Anna Maria Papini

Professor Anna Maria Papini is a Full Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Florence. She is renowned for her pioneering work in peptide and protein chemistry, with a focus on translational research bridging chemical biology and immunology.

Academic Background

Dr. Papini earned her "Laurea" in Chemistry from the University of Florence, specializing in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology. She completed an International Ph.D. in Chemical Biology in 1990, conducting research at the University of Sherbrooke, the University of Florence, and the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry under Professor Luis Moroder. In 1991, she established the first Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry at the University of Florence, initiating a comprehensive peptide-based translational research program.

Research Focus

Professor Papini's research centers on the design and synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Her work includes developing peptide-based diagnostic kits for autoimmune diseases, studying aberrantly glycosylated peptide antigens, and exploring the role of glycopeptides in immune-mediated diseases. She has also contributed to the development of peptide-based cosmeceuticals and environmentally friendly materials derived from natural biopolymers.

Notable Contributions

Dr. Papini has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications and has been instrumental in founding several research initiatives and spin-off companies, including EspiKem Srl and Toscana Biomarkers Srl. She established the French-Italian Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, PeptLab, and has coordinated international collaborations to advance peptide science and its applications in medicine and industry.

Awards and Honors

Professor Papini's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including:

• Leonidas Zervas Award, European Peptide Society, 2008
• Dimitrios Theodoropoulos Memorial Award, Hellenic Peptide Society, 2008
• Rita Levi Montalcini Prize for Italian-Israeli Cooperation, 2019–2021
• Barry Cohen Prize for Medicinal Chemistry/Chemical Biology, Israel Chemical Society, 2024
• Chaire d’Excellence, French Agence Nationale de la Recherche, 2009–2014
• Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award in the European autoimmune disease diagnostics market, 2009
• Vespucci Award, Regione Toscana, 2009

Professional Engagements

Beyond her research, Professor Papini has served as Treasurer and Executive Committee Member of the European Peptide Society, 2011–2020, and as a Councillor of the American Peptide Society, 2019–2025. She co-chaired the 2016 Gordon Research Conference on Peptide Science and co-chaired the 14th International Peptide Symposium/37th European Peptide Symposium in Florence in 2024. At the University of Florence, she directs the Ph.D. Program in Chemical Sciences and coordinates international affairs and Erasmus programs within the School of Mathematical, Physical, and Natural Sciences.

Through her extensive research, leadership, and commitment to education and innovation, Professor Anna Maria Papini continues to make significant contributions to the fields of peptide science and chemical biology.