The book "Large-Scale Optimization with Applications" offers a comprehensive analysis of global minimization problems that are significant in molecular biology, particularly in the field of protein folding. It is explained that local minimization methods are often insufficient to tackle the complexity of these problems. The authors highlight the challenges associated with solving global minimization problems and discuss advancements in the development of heuristic strategies, which often require the use of powerful parallel computers. The sessions summarized in this volume focus on algorithmic advancements, practical shortcomings of current approaches, as well as unresolved problems and questions in this research area. The discussions provide valuable insights for professionals and researchers engaged in optimization in molecular biology.