Announcements

Conference: 13th International Conference on Mycorrhizas
Date: 12–17 July 2026
Location: Cairns, Australia

From 12 to 17 July 2026, MDPI will be attending the 13th International Conference on Mycorrhizas as an exhibitor, welcoming researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas.

The International Mycorrhiza Society, the umbrella society of the biennial International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM), is dedicated to advancing education, research and development in the field of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Our work is of international significance; our conference attracts delegates from across the globe, with members from over 40 countries and an attendance of 450 to 600 people from academia, government and industry.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cairns for an unforgettable experience at the 13th International Conference on Mycorrhizas!

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• JoF;
• Plants;
• Microorganisms;
• Agronomy;
• Nitrogen;
• Applied Microbiology;
• Crops;
• Horticulturae;
• IJPB;
• JGBG;
• Life;
• Bacteria;
• Agriculture.

The International Day for Biological Diversity, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, is celebrated on 22 May. The theme of the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Acting Locally for Global Impact”. Biodiversity is critical to life—healthy ecosystems provide food, clean water, climate regulation, and disease control, supporting all forms of existence on Earth. Local actions such as restoring habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable agriculture collectively generate global benefits for nature and people. However, rapid biodiversity loss continues to undermine these vital contributions, with profound impacts on human well-being and planetary stability. Echoing the mission of protecting biodiversity for a resilient future, established MDPI journals in the Biology&Life Sciences subject serve as platforms for scientific communication, fostering collaboration and innovation in biodiversity conservation to tackle the global nature crisis.

Invited speakers:

Register for this webinar for free here!

“Distribution Patterns and Habitat Preferences of Five Globally Threatened and Endemic Montane Orthoptera (Parnassiana and Oropodisma)”
by Apostolis Stefanidis, Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Konstantina Zografou, Georgios Fotiadis, Luc Willemse, Olga Tzortzakaki and Vassiliki Kati
Ecologies 2025, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6010005

“Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea”
by Elena Bisinicu, Valeria Abaza, Laura Boicenco, Filimon Adrian, George-Emanuel Harcota, Oana Marin, Andra Oros, Elena Pantea, Alina Spinu, Florin Timofte et al.
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114449

“Using Citizen Science to Document Biodiversity on a University Campus: A Year-Long Case Study”
by Peter M. Baker, Brendon Samuels and Timothy J. A. Hain
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 533-546; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030032

“Illegal Activities for Survival: Understanding the Influence of Household Livelihood Security on Biodiversity Conservation in Tanzania”
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Conservation 2024, 4(3), 339-356; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4030022

“Algal Biodiversity of Nine Megaliths in South-East Bulgaria”
by Maya Stoyneva-Gärtner, Miroslav Androv, Blagoy Uzunov, Kristian Ivanov and Georg Gärtner
Life 2024, 14(8), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080948

“Shifts in Microbial Community Structure and Co-occurrence Network along a Wide Soil Salinity Gradient”
by Yan Li, Juan Wang, Eryang Li, Xiaodong Yang and Jianjun Yang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071268

“Exploring mtDNA Databases to Evaluate the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean: Implications for the Conservation of a Small, Offshore Populatio”
by Gasto Jerome Lyakurwa, Edwin Sabuhoro and Mercy Chepkemoi Chepkwony
Ecologies 2024, 5(2), 170-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies5020011

“Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium Improve Nutrient Uptake and Microbial Diversity Relative to Dryland Site-Specific Soil Conditions”
by Rosalie B. Calderon and Sadikshya R. Dangi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040667

“Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding”
by Liyang Wang, Hongxuan Wu, Wei He, Guihong Lai, Junxi Li, Siling Liu and Qiang Zhou
Insects 2024, 15(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040228

“Weed Species’ Diversity and Composition as Shaped by the Interaction of Management, Site, and Soil Variables in Olive Groves of Southern Greece”
by Petros Vahamidis, Demosthenis Chachalis, Antigoni Akrivou, Evangelos Karanasios, Maria Ganopoulou, Apostolia Argiri, Athanasia Mandoulaki, Evangelos Hatzigiannakis, Georgios Arampatzis, Andreas Panagopoulos et al.
Agronomy 2024, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030640

“Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation via Urban Ecosystem Regeneration”
by Gad Perry and Robert D. Cox
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030131

“Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern”
by Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Tanja Pipan and David C. Culver
Diversity 2024, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030157

“Odonata Assemblages in Urban Semi-Natural Wetlands”
by Marina Vilenica, Andreja Brigić, Ana Štih Koren, Toni Koren, Mirela Sertić Perić, Bruno Schmidt, Tomislava Bužan and Sanja Gottstein
Insects 2024, 15(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030207

“The Influence of Sugar Beet Cultivation Technologies on the Intensity and Species Biodiversity of Weeds”
by Barbora Kotlánová, Pavel Hledík, Stanislav Hudec, Petra Martínez Barroso, Magdalena Daria Vaverková, Martin Jiroušek and Jan Winkler
Agronomy 2024, 14(2), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14020390

The “Virology” Section in Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) publishes original and review articles on viruses infecting animals, plants, insects, and bacteria, with a focus on emerging and re-emerging viral diseases. It highlights research on the virus–host interface, including genetic manipulation, cell culture studies, animal models, pathogenesis, and countermeasure development such as vaccines and therapeutics. Ecological aspects, such as viral reservoirs, are also considered.

1. “Development of Stable Packaging and Producer Cell Lines for the Production of AAV Vectors”
by Otto-Wilhelm Merten
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020384
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/384

2. “The Silent Threat of Human Metapneumovirus: Clinical Challenges and Diagnostic Insights from a Severe Pneumonia Case”
by Rubens Carmo Costa-Filho, Felipe Saddy,  João Luiz Ferreira Costa,  Leandro Reis Tavares and Hugo Caire Castro Faria Neto
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010073
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/1/73

3. “RNA Interference Therapeutics for Chronic Hepatitis B: Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects”
by Laura Sneller,  Christine Lin,  Angie Price,  Shyam Kottilil and Joel V. Chua
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030599
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/3/599

4. “Lipid Droplets: Formation, Degradation, and Their Role in Cellular Responses to Flavivirus Infections”
by James Z. Hsia,  Dongxiao Liu,  LaPrecious Haynes,  Ruth Cruz-Cosme and Qiyi Tang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040647
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/4/647

5. “West Nile Virus: An Update Focusing on Southern Europe”
by Lara Carrasco, Maria Jose Utrilla,  Beatriz Fuentes-Romero,  Aitor Fernandez-Novo and Barbara Martin-Maldonado
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2623; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122623
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/12/2623

6. “The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Viral Respiratory Infections”
by Arnaud John Kombe Kombe, Leila Fotoohabadi, Yulia Gerasimova, Ravikanth Nanduri, Pratik Lama Tamang, Monisha Kandala and Theodoros Kelesidis
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122526
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/12/2526

7. “Molecular Insights into HPV-Driven Cervical Cancer: Oncoproteins, Immune Evasion, and Epigenetic Modifications”
by Luciana Alexandra Pavelescu, Nicoleta Larisa Mititelu-Zafiu, Dana Elena Mindru, Radu Vladareanu and Antoanela Curici
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051000
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1000

8. “Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in a Dog Infected by a Highly Pathogenic Avian A/H5N1 Virus”
by Olga Szaluś-Jordanow, Anna Golke, Tomasz Dzieciątkowski, Michał Czopowicz, Michał Kardas, Marcin Mickiewicz, Agata Moroz-Fik, Andrzej Łobaczewski, Iwona Markowska-Daniel and Tadeusz Frymus
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040689
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/4/689

9. “From Viral Infection to Autoimmune Reaction: Exploring the Link between Human Herpesvirus 6 and Autoimmune Diseases”
by Liba Sokolovska, Maksims Cistjakovs, Asnate Matroze, Modra Murovska and Alina Sultanova
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020362
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/362

10. “An Overview of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Epidemiology in Endemic Regions of Continental Croatia, 2017–2023”
by Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Stjepan Krcmar, Maja Bogdanic, Morana Tomljenovic, Ljubo Barbic, Dobrica Roncevic, Dario Sabadi, Marko Vucelja, Marija Santini, Blazenka Hunjak et al.
Microorganisms 2024, 12(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020386
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/2/386

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that have submitted to Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607). We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network.

Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest to you:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload/?journal=microorganisms.

Joining the Volunteer Reviewer Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of microbiology research and are interested in joining the Volunteer Reviewer Board of Microorganisms, please do not hesitate to submit your application via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/volunteer/profile/edit.

Microorganisms Editorial Office

Conference: The 10th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology
Date: 14–16 June 2026
Location: Palermo, Italy

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating in the 10th National Congress of the Italian Society for Virology, taking place from 14 to 16 June 2026, in Palermo, Italy.

The Congress will feature thematic sessions dedicated to key areas of contemporary virology, including viral pathogenesis and disease, antiviral drugs and antiviral therapy, immunity in viral infections, virus–host interaction and evolution of viruses, emerging and re-emerging viruses, applied virology and research, zoonoses and viral infections in animals, plant and environmental virology, prevention and treatment of viral diseases, translational research in virology, diagnostics in human virology, surveillance networks in virology, virus and cancer. The scientific program will include keynote lectures, invited talks, short oral communications, and poster presentations. Young Investigators will be actively supported through dedicated scholarships and opportunities for scientific exchange and visibility.

We look forward to connecting with researchers, authors, and editors at our booth. Visit us to learn more about our latest publications, Special Issues, and open access initiatives in the field of virology and related disciplines.

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

• Viruses;
• Microorganisms;
• COVID.

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 that you may have.

Conference: the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS)
Date: 10–13 June 2026
Place: Belgrade, Serbia
Conference website: https://setcoms2026.ums.rs/

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be participating as an exhibitor at the 1st South-East Transnational Congress of Microbial Sciences (SETCoMS), which will be held from 10 to 13 June 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia.

On behalf of the scientific and organizing committees of the Congress, we would like to cordially

invite you to participate in the 1st SOUTH-EAST TRANSNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MICROBIAL SCIENCES (SETCoMS 2026 & MIKROMED REGIO 6) “MicroFusion, Big Impact – Microbiology, Health & Environment in Harmony” with one clear goal—to integrate diverse microbial disciplines and generate impactful, real-world solutions.

Our mission is rooted in three core values:

• Integration across disciplines and borders;
• Crisis response to global health challenges;
• Sustainability for long-term planetary well-being.

SETCoMS 2026 is the beginning of a new platform for scientific exchange, partnership building, and cross-sector cooperation.

As part of our commitment to supporting high-quality research in these fields, MDPI is proud to sponsor the event through the participation of the following journals:

• Microorganisms;
• Viruses;
• BioChem;
• Journal of Fungi (JoF);
• Acta Microbiologica Hellenica (AMH);
• Applied Microbiology;
• Microbiology Research;
• Bacteria.

Our editorial team will be available on-site and would be delighted to meet with attendees. If you are attending the conference, feel free to stop by our booth to learn more about our open access publishing opportunities, ongoing Special Issues, and how we support researchers in advancing their work.

We look forward to meeting you in Belgrade!

Conference: ASM Microbe 2026
Date: 4–7 June 2026
Location: Washington, USA

MDPI will be attending the ASM Microbe 2026 as an exhibitor. We welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

ASM Microbe 2026 is transforming the way we connect with science. For the first time, they are hosting three independent meetings under one roof and offering the most comprehensive access to cutting-edge research and experts driving discovery in your field.

Delve into your scientific community by attending 1 of 3 distinct meetings—Health, Applied & Environmental Microbiology or Mechanism Discovery. Each offers a focused, in-depth experience tailored to your field, providing the latest research, perspectives and developments shaping the future of microbial science. Wherever your expertise lies, you will find a meeting that speaks directly to your science at ASM Microbe.

1. Shape the Direction of Microbial Science: Collaborate with peers who are setting research agendas and driving progress across academia, industry and government. ASM Microbe brings together the most accomplished minds across disciplines to advance collective understanding and influence the future of microbial research and application.
2. Discover Tools, Ideas and Industry Innovations: Visit the dynamic exhibit hall where leading companies showcase the latest technologies, products and solutions. Connect with industry experts, gain insights into emerging tools and uncover opportunities to advance your research and applications.
3. Uncover the Latest Breakthroughs in Microbial Science: Explore the poster hall and cutting-edge abstracts to discover the newest findings presented by scientists from around the world. Gain insights that advance your research, spark new ideas and reveal trends shaping the future of the field.
4. Connect With the Brightest Minds: Build collaborations and form new partnerships across academia, industry and government. Network with peers and mentors who can challenge your thinking and amplify your science.
5. Be Part of the Conversation That Moves Science Forward: ASM Microbe 2026 brings together your community to present research, define priorities, share perspectives and accelerate discovery. From the leading experts shaping the field, to the rising stars driving the next generation of discoveries, this is where leaders convene, game-changing research is unveiled and the next era of microbial science takes shape.

The following open acess journals will be represented:

• Microorganisms;
• Fermentation;
• Life;
• JoF;
• Vaccines;
• Applied Microbiology;
• Aerobiology;
• Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease;
• Antibiotics;
• Microbiology Research;
• Zoonotic Diseases;
• Pathogens;
• Bacteria;
• Acta Microbiologica Hellenica.

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 about the conference, please visit the following website: https://asm.org/events/asm-microbe/home.

We present six selected papers to advance understanding of the hantavirus across fundamental research and public health applications.

1. “Effect of Hantavirus Infection on the Rodent Lung Microbiome: Specific Regulatory Roles of Host Species and Virus Types”
by Yaru Xiong, Zhihui Dai, Fangling He, Rongjiao Liu, Juan Wang, Zhifei Zhan, Huayun Jia, Shengbao Chen and Liang Cai
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1),244; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010244
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/14/1/244

2. “Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Caused by Puumala Orthohantavirus—A Case Report and Literature Review”
by Marija Santini, Jelena Ljubić, Nikola Šoštar, Tatjana Vilibić-Čavlek, Maja Bogdanić, Samo Zakotnik, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, Miša Korva, Ivan Christian Kurolt, Leona Radmanić et al.
Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2963; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122963
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/12/2963

3. “Fatal Puumala Hantavirus Infection in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)”
by Philipp Steininger, Larissa Herbst, Karl Bihlmaier, Carsten Willam, Sixten Körper, Hubert Schrezenmeier, Harald Klüter, Frederick Pfister, Kerstin Amann, Sabrina Weiss et al.
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020283
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/2/283

4. “Etiologies of Zoonotic Tropical Febrile Illnesses That Are Not Part of the Notifiable Diseases in Colombia”
by Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos, Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez, Cristian C. Serna-Rivera, Salim Mattar and Marylin Hidalgo
Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092154
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/9/2154

5. “Antiviral Efficacy of Ribavirin and Favipiravir against Hantaan Virus”
by Jennifer Mayor, Olivier Engler and Sylvia Rothenberger
Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061306
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/6/1306

6. “Impact of Landscape on Host–Parasite Genetic Diversity and Distribution Using the Puumala orthohantavirus–Bank Vole System”
by Maria Razzauti, Guillaume Castel and Jean-François Cosson
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071516
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/7/1516

For the latest research on the Hantavirus and related pathogens, please visit the “Virology” Section of the Microorganisms (ISSN: 2076-2607) website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms/sections/virology.

Conference: The American Society for Virology 45th Annual Meeting (ASV)
Date: 27–30 July 2026
Location: Minneapolis, USA

MDPI will attend the American Society for Virology 45th Annual Meeting (ASV) as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Minneapolis, USA, from 27 to 30 July 2026. 

ASV meetings are among the largest and most important virology conferences in the world. These meetings provide a forum to promote discussion and collaboration among scientists active in all aspects of virology, from basic research to vaccines and antiviral therapeutics. The meeting attracts 1400-1800 national and international scientists for a program crafted from over 1000 participant-submitted abstracts, 17 invited symposium speakers, and 6 distinctive state-of-the-art speakers.

The following open access journals will be represented:

• Viruses;
• Pathogens;
• Biomolecules;
• Vaccines;
• COVID;
• Microorganisms;
• Immuno;
• BioMed;
• Germs;
• Microbiology Research.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at our booth and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.asv.org/asv2026.

Dr. Adam Wesley Whisnant earned his PhD in molecular genetics and microbiology from Duke University, where he studied retrovirus–microRNA interactions. Prior to that, he completed three bachelor's degrees (zoology, biochemistry, and chemistry) at North Carolina State University, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He is currently an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at Hannover Medical School, Germany, having previously spent nearly a decade at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg.

Dr. Adam Whisnant is a virologist at Hannover Medical School (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover), whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gene regulation, host–virus interactions, and the viral manipulation of transcriptional control. His work has combined innovative transcriptomic and multi-omics approaches with classical virology, producing high-impact contributions to the understanding of HSV-1 biology and models for viral latency and reactivation. He has authored several publications in journals such as Nature Communications and the Journal of Virology, and his ongoing projects promise to make significant advances in the field. He contributed to a paper published in Nature, which shows that HSV-1 and influenza A virus-induced disruption of transcription termination results in long aberrant nuclear RNAs that form Z-RNA, leading to ZBP1 activation and subsequent cell death.

The following is a short interview with Dr. Adam Whisnant:

1. First of all, congratulations on winning the Microorganisms Travel Award. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current research interests?
I would first like to thank Microorganisms and the review committee for this honor. My research focuses on how herpes simplex virus (HSV) hijacks host cells, particularly through changes in RNA transcription and RNA stability. I aim to identify the mechanisms by which HSV redirects cellular pathways to promote viral replication while simultaneously interfering with their normal function to suppress host antiviral responses.
While my work has historically focused on the lytic phase, the stage leading to cell death and viral progeny production, I have recently expanded my scope into neuronal latency. This is where the virus remains cloaked from the immune system for decades and periodically reactivates. Understanding these reservoirs of recurring reactivation and shedding is the next frontier in my work, and this award provides vital momentum for that transition.

2. Can you share with us your feelings after winning the award?
I am truly delighted to be selected. Given the high caliber of research published in this field, I am certain there were many excellent applications, and I am honored to be chosen from among them. Beyond personal pride, this award carries tangible weight as I move toward the next milestone of my career: establishing an independent research group. Having this merit recognized by a respected journal is a significant asset in that journey.

3. Can you briefly introduce which conference you plan to attend with this award? What is the significance of attending such conferences in expanding your international collaboration or enhancing your academic influence?
I will attend the International Herpesvirus Workshop, held this year in Montreal, Canada. It is the pre‑eminent meeting in my field, bringing together young researchers with those who literally wrote the book on herpesviruses. It is the best venue to learn about new findings and techniques before they appear in print and to discuss future directions both formally and informally.
In my experience, international collaboration is rarely born from a cold email to a busy PI. These meetings are essential because they allow for personal impressions. Some of my most productive collaborations have started over a coffee or a glass of wine during the workshop’s downtime. It is in these informal settings that people get to know you as both a researcher and a human being, rather than just a name on a Google Scholar list.

4. As a winner, how do you view the role of open access journals (such as Microorganisms) in academic communication? Will you consider reviewing or contributing to them in the future?
Open access journals such as Microorganisms play an essential role in modern scientific communication. Many institutions now prioritize or require open access publishing, and these journals ensure that research findings are available to the global community without barriers. We are currently navigating a “post-truth” era where public trust in scientific institutions is frequently challenged. Open access removes the paywall between the public and the research their tax dollars fund, allowing for transparency and direct engagement with basic research.
I have reviewed several manuscripts for Microorganisms, and over 100 for open access journals in general. I have also contributed three articles to sister journals such as Viruses and AI, and look forward to continuing my involvement with Microorganisms both as a reviewer and an author.

5. Could you share some advice for early career researchers who hope to make an impact in microbiology?
This advice is a synthesis of my own journey and advice I’ve gathered from Nobel Laureates at the Lindau Meetings. First, choose a topic that genuinely stimulates your curiosity. The topic should be something that drives you to not just read the top papers from the last few years, but to dive into the history of the field. When you understand how the current dogma was built, you can better identify where the gaps are. And you will be more confident when you have new findings that fit into, challenge, and expand existing models.
It is also valuable to find a niche that is not already saturated with large, well‑established groups. In less crowded areas, early‑career researchers can make meaningful contributions more quickly and develop a distinct scientific identity. Ultimately, curiosity and persistence are the most important drivers of impactful research.

6. Based on your experience, do you have any specific suggestions for the continued development of therapeutic targets?
Many groups are making important progress in identifying new therapeutic targets. While direct pathogen inhibitors remain essential, targeting host pathways required for infection is particularly promising. Since the host does not face the same selective pressure as the pathogen, this approach significantly reduces the emergence of drug resistance.
However, scientific breakthroughs must be paired with global accessibility. We often see a paradox where populations in low-income regions serve as cohorts for clinical trials yet cannot afford the resulting treatments once they reach the market. For pharmaceutics to truly evolve as a global health solution, we must consider affordability and licensing as core components of the development pipeline. A miracle drug only works if the people who bear the highest disease burden can access it, and not just wealthier populations that may already have access to alternative treatments.

Microorganisms Editorial Office

Observed annually on 12 May, the International Day of Plant Health is a United Nations initiative that calls global attention to the critical role of healthy plants and the urgent need to protect them from pests and diseases. The theme for 2026, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, positions plant biosecurity as the first line of defense for the world’s food systems.

As a committed academic partner in plant protection, crop science, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture, MDPI leverages its open‑access publishing platform to disseminate cutting‑edge research. On the International Day of Plant Health 2026, MDPI journals in in the Biology & Life Sciences actively supports cross‑disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange on plant health, crop biosecurity, and food systems by showcasing relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals. Our goal is to help strengthen phytosanitary capacities across countries and regions, thereby building a solid barrier for the security and stability of global food supply chains.

“Plant Hormone Regulation of Competitive Growth: Implications for Agriculture and Inclusive Fitness”
by Jasmina Kurepa and Jan A. Smalle
Appl. Biosci. 2026, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci5020024

“Genomic and Phylogenetic Evidence for a Novel Emaravirus Infecting Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Amazonas, Peru”
by Angel F. Huaman-Pilco, Nicola Fiore, Oscar P. Hurtado-Gonzales, Larissa Carvalho Costa, Xiaojun Hu, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Jorge R. Díaz-Valderrama and Alan Zamorano
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040142

“Linking Soil Microbial Functional Profiles to Fungal Disease Resistance in Winter Barley Under Different Fertilisation Regimes”
by Mariana Petkova, Petar Chavdarov and Stefan Shilev
Plants 2025, 14(20), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203199

“Antioxidant Defense Systems in Plants: Mechanisms, Regulation, and Biotechnological Strategies for Enhanced Oxidative Stress Tolerance”
by Faustina Barbara Cannea and Alessandra Padiglia
Life 2025, 15(8), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081293

“Deciphering Cowpea Resistance to Potyvirus: Assessment of eIF4E Gene Mutations and Their Impact on the eIF4E-VPg Protein Interaction”
by Fernanda Alves de Andrade, Madson Allan de Luna-Aragão, José Diogo Cavalcanti Ferreira, Fernanda Freitas Souza, Ana Carolina da Rocha Oliveira, Antônio Félix da Costa, Francisco José Lima Aragão, Carlos André dos Santos-Silva, Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon and Valesca Pandolfi
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081050

“Unlocking Plant Resilience: Metabolomic Insights into Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops”
by Agata Głuchowska, Bartłomiej Zieniuk and Magdalena Pawełkowicz
Metabolites 2025, 15(6), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15060384

“Microbially Enhanced Biofertilizers: Technologies, Mechanisms of Action, and Agricultural Applications”
by Sylwia Figiel, Piotr Rusek, Urszula Ryszko and Marzena Sylwia Brodowska
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051191

“Effective Strategies for Managing Wheat Diseases: Mapping Academic Literature Utilizing VOSviewer and Insights from Our 15 Years of Research”
by Ioannis Vagelas
Agrochemicals 2025, 4(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals4010004

“Humic Substances: Bridging Ecology and Agriculture for a Greener Future”
by Angela Maffia, Mariateresa Oliva, Federica Marra, Carmelo Mallamaci, Serenella Nardi and Adele Muscolo
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020410

“Plant Biostimulants to Enhance Abiotic Stress Resilience in Crops”
by Luciana Di Sario, Patricia Boeri, José Tomás Matus and Gastón A. Pizzio
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031129

“ROS, an Important Plant Growth Regulator in Root Growth and Development: Functional Genes and Mechanism”
by Jialin Su, Yumei Liu, Fengqing Han, Fuxin Gao, Fangyi Gan, Ke Huang and Zhansheng Li
Biology 2024, 13(12), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13121033

“Exploring the Origins of Hexaploid Wheats: Typification of Archaeological Triticum vulgare var. antiquorum and Description of Modern Triticum sphaerococcum subsp. antiquorum (Poaceae: Triticeae)”
by Diego Rivera, Pedro Pablo Ferrer-Gallego, Concepción Obón, Francisco Alcaraz, Emilio Laguna and Nikolay P. Goncharov
Taxonomy 2024, 4(4), 780-794; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy4040042

“Cadmium Stress Signaling Pathways in Plants: Molecular Responses and Mechanisms”
by Valentina Vitelli, Agnese Giamborino, Andrea Bertolini, Alessandro Saba and Andrea Andreucci
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(6), 6052-6068; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46060361

“Plant Health in the Context of Fungal and Other Microbial Threats: Systematics, Pathogenesis and Integrated Management” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Yi Zhou, Dr. Jinglong Zhou and Dr. Jianwei Jiang Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026	“Fungal Diseases of Cereals” Guest Editors: Dr. Lorenzo Covarelli and Dr. Giovanni Beccari Deadline for submissions: 31 October 2026
“Plant Life: Integrating Multi-Omic Approaches from Molecules to Environment” Guest Editors: Dr. Sen Meng and Dr. Fang He Deadline for submissions: 25 September 2026	“Plant Stress Resilience: Unveiling Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies” Guest Editor: Dr. Giuseppe Mannino Deadline for submissions: 20 November 2026
“Biological Control: Insect-Plant Interactions for Sustainable Pest Management” Guest Editors: Dr. Helena Maura Torezan-Silingardi, Dr. Rostislav Zemek and Dr. Eduardo Soares Calixto Deadline for submissions: 10 December 2026	“Monitoring, Management and Ecotoxicological Implications of Plant Fungal Disease Control” Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Gil Rodrigues dos Santos and Dr. Eugenio E. Oliveira Deadline for submissions: 31 December 2026

The 3rd International Online Conference on Agriculture Organizers: MDPI and Agriculture Volume Editor: Bin Gao Highlights: “Genetically Modified Crops as a Strategy for Reducing Pesticide Dependence in Sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring Benefits, Adoption Constraints and Policies” by Chijioke Christopher Uhegwu and Christian Kosisochukwu Anumudu “Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Carvacrol-Rich Essential Oils: In Vitro Study on the Phytopathogenic Fungi Alternaria and Fusarium” by Vasileios Papantzikos, Georgios Patakioutas and Paraskevi Yfanti Click here to read the full list of papers.