Preface

It is a profound honor and privilege to step into the role of Editor-in-Chief of Current Protein & Peptide Science (CPPS), following in the footsteps of the distinguished Professor Ben Dunn. His exceptional leadership has transformed CPPS into a premier platform for cutting-edge research and a critical space for scientific exchange in the ever-evolving fields of protein and peptide science. Professor Dunn’s visionary dedication has set an exemplary standard of excellence that I am committed to upholding and advancing. Protein and peptide science is at the forefront of transformative research, revolutionizing our understanding of biological systems and driving advances in medicine, biotechnology, and materials science. The extraordinary versatility of peptides and proteins-as essential biological building blocks and precision therapeutic agents-has positioned them at the heart of some of today’s most groundbreaking scientific developments. Innovations in peptide and protein chemistry, structure-function analysis, synthesis, and bioengineering have paved the way for the creation of highly specific drugs, advanced vaccine platforms, and state-of-the-art biomaterials, all with transformative implications for global healthcare. We are witnessing an era of remarkable scientific progress driven by interdisciplinary approaches and rapid technological advancement. Breakthroughs in bioinformatics, structural biology, and synthetic methodologies, such as the chemical ligation pioneered by Prof. Steve Kent, are allowing us to decode complex biological mechanisms at unprecedented speeds. Precision approaches, such as peptide-based drug design and protein engineering, are providing new avenues for treating diseases that have long resisted effective solutions. For example, the emergence of peptide-based therapeutics like Ozempic and Wegovy exemplifies the potential of these advances. Moreover, the exploration of protein-protein interactions-once deemed untargetable-is opening new horizons in drug discovery, leading to innovative treatments for chronic diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, in emerging fields like cosmetics, which are evolving toward cosmeceuticals, peptides are also gaining recognition as key molecules that introduce a much-needed scientific approach. As the new Editor-in-Chief, I am dedicated to ensuring Current Protein & Peptide Science remains at the forefront of this vibrant and rapidly evolving field. Our mission is to feature pioneering research that bridges foundational science with realworld applications while fostering a global, inclusive scientific community. I am particularly enthusiastic about highlighting interdisciplinary work that combines chemistry, biology, and computational science to unlock new possibilities for innovation and impact. Reflecting on my personal scientific journey, I have always believed that motivation is a key driver of success, both personally and professionally. My career in peptide science began in the 1990s, guided by the mentorship of the late Professor Luis Moroder, who passed away in July 2024. His profound influence shaped my expertise in peptide chemistry and biology and laid the foundation for a fulfilling career that has taken me through projects across Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and many more countries. My initial research in chemical immunology began at the University of Sherbrooke in Québec, where the motto “Je me souviens” - I remember where I come from—became a guiding principle that continues to inspire me. I remain deeply passionate about advancing our field and inspiring the next generation of scientists with whom I interact day by day. This commitment is demonstrated by my efforts to organize significant scientific gatherings, such as the 37th European and 14th International Peptide Symposium held in Florence in August 2024. This event united over a thousand delegates from around the globe and highlighted the dynamic participation of young and emerging researchers. We were privileged to host esteemed figures such as the 2022 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Professor Morten Meldal; Rudinger Award recipients Professors Fernando Albericio and David Andreu; Zervas Award recipient Professor Ashraf Brik; and Bodanszky Award recipient César de la Fuente. Their contributions are not only ground breaking but also continue to inspire the future of peptide science. I extend my deepest gratitude to Professor Ben Dunn for his unparalleled contributions to Current Protein & Peptide Science and our scientific community. I am also profoundly appreciative of our dedicated editorial team, authors, and reviewers, whose tireless efforts and expertise have made Current Protein & Peptide Science a beacon of scientific excellence. As we look to the future, I am eager to work together with this extraordinary community to share the research that will shape the next frontiers in protein and peptide science.