Andrea Musacchio, born in Rome, Italy, is a distinguished structural biologist renowned for his pioneering research on the molecular mechanisms of cell division. He completed his undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 1990, graduating summa cum laude. In 1995, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Heidelberg, conducting research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Following his doctoral studies, Musacchio joined the laboratory of Stephen C. Harrison at Harvard Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow. In 1999, Musacchio returned to Italy to establish his own laboratory at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, focusing on the molecular basis of mitosis and the spindle assembly checkpoint. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of how cells ensure accurate chromosome segregation during cell division. In 2011, he moved to Dortmund, Germany, to direct the Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology. There, he continues to lead research on the structural and functional aspects of cell division. Musacchio's contributions to science have been widely recognized. In 2020, he received the prestigious Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, Germany's most distinguished research award, for his groundbreaking work on the control of cell division. He has also been a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) since 2009. His research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating structural biology, biochemistry, and cellular biology to elucidate the complex processes governing cell division. Beyond his scientific achievements, Musacchio is known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and fostering international collaborations. He has been instrumental in establishing research networks that bridge the gap between basic science and clinical applications, aiming to translate fundamental discoveries into therapeutic strategies. His commitment to excellence in research and education continues to inspire the next generation of biologists.