Welcome to CPS 2026

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is a pleasure and an honor to welcome you to the 10th Chemical Protein Synthesis Symposium, taking place October 15–17, 2026, here in Hong Kong. Thank you for traveling from near and far to join this community at such an exciting moment for our field.

A tenth symposium is a meaningful milestone. Over the past decades, chemical protein synthesis has moved from bold concept to everyday capability, transforming the questions we can ask and the answers we can deliver. We have built on the foundations of peptide synthesis and chemoselective ligation, pushed the boundaries of protein length and complexity, and brought precise post-translational modifications, noncanonical residues, and tailored architecture within reach. Today, synthetic proteins are catalysts for discovery in structural biology, tools for dissecting cellular machinery, and increasingly, candidates and companions in therapeutic development.

Our field thrives at the interfaces—chemistry with biology, academia with industry, fundamental science with application. You will see that spirit in discussions that bring together perspectives from chemical biology, structural biology, proteomics, materials science, and drug discovery. We encourage you to engage across boundaries: ask challenging questions, share protocols and lessons learned (including negative results), and explore collaborations that bridge disciplines and continents.

We are proud to put a spotlight on emerging talent. Early-career researchers and students are presenting some of the most adventurous work on our program. Please support them—visit their posters, attend their talks, and provide the mentorship and feedback that will shape the next decade of chemical protein synthesis.

Equally, let’s use these days to reflect on how we do science. Reproducibility, transparency, and open data are not add-ons; they are the foundations of progress. Sustainability matters too. And let’s ensure this community remains welcoming and inclusive. A diversity of ideas and people strengthens our science. We ask everyone to uphold a respectful, supportive environment throughout the meeting.

Hong Kong is a fitting host for this gathering: a dynamic crossroads where cultures, disciplines, and ideas meet. We hope you will enjoy its energy—its harbor and hills, its art and food—while making the most of the conversations that happen in hallways, over coffee, and at our social events. If you need any assistance with logistics, the registration desk and staff are here to help.

Thank you for being part of this community and for the creativity, rigor, and generosity you bring to it. I wish you three days of discovery, inspiration, and new connections. With that, it is my great pleasure to declare the 10th Chemical Protein Synthesis Symposium open. Welcome to Hong Kong, and welcome to CPS 2026.

Xuechen Li (The University of Hong Kong)        Lei Liu (Tsinghua University)