The Biophysical Sciences Institute is a community of over 150 academics and researchers united by an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the fundamental systems of life. Our collegiate and enthusiastic interdisciplinary community is drawn from multiple disciplines, across 7 departments.
To inspire research in the biophysical and biochemical sciences through our interdisciplinary approach. We are dedicated to new discoveries, to delivering breakthroughs and new technologies that lead to economic and societal impact.
Our community of interdisciplinary researchers use novel techniques and methodologies from the physical sciences to study the fundamental systems of life. Specific areas of research include Mathematical and Computational Biology, Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Plant Systems and Biodiversity, Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Bio-inspired Design and Synthetic Living Interfaces.
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We have a strong history of collaborating with industrial partners and applying innovative approaches to real-world biological problems. In 2012 the P&G Global Business Development Vice President praised the BSI model in a talk in the US Senate to the National Governors Association “Creating an Entrepreneurial Culture": https://www.cspan.org/video/?304528-3/creating-entrepreneurial-culturE (at 41 minutes).
This heritage continues today, with our members leading a range of University spin-out companies. Magnitude Biosciences, LightOx and Nevragenics are just a few of the many spin-outs launched by BSI members.
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The 2026 Summer Research Bursary programme brought Durham undergraduates onto interdisciplinary research projects spanning four University departments. Students worked across disciplinary boundaries on projects combining areas including mathematics, microbiology, psychology, chemistry and biosciences.
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