Peptides are chains of amino acid residues with remarkable biological functions, ranging from hormonal regulation to antibiotic activities. Members of the American Peptide Society engage in research across all areas of peptide chemistry, biology and pharmaceutical science.
Founded in 1990, the American Peptide Society (APS) provides a forum for advancing and promoting knowledge of the chemistry and biology of peptides. APS is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization with approximately fifteen-hundred members from North America and more than forty-five other countries throughout the world.
The society promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in peptide science. APS is dedicated to creating a community that welcomes all peptide scientists regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.
Young Investigators and the Future of Peptide Science
The APS has an extensive history of supporting graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in their pursuit of peptide research. The Society recognizes the contributions of these emerging leaders by awarding them with the APS “Early Career Lectureship Award” and by hosting their research in poster presentations at our annual meetings.
Emerging Canadian Peptide Scientists
A number of renowned Canadian peptide scientists have made significant contributions to the field of peptide science over the years. The first such contribution came from a Canadian physician, Frederick Banting, who discovered the peptide hormone insulin in 1921 at the University of Toronto.
The next generation of Canadian peptide scientists is poised to continue this legacy by producing a wide variety of peptide products, including therapeutics that interact with receptors and inhibit transcription factor targets in cancer, autoimmune diseases and other conditions. In the current issue of the APS Journal, we showcase some of the recent accomplishments of these peptide chemists in Canada.