Announcements

13 March 2026
Toxics | Highly Cited Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology” Section


All of the articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are in an open access format, granting our readers free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We welcome you to read our selection of highly cited papers in the “Agrochemicals and Food Toxicology” Section, which are listed below:

1. “Food Safety and Health Concerns of Synthetic Food Colors: An Update”
by Petra Amchova, Filip Siska and Jana Ruda-Kucerova
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070466
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/466

2. “Antibiotic Residues in UK Foods: Exploring the Exposure Pathways and Associated Health Risks”
by Jegak Seo, Frank Kloprogge, Andrew M. Smith, Kersti Karu and Lena Ciric
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030174
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/174

3. “Association between Prenatal Dietary Toxicants and Infant Neurodevelopment: The Role of Fish”
by Xiruo Kou, Nerea Becerra-Tomás, Josefa Canals, Monica Bulló and Victoria Arija
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050338
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/5/338

4. “Biomonitoring-Based Risk Assessment of Pyrethroid Exposure in the U.S. Population: Application of High-Throughput and Physiologically Based Kinetic Models”
by Nan-Hung Hsieh and Eric S. C. Kwok
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030216
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/216

5. “Identification and Visualization of Polystyrene Microplastics/Nanoplastics in Flavored Yogurt by Raman Imaging”
by Xin Ling, Jun Cheng, Weirong Yao, He Qian, Dazhi Ding, Zhilong Yu, Yunfei Xie and Fangwei Yang
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050330
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/5/330

6. “Monitoring and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Fishery Products Using GC–MS/MS in South Korea”
by Myungheon Kim, Mihyun Cho, Seo-Hong Kim, Yoonmi Lee, Mi-Ra Jo, Yong-Sun Moon and Moo-Hyeog Im
Toxics 2024, 12(4), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12040299
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/4/299

7. “A Comprehensive Bibliometric Study in the Context of Chemical Hazards in Coffee”
by Grobert A. Guadalupe, Dorila E. Grandez-Yoplac, Ligia García and Eva Doménech
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070526
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/526

8. “Determination of Heavy Metal Levels and Assessment of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. Presence in Fishery Products and Mussels from the Marmara Region, Türkiye”
by Esra Akkaya, Karlo Muratoglu, Duygu Tarhan, Nural Pastaci Ozsobaci, Alev Meltem Ercan, Hilal Colak, Hamparsun Hampikyan, Enver Baris Bingol, Mehmet Erman Or, Egon Andoni et al.
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030153
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/153

9. “Association of Urinary Glyphosate with All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality among Adults in NHANES 2013–2018: Role of Alkaline Phosphatase”
by Yongyue Gao, Shuge Shu, Di Zhang, Pu Wang, Xiangyu Yu, Yucheng Wang and Yongquan Yu
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080559
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/8/559

10. “A Systematic Review of Parental Occupational Pesticide Exposure and Geographical Proximity to Agricultural Fields in Association with Neural Tube Defects”
by Karoline Felisbino, Shayane da Silva Milhorini, Nathalia Kirsten, Mariane Yoshie Sato, Davi Paula da Silva, Juliana Danna Kulik and Izonete Cristina Guiloski
Toxics 2025, 13(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010034
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/1/34

We welcome you to read and submit relevant papers to the journal Toxics.

Toxics Editorial Office

12 March 2026
Toxics | Selected Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment” Section


As all of the articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are of open access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read our selected papers in the Section “Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment”, which are listed below:

1. “Cadmium Exposure: Mechanisms and Pathways of Toxicity and Implications for Human Health”
by Fei Qu and Weiwei Zheng
Toxics 202412(6), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060388
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/6/388

2. “Inhalation of Microplastics—A Toxicological Complexity”
by Myriam Borgatta and Florian Breider
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050358
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/5/358

3. “Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Gutai Mountains, Romania”
by Thomas Dippong and Maria-Alexandra Resz
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030168
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/168

4. “The Comet Assay as a Tool in Human Biomonitoring Studies of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Chemicals—A Systematic Scoping Review”
by Carina Ladeira, Peter Møller, Lisa Giovannelli, Goran Gajski, Anja Haveric, Ezgi Eyluel Bankoglu, Amaya Azqueta, Marko Gerić, Helga Stopper, José Cabêda et al.
Toxics 2024, 12(4), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12040270
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/4/270

5. “Effects of 6PPD-Quinone on Human Liver Cell Lines as Revealed with Cell Viability Assay and Metabolomics Analysis”
by Yunqing Qi, Aiqing Qiu, Xinyue Wei, Yiting Huang, Qing Huang and Wei Huang
Toxics 202412(6), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060389
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/6/389

6. “Transgenerational Response of Germline Nuclear Hormone Receptor Genes to Nanoplastics at Predicted Environmental Doses in Caenorhabditis elegans”
by Zhengying Liu, Yuxing Wang, Qian Bian and Dayong Wang
Toxics 202412(6), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060420
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/6/420

7. “Unmasking the Invisible Threat: Biological Impacts and Mechanisms of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Cells”
by Wenxia Bu, Ye Cui, Yueyuan Jin, Xuehai Wang, Mengna Jiang, Ruiyao Huang, JohnPaul Otuomasiri Egbobe, Xinyuan Zhao and Juan Tang
Toxics 202412(12), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12120908
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/12/908

8. “Applications of Tert-Butyl-Phenolic Antioxidants in Consumer Products and Their Potential Toxicities in Humans”
by Ngoc M. H. Hoang and Kwangsik Park
Toxics 2024, 12(12), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12120869
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/12/869

9. “Evaluating the Risks of Heated Tobacco Products: Toxicological Effects on Two Selected Respiratory Bacteria and Human Lung Cells”
by Salvatore Furnari, Rosalia Emma, Massimo Caruso, Pio Maria Furneri and Virginia Fuochi
Toxics 202412(11), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110829
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/11/829

10. “The Combined Toxic Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Arsenate on Lettuce Under Hydroponic Conditions”
by Li Mu, Ziwei Gao, Mengyuan Wang, Xin Tang and Xiangang Hu
Toxics 202513(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020086
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/2/86

11. “Nitrate and Nitrite Exposure Induces Visual Impairments in Adult Zebrafish”
by Febriyansyah Saputra, Mitsuyo Kishida and Shao-Yang Hu
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070518
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/518

12. “Research Progress on Micro (Nano)Plastics Exposure-Induced miRNA-Mediated Biotoxicity”
by Ting Chen, Qizhuan Lin, Changyong Gong, Haiyang Zhao and Renyi Peng
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070475
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/475

We invite you to read and submit relevant papers to the journal Toxics.

Toxics Editorial Office

12 March 2026
Toxics | Highly Cited Papers in 2024–2025 in the “Ecotoxicology” Section


Since all articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are open access, all readers have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read the following selected papers in the “Ecotoxicology” Section:

1. “Microplastics as a Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and Human Health”
by Agata Witczak, Laura Przedpełska, Kamila Pokorska-Niewiada and Jacek Cybulski
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080571
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/8/571


2. “Assessment of Potential Toxic Effects of Fungicide Fludioxonil on Human Cells and Aquatic Microorganisms”
by Maria Antonopoulou, Anna Tzamaria, Sotiris Papas, Ioanna Efthimiou and Dimitris Vlastos
Toxics 2025, 13(5), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050358
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/5/358

3. “Ecological Risks of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Early Life Stages of Obscure Puffer (Takifugu obscurus)”
by Shengkai Tang, Jun Wang, Xuexia Zhu and Dongdong Shen
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010048
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/48

4. “Effects of Benzo[k]fluoranthene at Two Temperatures on Viability, Structure, and Detoxification-Related Genes in Rainbow Trout RTL-W1 Cell Spheroids”
by Telma Esteves, Fernanda Malhão, Eduardo Rocha and Célia Lopes
Toxics 2025, 13(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040302
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/4/302

5. “Dose-Dependent Effects of a Corn Starch-Based Bioplastic on Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Implications for Growth, Biochemical Parameters, and Nutrient Content”
by Nazanin Azarnejad, Silvia Celletti, Majid Ghorbani, Riccardo Fedeli and Stefano Loppi
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010080
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/80

6. “Assessing Heavy Metals in the Sele River Estuary: An Overview of Pollution Indices in Southern Italy”
by Fabiana Di Duca, Paolo Montuori, Elvira De Rosa, Bruna De Simone, Immacolata Russo, Raffaele Nubi and Maria Triassi
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010038
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/38

7. “Hydroquinone Ecotoxicity: Unveiling Risks in Soil and River Ecosystems with Insights into Microbial Resilience”
by Antonio Valenzuela, Diego Ballestero, Cristina Gan, Guillermo Lorca, Elisa Langa and María Rosa Pino-Otín
Toxics 2024, 12(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020115
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/2/115

8. “Toxic Effects of Arsenic on Four Freshwater Aquatic Species and Its Transformation Metabolism in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)”
by Shizhan Tang, Lei Gao, Dongli Qin, Haitao Wang, Li Huang, Song Wu, Shuyan Bai, Ningning Du, Yanchun Sun, Peng Wang and Zhongxiang Chen
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030221
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/221

9. “Microplastics and 17α Ethinylestradiol: How Do Different Aquatic Invertebrates Respond to This Combination of Contaminants?”
by Caio Rodrigues Nobre, Beatriz Barbosa Moreno, Aline Vecchio Alves, Mayana Karoline Fontes, Bruno Galvão de Campos, Leticia Fernanda da Silva, Luciane Alves Maranho, Luís Felipe de Almeida Duarte, Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa, Rodrigo Brasil Choueri et al.
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050319
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/5/319

10. “Effects of Exposure to Different Types of Microplastics on the Growth and Development of Rana zhenhaiensis Tadpoles”
by Shimin Xiao, Hao Chen, Xiyao Gao, Xinni He, Rongzhou Jin, Yunqi Wei, Shuran Li, Lei Xie and Yongpu Zhang
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030165
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/165

4 March 2026
MDPI’s 2025 Best Paper Awards—Award-Winning Papers Announced


MDPI is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Best Paper Awards, celebrating exceptional research for its scientific merit and broad impact. After a rigorous evaluation process conducted by Academic Editors, this year’s awards showcase papers that stand out for their innovation, relevance, and high-quality presentation.

Out of a highly competitive pool, 396 winning papers have been recognized for their exceptional contributions. We congratulate these authors for pushing the boundaries of their respective disciplines.

At MDPI, we are dedicated to broadening the reach of innovative science. To learn more about the award-winning papers and explore research projects in your field of study, please visit the following links:

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the global research community and enhance academic dialogue, MDPI journals regularly host award programs across diverse scientific disciplines. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and whose work drives the advancement of their fields.

Explore the Best Paper Awards open for participation, please click here.

 

28 February 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #32 - MDPI China and Thailand, China Science Daily, 1,000 Partnerships, R2R

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.

In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.


Opening Thoughts

Reflections from China: Year-End-Celebrations and Open Access Publishing

In February, I had the pleasure of joining over a thousand colleagues from our Tongzhou and Haidian offices at their end-of-year annual celebration in Beijing.

Spending time with our teams in China is also a powerful reminder of the scale and complexity of MDPI as a global organization. Our colleagues in Beijing, Wuhan, and across the country play a significant role in our day-to-day operations and long-term development. I’m grateful for the hospitality, collaboration, and commitment shown by our managers and teams in China, alongside colleagues worldwide, who have helped steadily build MDPI, brick by brick, over the years.

Below are some data on Open Access (OA) publishing in China and our collaboration in this important research market.

Open Access Publishing in China

China has been the world’s leading country in research and review article publication volume since 2019, exceeding one million publications in 2025. Over the past five years, the gap between China and the second-ranked country, the United States, has continued to widen.

In 2025:

  • 47% of China’s research output was published Open Access
  • Of those OA publications, 76% were Gold Open Access (approximately 382,930 articles)
  • The overall OA distribution remained stable compared with 2024, with Gold OA increasing by 1%

Over the past five years (2021–2025):

  • China published 4,398,050 research and review articles
  • Approximately 48% of this output was OA

According to Dimensions, when comparing the top 20 countries by publication volume (2021–2025):

  • China ranks 1st worldwide in publication volume
  • China ranks 9th in citation performance within this group (for comparison, the US ranks 2nd in publication volume and 10th in citation ranking)
  • Average citations per article: 12.51

Among the top 10 universities globally by publication volume, six are Chinese institutions, alongside Harvard University (USA), the University of São Paulo (Brazil), the University of Toronto (Canada), and the University of Oxford (UK).

MDPI and China

China is an important and long-standing part of MDPI’s global publishing ecosystem:

  • In 2025, MDPI was the largest fully Open Access publisher in China
  • MDPI published 22% of China’s Gold Open Access output (82,133 papers)
  • We received 290,999 submissions from China-affiliated authors and published 82,133 articles
  • There are 8,500+ active Editorial Board Members based in China
    • 64% (5,438) have an H-index above 26
  • MDPI works with:
    • 117 Editors-in-Chief
    • 103 Section Editors-in-Chief
  • 71 China-based institutions currently hold IOAP agreements with MDPI, seven of which rank among the top 10 Chinese institutions by publication volume

China's scale in research output means that the publishing platforms chosen by Chinese scholars will continue to influence the direction of scholarly publishing. At the same time, MDPI’s strength comes from its international collaboration, with colleagues, editors, reviewers, and authors working together across regions and disciplines.

Thank you to all our colleagues in China, and around the world, who support MDPI’s publishing activities across departments and help advance open access research every day.

Impactful Research

“Progress in open science is built through trust, dialogue, and relationships”

Behind the Scenes: A Conversation with China Science Daily

During my trip to Beijing, I also had the opportunity to visit China Science Daily and take part in an interview and broader exchange with their team in Beijing. Visits like this matter because progress in open science is built not only through platforms and infrastructure, but also through trust, dialogue, and relationships across research communities and regions.

China Science Daily: History Museum

As part of the visit, I was given a tour of their History Museum, which offers a thorough perspective on the evolution of China’s first science and technology newspaper, established in 1959. The exhibition highlights how the organization developed into a trusted institution connecting research with the public and policymakers. It was a helpful reminder that at the core of publishing is stewardship, credibility, and long-term public engagement with science.

An Open Exchange on Open Science

During the visit, I met with Dr. Zhao Yan, Editor-in-Chief of ScienceNet. We had an open and engaging conversation about MDPI’s role in Open Access, the evolution of open science globally, and the potential for more collaboration going forward. He especially appreciated the candid and personal nature of our exchange, noting that this kind of dialogue feels important in a landscape where trust and transparency matter.

Interview on Open Access

I also participated in an interview with Ms. Yan Jie, from the Online Media Center and Editor-in-Chief of ScienceNet, China Science Daily. Our discussion covered the growth of Open Access over the past 30 years, MDPI’s mission and values, academic integrity, collaboration with the Chinese research community, and MDPI’s own 30th anniversary milestone. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how open science has matured, and where shared responsibility across publishers, institutions, and researchers continues to matter most.

“Progress in open science is built by more than scale and infrastructure”

I’m sharing a few photos from the visit as a glimpse behind the scenes. The full interview will be published by China Science Daily in due course, and I look forward to sharing it when it is available.

More broadly, visits like this reinforce something I’ve always believed in: progress in open science is built not only through scale and infrastructure, but also through continued dialogue, mutual respect, collaboration, and a willingness to listen across regions and perspectives. That remains central to our work, especially as MDPI reflects on 30 years of publishing, built together.

Inside MDPI

Bangkok Visit: Growth, Partnership, and Local Impact

In February, I also had the opportunity to visit our Bangkok office for the second time in two years to support their local meetings and deliver a training session on how we present MDPI at a corporate level.

It’s easy to spend time with our colleagues in Thailand. From Editorial and Production to Conferences, Marketing, Design, and our Regional Journal Relations Specialist (RJRS), the team continues to grow in scale and professionalism. I’d also like to recognize our local management and admin teams, who have been steadily expanding our office and supporting more than 500 colleagues on the ground.

Academic Partnerships

During the visit, we met with the Engineering Department at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). Our discussion focused on the recent MDPI developments, Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP) opportunities, Author Publishing Workshops (APW), and the potential use of JAMS to support their institutional journal.

“MDPI is the third-largest OA publisher in Thailand”

We also shared insights into the growth of Open Access (OA) in Thailand and KMITL’s own publishing trends. These conversations matter because institutions are looking for sustainable ways to support their researchers. Our IOAP agreements are one simple example of how we can provide value in this area while maintaining accessibility for authors.

Thailand and MDPI: 2025 Snapshot

Our Bangkok office, officially launched in 2022, has been growing to support over 500 staff members while continuing to expand its engagement in scholar visits, workshops, and conference collaborations. As at 2025, Thailand submissions to MDPI have increased about 21% and publications by about 25%, maintaining a rejection rate close to the company average. MDPI is the third-largest OA publisher in Thailand, publishing 15% of all Gold OA output in 2025.

Representing MDPI Externally

During the visit, I delivered a training session on how we present MDPI at external events.

This session covered topics related to:

  • Our aim and guiding principles
  • High-level company milestones and Indexing facts and figures
  • Industry partnerships and collaborations
  • Market trends in OA and subscription publishing
  • Country-specific publishing data and collaborations with MDPI
  • Insights from our Voice of Community report

I find that while many colleagues are very familiar with the specific journal for which they have responsibility, fewer have visibility into the broader MDPI ecosystem and the company’s global positioning. These sessions help build alignment, confidence, and consistency in how we represent the company.

What stands out most is that MDPI’s growth is not abstract: it’s visible in the people, the partnerships, and the professionalism developing across our offices.

Coming Together for Science

1,000 Institutional Partners: A Milestone Built on Trust

This month, we reached an important milestone: more than 1,000 institutions worldwide are now part of MDPI’s Institutional Open Access Program (IOAP). On paper, that is a number. In practice, it represents trust.

This milestone symbolizes thousands of conversations with libraries and institutions. It stands for negotiations, renewals, consortium expansions, and, most importantly, relationships built over time. It reflects the work of colleagues across publishing, institutional partnerships, marketing, editorial, finance, and many other teams who contribute to making these agreements operational.

In 2025 alone, more than 61,300 research articles benefited from article processing charge (APC) discounts through IOAP agreements. Tens of thousands of authors were able to publish through a simplified and structured process. At the same time, institutional administrators gained clearer oversight and streamlined workflows.

Why IOAP Matters

When we launched IOAP, the objective was straightforward: to reduce barriers for researchers while supporting institutions in navigating the evolving OA landscape. Over the past decade, the research ecosystem has changed. Funder mandates, national policies, and Plan S–aligned requirements have accelerated the transition to OA.

Institutions need publishing partners who provide transparency, scalability, and operational efficiency. IOAP was designed to support that reality.

For colleagues who would like to better understand the program, this blog-post overview of MDPI’s IOAP provides additional context, including common questions around the transition to OA and how our institutional partnerships are structured.

“Institutions need publishing partners who provide transparency, scalability, and operational efficiency”

Recent Examples

Our agreements continue to evolve across regions:

These examples show that institutions seek structured, predictable models that support their researchers at scale.

Looking Ahead

Crossing the threshold of 1,000 partners tells us that institutions see MDPI not just as a publisher but as a reliable operational partner in advancing open science. This milestone is not a finish line. It is a reminder that the work continues.

Thank you to the entire IOAP team and to all colleagues who contributed to reaching this achievement.

P.S. You can read about this milestone across industry outlets, including STM Publishing News, ALPSP, Research Information, EurekAlert, Brightsurf, among others. You can also read about the coverage in Poland (e.g., media-room, bomega) Korea (newstap), and Romania (EduLike).

Closing Thoughts

Reflections from the Researcher to Reader Conference

During 24–25 February, I attended the 2026 Researcher to Reader Conference in London, UK. Leaders from across scholarly publishing, research infrastructure, libraries, and technology gathered to discuss AI and research integrity, peer review reform, metadata and infrastructure, community engagement, open research policy, and the evolving role of publishers in a rapidly shifting ecosystem.

The conversations were open and honest, and at times uncomfortable – exactly what we need at times. Below are a few reflections that stayed with me.

The Battle for Knowledge: What Becomes Accepted as ‘True’?

One recurring theme was not whether science evolves but whether our infrastructure is resilient enough to sustain trust at scale. Science does not promise certainty: it promises process. As publishing systems grow more complex and become more technologically mediated, the question is how intentionally we design, monitor, and strengthen that process.

Peer Review: Speed, Credentials, and Structural Loops

Researchers consistently call for faster peer review. At the same time, reviewer credentials are often tied to publication records. This creates a structural loop. Publishing history opens reviewing opportunities, reviewing strengthens credentials, and those without early access remain outside the cycle.

There is a need for us to reflect on how opportunity circulates within our systems: we should ask how we create more inclusive pathways for researchers globally to participate in peer review.

Community Engagement Workshop

One of the highlights of R2R was the workshop format, whereby small groups met repeatedly over two days and moved from ideas to tangible strategies.

I joined the Community Engagement workshop led by Lou Peck (CEO at The International Bunch) and Godwyns Onwuchekwa (Principal Consultant at Global Tapestry Consulting). We explored two deceptively simple questions: What is a community? and What does engagement truly mean?

“Engagement requires shared design and shared responsibility”

Too often, organizations equate communication with engagement. The framework discussed mapped a maturity spectrum – from enablement (broadcasting, informing and consulting) to true engagement (collaborating and co-creating).

It was a useful reminder of the fact that if we want trust and loyalty, engagement must go beyond announcements and surveys. It requires shared design and shared responsibility.

AI: Democratization or Digital Colonialism?

I especially enjoyed the thought-provoking presentation from Nikesh Gosalia (Chief Partnership Officer at Cactus Communications), which highlighted an uncomfortable reality:

  • 93% of AI-generated content is in English
  • Approximately 2% is in French
  • Approximately 2% is in German
  • More than 7,000 languages are represented in less than 5% of the content within large AI systems

The implications are profound. Is AI democratizing access to scholarly publishing (making it easier for researchers everywhere to participate in global knowledge production)? Or are we encoding colonialism at scale (entrenching linguistic and structural hierarchies, and making it harder for voices from the Global South to be heard)?

AI is already reshaping how research is created, reviewed, discovered, and shared. Its potential is enormous. But its impact depends not only on capability, but on governance, design, and intentionality. Publishers, funders, and researchers all share responsibility in shaping how these systems evolve.

Ethicality in practice (Lightening Talk)

It was also great to have our colleague Dr Miloš Čučulović (Head of Technology Innovation at MDPI) present MDPI’s Ethicality platform during a lightning talk.

“Technology alone is not the answer”

Ethicality embeds AI-driven checks directly into the submission workflow, supporting editors proactively rather than reacting after publication. As we scale, tools like this help balance trust, efficiency, and research integrity.

This goes back into the underlying theme of the conference that technology alone is not the answer. However, technology embedded thoughtfully within clear governance frameworks can strengthen confidence in the editorial process.

Final thought

The question is no longer whether technology will transform research infrastructure: it is already doing so. The real question is what role each of us will play in shaping that transformation deliberately, with structural maturity, inclusive governance, and engagement that moves from informing to co-creating.

Science needs to evolve, responsibly. And that responsibility extends not only to what we publish, but also to how the systems behind publication are designed. Some important topics to continue reflecting on both internally and within our broader community.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

26 February 2026
Toxics | Selected Papers Published in 2024–2025 in the “Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity” Section


All articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are of open access format, meaning readers have free and unlimited access to all full texts. We invite you to read our selected papers in the Section “Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity”, which are listed below.

1. “Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Environment: Occupational Exposure, Health Risks and Fertility Implications”
by Luigi Montano, Giorgio Maria Baldini, Marina Piscopo, Giovanna Liguori, Renato Lombardi, Maria Ricciardi, Gennaro Esposito, Gabriella Pinto, Carolina Fontanarosa, Michele Spinelli et al.
Toxics 202513(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030151
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/151

2. “Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy”
by Danyang Wan, Yujie Liu, Qianjing Chang, Zhaofeng Liu, Qing Wang, Rui Niu, Beibei Gao, Quanquan Guan and Yankai Xia
Toxics 202412(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080553
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/8/553

3. “Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Sex-Specific Chronic Exposure to Dietary Arsenic in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)”
by Mahesh Rachamalla, Arash Salahinejad, Vladimir Kodzhahinchev and Som Niyogi
Toxics 202412(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12040302
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/4/302

4. “Ritonavir Has Reproductive Toxicity Depending on Disrupting PI3K/PDK1/AKT Signaling Pathway”
by Eun-Ju Jung, Jae-Hwan Jo, Claudine Uwamahoro, Seung-Ik Jang, Woo-Jin Lee, Ju-Mi Hwang, Jeong-Won Bae and Woo-Sung Kwon
Toxics 202412(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010073
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/73

5. “Cardiotoxic Effect Induced by F-53B via Nitric Oxide Signalling on Parkin−/− Mice”
by Jun Nie, Chao Hu, Yuru Huang, Ying Ma and Liping Lu
Toxics 202513(11), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110942
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/11/942

6. “The Ovary as a Target Organ for New Generation Bisphenols Toxicity”
by Paulina Głód, Joanna Smoleniec, Weronika Marynowicz, Justyna Gogola-Mruk and Anna Ptak
Toxics 202513(3), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030164
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/164

7. “The Role of Life Stages in the Sensitivity of Hediste diversicolor to Nanoplastics: A Case Study with Poly(Methyl)Methacrylate (PMMA)”
by Beatriz Neves, Miguel Oliveira, Carolina Frazão, Mónica Almeida, Ricardo J. B. Pinto, Etelvina Figueira and Adília Pires
Toxics 202412(5), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050352
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/5/352

8. “Developmental Programming: Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Senescence and Circadian Mediators in the Liver of Sheep”
by Giuliana Motta, Soundara Viveka Thangaraj and Vasantha Padmanabhan
Toxics 202412(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010015
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/15

9. “Bifenthrin Diminishes Male Fertility Potential by Inducing Protein Defects in Mouse Sperm”
by Jeong-Won Bae, Ju-Mi Hwang, Minjung Yoon and Woo-Sung Kwon
Toxics 202412(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010053
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/53

10. “Analysis of Women’s Knowledge, Health Risk Perceptions, Beliefs and Avoidance Behaviour in Relation to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care and Household Products”
by Adrianna Trifunovski, Nooshin Khobzi Rotondi, Jennifer Abbass-Dick and Caroline Barakat
Toxics 202513(5), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050414
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/5/414

26 February 2026
Meet Us Virtually at the 1st International Online Conference on Xenobiotics (IOCXe2026), 22–23 June 2026


We would like to invite you to attend the 1st International Online Conference on Xenobiotics (IOCXe2026), organized by MDPI’s Journal of Xenobiotics (JoX, ISSN: 2039-4713, Impact Factor: 4.4, CiteScore: 6.0), which will take place from 22 to 23 June 2026.

Conference Chairs:

  • Prof. Dr. François Gagné, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada;
  • Prof. Dr. Stefano Magni, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan|UNIMI, Italy.

The topics of interest:

S1. Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation, and Remediation Strategies;
S2. Nanotoxicology and Targeted Pharmacology of Nanomaterials;
S3. Emerging Chemicals: Environmental Risks and Health Effects;
S4. (Micro)plastic Pollution in the Environment and Human Health.

Important dates:

Deadline for abstract submission: 20 March 2026;
Notification of acceptance: 28 April 2026;
Free registration deadline: 15 June 2026.

Guide for authors:

To submit your abstract, please click the following link: https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1475.

To register for this event, please click the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/IOCXe2026?section=#registration.

For further details regarding abstract submission, poster and slide submission, and publication opportunities, please refer to the “Instructions for Authors” section using the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/IOCXe2026?section=#instructions.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact iocxe2026@mdpi.com.

We look forward to seeing you at IOCXe2026.

24 February 2026
Toxics | Highly Cited Papers Published in 2024–2025 in the “Air Pollution and Health” Section


As all of the articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are open access, you have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read our selected papers in the Section “Air Pollution and Health”, which are listed below.

1. “Significance of Volatile Organic Compounds to Secondary Pollution Formation and Health Risks Observed during a Summer Campaign in an Industrial Urban Area”
by Cao Li, Qihui Men, Zihao Zhang, Hao Yue, Shijie Cui, Xiangpeng Huang, Yunjiang Zhang, Junfeng Wang, Mindong Chen and Haiwei Li
Toxics 202412(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010034
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/34

2. “Particulate Matter Induces Oxidative Stress and Ferroptosis in Human Lung Epithelial Cells”
by Yujin Ahn, Yong-Hyeon Yim and Hee Min Yoo
Toxics 202412(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020161
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/2/161

3. “Lactic Acid Salts of Nicotine Potentiate the Transfer of Toxic Metals into Electronic Cigarette Aerosols”
by R. Steven Pappas, Naudia Gray, Mary Halstead and Clifford H. Watson
Toxics 202412(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010065
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/65

4. “Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Dust in Vilnius Schools: Source Identification, Pollution Levels, and Potential Health Risks for Children”
by Murat Huseyin Unsal, Gytautas Ignatavičius, Arunas Valiulis, Nina Prokopciuk, Roberta Valskienė and Vaidotas Valskys
Toxics 202412(3), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030224
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/224

5. “Real-Time Exposure to 3D-Printing Emissions Elicits Metabolic and Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells”
by Xiaojia He, Lillie Marie Barnett, Jennifer Jeon, Qian Zhang, Saeed Alqahtani, Marilyn Black, Jonathan Shannahan and Christa Wright
Toxics 202412(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010067
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/67

6. “Association between Volatile Organic Compound Exposure and Sex Hormones in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Serum Albumin”
by Xinyao Lian, Jianhui Guo, Yaqi Wang, Shaoguan Wang and Jing Li
Toxics 202412(6), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060438
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/6/438

7. “Short-Term Interaction Effects of PM2.5 and O3 on Daily Mortality: A Time-Series Study of Multiple Cities in China”
by Ying Zhang, Lingling Fan, Shigong Wang and Huan Luo
Toxics 202412(8), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080578
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/8/578

8. “Phthalate Acid Esters (PAEs) in Indoor Dust from Decoration Material Stores: Occurrence, Sources, and Health Risks”
by Li-Bo Chen, Chong-Jing Gao, Ying Zhang, Hao-Yang Shen, Xin-Yu Lu, Cenyan Huang, Xiaorong Dai, Jien Ye, Xiaoyu Jia, Kun Wu et al.
Toxics 202412(7), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070505
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/505

9. “Effect of Ozone Exposure on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality in the Elderly”
by Tianyun Wang, Junlong Wang, Li Sun, Ye Deng, Yuting Xiang, Yuting Wang, Jiamei Chen, Wen Peng, Yuanyao Cui and Miao He
Toxics 202513(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030184
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/3/184

10. “A Study on Dust Storm Pollution and Source Identification in Northwestern China”
by Hongfei Meng, Feiteng Wang, Guangzu Bai and Huilin Li
Toxics 202513(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13010033
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/1/33

We invite you to read and submit relevant papers to the journal Toxics.

Toxics Editorial Office

24 February 2026
Toxics | Highly Cited Papers Published in 2024–2025 in the “Novel Methods in Toxicology Research” Section


All articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are open access so our readers have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read our highly cited papers in the “Novel Methods in Toxicology Research” Section, which are listed below:

1. “Recent Advances in Omics, Computational Models, and Advanced Screening Methods for Drug Safety and Efficacy”
by Ahrum Son, Jongham Park, Woojin Kim, Yoonki Yoon, Sangwoon Lee, Jaeho Ji and Hyunsoo Kim
Toxics 2024, 12(11), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110822
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/11/822

2. “Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils Based on Multi-Receptor Modeling Combined with Monte Carlo Simulation”
by Yundong Wu, Yan Xia, Li Mu, Wenjie Liu, Qiuying Wang, Tianyan Su, Qiu Yang, Amani Milinga and Yanwei Zhang
Toxics 2024, 12(9), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12090643
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/9/643

3. “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Methods to Evaluate Cardiotoxicity following the Adverse Outcome Pathway Frameworks”
by Edoardo Luca Viganò, Davide Ballabio and Alessandra Roncaglioni
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010087
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/87

4. “In Vitro Toxicity Screening of Fifty Complex Mixtures in HepG2 Cells”
by Sunmi Kim, Kyounghee Kang, Haena Kim and Myungwon Seo
Toxics 2024, 12(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020126
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/2/126

5. “Interlaboratory Study on Zebrafish in Toxicology: Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology’s (SEAZIT’s) Evaluation of Developmental Toxicity”
by Jon T. Hamm, Jui-Hua Hsieh, Georgia K. Roberts, Bradley Collins, Jenni Gorospe, Barney Sparrow, Nigel J. Walker, Lisa Truong, Robyn L. Tanguay, Sylvia Dyballa et al.
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010093
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/1/93

6. “A Machine-Learning-Driven Pathophysiology-Based New Approach Method for the Dose-Dependent Assessment of Hazardous Chemical Mixtures and Experimental Validations”
by Sarita Limbu, Eric Glasgow, Tessa Block and Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
Toxics 2024, 12(7), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12070481
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/7/481

7. “Selenomethionine and Allicin Synergistically Mitigate Intestinal Oxidative Injury by Activating the Nrf2 Pathway”
by Yongshi Liu, Xi Lv, Heling Yuan, Xiaoming Wang, Jinhu Huang and Liping Wang
Toxics 2024, 12(10), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12100719
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/10/719

8. “Machine Learning to Predict Drug-Induced Liver Injury and Its Validation on Failed Drug Candidates in Development”
by Fahad Mostafa, Victoria Howle and Minjun Chen
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060385
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/6/385

9. “Effects of Environmental Chemical Pollutants on Microbiome Diversity: Insights from Shotgun Metagenomics”
by Seid Muhie, Aarti Gautam, John Mylroie, Bintu Sowe, Ross Campbell, Edward J. Perkins, Rasha Hammamieh and Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020142
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/2/142

10. “New Horizons in Skin Sensitization Assessment of Complex Mixtures: The Use of New Approach Methodologies Beyond Regulatory Approaches”
by Argel Islas-Robles, Meera Ramani, Jakeb Phillips and Gertrude-Emilia Costin
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080693
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/8/693

24 February 2026
Toxics | Selected Papers Published in 2024–2025 in the “Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation” Section


As all of the articles published in Toxics (ISSN: 2305-6304) are of an open-access format, you have free and unlimited access to the full text of all articles. We invite you to read our selected papers in the Section “Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation”, which are listed below:

1. “Research Progress on Membrane Separation Technology for Oily Wastewater Treatment”
by Yichang Wang, Yu Zhang, Liang Liang, Feng Tu, Zhongjian Li, Xianjin Tang, Li Dai and Lingli Li
Toxics 2024, 12(11), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110794
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/11/794

2. “Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation as a Bioremediation Technique for Mining Waste”
by Samantha M. Wilcox, Catherine N. Mulligan and Carmen Mihaela Neculita
Toxics 2024, 12(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12020107
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/2/107

3. “Sustainable Development of ZnO Nanostructure Doping with Water Hyacinth-Derived Activated Carbon for Visible-Light Photocatalysis”
by Sucheewan Krobthong, Tipawan Rungsawang, Naphatson Khaodara, Napat Kaewtrakulchai, Kanit Manatura, Khewika Sukiam, Donchida Wathinputhiporn, Sawitree Wongrerdeke, Chatdani Boonruang and Sutthipoj Wongrerdeke
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030165
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/165

4. “Chiral Analysis of Pesticides and Emerging Contaminants by Capillary Electrophoresis—Application to Toxicity Evaluation”
by Laura García-Cansino, María Luisa Marina and María Ángeles García
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030185
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/185

5. “Identification and Mechanistic Analysis of Toxic Degradation Products in the Advanced Oxidation Pathways of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics”
by Shuhail Sun, Zhonghe Wang, Qikun Pu, Xinao Li, Yuhan Cui, Hao Yang and Yu Li
Toxics 2024, 12(3), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12030203
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/3/203

6. “Sustainable Bio-Based Adsorbents for Simultaneous and Efficient Removal of Hazardous Dyes from Aqueous Solutions”
by Dhwani Vara, Stuti Jha, Shweta Bisht, Syed Shahabuddin, Rama Gaur, Suhas and Inderreet Tyagi
Toxics 2024, 12(4), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12040266
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/4/266

7. “Electrokinetic Remediation of Cu- and Zn-Contaminated Soft Clay with Electrolytes Situated above Soil Surfaces”
by Zhaohua Sun, Jingxian Geng, Cheng Zhang and Qiu Du
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080563
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/8/563

8. “Surfactant-Based Chemical Washing to Remediate Oil-Contaminated Soil: The State of Knowledge”
by Yanxin Zhao, Yuhuan Sun, Haihan Sun, Fang Zuo, Shaoping Kuang, Shuwu Zhang and Fayuan Wang
Toxics 2024, 12(9), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12090648
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/9/648

9. “Enhanced Tetracycline Adsorption Using KOH-Modified Biochar Derived from Waste Activated Sludge in Aqueous Solutions”
by Jiazheng Ding, Jiahao Liang, Qinghong Wang, Xiang Tan, Wenyu Xie, Chunmao Chen, Changgang Li, Dehao Li, Jin Li and Xiaoging Chen
Toxics 2024, 12(10), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12100691
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/10/691

10. “The Dual Role of Natural Organic Matter in the Degradation of Organic Pollutants by Persulfate-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes: A Mini-Review”
by Yanxin Zhao, Yuhuan Sun, Haihan Sun, Fang Zuo, Shaoping Kuang, Shuwu Zhang and Fayuan Wang
Toxics 2024, 12(11), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12110770
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/11/770

11. “Advances in Soil Amendments for Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils: Mechanisms, Impact, and Future Prospects”
by Xinyi Nie, Xianhuai Huang, Man Li, Zhaochi Lu and Xinhe Ling
Toxics 2024, 12(12), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12120872
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/12/872

12. “Efficient Adsorption of Lead on Hydro-Pyrochar Synthesized by Two-Step Conversion of Corn Cob in Magnesium Chloride Medium”
by Marija Simić, Jelena Petrović, Marija Koprivica, Marija Ercegović, Jelena Dimitrijević, Nikola S. Vuković and Nuria Fiol
Toxics 2025, 13(6), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13060459
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/6/459

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