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.

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

Along with Newcastle University and Northumbria University, members of the Biophysical Sciences Institute have secured funding from the BBSRC (ALERT) to bring powerful new cryo-electron microscopy tools (cryoEM) to the North East.

A short film by artist-researcher Dr. Daksha Patel, titled Interfacing, has received international recognition, winning an award at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival (Winter 2025). The film was created in response to pioneering biophysical research into lipid membranes led by Dr. Margarita Staykova at Durham University.

Durham, UK – June 2025 — A exciting new exhibition at Ushaw College is inviting visitors to explore the vibrant intersection of art and science. Titled Creative Encounters, the exhibition celebrates the innovative collaborations between artists and scientists from our community, showcasing how creative dialogue can lead to fresh perspectives and unexpected insights.

A new online exhibition showcases the fascinating intersection of science and art, displaying scientific images of biological systems alongside creative responses from professional artists and the wider public.

The Physics of Life 2025 conference, held at the Harrogate Convention Centre from March 24-27, prominently featured contributions from Durham BSI members. Ehmke Pohl chaired the session on "Natural and Synthetic Molecular Machines", and he and the other BSI members Margarita Staykova, Jonathan Heddle, and Aakash Basu delivered invited talks. A testament to their expertise and profile in the field of biological physics.

Durham University’s Biophysical Sciences Institute is proud to present "Art Inspired by Science: An Interactive Exhibition," running from April 1-30, 2025, at the Durham University Botanic Garden Café. This unique exhibition showcases the fascinating intersection of science and art, displaying scientific images of biological systems alongside creative responses from professional artists and the wider public.

BSI Summer Research Bursaries provide undergraduate students with valuable hands-on research experience in interdisciplinary laboratories. The bursaries support novel research projects, many of which lead to new academic areas, publications, and further funding applications.

The Early Career Researchers' Winter Symposium 2024, hosted at Durham University, marked an exciting event for the next generation of researchers at the boundaries of the life sciences and the other physical sciences. With over 50 attendees from eight institutions and companies, the one-day event focused on presenting cutting-edge research, and showcasing interdisciplinary discoveries from across biomathematics, biophysics, biological chemistry, chemical biology and bioengineering.

In November 2024 we were very pleased to welcome Dr Ioanna Mela (Cambridge) to Durham as the 2024 Judith Howard Lecture prize winner.

A BSI-linked, international team of scientists led by Professor Paul Denny has been awarded The MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize, which recognises the major impact its collaborative team science approach has made in medical research.