Reflecting work in the Lei Lab
Bicyclic peptides offer exceptional promise for targeting protein-protein interactions, combining the conformational rigidity needed for high-affinity binding with improved metabolic stability. Yet their construction remains problematic. Conventional crosslinking...
Lab of the Month - The Hao Sun Research Group
Featuring Internationally Notable Peptide Science Research Groups.
Meet the Hao Sun Research Group at the College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, China, where they pioneer chemical protein synthesis to generate challenging targets, including post-translationally modified variants such as ubiquitinated and phosphorylated proteins. These synthetic tools enable detailed structural, biochemical, and functional studies, opening new opportunities in protein science.
Student Spotlight
Highlighting outstanding graduate students shaping the future of peptide science
Meet Taylor Dill, a Fourth-year Ph.D. Candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, researching in the lab of President-Elect, Eileen J. Kennedy. Her work focuses on the design and characterization of constrained peptides to disrupt key protein-protein interactions in the WASF3 protein complex, which helps regulate migration and invasion as it relates to metastatic cancers. Taylor's work aims to serve as a foundation to increase the window for cancer treatment by downregulating the metastatic burden of various cancer types.
Call for Papers: Chemistry and Biology of Peptides
Inviting groundbreaking contributions at the intersection of peptide chemistry and biology
Peptides stand at the crossroads of chemistry and biology — molecules whose structures, modifications, and functions drive discovery from the lab bench to the clinic. Their ability to fold, interact, and transform makes them powerful tools for understanding biology and advancing therapeutic innovation.
Two leading ACS journals, Biochemistry and The Journal of Organic Chemistry, are collaborating on a joint Special Issue dedicated to the chemistry and biology of peptides. This issue will showcase the latest advances across synthesis, structure, function, and applications, while highlighting the growing impact of peptides in medicine and technology.
Researchers worldwide are invited to contribute original research, reviews, and perspectives that reflect the diversity and promise of peptide science. Manuscripts are welcome through December 31, 2025.
What Current Members Say
“Being an APS member provides a great platform for networking and establishing new collaborations with scientists from around the world with similar scientific interests.”
Eileen Kennedy
Division Chair, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry; Distinguished Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
"The American Peptide Society is at the forefront of showcasing innovative research and emerging trends in the field. The symposiums are a combination of inspiration and knowledge, essential for all peptide enthusiasts in academia and pharma to stay ahead in peptide science."
Danny Chou
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Endocrinology
Stanford University, School of Medicine
“I have been a member of APS since I was a graduate student because of the benefits and opportunities it provided scientists at that stage of my career. Through the years, I have continued to be a member so I can engage with the top researchers working in peptide science from around the globe.”
Marcos Pires
Associate Professor of Chemistry
University of Virginia
Victor Hruby Symposium
The American Peptide Society invites all members and colleagues to attend the Victor J. Hruby Symposium, May 21–22, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. This landmark event honors Victor, founding APS President and one of the most influential figures in modern peptide chemistry. Over more than five decades, His discoveries have shaped our understanding of peptide structure, signaling, and drug design, while his mentorship has inspired generations of scientists worldwide. Join us in celebrating his extraordinary legacy and the future of peptide innovation.
Images from San Diego
The 2025 Dr. Elizabeth Schram Award for Young Investigator Oral Presentation winners with presenters. From left to right: Professors Jean Chmielewski and Eileen Kennedy, Doctors Emel Adaligil, James Checco, and Michael Bertucci, flanked by the 1st prize winner Thu Nguyen, NYU, and 2nd prize winner Kira Podolsky, MIT.
The 2025 Dr. Elizabeth Schram Award for Young Investigator Poster Presentation winners with presenters, Chuanhao Peng, University of Alberta, Kristiana Witte, NC State University, Hassan Seyrani, University of Missouri, Haley Anchukaitis, Tufts University, Minhee Lee, Columbia University, Xue Zhao, University of South Florida, Rida Ibrahim, Iowa State University, Rachita Dash, University of Virginia, Albert Kakkis, Scripps Research, and Tristan Dinsmore, Tufts University
Newly elected co-chairs of the Student Activities Committee, from left to right, Doctors James Checco, Ross Cheloha, and Arunika Ekanayake.
Peptide Synthesis for Beginners
Explore this in-depth tutorial on peptide synthesis, featuring contributions from the APS Website Committee and other researchers in the field. This tutorial offers a thorough examination of key concepts and techniques in peptide synthesis, supported by engaging video content.
Free Membership
Membership is free and open to graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs, professionals, and retired professionals, with an interest in peptides or a related scientific field.