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Physics of Life Summer School 2026: A Week of Collaboration and Connection
The 2026 Physics of Life Summer School, held in September 2025, brought together early career researchers from across the UK and beyond for a week of scientific discussion, interdisciplinary connections, and community building. Hosted in Durham, the programme showcased the breadth and ambition of research at the interface of physics and the life sciences, while offering participants unique opportunities to learn, connect
Spirit of Interdisciplinarity
The week opened with an Engineering Life theme, featuring insightful talks from Professor Jonathan Heddle and Professor Aline Miller, who shared their ground breaking research in synthetic biology, protein engineering, and biomaterials.
A highlight of the programme was a dedicated session on Interdisciplinary Communication, led by Professor Mark Leake and Professor Rivka Isaacson. This session was held in memory of the late Professor Tom McLeish, whose passion for dialogue across disciplinary boundaries found a home in the Biophysical Sciences Institute during his time in Durham and continues to guide the ethos of the Physics of Life community.
Participants reflected on the idea that there is no such thing as a stupid question, fostering an environment of genuine openness and shared learning.
Seeing Life in Motion and Nuclear Mechanobiology
The Physics Meets Medicine session, led by Dr Ioanna Mela and Dr Laurence Wilson, showcased how physical principles and quantitative methods are driving innovation in biomedical research. Their talks illustrated the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing pressing health challenges.
While the final days of the programme sustained the momentum with the theme Seeing Life in Motion, which featured talks from Dr Kirti Prakash and Professor Kurt Anderson, who demonstrated how advanced imaging and modelling are transforming our understanding of dynamic biological systems.
The topic Nuclear Mechanobiology brought insightful contributions from Dr Amy Beedle and Professor Chris Toseland, who explored emerging research on how mechanical forces shape nuclear architecture and gene regulation.
Community, Culture and Connection
Alongside the scientific programme, the Summer School featured a rich array of social activities, helping to strengthen connections across disciplines and institutions.
Participants enjoyed visits to Durham Cathedral, took part in the founding run of the new Physics of Life Running Club, and collaborated in teams at the Durham Escape Rooms. Lively discussions carried on throughout the week, reflecting a community energised by curiosity and collaboration.
A standout moment of the event was a memorable evening at Durham Castle, where attendees gathered for the Summer School dinner in a setting steeped in history - a highlight of the entire Summer School.