Is MDPI a Predatory Publisher in 2026–2027?

When researchers look for open-access journals, MDPI often appears first, promising quick publication, transparent peer review, and worldwide reach.

As we move into 2027, academic credibility continues to define your reputation, and one question still divides 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 500 peer-reviewed journals (as of January 2026, per MDPI's own announcement), including 365 to 369 indexed in Scopus and 349 in Web of Science.

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.

Do Blanket Lists Claiming All MDPI Journals Are Predatory Hold Up?

Some websites publish blanket lists claiming that all MDPI journals are predatory. These lists are not based on the same evidence-based, journal-by-journal criteria used by recognized bodies like OASPA, DOAJ, or Finland's JUFO system, which each evaluate titles individually rather than applying one label to an entire 500-journal portfolio.

The academic literature increasingly uses the term 'grey publisher' rather than 'predatory' for MDPI. That distinction reflects genuine, documented concerns without dismissing its Scopus and Web of Science-indexed titles outright. The right approach is still journal-by-journal verification, not trusting any single blanket list.

MDPI's Peer Review Process in 2026–2027

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? (2026–2027)

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's Changing for 2027

• Finland's JUFO downgrade (2025–2026). Finland's Publication Forum (JUFO) downgraded 271 journals from MDPI and Frontiers combined to Level 0 from 2025. Around 187 of those were MDPI titles, with 16 MDPI journals retained at Level 1. This is the most significant regulatory action taken against MDPI to date.
• JUFO reinstatement update. In early 2025, three MDPI journals (Animals, Agronomy, Behavioral Sciences) were promoted back to Level 1, per MDPI's own statement. This shows that some titles remain strong.
• University policy shifts. Some European universities have reconsidered their MDPI APC discount agreements, citing concerns about editorial quality at certain titles. This trend is likely to continue into 2027.
• MDPI's response. MDPI has tightened its editorial standards, with desk rejection rates increasing in many journals. They have expanded reviewer guidelines and enhanced 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 2026–2027. 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 or Avoid verdict. This page will be updated with the embed as soon as it is live at /predatory-journal-checker/.

Is MDPI Reliable in 2026–2027?

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.

MDPI Impact Factor: Does the Publisher Have One?

No, MDPI does not have a single impact factor. MDPI is a publisher, not a journal. Each of its 500 journals has its own individual impact factor and CiteScore. For example, Sustainability has a different impact factor than International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

In the most recent Scopus CiteScore release, 314 of MDPI's 363 rated journals (86%) ranked in Q1 or Q2 in at least one subject category. That is a genuinely strong, verifiable indicator of overall quality, even though individual titles vary.

For a full explanation of how impact factors work and what counts as good in your field, see our journal impact factor guide.

Frequently Asked Questions: MDPI (2026–2027)