A leader of Italian biochemistry, Giuseppe's quest for knowledge was amply attested to by the diversity of academic degrees that he acquired. His graduation in medicine and surgery was quickly followed by advanced degrees in the biological sciences, the natural sciences, and then a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry from the University of London. His stay in London sparked his interest in lipids of the nervous system, an interest that would permeate his remarkably productive research career. It is undoubtedly that English experience that further refined the Porcellati variant of English humor, and Giuseppe's lively stories recounted at numerous international meetings are legend.
His career was marked not only by his extensive research output, but also by dedication to teaching and administrative excellence in his native Italy, and a leadership role in numerous local and international societies. He had taught, with distinction, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physical chemistry, and had been, for a number of years, the chairman of the department of biochemistry at the University of Perugia School of Medicine. Despite his many national and international commitments, Giuseppe found time to simultaneously be president of the faculty of pharmacy in Perugia for a 3-year period.
His scientific output is nothing short of remarkable, as exemplified by authorship or coauthorship of over 500 papers. To highlight some of his many contributions to neurochemistry, one should point out the discovery of phospholipase in neurons and glia, the characterization of lipid synthesis in these cells, and the pioneering studies on base exchange mechanisms in the nervous system. Further noteworthy accomplishments were the description of methylation reactions of phospholipids, and the transfer of phospholipids from axons to myelin.
The author of several books, Giuseppe served with his usual dedication on the editorial boards of a number of leading neuroscience journals. Having first served with distinction as secretary of the International Society for Neurochemistry, he was the president of that society at the time of his death.
It is with a great deal of sadness and a sense of personal loss that we codedicate this special issue of the journal to Giuseppe Porcellati, in recognition of his many contributions to neurochemistry and the leadership role he had provided for the growth and development of neurochemistry in Italy and at the international level.
Condolences and best wishes are extended to Signora Maria Teresa Porcellati and their daughters, Serena and Francesca Porcellati.