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When researchers look for open-access journals, MDPI often appears first, promising quick publication, transparent peer review, and worldwide reach.
In 2026, when academic credibility defines your reputation, one question continues to divide the research community: Is MDPI truly reliable, or simply fast?
What works: Broad visibility, rapid editorial timelines, and open-access dissemination.
Ongoing debate: Whether speed sometimes comes at the expense of peer-review depth and editorial consistency.
From Small Beginnings to a Global Publisher
Founded in 1996 in Basel, Switzerland, the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) started as a small open-access initiative. Today, it manages over 400 peer-reviewed journals across every major academic discipline.
This remarkable growth has earned MDPI both praise and criticism.
- Praise: Accessibility and publication speed appeal to scholars working under pressure.
- Concerns: Some question whether rapid turnaround can compromise peer-review depth and editorial consistency.
Academic Recognition and Indexing
Despite ongoing debates, MDPI journals are widely indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, showing compliance with recognized editorial standards.
However, the publisher's fast workflow can sometimes result in uneven review quality, sparking continued discussion about MDPI's credibility. For researchers seeking journal reliability, it is vital to evaluate each title individually rather than assuming uniform quality across all MDPI outlets.
Why the “Predatory Publisher” Label Emerged
The controversy dates back to the mid-2010s, when librarian Jeffrey Beall included MDPI on his list of "questionable publishers." He cited aggressive marketing tactics and lenient review practices.
In response, the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) conducted an inquiry and allowed MDPI to retain its membership, clearing it of predatory behavior.
Even so, the stigma persisted, and to this day, many early-career researchers still search "Is MDPI predatory?" before submitting. Author experiences remain mixed — some report transparent, timely reviews, while others express doubts about how thoroughly manuscripts are evaluated.
MDPI's Peer Review Process in 2026
On average, MDPI completes peer review within 30 days, far faster than most traditional publishers. This efficiency is a major attraction for researchers under tight timelines.
Yet, it raises a fair question: can a thorough peer review happen that fast? According to independent reports, MDPI employs thousands of academic editors and reviewers, providing a structured review process. However, as with any large publishing network, quality can vary across journals and disciplines.
Transparency and Retraction Record
Transparency is one of MDPI's strongest defenses against criticism. Each article lists APCs, editor details, and review timelines for full accountability.
While MDPI has faced retractions, mostly related to data or citation issues, the rate is not higher than that of major publishers such as Elsevier or Taylor & Francis. Crucially, MDPI has been proactive in investigating and retracting problematic papers when necessary.
Is MDPI Reliable By Field? (2026)
MDPI's reputation varies significantly by discipline. Here is a plain-English verdict for the fields where we see the most dissertation students:
What Your Supervisor Will Think About MDPI
This is the real concern for most dissertation students. Your supervisor's opinion matters more than any online review. Here is how to handle it:
- Ask directly. "Would you be comfortable with me submitting to an MDPI journal?" This one question saves months of uncertainty.
- Bring evidence. If the MDPI journal you are considering is Scopus-indexed and has a credible editorial board, show your supervisor the data.
- Have a backup plan. If your supervisor says no, ask them to recommend an alternative journal in the same field.
If your supervisor's objection is not about MDPI specifically but about open-access publishing in general, see our guide on open access vs subscription journals.
If you need help finding a Scopus-indexed alternative that your supervisor will approve, our manuscript preparation service includes journal matching based on your field, timeline, and budget.
Recent Developments (2025–2026) — What Changed
- Finland's JUFO downgrade (2025): The Finnish Publication Forum downgraded 271 MDPI journals to level 0, meaning they carry no academic weight in that country's university system. This is the most significant regulatory action taken against MDPI to date.
- University policy changes: Several European universities, including Aalto University, have ended their MDPI APC discount agreements, citing concerns about editorial quality.
- MDPI's response: MDPI has increased its rejection rate to over 60% in many journals, tightened reviewer guidelines, and expanded its editorial quality checks in response to the criticism.
These developments mean that checking your institution's current policy on MDPI is essential before submitting in 2026. A journal that was accepted last year may no longer be endorsed by your university.
Check Your Target Journal — Free Tool
Before submitting to any MDPI journal — or any journal — verify that it is not listed as predatory and is currently indexed in Scopus or Web of Science. Our free predatory vs reputable publishers guide gives you a step-by-step checklist.
We are also building a dedicated Predatory Journal Checker tool — enter a journal name or ISSN and get an instant Safe / Caution / Avoid verdict. This page will be updated with the embed as soon as it is live at /predatory-journal-checker/.
Is MDPI Reliable in 2026?
So, is MDPI reliable? The answer depends on your publishing priorities.
- Prioritise speed and open access: MDPI can be a dependable choice.
- Prefer elite, slower reviews: Traditional publishers may fit better.
- Key point: Reliability varies by journal, not the entire brand.
Before submitting, review the journal's indexing status, impact factor, and recent publications to gauge editorial quality. For end-to-end help, from journal selection to final submission, our Scopus publication support service can ensure your paper meets the highest academic standards.
Frequently Asked Questions: MDPI (2026)
No. MDPI is considered legitimate, though its rapid review cycle sometimes raises questions about depth and consistency. It is not predatory — it is a member of OASPA and many of its journals are Scopus and Web of Science indexed.
Yes, many are indexed, but not all. Always verify the specific title on the Scopus Source List or Web of Science Master Journal List before submitting.
Submit a plagiarism-free, professionally edited manuscript. MDPI has a desk rejection rate above 60% in many journals — formatting errors, poor language, and scope mismatches are the most common reasons for rejection before peer review. Use our dissertation proofreading and editing service to prepare your manuscript.
Reliability varies by discipline. MDPI is broadly accepted in engineering, natural sciences, and environmental science. It is more controversial in social sciences, humanities, and business. Always check with your supervisor and verify the specific journal's indexing before submitting.
In 2025, the Finnish Publication Forum downgraded 271 MDPI journals to level 0, meaning they carry no academic weight in Finland's university evaluation system. This is the most significant regulatory action taken against MDPI and reflects growing concerns about editorial quality at some of its journals.
