Dr. William D. Lubell, an eminent figure in medicinal chemistry, has made enduring contributions to peptide science and drug discovery. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, under the guidance of Dr. Henry Rapoport, followed by a prestigious fellowship with Dr. Ryoji Noyori at Nagoya University under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. In 1991, Dr. Lubell joined the Department of Chemistry at Université de Montréal, where he has since cultivated an influential academic and research career.

With over 300 scientific publications and numerous patents, Dr. Lubell has significantly advanced peptide-based therapeutics. His editorial contributions include serving as Associate Editor of Organic Letters, 2005–2018, and as a member of editorial boards across various biomedical science journals. His innovative work has also led to the founding of several Canadian start-up companies aimed at translating peptide research into practical medical applications.

Dr. Lubell has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Boehringer Ingelheim Young Investigator Award, the Merck Therapeutic Research Award, and the Canadian Society for Chemistry’s Bernard Belleau Award, 2013, for his excellence in medicinal chemistry. In 2018, he received the Teva Canada Limited Biological and Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship Award, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field.

At the forefront of peptide research, Dr. Lubell has developed groundbreaking methodologies for designing amino acid and peptide surrogates, elucidating structure-activity relationships, and enhancing pharmacokinetics. His work accelerates the transformation of peptide leads into clinically relevant peptidomimetic drug candidates. Collaborating with biochemists, pharmacologists, and clinicians, he has focused on addressing critical healthcare challenges, including preterm birth, vision loss, neurodegenerative diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and chronic illnesses.

Dr. Lubell’s educational contributions are equally noteworthy. He created the experiential learning initiative Molecules of Life, and co-authored the engaging Molecular Marvels of Superheroes series, which introduces elementary school students and the public to the wonders of chemistry and biology.

Dr. Lubell’s profound impact on science and education exemplifies the ideals celebrated by the Goodman Award. His work not only advances the boundaries of peptide research but also inspires the next generation of scientists. The American Peptide Society proudly recognizes Dr. William D. Lubell as the 2025 Goodman Award laureate.