Editorial

Abstract

On behalf of the Editorial Team of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (JPharmSci®), I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professors Emi Nakashima (Keio University), Kim L. R. Brouwer (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Margareta Hammarlund-Udenaes (Uppsala University), and Tetsuya Terasaki (Tohoku University) for serving as Guest Editors of the Leslie Z. Benet Dedicated Issue of JPharmSci®. These individuals have carried out a truly exceptional job in helping the Editors and Editor-in-Chief select those manuscripts that contained the most original and most significant scientific findings for inclusion in the Leslie Z. Benet Dedicated Issue of JPharmSci®. Because of the time and effort put forth by the Guest Editors, this dedicated issue of JPharmSci® contains a total of 52 papers, including 10 Reviews and Minireviews, three Commentaries, one Clinical Trials and Translational Medicine Commentary, 33 Research Articles, two Notes, and one Lessons Learned. These papers will be a lasting tribute to Professor Benet's contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences and to the science that he loved and fostered throughout his professional career. The responses that the Guest Editors received from their invitations to Professor Benet's former graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists, research collaborators, colleagues, and friends to submit manuscripts for the Leslie Z. Benet Dedicated Issue of JPharmSci® were overwhelmingly positive. In addition, the quality of the papers ultimately submitted and selected for inclusion in this dedicated issue was truly exceptional. This outpouring of interest and enthusiasm is a clear demonstration of the respect and admiration that these individuals have for Professor Benet's research contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences; his longstanding commitment to teaching the next generation of pharmacy students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars; his dedication to mentoring young scientists; and his willingness to serve professional organizations in the pharmaceutical sciences. In addition to the papers authored by Professor Benet's former graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists, research collaborators, colleagues, friends, and admirers, the Guest Editors have authored a Commentary that summarizes Professor Benet's many impactful contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences. In addition, the Guest Editors, with the help of several of Professor Benet's longtime friends and colleagues, have captured in this Commentary, Professor Benet's pioneering spirit; his willingness to “think out of the box” with respect to science and professional associations; his high energy level and passion for science; his strong commitment to the globalization of the pharmaceutical sciences; his dedication to teaching and mentoring young scientists; and his commitment to his family and to his former graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists. Finally, the Leslie Z. Benet Dedicated Issue of JPharmSci® provides overwhelming evidence that Professor Benet's contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences have been very significant and very impactful; thus, justifying his inclusion among the “TRUE GIANTS” in the pharmaceutical sciences.