Epilogue to the Gerald Maggiora Festschrift: a tribute to an exemplary mentor, colleague, collaborator, and innovator

Abstract

In May 2022, JCAMD published a Special Issue in honor of Gerald (Gerry) Maggiora, whose scientific leadership over many decades advanced the fields of computational chemistry and chemoinformatics for drug discovery. Along the way, he has impacted many researchers in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. In this Epilogue, we explain the origins of the Festschrift and present a series of first-hand vignettes, in approximate chronological sequence, that together paint a picture of this remarkable man. Whether they highlight Gerry's endless curiosity about molecular life sciences or his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom or his generous support of junior colleagues and peers, these colleagues and collaborators are united in their appreciation of his positive influence. These tributes also reflect key trends and themes during the evolution of modern drug discovery, seen through the lens of people who worked with a visionary leader. Junior scientists will find an inspiring roadmap for creative collegiality and collaboration.