
Insects 2026, 17(6), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17060545
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/6/545

From agricultural pests to mosquito vectors, his work explores how naturally occurring microorganisms can contribute to more sustainable approaches to insect management. We invited Dr. Mantzoukas to share his perspectives on mosquito research, biological control, and the future of sustainable vector management.

The following is an interview with Dr. Spyridon Mantzoukas:

1. Could you briefly introduce your research background and explain what inspired you to study mosquitoes or mosquito-related topics?
My research is rooted in the field of applied entomology, focusing on the biological control of insect pests using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). My work involves discovering, isolating, and testing these naturally occurring fungi—specifically species like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae—to control a wide range of agricultural and forestry pests. This research path has naturally extended to include mosquitoes.
The primary inspiration for studying mosquitoes stems from the critical need for sustainable alternatives to chemical insecticides. Mosquitoes are major vectors for serious diseases like the West Nile virus, and as a biologist, I am driven to find solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly. The potential of entomopathogenic fungi as a targeted, biological weapon against mosquito larvae represents a fascinating and vital research challenge.

2. Mosquitoes are tiny insects with a huge impact on ecosystems and human health. From your perspective, what makes mosquitoes such fascinating and important research subjects?
Mosquitoes are indeed tiny insects with an enormous impact. What makes them compelling research subjects is their dual role: they are a significant public health threat as vectors of disease, yet they are also a crucial part of the food web in many ecosystems. This creates a complex challenge. We cannot simply wish them away, as that would have unforeseen ecological consequences. My research into fungal pathogens is fascinating because it aligns with this delicate balance. We are looking for a solution that can reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations without causing widespread environmental damage. This involves using their own natural enemies, which is a sophisticated and ecologically respectful approach.

3. Could you explain one key finding from your work that the public might find surprising or interesting?
The public might find it surprising to learn that the key to controlling disease-carrying mosquitoes, like the common house mosquito (Culex pipiens), could be found in the soil of our local forests. In our recent study, we screened forest soils from the Achaia region in Greece and successfully isolated several strains of entomopathogenic fungi. Two of these fungal strains, a Beauveria bassiana and a Metarhizium anisopliae, demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the lab, causing 60% mortality in mosquito larvae within just three days.
This isn’t just about killing the larvae; it’s about doing so quickly and effectively. Our research used advanced modeling to show that these high-virulence strains work rapidly. We found that it is not enough to just use any fungus; the efficacy is highly specific to the strain of fungus, which is why discovering and characterizing local isolates is so important. The complex mode of action of these fungi, involving multiple enzymes and toxins, also makes it much harder for mosquitoes to develop resistance compared to chemical pesticides.

4. As climate change, urbanization, and global movement continue to reshape mosquito populations, what challenges or opportunities do you see for future mosquito research and management?
Looking ahead, the effects of climate change, urbanization, and global movement are reshaping mosquito populations, creating both profound challenges and exciting opportunities for research and management.

Challenges:

• Expanding habitat: Climate change and urban heat islands are extending the geographic range and active seasons of vector mosquitoes, bringing diseases to new regions;
• Emerging pests: Species like the citrus spiny whitefly (Aleurocanthus spiniferus), which are not mosquitoes but still major agricultural pests, are arriving in new areas and causing significant damage, requiring urgent treatment;
• Pesticide resistance: Over-reliance on chemical insecticides is leading to widespread resistance in mosquito populations, making many current control methods less effective.

Opportunities:

• Precision biocontrol: The development of biological control agents—especially our local EPF isolates—offers a powerful and sustainable tool. Using species that are already adapted to the local environment can significantly improve field efficacy and simplify regulatory approval processes;
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Our research is already showing promise in field trials on agricultural pests. Work on integrating EPF with other treatments, like the tetramic acid-based formulation for citrus pests, highlights the potential of comprehensive IPM strategies. This systems-based approach will be key to managing both agricultural and public health pests;
• Advanced screening: We are continuously improving our ability to screen for high-virulence strains. By using advanced statistical and kinetic modeling, we can identify the most promising candidates for commercial development as environmentally sound biopesticides.

5. On World Mosquito Day, what message would you like to share with the public about mosquitoes and the importance of mosquito research?
On World Mosquito Day, my message to the public is one of hope and scientific progress. Mosquitoes are a formidable foe, but they are not invincible. The challenge is complex, but we are developing smarter, more sustainable solutions to meet it.
Instead of relying solely on chemical sprays that can harm the environment and lose their effectiveness, science is unlocking nature’s own arsenal. By researching local, insect-killing fungi that exist in our own ecosystems, we are finding powerful and targeted ways to control mosquito populations. This research is paving the way for the next generation of biopesticides that are not only effective against disease vectors like Culex pipiens but are also part of a responsible and integrated strategy to manage pest populations. The future of mosquito control lies in these sustainable, biological innovations.

We sincerely thank Dr. Spyridon Mantzoukas for sharing his research and perspectives with the readers of Insects.

His work demonstrates how biological control can connect fundamental entomological research with practical pest and vector management. From locally sourced entomopathogenic fungi to integrated management strategies, sustainable biological approaches offer promising opportunities for addressing emerging mosquito-control challenges.

We are grateful for Dr. Mantzoukas’s continued contributions to Insects as both an author and Guest Editor, and we hope his insights will inspire researchers across medical entomology, insect pathology, biological control, and vector management.

1. Could you briefly introduce your research background and explain what inspired you to study mosquitoes or mosquito-related topics?
I’m a medical entomologist deeply interested in the role of mosquitoes and other arthropods in disease transmission. My field of expertise is the design and implementation of Vector Control programs to reduce the impact of vector-borne diseases in territories.

2. Mosquitoes are tiny insects with a huge impact on ecosystems and human health. From your perspective, what makes mosquitoes such fascinating and important research subjects?
If we better understand mosquito behavior, we will be able to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly mosquito management strategies.

3. Could you explain one key finding from your work that the public might find surprising or interesting?
Mosquito-borne diseases traditionally restricted to tropical areas are becoming more frequent in Europe as well. These diseases are becoming more frequent due to a complex combination of factors, such as climate change, globalization, high mosquito plasticity, lack of mosquito control prevention in some regions and insecticide resistance processes, among others.

4. As climate change, urbanization, and global movement continue to reshape mosquito populations, what challenges or opportunities do you see for future mosquito research and management?
Comprehensive mosquito surveillance and control programs are essential to prevent disease outbreaks in Europe. The deep collaboration among scientists, mosquito control operators, and public health authorities is absolutely key to being better prepared.

5. On World Mosquito Day, what message would you like to share with the public about mosquitoes and the importance of mosquito research?
We face new and hard challenges in mosquito control in Europe. The only way to be ready is to invest more in mosquito and pathogen surveillance, introduce new technologies in mosquito management, provide appropriate resources for mosquito control programs, and sensitize citizens about their important role in mosquito prevention. Autochthonous cases of diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and West Nile Virus will be frequent in Europe in the coming years.

Welcome to the “A Tiny Bite, A Global Impact” webinar, an initiative hosted by Insects dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing public health and biological challenges of our time: vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Today, we bring together lead scientists to explore the crucial role these small insects play in driving global health dynamics.

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to present complex, evolving threats across ecosystems and human populations, driven by environmental shifts, vector adaptation, and rapid urbanization. Bridging the gap between advances in research and real-world application requires more than just field and laboratory science; it demands an active dialogue between evidence-based research, public policy, and local action.

This webinar aims to serve as a platform for this diverse conversation—highlighting cutting-edge scientific discoveries, discussing sustainable vector control strategies, and empowering policy and decision-makers’ engagement. Together, we will examine how understanding mosquito biology, ecology, and immunology can be translated into actionable strategies that protect vulnerable populations.

Thank you for joining us in building this bridge between science and society to turn research into global health impact.

Date: 31 August 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (CEST) | 9:00 a.m. (EDT)
Webinar ID: 814 9408 0246
Webinar webpage: https://sciforum.net/event/insects-4

Register now for free!

Program:

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 let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Humberto Lanz-Mendoza, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico;
• Dr. Victor Cardoso-Jaime, Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), Mexico;
• Dr. Jorge Armando Cime Castillo, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Mexico;
• Dr. Luciano A. Moreira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil.

Relevant Special Issues:
“Mosquito Biology, Ecology and Vector Dynamics: Novel Control Methods for Vectors of Public Health Relevance”
Guest Editors: Barry W. Alto and Limarie J. Reyes-Torres
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2026

“Population Genetics of Mosquitoes”
Guest Editor: Gregory C. Lanzaro
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026

“Challenges in Mosquito Surveillance and Control”
Guest Editor: Solomon Birhanie
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027

Relevant Feature Papers:
“Dietary Influences on the Longevity and Reproductive Success of Anopheles aquasalis in Laboratory Studies: Sucrose vs. Honey”
by Fernanda Oliveira Rezende, Dimas Augusto da Silva, Sara Comini, Silvana de Mendonça, Ellen Santos, Lívia Baldon, Bruno Marçal, Amanda Cupertino de Freitas, Rafaela Moreira, Viviane Sousa et al.
Insects 2024, 15(12), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120978

“Online Crowdsourced Data from iNaturalist Can Assist Monitoring of Invasive Mosquitoes”
by Benjamin Cull
Insects 2025, 16(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020128

“Chemical Profiling, Sensory Qualities, and Bioactivities of Essential Oils Obtained from Aloysia citrodora and Bursera graveolens Ecuadorian Plants Against the Mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)”
by Prangthip Parichanon, Roberta Ascrizzi, Camilla Tani, Maria Cristina Echeverria, Sania Ortega Andrade, Hugo Paredes, Isabella Taglieri, Guido Flamini, Francesca Venturi and Barbara Conti
Insects 2025, 16(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020202

Message from the webinar Chair:

In this webinar, we would like to discuss new areas of welfare concern—areas that have not been discussed sufficiently in the past or are re-emerging in 2026 for renewed consideration. We would love for you to attend to hear talks on such issues and to raise questions with our expert presenters. We wish to raise awareness and maintain dialogue on varied animal welfare issues.

Date: 31 August at 10:00 a.m. CEST | 9:00 a.m. BST | 6:00 p.m. AEST | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 890 1930 4928
Webinar webpage: https://sciforum.net/event/Cluster-15

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic and institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Mandy Paterson, University of Queensland, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Queensland, Australia;
• Prof. Dr. Andrew Knight, Murdoch University, Western Australia;
• Prof. Dr. Dan O’Neill, The Royal Veterinary College, UK;
• Dr. Karen Rickards, The Donkey Sanctuary, UK;
• Prof. Dr. David J. Mellor, Massey University, New Zealand;
• Dr. Joe Collins, Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations, Belgium.

1. “Can Trapping Abundance Data Be Used to Identify Persistent Target Areas for Culicoides Biting Midge Control Efforts?”
by Aaron M. Lloyd, Daniel L. Kline, Karen E. McKenzie and Daniel A. Hahn
Insects 2026, 17(6), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17060653
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/6/653

2. “Chemical Profiling, Sensory Qualities, and Bioactivities of Essential Oils Obtained from Aloysia citrodora and Bursera graveolens Ecuadorian Plants Against the Mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)”
by Prangthip Parichanon, Roberta Ascrizzi, Camilla Tani, Maria Cristina Echeverria, Sania Ortega Andrade, Hugo Paredes, Isabella Taglieri, Guido Flamini, Francesca Venturi and Barbara Conti
Insects 2025, 16(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020202
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/2/202

3. “Online Crowdsourced Data from iNaturalist Can Assist Monitoring of Invasive Mosquitoes”
by Benjamin Cull
Insects 2025, 16(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020128
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/2/128

4. “Present and Future of Mosquito-Borne Disease Control in Europe with a Specific Focus on the Mediterranean”
by Maria Cholvi, Riccardo Moretti, Hugo Costa Osório, Gregory L’Ambert, Gonçalo Seixas, Mihaela Kavran, Antonios Michaelakis, Avgoustinos S. Stephanou, Christiana P. Antoniou, Angeliki F. Martinou et al.
Insects 2026, 17(3), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030254
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/3/254

5. “Eliminating Aedes aegypti from Its Southern Margin in Australia: Insights from Genomic Data and Simulation Modeling”
by Gordana Rašić, Igor Filipović, Sean L. Wu, Tomás M. León, Jared B. Bennett, Héctor M. Sánchez Castellanos, John M. Marshall and Brendan J. Trewin
Insects 2026, 17(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17060623
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/6/623

6. “Evidence for Threshold-like Dynamics in Aedes Mosquito Populations Under Sustained Mass Trapping on Tropical Islands”
by Maximilian Epple, Andreas Rose, Martin Geier and Bart G. J. Knols
Insects 2026, 17(5), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050472
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/5/472

7. “From Transient Knockdown to Density-Driven Collapse: A Mechanistic Comparison of Adult Mosquito Control by Space Spraying and Mass Trapping in Maldivian Islands”
by Bart G. J. Knols, Nabeel Siddiqui, Akib Jahir and Martin Geier
Insects 2026, 17(5), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050471
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/5/471

8. “Black and White: Modified Black-Bottom Containers for Mass Egg Collection of Wolbachia-Infected Aedes aegypti”
by Jonathan Wee Kent Liew, Muhammad Nashrul Suasni, Kee-Kee Chng and Chee-Seng Chong
Insects 2026, 17(4), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040387
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/4/387

9. “Impact of Pyrethroid Resistance on the Intrinsic Insecticidal Activities of Geraniol Against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti”
by Paola N. Felicianz and Peter M. Piermarini
Insects 2026, 17(4), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040385
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/4/385

10. “Evaluating a Novel Method to Limit Non-Target Mortality in Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait Systems”
by Dongmin Kim, Liam C. Shine, Tanise Moitinho S. Stenn, Bryna C. Wilson, Eric P. Caragata, Barry W. Alto and Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
Insects 2026, 17(4), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040370
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/4/370

11. “Screening and Comparative Efficacy of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi from Forest Ecosystems Against Culex pipiens Biotype molestus Larvae: Identification of High-Virulence Isolates for Biocontrol Applications”
by Spyridon Mantzoukas, Chrysanthi Zarmakoupi, Ioannis Lagogiannis and Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos
Insects 2026, 17(4), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040361
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/4/361

12. “Triple-Olfactory Mechanism Synergy: Development of a Long-Lasting DEET–Botanical Composite Repellent Against Aedes albopictus”
by Chen-Xu Lin, Xin-Yi Huang, Yi-Hai Sun, Bi-Hang Lan, An-Qi Deng, Le-Yan Chen, Qiu-Yun Lin, Xi-Tong Huang, Jun-Long Li, Cheng Wu et al.
Insects 2026, 17(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010098
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/1/98

13. “Phytochemical Profiling and Larvicidal Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Persea americana Mill. (Var. Lorena) Against Aedes aegypti”
by Clara Barragán-Avilez, Paula Pareja-Loaiza, Katherine Girón Domínguez, Beatriz López-Monroy, Adriana E. Flores, Martha Sánchez-Bolívar, Jaime Luna-Carrascal, Leonardo C. Pacheco-Londoño, Nataly J. Galán-Freyle, Elkin Navarro Quiroz et al.
Insects 2026, 17(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010034
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/17/1/34

14. “Malaria Mosquito Host-Seeking Activity Times in Manhiça District, Rural Mozambique, and the Need to Better Match Entomological Surveillance Strategies to Daylight Cycles”
by Ndey Bassin Jobe, Mara Máquina, Mercy A. Opiyo, Helena Martí-Soler, Arlindo Malheia, Dulcisária Marrenjo, Nelson Cuamba, David Pino, Francisco Saúte and Krijn P. Paaijmans
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121264
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/12/1264

15. “Diversity of Aedes Mosquito Breeding Sites and the Epidemic Risk of Arboviral Diseases in Benin”
by Germain Gil Padonou, Isidore Hoyochi, Arthur Sovi, Alphonse Keller Konkon, David Mahouton Zoungbédji, Albert Sourou Salako, Constantin Jésukèdè Adoha, Arsène Fassinou, Come Z. Koukpo, Saïd Chitou et al.
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121215
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/12/1215

MDPI was pleased to partner with the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University in Phitsanulok on 20 July 2026 for an Academic Publishing Workshop dedicated to strengthening research capacity and academic publishing skills. The event was officially opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanin Umpornsatira, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, who welcomed the MDPI speaker team and highlighted the faculty’s commitment to advancing research quality and international publication among its faculty members and students.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanin Umpornsatira, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, delivered the opening remarks for the training workshop. He welcomed the MDPI team and highlighted the value of the workshop in providing researchers with practical guidance on manuscript submission and the publishing process. He noted that many faculty members have published with MDPI and emphasized that publications in MDPI journals are recognized for academic promotion and student graduation requirements. As each publisher has its own peer-review process and submission system, he expressed his hope that the workshop would provide participants with useful insights, practical submission techniques, and an introduction to relevant journals. He concluded by encouraging attendees to make the most of the session and gain valuable knowledge to support their future publications.

The first session was delivered by Dr. Siriporn Tantiwatcharothai, Regional Engagement Editor at the MDPI Bangkok Office. She introduced MDPI and highlighted that 42 MDPI journals are currently indexed as Tier 1 journals in the Scopus database, many of which align well with the university’s research strengths and faculty expertise. She also shared insights into current trends in open access publishing and presented an overview of Naresuan University’s publication profile. In addition, she introduced several MDPI journals that may be of particular interest to the audience, including the Animal Science and Aquatic Sciences journal clusters, highlighting them as valuable platforms for both publishing and accessing high-quality research in these fields.

The session, “How to Write Scientific Papers”, was delivered by Dr. Juthathip Poofery, Editorial Team Leader and Regional Engagement Editor. The presentation provided practical guidance on preparing a publishable scientific manuscript, highlighting the importance of a clear manuscript structure, effective scientific writing, and the accurate presentation of research. Participants were introduced to key elements of manuscript preparation, including title and abstract development, keyword selection, and the ethical and transparency statements required to support research integrity. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which participants sought advice on several aspects of the publication process. Questions focused on whether authors should use institutional or personal email addresses for manuscript submission, factors to consider when selecting an appropriate journal for their research, and the availability of article processing charge (APC) support and discount opportunities. These discussions provided attendees with practical guidance for making informed decisions throughout the publication process.

The third session, titled “How to Respond to Peer Reviewers and Reasons for Rejection during Pre-Check”, was presented by Ms. Hathaipat Kittirojana, a Regional Engagement Editor. She discussed the peer-review process at MDPI and guided the audience through how to revise the manuscript professionally. This session also included the common reasons for rejection at pre-check. She also offered practical advice for responding to reviewers and shared insights into the types of feedback authors may face during revisions. In conclusion, she encouraged the audience to remain positive, open-minded, and professional when replying to reviewers.

The workshop concluded with an engaging session on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Scientific Publishing”, presented by Ms. Ploy Assavajamroon, Regional Engagement Editor at MDPI's Bangkok office. The session highlighted the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their transformative impact on research and scholarly publishing. Attendees gained insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with generative AI, particularly the use of large language models in supporting academic work. Emphasis was placed on the need to validate AI-generated information and to apply these tools responsibly in research activities. Additionally, the session introduced the ethical framework governing AI use in publishing, including guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and MDPI’s policies on transparency and disclosure. The presentation concluded with demonstrations of MDPI’s AI-powered tools, showcasing their potential to improve efficiency and facilitate a more seamless publishing process for the academic community.

The workshop offered researchers, graduate students, and academic staff at Naresuan University a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of academic publishing, from manuscript preparation through peer review and the responsible use of AI in research writing. By combining practical training with direct engagement with MDPI’s editorial team, the event marked a meaningful step in supporting the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment’s efforts to enhance the quality and global visibility of its research output.