Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that we must inform you that our Emeritus Professor, Esteemed Colleague, Beloved Friend Paul Cordopatis passed away on October 16th, 2014.

Paul was much loved by everyone who came in contact with him, and the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy not only grieves the passing of its Founder and Director but the loss of a family member. We will all dearly miss a great man.

Paul Cordopatis was renowned for his passion for Education and Research, and his commitment to the advancement of Peptide Science and the European Peptide Society; he was a daily inspiration to all of us. His involvement with the University of Patras for 40 years speaks volumes about his passion and immense experience in the academic field.

Paul Cordopatis served the Department of Pharmacy since its establishment and has taught all of its graduates and students. He has served as Chairman of the Department for nearly 14 years, during hard times, with few faculty members and scattered labs in the prefabricated bulidings of the University. He devoted much energy and effort to the establishment of a modern leading Department with high academic standards. His dream of a modern building hosting the Department became a reality this year, thanks to a large extend to his long and persistent efforts.

Paul Cordopatis was one of the most active members of the European Peptide Society (EPS). He was a member of the Executive Committee, Communication Officer and Editor of the EPS Newsletter from 2003. He has organised the Hellenic Forum of Bioactive Peptides in Patras since 1996. Furthermore, he pioneered the establishment of Hellenic Peptide Community.

Our Department has lost one of his most devoted leaders and distinguished ambassadors; the memory of his ethos, incredible warmth, kindness and social responsibility will live on in the hearts of his many friends and colleagues in Greece and around the world.

For those of you who would like to express your condolences, please send an email to memoriampaul@upatras.gr. We will collect all of your tributes and forward them to his family.

Sincerely,

Fotini & Vassiliki