Preface to the special issue

This special issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology commemorates the 42nd Biennial Meeting of the American Society for Photobiology (ASP), held in Chicago in 2024. The ASP Biennial Meeting has long served as a unique and vibrant forum for the exchange of ideas across the diverse disciplines of photochemistry, photobiology, photomedicine, dermatology, and phototoxicology. With its intimate scale and interdisciplinary spirit, the meeting fosters meaningful interactions among scientists from academia, government, medicine, and industry, enabling both foundational discussions and forward-looking collaborations. The Chicago meeting showcased the breadth and depth of contemporary photoscience through symposia, keynote lectures, photobiology schools, workshops, contributed talks, and posters, highlighting both emerging investigators and established leaders in the field. This special issue brings together selected contributions from award recipients, invited speakers, and meeting participants, reflecting the scientific excellence and diversity of topics presented at the meeting. Collectively, the articles in this issue illustrate how advances in light-based science and technology continue to shape our understanding of biological processes, enable innovative therapeutic and diagnostic strategies, and address pressing challenges in human health and environmental safety. We hope this issue not only captures the energy of the ASP 2024 Chicago Meeting but also serves as a lasting resource and inspiration for the global photoscience community.