Biomolecules | Interview with Dr. Alessandro Paiardini, the Session Chair of the 3rd International Electronic Conference on Biomolecules

1. Can you please briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Alessandro Paiardini. I am an Associate Professor of biochemistry and bioinformatics at Sapienza University, Rome. I have built a strong national and international reputation as an expert in drug design and computational structural biology. I completed my formal training with a Ph.D. in biochemical sciences in 2005, under the guidance of Prof. Francesco Bossa, a prominent figure in protein biochemistry. Throughout my doctoral studies, I developed significant expertise in various computational tools such as homology modeling, molecular dynamics, docking, and evolutionary analysis. These experiences laid the foundation for my enduring interest in structural biology.
Following my Ph.D., I pursued post-doctoral research on “Post-genomic Structural Biology” in the laboratory of Prof. Stefano Pascarella, a renowned expert in bioinformatics. This opportunity allowed me to delve deeper into my field. In 2006, I was appointed as a Research Scientist at the Department of Biochemical Sciences at Sapienza University. In the subsequent years, my research focused on unraveling the molecular intricacies of Pyridoxal-5’-phosphate-dependent enzymes. I explored various aspects, including the structure/function relationship, ligand binding, catalytic mechanisms, evolution, and folding of these enzymes. My work aimed to understand these processes at a molecular level and contribute valuable insights for developing therapeutic agents.
To tackle these complex challenges, I honed my skills in protein bioinformatics and gained proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and Perl. I also designed algorithms for structural bioinformatics analysis. Additionally, I developed expertise in IT problem solving and management, enhancing my overall capabilities in the field.

2. What do you think of the development status and trends of open access publishing?
In a nutshell, open access has changed the way in which we share and access knowledge. It is making research more accessible, transparent, and collaborative. In the coming years, we can expect open access to become even more entangled in our daily work: it is not just about research papers anymore but also about educational materials, textbooks, early drafts of studies and online free congresses.

3. What is your impression of the Biomolecules journal?
In my opinion, Biomolecules is a reputable, peer-reviewed, scientific journal covering a wide range of topics in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and biophysics. In my experience as an editor, it has a rigorous review process and contributes to the scientific community by publishing high-quality research articles, reviews, and communications.

4. What do you think will be the research hotspots in the field of biomolecules in the next few years, and can you describe them to us?
Predicting specific research hotspots in any scientific field is of course challenging. However, the following topics are gaining momentum and could continue to be significant in the next few years:
1) Precision medicine and personalized therapies: Tailoring treatments based on a person’s genetic makeup and biomolecular profiles is likely to be a focus, leading to more effective and personalized therapies;
2) Structural biology and cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM): Cryo-EM technology has revolutionized structural biology, allowing researchers to visualize biomolecular structures with unprecedented detail. Continued developments in this area may reveal new insights into complex biomolecular interactions, leading to drug discovery and targeted therapies;
3) Synthetic biology and bioengineering: The design and construction of novel biological parts, devices, and systems for useful purposes;
4) RNA biology: Research in this area is expanding. Understanding the roles of RNAs in gene regulation, disease processes, and therapeutics is likely to be a focus;
5) Bioinformatics and big data: The integration of biomolecular data with computational methods like AI will likely continue to be a significant area of research.

5. Can you give any advice on academic research for young scholars in related fields?
Scholars should build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Understanding the fundamentals is crucial for advanced studies in structural biology and bioinformatics. It is necessary to learn programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python or R. Also, it is important to be familiar with relevant software tools and databases used in structural biology and bioinformatics. Most importantly, stay persistent, be resilient in the face of failures, and maintain your passion for the subject.

6. What are your expectations and outlook for this e-conference?
I would expect it to be a dynamic and interactive platform. The youngest scientists should have the most space and time to bring new ideas. It is nice to have workshops and panel discussions to provide opportunities for in-depth learning and knowledge exchange. Participants could delve into specific techniques and tools, for example. Virtual poster sessions would also be welcomed.