1. Encyclopedia Platform

1.1. Introduction of Encyclopedia Platform

The Encyclopedia platform is a user-generated hub of scientific knowledge. It offers digital, accessible entries in various media formats, allowing users to watch, listen, and read about cutting-edge ideas and recent discoveries. As an open-access platform, it is free for everyone, regularly updated, and includes a comments section for discussions. This openness fosters engagement from a broader audience, enabling researchers from diverse fields to discover their findings and explore potential collaborations.

1.2. The History of Encyclopedia

In the Internet age, the quest for quick insights on trending topics often leads to the rapid spread of sensational headlines and fake news. To address this, MDPI launched the Encyclopedia, a collaborative academic platform ^[1], in 2018, enabling open access for authors to submit, update, and comment on entries, thereby enhancing knowledge sharing.

In 2020, Encyclopedia MDPI established the Encyclopedia Journal (ISSN 2309-3366) to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed papers ^[2].

To enhance the dissemination of scientific information, Encyclopedia MDPI launched video services in April 2021, providing dynamic visual resources that simplify complex concepts and engage audiences.

In 2023, Encyclopedia MDPI introduced the Science Image initiative, transforming data into captivating stories to inspire exploration and engagement in education, research, and communication.

To enhance the visualization of scientific content, Encyclopedia MDPI launched the Academic Video Service in 2024. This service uses advanced technology to transform complex research into visually appealing presentations, making it more accessible and impactful.

1.3. Academic Video Service

1.4. Encyclopedia Content Type

Encyclopedia is a user-generated content platform for researchers, featuring contributions published on scientific websites by qualified experts. Encyclopedia platform welcomes a variety of publications, including entry, video and image.

Entry

• Topic Review: A topic review is a comprehensive evaluation of existing literature and research on a specific subject or theme. It typically involves summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing various sources of information to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge.
• Biography: Biographies are written accounts of an individual's life, detailing their experiences, achievements, and significant events.

Video

• Video Abstract: Video Abstract is a short video that summarizes the key points of a research paper, typically within 5 minutes. A video abstract highlights the most critical information, making it easier for viewers to grasp the essence of the research quickly.
  
  
• Short Take: A short take uses original animations to vividly showcase a key aspect of the article, such as explaining principles or detailing experimental processes, within a 1 minute timeframe. Short Takes are an effective way to communicate important information efficiently in today's fast-paced digital environment.
• Scholar Interview: Scholar Interviews are structured conversations or discussions with academic researchers, experts, or scholars that aim to explore their work, insights, and experiences in a particular field. 
  
  

Image

• Science Image: Science images are visual representations that illustrate scientific concepts, data, phenomena, or processes.
• Infographic: An infographic is a visual representation of information, data, or knowledge designed to present complex information quickly and clearly. 

1.5. Benefits

Encyclopedia is a great place to drive forward scientific discussion and discovery, it has many advantages that attract authors to contribute:

• Free and open platform: Offer an open platform where users can freely access and share a wide range of knowledge.
• Enhance publication impact: Authors can enhance the credibility and referencing of their publications by adding a source DOI/URL in the entry/video/image.
• Points redemption voucher: Authors can receive credits for their participation in Encyclopedia, such as creating new entries, editing existing entries or commenting on entries, etc. Meanwhile, credits can be redeemed for discount voucher(s) which can be used for related MDPI services.
• Multimedia content: Integrate text, videos, and images to enrich users' learning experience.
• Real-time updates: Enable users to submit and update entries at any time, ensuring information remains accurate and current.
• Academic collaboration: Foster communication and cooperation within the academic community, encouraging researchers to engage in content creation.
• User interaction: Provide comment and discussion features to enhance user engagement and interaction.

2. Encyclopedia Journal

The Encyclopedia journal ((ISSN 2673-8392) is an affiliated journal of the platform. It is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal recording qualified entries of which contents are reliable, objective and established knowledge. It accepts high-quality entries, field guides, reviews, systematic reviews, research articles and editorials in all scientific areas^[2].

3. Encyclopedia Book

Encyclopedia Books compile entries that provide a comprehensive overview of professional terminology across scientific fields. Their primary aim is to serve as an authoritative reference for scholars, as online information varies in quality and can be time-consuming to verify. Encyclopedia Books reflect the extensive publication of established knowledge.