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Welcome to the Biophysical Sciences Institute

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.

Our Research
Electron microscope image of Paramecium, courtesy of Dr R W Banks.

Our Vision

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 Research 

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.    

Find out more about our research

 

Our Innovation 

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. 

Find out more about working with us

 

   

News

  • Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Professor Martyn Chamberlain FInstP

    Researchers, colleagues, former students, friends, and family gathered at Grey College, Durham University, to celebrate the life and achievements of Professor Martyn Chamberlain, a pioneering physicist, academic leader, and one of the founders of the Biophysical Sciences Institute (BSI).
    Portrait of Martyn Chamberlain
  • Innovative ‘Super Elastic’ Springs for World-First Baby Surgery

    BSI Member Helps Develop Innovative ‘Super Elastic’ Springs for World-First Baby Surgery: Biophysical Sciences Institute member Dr Alessandro Borghi, from Durham University's Department of Engineering, has played a key role in developing innovative "super elastic" springs that have been used in a world-first surgical procedure to treat a baby with a rare skull condition.
    ‘super elastic’ springs
  • Physics of Life ECR Bootcamp Inspires the Next Generation of Interdisciplinary Researchers

    Early-career researchers from across the UK gathered at Durham University earlier in September for the Physics of Life ECR Bootcamp 2026: Communicate, Collaborate, Discover, a three-day programme designed to support professional development, stimulate scientific collaboration, and build community across the physical and life sciences.
    Delegates attending the Physics of Life ECR Bootcamp 2026

Innovative ‘Super Elastic’ Springs for World-First Baby Surgery

BSI Member Helps Develop Innovative ‘Super Elastic’ Springs for World-First Baby Surgery: Biophysical Sciences Institute member Dr Alessandro Borghi, from Durham University's Department of Engineering, has played a key role in developing innovative "super elastic" springs that have been used in a world-first surgical procedure to treat a baby with a rare skull condition.
‘super elastic’ springs

Physics of Life ECR Bootcamp Inspires the Next Generation of Interdisciplinary Researchers

Early-career researchers from across the UK gathered at Durham University earlier in September for the Physics of Life ECR Bootcamp 2026: Communicate, Collaborate, Discover, a three-day programme designed to support professional development, stimulate scientific collaboration, and build community across the physical and life sciences.
Delegates attending the Physics of Life ECR Bootcamp 2026

Get in Touch

Contact us to join the Biophysical Sciences Institute mailing list and receive regular newsletters, or for general enquiries.