Congratulation to Andrew Abell, whom has been awarded the Adrien Albert Award. Andrew Abell is Professor of Chemistry at the University of Adelaide, South Australia and also Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University in Christchurch New Zealand. His current research interests include the design, synthesis and exploitation of peptidomimetics (and other small molecules) that bind to proteins as a basis of therapeutics and also to study key metabolic processes. He has a particular interest in constraining the geometry of small molecules into a biologically active conformation that favours binding to its biological target. Small molecules have been identified that show much promise in the treatment of cataract and cancer and a new class of antibiotic has recently been identified. He has also recently used mimics of peptide secondary structure to study and define the mechanisms of electron transfer. Professor Abell graduated from the University of Adelaide and then undertook a postdoctoral fellowship with Prof Sir Alan Battersby at the University of Cambridge. This was followed by an academic appointment to the University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand. He has spent time working as a senior Fulbright Fellow and visiting Scientist with SmithKline Beecham (now GSK) in Philadelphia and is the recipient of a number of awards, including the ‘The Easterfield Medal’ awarded by the NZIC and The Royal Society of Chemistry.