2022 brought a special opportunity to bring together the French Group of Peptides and Proteins and the Belgian Peptide Group Meeting. The conference took place the beautiful beachside town of Port Leucate, France and Exploration Science was there. Please tune in to part one of a 3-episode special highlighting the science and scientists at the meeting. Our first interview is with Professor Gilles Subra. Professor Subra discusses his diverse research program including work on peptide synthesis via ball-milling and biocompatible hydrogels.