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Biophysical Sciences Institute
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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Professor Martyn Chamberlain FInstP

28 September 2026
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Portrait of Martyn Chamberlain

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).

Memorial Symposium Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Professor Martyn Chamberlain FInstP

A special memorial symposium, held in September 2026 brought together members of the University community and collaborators from across the UK to reflect on Professor Chamberlain's lasting contributions to science, Durham University and to Grey College.

Professor Chamberlain joined Durham University in 2003 as Master of Grey College and Professor of Applied Physics. During his time at Durham, he established the University as a centre of excellence for terahertz physics, and was one of the founders of Durham Photonics.

A defining feature of Professor Chamberlain's career was his ability to bring together researchers from different disciplines to tackle complex challenges. Internationally recognised as a leader in terahertz science and its applications, he led major collaborative programmes including the EU consortium programmes TERANOVA and TERAVISION, creating research networks that united physicists, engineers, biologists, clinicians, industry partners, and government organisations.

 

Founding of the BSI

Through these initiatives, he helped demonstrate how advances in terahertz technologies could address challenges ranging from materials science and engineering to biological and life science applications. His work laid the foundations for many of the interdisciplinary partnerships that continue to thrive today. This appetite for collaboration extended to his contribution to the creation of the Biophysical Sciences Institute. As the Institute's founding Director, Professor Chamberlain played a pivotal role in establishing a community that crossed departmental and disciplinary boundaries. His vision was simple but transformative: that major scientific advances are often achieved when researchers with different expertise come together to address challenges. The culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that defines the BSI today remains one of his most enduring legacies.

Professor Judith Howard, Martyn Chamberlain memorial

Legacy

The memorial symposium reflected the breadth of Professor Chamberlain's influence across both science and the wider Durham community. Presentations were given by long-standing colleagues and collaborators, including Professor Giles Davies FREng of the University of Leeds, who reflected on Martyn's international leadership in terahertz science and the development of the research community around the field. Contributions from Peter Swift and Andrew Gallant reflected on Martyn's impact on research at Durham University, and Professor Judith Howard highlighted Martyn's foundational role in the creation of the Biophysical Sciences Institute, and his remarkable ability to foster collaborations and friendships across disciplinary boundaries.

"He was open and welcoming as a head of Grey College and to his students in physics and collaborators alike." Professor Judith Howard CBE FRS (Durham University) 

The memorial symposium provided a fitting tribute to a scientist whose influence extends far beyond his own field of research. Through his leadership in terahertz physics, his role in establishing the Biophysical Sciences Institute, and his commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, Professor Martyn Chamberlain helped shape Durham's interdisciplinary research culture for future generations. His legacy continues through the people, partnerships, and the discoveries that he inspired.

 

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