We mourn the passing of Lorenzo Stella, Full Professor of Physical Chemistry in the Department of Chemical Science and Technology, at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.
Professor Stella graduated with highest honors in Physics from Sapienza University of Rome in 1993, where he also obtained his PhD in Biophysics. After postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois and at ETH Zurich, he joined the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 1997, where he built his entire academic career with distinction, ultimately being appointed Full Professor. He served on the board of the Italian Society for Pure and Applied Biophysics (SIBPA) from 2018 to 2021 and played an important role in the organization of the EBSA2025 meeting, co-chairing the symposium “Biophysics of biological barriers: membrane structure and organization”.
His scientific work was driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to understanding the structure, dynamics, and interactions of peptides and proteins, combining spectroscopic methods with molecular dynamics simulations. In recent years, he focused with particular dedication on peptides with therapeutic potential – antimicrobial peptides to fight drug resistance and peptides interacting with proteins involved in carcinogenesis. His studies illuminated how genetic mutations shape the behavior of these systems, leaving a lasting mark on the international scientific community.
Lorenzo will be remembered not only as a brilliant scientist, but also as a person of great moral integrity, intellectual depth, and creativity. His passion for music and the arts, together with his warmth, kindness, and generosity, touched all those who had the privilege to work with him and to share his friendship.
His legacy will live on in his scientific contribution, in the many students he inspired, and in the cherished memory of his humanity.
Velia Minicozzi, on behalf of SIBPA
Mauro Dalla Serra, on behalf of EBSA2025 Chairing Committee