Ignacy Z. Siemion (1932–2015), In Memoriam

…contributed by Zbigniew Szewczuk

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I must inform you that Professor Ignacy Zenon Siemion passed away on April 18th, 2015 at the age of 83, after a brief illness. He was Professor Emeritus at Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw (Poland). Professor Siemion was the internationally renowned leader in the field of peptide chemistry. He was one of the pioneers of peptide chemistry in Poland and as well as one of founders of Polish Peptide Community.

Ignacy Siemion
Professor Siemion graduated from Moscow University (former Soviet Union) in 1955. He received his doctorate (in 1964) and habilitation (in 1968) at the Technical University of Wrocław (Poland). Subsequently, in 1969, He formed and led a peptide research group at the University of Wrocław. There he quickly rose to the rank of Full Professor and served the University as Chair of the Organic Chemistry Department. He promoted 23 Ph.D. students, several of them become professors.

Professor Siemion was an author of 275 scientific papers, 9 books and over 140 review articles. He organized many conferences, schools and symposia. In 1978 He co-organized with Professor Gotfryd Kupryszewski, XV European Peptide Symposium.

Professor Siemion has enormous knowledge. His scientific interests were focused not only on the chemistry and biology of peptides, but on all aspect of organic chemistry, biochemistry, as well as history of chemistry. Professor Siemion’s contributions to the peptide field have been recognized by many awards, as well as honors from science societies and local communities.

Professor Ignacy Zenon Siemion was a mentor and friend to many of us. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his excellent scientific activities and his warm and generous personality.