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Biophysical Sciences Institute
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ECR Winter Symposium 2025

6 February 2025
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Attendees smile for the camera at the 2025 Winter Symposium

Durham University hosted the highly successful Early Career Researchers’ (ECR) Winter Symposium 2025, welcoming around 100 participants from universities, institutes and companies across the UK and beyond. The one‑day event brought together researchers working at the interface of biomathematics, biophysics, biological chemistry, chemical biology and bioengineering, highlighting the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration in the life sciences.

Showcasing Cutting‑Edge Life Sciences at Durham University

Organised by Durham’s Biophysical Sciences Institute (BSI) ECR community, the 2025 Symposium provided a platform for early‑career scientists to present their latest work, exchange ideas, and establish new research networks.

"Our central focus was creating a safe and productive environment that enabled ECRs to build new connections and discuss the latest in interdisciplinary research. From the feedback we have received - on the day of the event, and since - we absolutely delivered!" Libbi Moon, Chair of the BSI ECR’s committee.

 Keynote Lectures from Leading Researchers

The programme featured three keynote presentations from distinguished scientists:

  • Professor Gail McConnell (University of Strathclyde) – Mesoscale optical imaging with the Mesolens and 3D printed optics
  • Dr Matteo Degiacomi (University of Edinburgh) – Learning (from) protein dynamics
  • Dr Dmitry Ghilarov (University of Oxford) - Breaking (is) Bad: how bacterial supercoiling machine works, how to inhibit it, and why we bother

These sessions provided attendees with insights into emerging technologies and innovative methodologies shaping the future of biophysical and biochemical research.

Thanks to the organizers! I really enjoyed attending.
2026 Attendee

Dynamic Programme of Talks and Posters

Alongside the keynote lectures, the symposium included a varied schedule of short talks and poster sessions delivered by ECRs. Topics ranged widely, from new understanding of mechanotransduction and coarse-grained modelling of Protein–DNA interactions to real-time monitoring of gelation kinetics in polymer networks.

The day concluded with the announcement of the symposium’s presentation prizes:

ECR Poster Prizes

  • 1st Prize: Naomi Crabbe (Durham)
  • Runner‑up: Joseph Knight (Edinburgh)
  • People’s Choice: Alex Pembery (University of York)

ECR Presentation Prizes

  • 1st Prize: Matt Hughes (Leeds), Biology Exploits Geometry: Impact of Aspect Ratio on Protein Networks
  • Runner‑up: Laura Forster (Queen Mary University London), Nanoscale Biophysical Regulation of Skin Regeneration
  • People’s Choice: Rory Cooper, The mechanics of crocodile head scale patterning

 

Celebrating the Organisers

The BSI Management Team expressed deep appreciation for the ECR organising committee, who coordinated the programme, produced event materials, promoted the symposium and chaired sessions throughout the day. The ECR Committee are drawn from across three departments and from undergraduate to associate professor career stages. The 2025 Organising Committee included:

Libbi Moon (ECR Chair), Anastasiya Bedya, Dorothea Barnes, Dr Will Brittain, Ermando Canga, Katherine Deck, Giammarco Di Gregorio, Matthew Grobbelaar, William Midgely and Dr Liz Morris.

The ECR Winter Symposia embody the BSI’s commitment to fostering innovation, interdisciplinary exchange and researcher development. Planning is already underway for next year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday 2 December 2026.

 

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